It’s November and the days are becoming increasingly short and the evenings long. No matter. Let the Bystander bring some light into your day. We have a packed magazine for you again this month.
Penny’s latest ancestral discoveries reveal a scandal, and you may need some hankies at the ready before you read Hazel’s flash fiction story, ‘You Have My Blessing’. Georgia Rose offers budding writers invaluable advice on how to write for specific audiences. Anthony Withers details some interesting archaeological findings in Great Staughton. Eugene Smith contributes his own views on the craft of comedians and for anyone who is thinking about bringing a dog into their lives, Canine Corner gives advice on what breed may be the best for you and Sally Gower has some helpful ideas for looking after your pets during the firework season. Look out for Lee’s latest gardening tips and Louise Herriman has some useful tips on how to become a successful job interviewee.
Enjoy the magazine everyone!
Julie
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, Louise Herrriman, Sally Gower
November Contents
Editor’s Letter P.4
Day in the life of Tony Larkins from Beacon Wealth Management p.6-7
Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-10
Mastering Job Interviews and Embracing
Feedback for Success p.8
Anthony Withers - A Roman Settlement, Food, And A Solar Farm p.12
Inn Farm - Curiosity Is The Key p.14
Penny Young - In Which I Uncover a Scandal p.16-17
Crossword, Wordseach & Sudoku p.18
Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-24
Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22
Camridgeshire Fire and Rescue p.30
Hazel Wright - You Have My Blessing p.32
Beacon Wealth Management - Think Differently To Boost Your Savings p.33
Recipe: Chocolate Brownies p.34
Eugene Smith - Stand Up And Be Counted p.36
Puzzle Solutions p.37
Georgia Rose - Write With a Specific Reader in Mind p.44
Peter Lane and Partners - Be a Better Buyer p.48
Just For Kids! p.50
Animal Welfare – We’re Responsible p.54
Bystander Community p.56-66
The Staughtons with Hail Weston
Church Services p.62
Fantastic Walking Festival p.64-65
Discussions on solar farm at a meeting in Great Staughton p.68-69
Canine Corner - Choosing The Right Breed For You p.70
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Tony Larkins, Wealth Manager
Tony is the Managing Director of Beacon Wealth Group based in Kimbolton, and today we find out in his own words about his progress through life and why Beacon plays such a large part in the local community.
My working work life started at 16 as the Post boy for a company in Stevenage where I was born and raised. Fortunately I received a couple of quick promotions, as £18 per week wasn’t a lot in the 70s. I quickly decided I wanted to become an Accountant, but leaving school at 16 with very few qualifications meant that I needed to attend day release and evening classes for 3 years before starting the actual accountancy exams, which then meant many further years of evening classes. During my years of study I progressed from an Accounts Assistant through to a Group Accountant. Finally after my least enjoyable job at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, I changed careers and became a Financial Adviser (I like numbers). This was initially with Windsor Life, then Canada Life, who acquired the advisers. Then in 2001 I became a founding partner of the AIM listed Lighthouse Group. At this time I opened an office in Kimbolton High Street with a business partner whom I bought out soon after when he succumbed to a terminal illness. After outgrowing the offices I acquired and modified the Old Chapel in Kimbolton and moved the practice to there, where we enjoy far more space and plenty of parking. Long before this I had left the Lighthouse group and became Beacon Wealth Management. My wife, who owns 50% of the company, had also ceased turning up (actually she only turned up for 3 months in the early days before deciding we didn’t work well together. Clearly the right decision as we have now been married over 40 years). My daughter was, however, with us running the Marketing. Following her cancer she now just offers advice if required. Our Son also joined four years ago and is now the Office/Operations Manager, and the plan is that he will eventually take over as MD.
During this time I continued with studying, becoming a Chartered Financial Adviser, a Chartered Fellow in Investments and a Chartered Fellow in Management. I also became STEP qualified (a qualification many solicitors look to attain) and became a qualified Life coach. Apparently this puts me in the top 1% for qualified advisers. This also allowed me to enjoy the privilege of becoming a Prince’s Trust mentor.
Over the 23 years of growing Beacon the company became a Group and now owns a property portfolio, and the Royal Oak pub in Hail Weston.
Beacon has a very good team and quite a few have been with me over 10 years and the majority over 5 years. We are still expanding, albeit I hope slowly. The team has helped Beacon achieve many accolades. We were Cambridgeshire’s first Chartered practice, won many Hunts Post awards and a Regional Chamber of Commerce award. We have also been listed in the top 100 advisers every year since 2013, and obtained a number of Investment accolades.
My wish to start giving back followed my winning business person of the year and I started by becoming the regional president for the Personal Finance Society and then for the Institute of Financial Planning. This I believed led to my inclusion in Who’s Who and being included in both a parliamentary pension review and a cross party political campaign for Making Britain Better.
Now as Beacon has become financially stronger we have been able to support events like the St.Neots Festival and Kimbolton Fireworks, as well as helping a number of local charities such as HCCN, Moggerhanger Hospice, Angels and several others.
Beacon progressed in status being awarded Discretionary investment permissions over 10 years ago, something many wealth managers still find difficult to obtain, and means our inhouse investment team are able to run our own portfolios. Our Employee Benefits department has also grown after it also won an achievement award. Beacon still advises new clients, and prefers to have long term relationships with clients rather than just offer a quick fix.
I love my role, and although delegate many things to others who are now far better than me, I have no intention of stopping. I recently went to a three day week, “but stopping” will not happen for at least another decade.
