October 25 Online Edition by bystandermagazinesltd

VILLAGE BYSTANDER

Letter from the Editor:

October has a way of sneaking in with pumpkins on doorsteps, darker evenings, and that first excuse to dig out your favourite jumper. We’ve packed this issue with plenty to keep you entertained throughout the month.

The little ones will be spoilt for choice with Inn Farm Nursery’s fun Halloween activities — perfect for creating memories. For story time, local author Jenny Ives delights with her charming new children’s book about the adventures of a Gordon Setter.

On the creative side, Hazel Wright’s flash fiction Same Time Next Week shows once again how much power can be packed into such a short form, while Peter Lane & Partners offer thoughtful insights on navigating the property market with confidence this autumn.

Looking a little further ahead, Beacon Wealth Management has practical advice on planning for retirement — no matter your age or stage. And don’t miss our round-up of community events across October, with something for everyone to get involved in.

So grab a cuppa, enjoy the colours of the season and enjoy this month’s mix of stories, tips, and local happenings.

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, Sally Gower, Ross Richardson,

October Contents

Editor’s Letter

P.4

Health, Fitness, Beauty & Wellbeing p.8-10

Anthony Withers - Bullet points? Where did they come from? p.12

Inn Farm - Make Halloween Fun p.14

Penny Young - The Church Bells Rang Out p.16-17

Gardening & Outdoor Section p.22-25

Lee’s Gardening Corner p.22

Hazel Wright - Same Time Next Week p.32

Beacon Wealth Management - What to do 30, 15 & 5 Years Away From Retirement p.33

Eugene Smith - It's Not All That Bad p.36

Book Review - The Fabulous FitzHenrys p.44

Peter Lane and Partners - Riding the Property Tide with Confidence p.48

Sally Gower - No Need to Search for the Heroines p.54

Bystander Community p.56-67

The Staughtons with Hail Weston Church Services p.58

Carry on Seargent p.78

A Gordon Setter Story p.84-85

What’s On for Children? p.92

Nurseries, Primary & Secondary Schools p.92-93

Useful and Emergency Numbers p.93

Clubs, Groups & Organisations p.94-95

Mobile Library Times p.95

Business Listings p.96

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Bullet points? Where did they come from?

When my book first came out I was flattered to be asked by various groups to give a talk about it. I’ve attended lots of meetings in my time but never had I had to get up on my hind legs and deliver a presentation. How long should it be? I asked, rather nervously. O, an hour or so, no more. Gulp. I consulted some expert speakers ‘Piece of cake old boy,’ they said airily, ‘lots of pictures, some exhibits, a few jokes and dozens of PowerPoint slides. And don’t put long sentences on the slides. Fatal error. Bullet points, just use bullet points.’ All good stuff I thought as I started to create the slides. Bullet points. Now, where did they come from? Who invented them? At school we used dashes or numbers to convey short pieces of information. Wiki wasn’t very helpful. One suggestion was that the New York Times originated the idea in 1950. Another was that bullet points originated in the 1980s, around 1983. The bullet point enigma floated around my head for a while before dying a death. Then, months later, it re-emerged by one of those serendipitous twists of fate that strike you when you are least expecting it.

I happened to be reading a book by the celebrated American physicist Richard Feynman, ‘What do you care what other people think? Part two of the book contains an account of the investigation into the Challenger space shuttle disaster of 1986 in which seven crew members were killed when the shuttle disintegrated shortly after launch. Feynman, ‘a curious character’ according to the book blurb was invited to become a member of the committee set up to find out why the accident happened. Feynman was indeed a curious character, he was curious about everything. His first book, ‘Surely you’re joking, Mr Feynman,’ contains vivid anecdotes about all manner of topics including bar girls (‘you just ask them!’, cat burglars, bongo drums, Brazilian carnivals, and almost everything else under the sun. He was into everything, from new ways to slice green beans, to drawing a map of a cat, to fixing radios by thinking … and he got himself into lots of adventures. The stories contained in the volume make up one of those rare feel-good books which make you happy to be part of the human race.

I digress. So Feynman joins the commission along with a lot of scientific, engineering and political bigwigs. The first thing they have to learn is the crazy acronyms that NASA used everywhere: SRM or solid rocket motors, SRBs or solid rocket boosters, LH or liquid hydrogen, LOX or liquid oxygen and dozens and dozens more. Then, says Feynman, ‘we learned about ‘bullets’, little black circles in front of phrases that were supposed to summarise things. There was one after another of these goddamn bullets in our briefing books and on the slides.’ Maybe it doesn’t entirely solve the riddle of the origin of bullet points, but it’s pretty convincing for me.