During the life of Beacon my family have also grown and both my children are now married with two children. I am starting to enjoy some me time, which includes spending time with my grandchildren, but I also like researching my family history and the lineage of my titles as Lord of Hail Weston and Buckden Brittens. I am also a member of the Kimbolton Classic car Club which meets at the Beacon carpark (I own an MG). I have also started researching the time of the first crusade by the Knights Templars, given their close association with Hail Weston. I hope at some time in the far future to be able to share this knowledge. And as boring as it may sound I really like pensions and investments, and have recently started giving talks on these.
Overall it has been an enjoyable journey, and long may it continue.
Mastering Job Interviews and Embracing Feedback for Success
So, you’ve landed an interview—fantastic! Now it’s time to prepare and make a strong impression. Here are some tips to help you excel and take feedback constructively:
1. Practice Common Questions: Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation helps. Practice answering common questions out loud, especially if you get nervous. It’s important to know your work history and experience well, so you can answer smoothly and confidently when asked about specific projects or achievements.
2. Provide Relevant Examples: When answering questions, focus on examples that align with the role and the organisation’s needs. You may have impressive experience, like speaking at conferences, but if that’s not what this job calls for, save it. Tailor your examples to match the skills and values they’re looking for.
3. Take Your Time to Respond: Don’t rush to answer immediately. Taking a moment to gather your thoughts is perfectly fine and helps you connect the question with a strong, relevant example. This brief pause can lead to a more impactful response and shows thoughtfulness.
4. Ask Clever Questions: The questions you ask at the end of the interview are just as important as the answers you give. Choose questions that spark a conversation and show you’ve done your homework. It’s a great way to demonstrate you understand the company and its needs. Plus, clever questions can help you circle back to any points you might have missed during the interview.
5. Learn from Feedback: If you don’t get the job, ask for feedback. Understanding your development areas can help you improve for future interviews. Interviewing is a skill, and each experience brings you closer to landing the right role.
Remember, it’s common to go through several rounds of interviews before landing the right role so view it as a process. The more you practice and learn from each interview, the closer you’ll get to success. Keep at it—you’ve got this!
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A Roman Settlement, Food, And A Solar Farm
Great excitement amongst history buffs in Great Staughton this month as it was announced that a significant Roman settlement had been discovered in the village. A substantial Roman villa was excavated here in the late 1950s, revealing the remains of a mosaic floor, a hypocaust central heating system, together with numerous coins mainly from the 3rd and 4th century. The inhabitants of the villa lived well, dining off mussels, oysters duck and geese. During the Anglo-Saxon era seven people were also buried on the site. The purpose of the villa is a mystery: it could simply have been a splendid residence for an important local official or it could have been a mansio, a sort of Roman Premier Inn where merchants or officials of the local Roman administration took shelter for the night. This last supposition was based on the fact that the route of a hitherto unknown Roman road, 179d, may have passed the villa on its way to the settlement at Godmanchester. This new discovery however would appear to debunk this theory. There was a Roman road but it wasn’t the 179d. Instead, it was the Sandy to Thrapston Roman road that passes through Staughton. What are the archaeologists likely to find? It now seems clear that the original villa was not isolated in rural splendour but instead formed part of a thriving community. In which case streets and housing should certainly be uncovered as well as traces of commerce and trade. It is to be hoped that personal possessions such as jewellery or weapons will be unearthed. The site has now been given heritage protection under the auspices of Historic England and the 77 acre settlement is being excavated by the AOC archaeology group.
The discovery was made during the obligatory archaeological surveys which have to be carried out before any development can proceed. It happened during work on the A14 when exciting finds from the Iron Age and the Roman period were uncovered. In the present case, the development is the proposal to build a solar farm covering 1800 acres of prime farming land, principally encircling Little Staughton and Pertenhall but encroaching on land to the south of the Highway in Great Staughton and spreading to the fields on the way to Hail Weston. The developers will not now be building on the Roman settlement thus reducing the total acreage by 77 acres. It will be interesting to see just how extensive this new discovery turns out to be.
People living in the villages affected are now faced with a dilemma. The countryside hereabouts is a lovely, largely unspoilt environment. Many walks pass through the area. It’s pleasant to look out of the window and see the rolling countryside. It is also good farming land. Farmers constantly tell us that the country should grow more of its own food but then many of them seem to accept gratefully the solar farm shilling. Is this because they no longer receive CAP subsidies and payouts from solar farm developers are the next best thing?
It will be interesting to see how this dilemma is resolved. Will the government simply rubberstamp the application on the grounds that renewable energy trumps rural amenity and food?
Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com
•
•
•
In Which I Uncover A Scandal
Penny Young
Whilst waiting for Lucy Anderson’s WILL to arrive, I began researching the couple, George Frederick Anderson and Lucy Anderson. They are easy to find, as both had connections to Queen Victoria, with Lucy being Queen Victoria’s pianist. Lucy Anderson had taught the young Princess Victoria to play the piano and later went on to teach the piano to all Queen Victoria’s children. Lucy Anderson became a celebrated concert pianist, renowned throughout the world. Her husband, George, became Master of the Queens Music in 1848. One imagines his wife had perhaps ‘put in a word’ when the vacancy arose upon the death of the previous incumbent, indeed a role which the holder generally held until their death.
However, Wikipedia and other sources are equally perplexed, as George Frederick Anderson is not recorded as having ever composed any music, an activity normally associated with this position. One would assume, in the case of Queen Victoria, there would have been many occasions during her long reign for the composition of a new piece of work, especially one thinks upon the premature death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. George remained in post until 1870 – ‘the circumstances of his departure are not known’.
I was beginning to think that I was ‘on to something’ and turning to one of my favourite research tools, the British Newspaper Archive, it quickly became apparent that George’s abrupt departure from the role of ‘Master of the Queen’s Music’ was as the result of something, which at the time was a national scandal.
I entered the name George Frederick Anderson in the search bar and up came pages and pages of ‘hits’. But none, as one would suppose, of him conducting orchestras or presiding over music recitals – no – George is listed as being on the board of directors or a patron of numerous companies, together with other luminaries of the day. Director of Brighton Brewing Company, The Grand Hotel Company of Brighton, The Strand Hotel Company, The South Kensington Hotel Company, (where the offer was interest of 5% on the allotment of shares and a dividend of 6 % guaranteed from the first year of the Hotel’s opening) – nice work if you can get it, and where the Hon Claude Bowes Lyon, was also listed as a director. The Clarence Hotel Company Dover Ltd, The Albert Life Insurance Company, The Ramsey Lead Mining Company. So many businesses and I am sure there were more; no wonder George did not have any time to write music for Queen Victoria – he was up to his neck in stocks and shares – not sheet music!
There seemed to be numerous newspaper articles about a company known as the European Assurance Society – there were grand adverts in all the newspapers, Empowered by a Special Act of Parliament – Under the especial Patronage of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.
George was one of the Directors, and despite them repeatedly being warned that there should be an undertaking to keep a separate account of all monies paid into their hands and give all persons so paying an indemnity for the same, something had gone dreadfully wrong and there were petitions for the winding up of the European Assurance Society. To try and pacify the angry and worried shareholders, eight of the directors were forced to resign, George Frederick
Anderson being one of them.
His fall was great and reading an article in the Cosmopolitan Newspaper on 23rd January 1869 –George came in for some heavy criticism.
COMPARISONS are invidious, we are always informed, but there are some occasions when comparisons are useful. For instance, we will take the case of the European Assurance Society and contrast the patrons with the directors. The first includes names which, like CESAR’S wife, must be, and should be, above all suspicion. Her Most Gracious Majesty the QUEEN, and her illustrious relative, H.R.H. the Duke of CAMBRIDGE, would hardly allow their names to be paraded conspicuously before the public as patrons of a joint-stock society against which there was the faintest breath of scandal. This being so, we naturally look for the same high standard in the board of directors. Whether the same degree of confidence is to be placed in the board as in the patrons is not for us to say. We find one of the names on the list to be that of a gentleman who is a director of so many enterprises that we must come to one of two conclusions. Either his intellect and commercial ability are of an order granted to but few living men, or else everything he is connected with must suffer from a divided attention being paid to all. We do not clearly see how the Brighton Hotel Company, the Clarence Hotel Company, the South Kensington Hotel Company, the Oxford and Canterbury Hall Company, JOHN KING and Company (Limited), and the European Assurance Society, can, each and all, receive that amount of attention which is expected from a director. The "Joint-stock Directory for 1868 " is responsible for this list being appended to the name of Mr. G. F. ANDERSON, of the European. Of course, this gentlemen is the best judge of his own affairs; but we humbly submit that a Society of the high pretensions and splendid patronage of the European has a right to expect a more undivided attention from each of its directors than can be reasonably expected from Mr. ANDERSON. This is a matter for the shareholders—as far as finance goes—but we do not care to see Royalty associated with joint-stock enterprise at all, and especially with concerns like those above alluded to, even though the connection be a second-hand one.
This perhaps helps to explain George’s loss of his role as Master of the Queen’s Music the following year. I am guessing that his position became untenable. Also, as today, one might have expected him to be Knighted for his services to the Queen and Lucy would have become Lady Anderson.
In today’s parlance – George might have been better ‘sticking to the day job!’
I like to think that my 3 x great grandfather, Nicholas Kendall (who did not have a high opinion of the Andersons) - may have been smiling to himself at George Anderson’s fall from grace. He will undoubtedly have read about it, as the story was reported in newspapers all around the world.
Financial scandals did not just happen in the 20th and 21st Centuries – they were happening in the 1860’s!
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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24
Lee’s Gardening Corner
We seem to have had more than enough rain this year so moving plants and planting at the moment is ideal, as the soil is still warm and definitely moist enough (although you still need to water any plants in). If we have been lucky and there have been no frosts we should still have colour from fuchsias and dahlias. Once the autumn leaves have all fallen the evergreens will hold the garden together, they give a garden backbone, and some can have very striking foliage colours.
Continue to cut the lawn if it has still been growing but raise the blades to keep it a bit longer, collect leaves from the lawn to add to the leaf compost. Plant and move bare-root trees, shrubs, roses and hedging. Stake newly planted trees, and now is good time to prune old trees, shrubs and climbers.
November is the best time to plant tulips bulbs, and hyacinths can still be planted. Lift and divide perennials if they have outgrown their space, chop up into about 4 pieces and replant as required. Once the leaves of dahlias have caught the frost they can be lifted, take the soil off the tubers, dry and the store in a dry, frost free place until next spring.
If vegetable borders are empty they can be dug over and have some manure or fertiliser added. Tidy strawberries and raspberry beds, parsnips and carrots can be left in the ground and be used as needed.
Depending on how you like your garden it can now be tidied up, with plants cut back and leaves piled up for compost. But if you can bear to leave this job until February/March time the wildlife will thank you for it - the birds will love the seed heads, insects and little creatures will find warm, safe hiding places in leaves and old plants.
Plants in their prime during November include Fatsia japonica, Elaeagnus ebbingei, Erica, viburnums, Asters and grasses.
Lee Munday
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They receive an annual wage to reflect the time they commit to being available plus additional payments for attending incidents and drill nights (one evening a week for two hours).
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Since our last update, prices have started to rise. Though they are still lower than this time last year.