I would get out more, but my friend is coming round shortly to explain Blank Street and matcha lattes.

Anthony Withers aw.staughton@gmail.com

The Church Bells Rang Out

Penny Young

My long-awaited trip to the West Country arrived, this time instead of going all the way down to Cornwall, I had planned a few days in Devon staying with good friends in Exmouth. I had set myself two family tree tasks to accomplish during the visit and my friends, Ken and Mary, were kind enough to humour me!

Tuesday, we awoke to rain, so something indoors was needed, and I had just the job! My 7 x gt grandfather, Nicholas Kendall, Archdeacon of Totnes, (1657-1739), was buried in Exeter Cathedral and I wanted to find his gravestone, rather like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack! The gravestones are very worn from years of people walking over them and most are completely indecipherable; this was not going to be easy. The enquiry desk suggested that I needed to speak to a volunteer called George. What George did not know about Exeter Cathedral was not worth knowing! George produced a folder containing a map of the Cathedral and codes for all the different areas, North Aisle, South Aisle, Quire etc. Then an alphabetical list of those buried in the Cathedral and there was my man – KENDALL Nicholas 1739 NQA f B4. This translated meant, North Quire Aisle – ‘f’ for floor and B4 an area just outside a small side chapel (now used for stacked chairs and furniture). We found the chapel easily and all scoured the floor around, George with torch in hand – but no Nicholas was to be found. The small side chapel was opposite an entrance to the Quire, a raised area of the Cathedral, and in order to make this wheelchair accessible, a long graduated ramp had been added to the North Aisle and we all concluded that Nicholas’ final resting place was now under the ramp. The ramp had been removed for cleaning only three weeks before my visit, but sadly George did not think it would be moved again for another three years. George could sense my disappointment and spent some time with us showing us treasures of the Cathedral and also told us an astounding fact, that it takes £6500 per day to cover overheads and keep this magnificent building open - a mind-boggling sum of money.

Wednesday the weather broke fair and a trip to Stokeinteignhead, the village where, I believed from correspondence found in the Truro archives, that my 2 x gt grandfather, (another Nicholas Kendall 1825-1883), then a 12 year old boy, boarded with a Dr Charles Collyns, at the Rectory in the village, whilst he was being taught the classics, Latin and Greek in 1837. The Rector was also the headmaster of Exeter Grammar School. Quite a multi-tasker the Rev Collyns, (Vicar, Headmaster and Private Tutor). No wonder he was driving around (according to one disgruntled villager) in a luxurious carriage, quite the envy of all his parishioners – the ‘Porsche’ driver of his day!

My friends and I marvelled at the journey Dr Charles Collyns, the rector, must have taken, on a regular basis, from Exeter to Stokeinteignhead. It was not an easy journey in a car, single track, windy roads for much of the way, up and down steep hills and round sharp bends, let alone accomplishing this on a horse, especially if the animal went lame,

We began the visit in St Andrews Church, a pretty church sitting at the highest point in the village. On a wall near the pulpit we spotted a list of Rectors of the church, starting with the first in 1279, when the church was built – John de la Thorre, to the last on the list in 2001 – Geoffrey S. Richardson, but there in 1829 was my manCharles Henry Collyns B.D. and he held the position until the next incumbent in 1838.

I then wanted to find the Rectory, where young Nicholas would have lived with the Rector and his family. We walked up and down the three main thoroughfares in the village, one of them a very steep incline, near the church. There was every house name under the sun, but no Rectory. We asked a passerby, and they directed us to the Rectory. We had walked past it several times and discounted it, as it was a modern building, built, we guessed, in the 1980’s. We were about to assume that this newer building had been built on the site of the old Rectory, when an elderly man asked if we were the new Vicars for the Rectory (the property was currently empty). We explained that we were looking for, what would have been, the Rectory in the 1830’s and the old boy told us where to find it – we had walked past this place also! It was no longer the Rectory and had now been converted into two separate dwellings and was now called ‘The Grange’. Whilst it was quite set back from the road and partially hidden behind trees, I was able to grab a quick photo and hoped that one of the upstairs windows was the bedroom where young Nicholas might have slept.