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You have my blessing
Sue’s husband, Jim, had died eight years ago, when her daughter was fourteen and her son twelve.
The first couple of years had been really hard. Sue had worked full time – she had two children to support on her own – but her grief meant that the hours, days and weeks had passed in a fog. First, there had been the shock. Jim’s death from a heart attack had been very sudden and unexpected. Then came disbelief. Sue had still expected Jim to walk through the door. Next came anger. Why Jim, when he had so much life still to live? Finally, came profound sadness. Sue felt her life had stopped while everyone else kept rushing around like so many ants.
After the first couple of years, and with the help of friends, Sue began to pick up her life again. She started going out – to the theatre, the cinema and to meals.
Then a year ago, her life changed again. Her daughter finished university and decided to stay living in her university town. Her son moved away from home to start his course. The house started to feel very empty, and Sue decided she needed to put something else in her life. She saw a poster on her noticeboard at work, promoting a walking group, and went along to give it a go, knowing that being outside in the open air always helped her to feel better anyway.
There she met Ray, and they hit it off really well from the start. They had a lot in common. Ray was a widower with one son at university. They liked doing the same sort of things and shared a sense of humour. They began to spend a lot of time together. Then, a month ago, Ray proposed. Sue turned him down. A large part of her wanted to say yes. Her children liked Ray and she got on well with Ray’s son. They had a lot of fun together. Yet somehow, she felt that Jim would not approve, and that bothered her very much.
Ray decided they could do with a break away, and took Sue to the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, where they had a lovely few days in gorgeous autumn sunshine. On their last day, they went to Whitby. The weather was overcast on that day, but it only served to make the Abbey seem even more mysterious and majestic.
The day after they got back, Sue sat on her sofa enjoying a coffee and looking at the photos of their lovely break. She came to the photos of Whitby Abbey. On one of them, she saw she had captured a man leaning against one of the walls. She hadn’t noticed him when she took the photo, but the way he was standing made her catch her breath. He stood the way Jim used to, with his weight slightly more on his left leg. Sue pulled the image up closer. Every bit of logic in her brain told her that it couldn’t be Jim, yet she was certain it was. He was wearing his favourite long black coat, and he looked happy. He was looking straight at her with a huge smile on his face, as if he was saying: ’You have my blessing’.
With tears streaming down her face, Sue rang Ray. ‘The answer’s yes – I will marry you’, she said.
Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com
BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Your financial future is our priority.
Think Differently to Boost your Savings
By Tony Larkins
“Do I have enough for retirement?” The answer may not be as worrying as you think.
When I visit companies and speak with their employees about their retirement plans, their aim is to have an income similar to what they have now.
But many people are mistaken in thinking they can’t fund a decent retirement for themselves. I had a conversation with someone along these lines recently - let’s call her “Miss Tayken” (excuse the pun!).
“Miss Tayken” is 37 and is single with young children and a mortgage, with a salary of £36k per year. Once her mortgage and childcare costs cease by the time she retires, she said £1,400 per month would be enough for her living expenses. When I mentioned that the State Pension would provide her with about £1,000 per month, she quickly realised she only needs to save for a further £400 per month. In addition, Miss T benefits from pension contributions from her employer and tax and National Insurance relief on them too.
At the end of our conversation, Miss T felt much more positive about her situation. With another 30 years to save up, plus her existing pension pot, she also felt that she could save enough to retire a few years earlier.
The Power of Compounding: if Miss T invests £100 into her pension today and it grows at 7.2% annually, in 30 years that £100 could grow to £800.
Tax Benefits and Employer Contributions:
Miss T contributes 5% of her salary to her pension and her employer adds another 3%, a total of 8% goes into her pension. The advantage is that her 5% contribution effectively costs her less than 4% after tax and National Insurance savings. This means her initial £100 contribution becomes over £200 immediately and can grow to over £1,600 in 30 years. While returns may vary, this illustrates the potential growth she could experience.
Like many, Miss T believed her ideal retirement was out of reach, but it’s time that makes money. Most of the growth comes closer to retirement, which means saving earlier works well, but so can large contributions nearer to retirement.
Don’t be “mistaken” - think differently.
To speak with our local experts, please call us on 01480 869466 for a free initial, no obligation chat. Or for more information and useful content visit www.beaconwm.co.uk
Recipe: Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
150g butter
75g light soft brown sugar
150g plain chocolate, broken into pieces
1 tbsp golden syrup
3 eggs
Method:
125g golden caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g plain flour
½ tsp baking powder
3 tbsp cocoa powder
• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
• Line a 20cm square cake tin with baking parchment.
• Melt together the butter, brown sugar, chocolate and golden syrup gently on a low heat until it is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla extract, then sift over the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder and add the chocolate mixture.
• Fold everything together quickly and put mixture into the tin.
• Bake for 30 mins. The top of the mixture should now be set and slightly cracked looking, but the mixture underneath will still have a slight wobble.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Stand Up And Be Counted
For various reasons I’m quite behind with the weekend newspapers, and hindsight makes some of the comment pieces most amusing, especially the ones predicting that the new government will be sleaze-free, look after the vulnerable etc.
And that’s enough politics. Is there anything more pointless than political “debate”? If you’re talking to someone with similar politics then all you’re doing is agreeing, and any discussions between opposite factions will be very unlikely to end with some sort of Damascene conversion. They will in fact end with a massive tantrum, involving the words “I can’t believe you voted for…”. For much more of this, look at any online discussion about any subject in creation, or visit your local comedy club.
For it was August’s papers which gave me the inspiration for this month’s symposium. In the traditionally quiet summer months (apart from the wars and so on) you can guarantee two things in newspapers. Accurate and representative photographs of people safely enjoying the Notting Hill Carnival, and the best lines from the Edinburgh Fringe.
Now Edinburgh is a truly beautiful city, but the Fringe is an abomination. In the past 20 years it has moved so far from its origins as to be unrecognisable. Rather than being the amateur antidote to the main Festival, it’s now nothing but stand-ups off the telly doing the same material they’ll be bringing to a theatre near you this autumn.
And what a load of rubbish the current batch are. This year’s highlights of the Fringe were at best banal and at worst jaw-droppingly awful. And I don’t doubt that these are the cream of the crop. Comedy is of course subjective, but there’s no excuse for some of the rubbish that gets churned out on the BBC, like so much cathode ray diarrhoea. Even if the occasional line is funny, the delivery is often woeful. A proper comic needs to have good material performed with skill. I’d go further and say that to truly find someone funny, they also have to be likeable.Only the cruelest or drunkest comedy club audience would boo a hopeless but earnest amateur. Whether they deserve it or not.
Often this likeability takes the form of a (manufactured) vulnerability, for example Les Dawson. Or you can be slick, like Ted Ray or Bob Monkhouse, but still keep the audience on side. An example of a poor stage persona is Jimmy Carr, who has good material (some of it his own) but such a cold, plastic stage presence that it’s like watching a stand-up Auton.
A lot of humour is very much in the delivery. I mentioned Frankie Howerd in a previous lecture, on paper his material hardly leaps from the page, but his delivery of every carefully-scripted “ooh” and “aah” carefully turned it into pure gold.
And for those rare few who eventually attain enlightenment regarding their lack of comedic talent? After such a crushing realisation, where can they go?
Welcome to the world of improv.
Eugene Smith
https://eugenesmithwriting.com/
DESIGN SUPPLIED MANAGED INSTALLED
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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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Ongoing Local support
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Refcom and FGAS Registered
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Fuse Box Upgrades
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Part P Registered
Daikin 5kw EMURA in black
Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger
I have read time and time again that you should write with a specific reader in mind, which I find easier said than done.
Writing for your ideal reader involves crafting content that resonates deeply with a specific audience, enhancing engagement and impact. The first step is identifying who your ideal reader is. Consider demographics, interests, values, and challenges. For example, if you're writing for young professionals in the tech industry, their interests might include innovation, career growth, and work-life balance. Understanding these aspects helps tailor your message to their needs and preferences.
Once you have a clear picture of your ideal reader, focus on voice and tone. Your writing should reflect a style that appeals to them. For instance, a casual, conversational tone might be suitable for lifestyle blogs, while a more formal and technical approach is better for academic or professional articles. Consistency in tone helps build a connection and trust with your readers.
Content relevance is paramount. Address the topics that matter most to your ideal reader. Use their language, incorporate industry-specific jargon if appropriate, and provide valuable insights or solutions to their problems. Engaging content often includes personal anecdotes, real-world examples, and actionable advice. This not only captures attention but also establishes your authority and credibility.
Moreover, structure your content to enhance readability. Use clear headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Busy readers appreciate content that is easy to scan and digest. Incorporate visuals like images, infographics, or videos to break up the text and illustrate key points.
Lastly, encourage interaction and feedback. Ask questions, invite comments, and be responsive. Understanding your reader's feedback allows you to refine your content further and keep it relevant.
In summary, writing for your ideal reader involves a blend of understanding their profile, using the right tone, delivering relevant content, and encouraging interaction. This approach not only captures their interest but also fosters a loyal readership, ultimately making your writing more impactful and effective.
However, I find with writing books I prefer to live by this quote from Raymond Briggs, "Books are not missiles; they should not be aimed at anyone. "
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 www.georgiarosebooks.com.
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
Be a Better Buyer
Paul Kinally of Peter Lane & Partners explains how to choose the perfect future dream home and win in the house-buying stakes.
You don’t buy a dream home; you make a dream home. At best you buy someone else’s dream and then change it to fit your best vision. Ten-out-of-ten houses are the unicorns of property. Even those who have custom-built their homes discover there are things they should have done differently. For buyers a nine is best, good is an eight and seven might be OK. If you accept this truth you are on the way to becoming a better buyer.
So embrace the not quite right and then put it right. Celebrate hideous, badly replaced windows, for in time you will replace them properly, improving insulation, reducing energy bills and, with the correct style, increasing the property’s value. Delight in an overgrown jungle of a garden that’s putting perfectionist buyers off and keeping the value down, and pick up your spade. It won’t be an instant value gain but given time it will be - and think of the mental and physical benefits you will gain on the way.
Sniff out the improvers, those properties that will become more valuable because of schools Ofsted is noticing for the right reasons. Understand how future planning will affect local areas for better or worse and choose neighbourhoods that will become more popular and, in turn, gain value.
Be patient. It is generally taking far too long to transact property, so dig in for the long haul by selecting well and accepting there will be bumps along the way.
Be prepared. When that perfect imperfect house becomes available, be ready to seize the opportunity. Have your finances in order, a buyer lined up, and a complete chain if necessary. Make it hard for a serious seller to refuse your reasonable proposal.
Don’t judge the book by the cover. That house with the ideal interior for you but ghastly frontage may not make you happy. But what if a good local architect could transform that elevation into a handsome head-turner that turns a five out of ten into a nine out of ten?
Learn to love your estate agent. They already know all those things you need to find out.
Looking for a new place to live needn’t be a chore or a lottery. But it is a campaign with a dream at the end - home.