Back to Exmouth via Teignmouth and a very bracing walk along the beach! My friend, Mary, referring to our day in Exeter, asked how I knew that my gt grandfather was buried in the Cathedral. I showed her his ‘Ancestry’ profile on my iPad, and she spotted that he had been married for a second time, in 1720, in Withycombe Raleigh, following the death of his first wife, my gt grandmother, Jane. She asked if it was ‘this Withycombe Raleigh’ as there was a place with that name barely half a mile down the road.

The next morning, we got up early and walked to Withycombe Raleigh, past the school Mary and Ken had attended as children, and to the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist, where sure enough Nicholas and Hannah, his very much younger second wife, had been married three hundred and five years ago! That is what you call a small world.

On the Saturday following my visit, I had a message from my friend Mary. She had been working in her garden that afternoon and she heard church bells ringing out for a wedding – from the very same church, just up the road at Wythycombe Raleigh. Sometimes my cup overflows!

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Fun With Santa Oy

Lapland holidays

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

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Gardening and Outdoor Section: p.22-24

Lee’s Gardening Corner

After a rather odd year of weather let's hope the garden can pick up a bit this month, all the different shades that come with Autumn make the garden a special place to be.

Generally the jobs at this time of year are a bit more relaxed, lightly tidying borders, clearing weeds and cutting down flower stems, although try not to be too tidy, some seed heads not only look great during winter but will help the wildlife too, just get rid of weeds and anything that looks unpleasant to keep borders looking their best (wet and rotting plant material not only looks unpleasant but can make other plants rot too). October is a good month for planting - container grown trees, shrubs, climbers and roses can still all be planted as the soil will be warm and damp enough for things to establish before winter sets in, but make sure they are still well watered. Bare root plants can be planted even later towards the end of the month.

Any tall shrubs (such as buddleia) can be cut back if there is a chance they will get damaged by wind, and check tree ties are secure before the windy weather starts. Late flowering climbing roses can be pruned now, this will give them a chance to put on growth ready for next years flowers. Lift tender perennials, store in the greenhouse if you have space, and change summer bedding for winter kind (such as pansies and primula). This is the latest that spring bulbs can be planted so get on with the narcissi, scillas, and snowdrops. Tulips should be planted in November.

Rake up leaves and if you have the space create a leaf compost, if not store in black bags with a few holes, leave until this time next year and there will be a wonderful useable compost, all free.

Trees for autumn colour include liquidambar, maples and acers. Pyracanthas, crab apples and hawthorn will be covered in berries. You may also be lucky enough to still have chrysanthemums, asters and dahlias flowering.

Lee Munday

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Same Time Next Week

Josh was a gardener. He loved his work. He really enjoyed working with nature, and meeting and chatting to all the people he worked for. Josh had taken a call from a man called Charles. Charles told Josh he was in his 80s and was struggling to cope with maintaining his garden. Josh arranged to visit him at 11.00am on Wednesday to take a look. When Josh arrived, Charles was on a phone call, and Josh had to wait a couple of minutes for him to finish. ‘Sorry about that’, Charles said. ‘I was on a call to my son, Matthew.’ Charles explained that Matthew lived in Melbourne, Australia. He had been there for 20 years. Charles really missed him, but rang him every week on a Wednesday. ‘I have to call him at 10.00am’, Charles said, ‘because of the time difference. Matthew has usually only just arrived home from work, but we manage a really good catch up for an hour.’

Josh was very happy to take on the garden, and they quickly settled into a routine. Josh turned up every Wednesday at 10.00am, and while Charles chatted to Matthew, Josh would mow the lawn and tidy the flower beds. When Charles had finished his call, Josh and Charles would sit and have a coffee together, and Charles would tell Josh all the news from his phone call.

Charles was clearly very proud of his son. He had a really good job. ‘Something to do with computers – I don’t really understand it at all’, Charles chuckled. ‘His house is beautiful, and he has a really good life out there.’ Charles showed Josh some photos of his son on a shelf in the lounge. There were also photos of a woman. ‘Who’s that?’, Josh asked. ‘That’s my daughter, Sarah,’ Charles replied. ‘She’s a good girl. She comes to visit every weekend.’ However, it was Matthew that Charles really wanted to talk about. He reminisced a lot about his visits to Melbourne, and all the places his son had taken him to see. Josh asked if Charles still flew out, but Charles said the last time he had gone was five years ago. He now felt he was too old to do such a long flight. Every week, after coffee and a chat, Josh would leave, and Charles would always say ‘Same time next week, Josh.’