If you are thinking of moving and would like to discuss any aspect of the process, Paul can be contacted at the Kimbolton Office on 01480 860400 or paul.kinally@peterlane. co.uk
A 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
Animal Welfare – We’re Responsible
The scene is a familiar one. I sit down and retrieve the laptop to write this article. Instantly, one of the two resident cats jumps up onto the sofa and settles herself down on my lap, hindering progress while not realising the significance due to the topic being animal welfare. (So I’ve got to put her needs first, right?) The laptop moves onto the vacant sofa space next to me and I type at an angle, as she relaxes and her head slowly slides down the side of my leg. I digress.
Being a rural area, there are several horse paddocks in the village and the street I live on has more cats and dogs than a Disney movie. Around the various celebratory times of year that fireworks are expected, there are the diligent village Facebook group updates, courteously warning any residents with pets about planned displays, as per the recommendation. Before the pandemic, there were calls to ban the sale of fireworks to the public due to concerns about noise, safety and pet anxiety. Fans of Would I Lie To You might wonder if it was possibly due to the revelation of Bob Mortimer’s childhood antics and consequential scorched house...
It’s always best to keep pets’ routines as normal as possible, according to advice from animal behaviourists, although some alterations can be beneficial too. For example, keeping dogs and cats inside on evenings fireworks are expected, along with closing doors and windows, locking cat-flaps, or blacking out the areas so any bright light doesn’t frighten them. Listening to the radio or watching TV can help drown out unwelcome noise and will be more familiar for them. Extra fuss and attention can be a good option, as well as staying calm yourself so any furry family members don’t pick up on any nerves or anxiety.
If you’re planning on having a bonfire (do people still have bonfires?!) or burning effigies of this or that politician/Royal family member/historical figure, do look out for hedgehogs before setting anything alight. It’s also a good idea to build the bonfire on the day you’re having it, to give Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and her hoglets less time to find a cosy nook amongst sticks, twigs and moss. If you do happen to find a hedgehog in an unlit bonfire or near where fireworks will be let off, do don some gloves, place it in a safe box and move to a suitable place until after the display, then release it close to where it was found.
All this isn’t to say don’t go and enjoy a fireworks display somewhere, of course, but rather to discourage private displays and opt for the organised displays instead. Another advantage, there’ll be much less risk of injury to us and the wildlife. Or even opt for the much smaller, less intrusive versions of fireworks. Do love a sparkler, me. (Although not as much as I love a cat sleeping on my lap.)
Sally Gower
Bystander Community
HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP
Tuesday 5th November
7:30pm Hail Weston Village Hall
Rosemary Buisseret - nursery owner
Rosemary is also part of the Hardy Plant Society.
Her talk is ‘A Night Scented Garden’ - the why, what and how.
Members £1.00 /£3:00 non members children welcome further information contact: tel_maggs2@225771mgl.co.uk
Light refreshments will be available Coffee/Tea/Wine for a donation and there will be a Raffle (4-6 prizes) plus Garden centre voucher (£20)
Catworth Craft Fayre and St Leonard's Church Festival
Saturday 9th November 10.00 to 4.00
Lots of craft and food stalls in Catworth Village Hall and St Leonard's Church. There will also be an historical celebration of St Leonard's Church Catworth and the surrounding area.
Home made refreshments will be served all day. Proceeds to St Leonard's Church. Free entry.
KEYSOE WI
CHRISTMAS FAIR
SATURDAY, 16th NOVEMBER
KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL
From 2pm
Stalls selling a range of festive goods
Mulled wine & mince pies Free admission
KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL
BIG BREAKFAST
OCTOBER 19th NOVEMBER 16TH 9am - 11am
Full English - £7.50
Small English - £4.50
Tea & coffee included No need to Book JUST TURN UP
Christmas Market & Lights Switch On
Sunday 1st December 12 - 4pm
Kimbolton High Street
Come along and buy some fantastic Christmas gifts and sample delicious food. There will be a wide range of stalls including chocolates, jams, pickles, jewellery, wooden gifts, table burners, vegan cupcakes, burgers, bacon butties, face & body products and much, much more. Meet Father Christmas and watch the Christmas lights switch on.
���� Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council ����
What’s on in Kimbolton in November
Friday 1st 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall Firework Night at Kimbolton Castle. Gates open 5.45pm. New Sun Inn tickets only from 8pm.
Sunday 3rd 3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn
Monday 4th 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 5th
- 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut 7- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut
Wednesday 6th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall
Thursday 7th 11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut 7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn
8th
Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 8pm Freddie Mercury Tribute act. New Sun Inn. Monday 11th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut
Tuesday 12th 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut 7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut
Wednesday 13th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall
Thursday 14th 11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut
Friday 15th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
Scouts. Scout Hut
Saturday 16th 6-8pm Pop-up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines
Monday 18th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut
Tuesday 19th 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut 7 - 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut
Wednesday 20th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall
Thursday 21st 11-12pm Fitness Class. Scout Hut 12pm Senior Lunch Club 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 4.30-5.45pm Beavers. Scout Hut
Friday 22nd 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
Tuesday 26th 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut
Beavers. Scout Hut
7-8.30pm Scouts. Scout Hut 7pm Parish Council Meeting. Y & Community Hall 8pm Quiz Night. New Sun Inn
Cubs. Scout Hut
- 8.30pm Guides. Scout Hut 7.30pm Cheese Tuesday. Whitchurch Wines
Friday 29th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall
Saturday 30th 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 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Join us at St. Andrew’s church on Friday for an informal bit of fun with your toddlers and pre-schoolers, along with refreshments and chat for the adults. 9.00am - 10.30am during school term
ST. NICOLAS, HAIL WESTON
Sun 3rd 10.30am Morning Praise
Wed 6th 10.00am Morning Prayer
Sun 10th 9.00am Parish Communion with Act of Remembrance
Sun 17th 3.00pm Creative Communion
Sun 24th 9.00am Parish Communion
ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON
Sat 2nd 4.00pm Memorial Service
Sun 3rd 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship
Sun 10th 10.45am Remembrance Service
Sun 17th 10.30am Parish Communion
Sun 24th 11.00am St. Andrew’s Day at Kimbolton 4.00pm Benefice Evensong
ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON
Sun 3rd 9.00am Parish Communion
Sun 10th 10.45am Remembrance Service
Sun 17th 9.00am Parish Communion
Satur day 16th November @ 7:15 for 7:30 star t Tickets £15 (inccludes a glass of wine & light refreshments) Tickets available from:
Online: https://forms.gle/GbtBHPWk3Q11iAix8
John Hitchin: Tel: 07702 597670 email: johnhitchin@btinternet.com
Glen Coiley: Tel: 07854 673771
Bryan Kitchen: Tel: 07804 753087
Fantastic Walking Festival
The Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks 2024 ran between 7th and 15th September this year.
It is fair to say that the festival was a huge success with 55 walks attracting 850 walkers over the 9 days.
What did we do differently this year? The festival is hosted by the 4 groups that make up Bedfordshire – North Beds, Leighton Buzzard, Lea & Icknield (Luton) and Ivel Valley Walkers. It’s a huge task managing to source a large number of walks so this year we reached out to other groups and invited them to come and run walks as part of the festival. We had a terrific response to our request. We had support from our neighbouring Ramblers Groups – Wellingborough Ramblers, Hunts Ramblers and Stag Walkers, but in addition to these we garnered support from local affiliated groups Bedford Rambling Club and Toddington Ramblers together with general walking groups The Northampton Shamblers and U3A. And of course we should also mention the fantastic well being walks who contributed a number of shorter walks. 2024 also saw the return of the Greensand Ridge Challenge, coving 40 miles in two days. All this meat we were able to offer walks from 1 mile to 21 miles across the 9 days! Absolutely something for everyone.
The festival tries to reach out to people who may not normally consider walking and this year we had a large number of Interest walks that sparked attendance from far and wide. The festival covered Friday 13th and we were delighted to host a Ghost, Murders and Mysteries walk which attracted 29 walkers. There was also a Bat walk in the evening where the walkers were provided with bat detectors. We spotted 4 different types of Bats and saw a huge number as they emerged from their roosts to feed around the lake at Harrold and Odell Country Park. There were short town walks looking at the industrial parts of Leighton Buzzard and the various industries associated with Luton. One of the benefits of town walking is that it allows accessibility for less mobile members of the public.
Fancy a nosey around a cemetery and see the history that is locked up in the gravestones? The two walks around the Victorian Cemetery in Bedford certainly sparked people’s interest.
We are proud that our efforts opened up walking to a wider community.
Our dedicated webpage also attracted groups who contacted us to advertise their walks via this medium and Turvey, a north Bedfordshire Village, saw huge interest generated in their historical weekend. Then there were nature walks too – it’s the bird migration
season and an early morning walk was offered by Marston Vale to see the birds packing their bags to fly south.
All the above supplemented our usual offering of morning, afternoon and all day walks and covered the whole of the county and showcased the beautiful countryside that we call home.
As Ramblers Groups I am sure you are finding it difficult sometimes to attract enough walk leaders with time to source and recce walks, so imagine our delight when Northampton Ramblers decided to join one of our walks en mass thereby saving the need to source a walk and swelling our ranks at the same time.
Fancy something different? What about a walk and sail? We are privileged in Bedford to have the John Bunyan boat which enables us to offer a walk along the Great Ouse and sail back, but it offers so much more than that because it offers flexibility allowing people to choose how much of the walk they wish to do so opening up the experience to many more people.
Having lots of walks is no use without walkers so here is a big shout out to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes ensuring that our dedicated web page had all the walks’ information readily available and the massive push we had through the Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks Facebook page and other group and local Facebook pages to spread our message far and wide. Finally let’s not forget the foot soldiers who flooded the county with flyers and posters too. Thank you all for your hard work in ensuring our message went far and wide.
Finally, what would a festival be without a course – a map reading course was also open to everyone to help develop map reading skills with an afternoon of practical application.
All in all, I think all would agree it was a fabulous Festival.
Bedfordshire Ramblers would like to extend our grateful thanks to all the leaders of the walks and to all those who attended one or more of the activities and also to all those behind the scenes – making 2024 such a success. See you all next year!
Sandra Kelsey – North Beds Ramblers on behalf of Bedfordshire Ramblers
Discussions On Solar Farm At A Meeting In Great Staughton
On 17th October 59 members of the community attended a meeting at Great Staughton Village Hall to consider the proposals for a solar farm. Brockwell Storage and solar have launched a formal consultation to site the farm across the Parishes of Hail Weston, Great Staughton, Little Staughton, Pertenhall, and Swineshead. The solar farm will connect to the substation at Eaton Socon.
The village of Great Staughton is affected significantly by the proposals both in terms of the impact on the surroundings once the solar farm is constructed and also in the process of construction. An exhibition of the proposals was held by the developer on October 12th at the village hall in Great Staughton.
There was a clear overwhelming objection to the plans proposed by Brockwell Energy. The consensus was that the solar farm was too large for the area. It was too intrusive and would result in a detrimental effect on the quality of rural life in the area. It was felt the development was being driven by economic and financial considerations rather than the best solutions for the local environment and community. There was a sense of small communities being overwhelmed by this development and factors such as the health, social, and cultural wellbeing being ignored.
There were many specific reasons for the objections. The main ones being the loss of agricultural land and the impact on the countryside. These concerns are exacerbated by the poor choice of the location being a North facing slope. In addition, many concerns were raised about local road infrastructure being unable to cope with the significant influx of traffic. This would be to service up to 800 workers on the sites and the necessary construction lorries.
What Happens now
Brockwell review the feedback by early 2025 and almost certainly submit a Development Consent order to the Planning Inspectorate. This will be followed by examination by an independent expert with expected recommendation and decision in 2026. If agreed potential Construction would happen between 20272030.
The proposals are being considered as a Nationally Strategic Infrastructure
Project. This means the planning decision is not devolved to the normal planning authority but is taken by the Government in consultation with the Planning Inspectorate. It will have to consider the key requirement of fossil free energy by 2030 in order to meet the target of reducing CO2 emissions to zero by 2050 as agreed at COP21 in a legally binding international agreement.
Great Staughton Parish Council opposed the development in earlier informal consultations. It has subsequently met with the developers and raised many questions and issues on both the proposals and their implementation. It is also coordinating with other affected Parishes.
The Council conducted informal interviews of people visiting the exhibition and held the public meeting on October 17th. A formal response to the consultation by the Parish Council has been lodged containing its objections.
An example of a view from Staughton Moor which would be ruined by fields of solar panels.
Canine Corner - Choosing The Right Breed For You
Deciding to bring a dog into your household is a big decision. Dogs can live up to 15 years or older so it’s important that you consider how the dog will fit in to your life. Problems can arise when the behavioural and health needs of the dog are not met, so it is advisable to thoroughly research the breeds you are interested in to make sure you find the best match for you.
• Don’t choose a breed on looks alone. Consider what the dog has been bred for- that will give you an idea of how much exercise and training it will need.
• Find out how much maintenance the coat requires. Don’t assume that short haired breeds shed less- ask any Labrador owner! Some breeds require regular trips to a dog groomer while others can be groomed at home.
• Some breeds are more prone to certain health problems. Research these and ask the breed society or Kennel Club about health testing that breeders should be doing. If you are well informed and can ask breeders the right questions it may save you vets bills and heartache later on.
• Crossbreeds and mixed breeds can make fabulous pets. If you know the breeds of the parents, consider what their behavioural characteristics may be like in combination.
• Herding breeds such as border collies and German shepherds tend to be very active, alert to their surroundings and require considerable exercise and mental stimulation.
• Gundog breeds such as Labradors, golden retrievers, springer spaniels and cocker spaniels are usually sociable with people and other animals. They are intelligent and have lots of energy so need plenty of exercise and training.
• Working breeds such as boxers, dobermans and rottweilers can make great pets, providing they have good socialisation, exercise and training as they can be boisterous.
• Sight hounds such as whippets and greyhounds tend to be gentle with people and laid back at home as long as they have a good run each day. They are built for short sharp bursts of speed so don’t need hours of exercise.
• Terrier breeds (Jack Russells, Yorkshire terriers, border terriers etc.) tend to have great characters. They can be strong willed and determined, are intelligent and active and can get into mischief when bored! Terriers like to have a job to do, are alert to their surroundings and can be noisy.
• Some breeds were bred to be good companions- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese, coton de Tulear, bichon frise and papillons all make lovely pets.
• All dogs should be carefully managed around livestock and wildlife, but particularly those breeds that were originally bred for hunting (e.g. terriers, sight hounds, beagles, dachshunds).
• Within each breed there may be pet, show and working lines which will affect type and temperament. Dogs who have been bred for their working ability will not be content to lie on the sofa all day!
• A dog’s breed will determine some health and behavioural characteristics but it is really important to find out about the temperament, health and behaviour of both parents before you commit to buying a puppy. Also speak to owners of related dogs- previous litters for example.
• ‘Poos and doodles’ of various types are becoming extremely popular and they can make really good pets. Make sure you buy from a responsible breeder as there has been an increase in people cashing in on the popularity of these dogs, breeding without regard for health or behaviour problems.
• Breed rescue organisations will have dogs of specific breeds waiting for new homes. Rescue centres also do a good job matching owners with dogs and they may even suggest a breed or type that you hadn’t considered before.
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 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
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
Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club Lion Bernard Dable 01480 810704, 07969 207227 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
Cricket Club, Kimbolton
Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508
Mary Matthews, 07717 246107
Mark Field, 07769 159496 Cricket Club, Little Staughton
Carpet Bowls, Catworth
Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton
Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton
Adrian Thrasher 07834 602086
Marge Baker, 01832 710145
Mary Foster, 01480 861594
Anthony Withers, 01480 861224. Carpet Bowls, Spaldwick
Andrew Vickers, 01480 891201 Carpet Bowls, Ellington
Table Tennis Club - Melchbourne
Janet Stewart 01480 533482 janetstewart725@gmail.com
Peter Wilkinson peteathillands@gmail.com, 07792 056 157 Tennis Club, Kimbolton
Tennis Club, Gt Staughton
Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club
Great Staughton Golf Society
Roy Butler, 01480 861007
Nicole Yates, 01480 860616
Steven Treadaway 01480 812433, info@cambstangsoudao.co.uk
Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234 Little Staughton keep fit
MVH Pilates - Melchbourne
MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne
Chris Clarke, 07739184942
Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk
Rob Poyton simplyflow@outlook.com PE28 Kickboxing, Grafham Village Hall
Mark James, 01480 819478 Pilates - Riseley
Caroline Eames - 07535 296836
strengththroughmovement01@gmail.com
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) - 13th November
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) - 26th November
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) - 27th November
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:
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