About nine months after Josh had started with Charles, he was working in the garden when the back gate opened and a woman walked in. Josh recognised her immediately as the daughter from the photos. ‘You must be Sarah’, Josh said. ‘And you must be Josh’, Sarah replied. ‘I have heard a lot about you, and I am very impressed with what you have done with dad’s garden.’ ‘Your dad is inside having his weekly call with your brother.’ Josh said. Sarah smiled and moved closer to Josh. ‘I felt it was time I came to explain’, Sarah said. ‘Please don’t let this make a difference to anything, but there is no one on the other end of the phone. Dad makes up the whole conversation. My brother died five years ago, and the only way dad can cope and keep going, is by talking to him every week like he used to.’ Josh’s eyes filled with tears. At that moment, Charles came out of the house. ‘Ready for that coffee?’ he asked. ‘I won’t stay this week, Charles, because your daughter has come to visit.’ Josh replied. ‘OK mate’, Charles said. ‘Same time next week?’ Josh looked at Sarah, who was looking a bit anxious, and smiled. ‘Absolutely’, he said. ‘Same time next week, Charles’.

Hazel Wright: hazelwright1801@gmail.com

BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT

What to do 30, 15 & 5 years away from retirement

30, 15 & 5

by Tony Larkins

Retirement can feel far away or even overwhelming to plan for. But thinking about it now gives you the best chance to enjoy the future you want - whether that’s travelling, spending time with family, or simply living mortgage-free.

A “moderate” retirement lifestyle for a couple costs around £43,900 per year (Pensions UK). But your number could be very different.

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “What should my number be?” While benchmarks help, retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s lifestyle, expenses, and income sources are different, even the State Pension. Instead, you should ask:

“What does my retirement look like - and what will I need to fund it?”

Once you know your goal, you can start taking steps to get there. Whether you’re 30, 15, or 5 years from retirement, there’s always something you can do now to make a meaningful difference later.

30 years until retirement

This is the best time to save as much as possible. Increasing contributions to your personal pension helps your savings grow efficiently thanks to tax relief. Consider tax-friendly options like Stocks and Shares ISAs, where investments can grow free from capital gains and dividend tax. With time on your side, you may be able to afford greater investment risk, but keep your portfolio diversified. Also, consider clearing high-interest debts or overpaying your mortgage, if that’s right for you.

15 years until retirement

Now it’s time to refine your strategy. Review your retirement goals and pension contributions - small

increases can add up. Ensure your investment risk level matches your comfort and timeframe while balancing growth and stability. Reduce larger debts, like your mortgage, and forecast future spending, including travel or health costs. Consider consolidating pensions for easier management but seek advice before transferring.

5 years until retirement

Retirement is near, so align your finances for the transition. Calculate your income needs, factoring in essentials and lifestyle goals. Check if your expected income - from pensions, savings, ISAs, and State Pension, for instance - can cover these. Think about how you'll access your pensions: options include drawdown, lump sum, or annuity. Though many might reduce investment risk now, the average retiree can expect to draw an income for 20+ years. Keeping your money invested could help you combat inflation and reduce the risk of running out of funds.

Crucially, a Financial Planner could help you start making progress today, no matter how far you are from retirement.

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

It's Not All That Bad

On my regular jaunts around the internet I’ve noticed a recent trend in clickbait, the enticing links masquerading as news stories which guarantee wasted time which could be spent looking at far more interesting things. And pictures. While “lose weight with this one weird trick” will always rule the digital roost (and here’s a spoiler, the trick never involves eating less or moving around a bit more), two types of articles are achieving dominance. The first is generally about a game show host, normally Bradley Walsh, showing their “true colours” during a recording session. Once you’ve worked your way past all the adverts, it turns out this shocking behaviour involves acting professionally, speaking to the director and floor manager rather than putting on a non-stop cabaret for the contestants.

The other is a list of the most overrated films ever, written by someone whose journalism degree hasn’t quite led to the dizzying heights they expected. The writer doubtless thinks they’re being a brave iconoclast, but always comes across as a sneering adolescent. London’s Prince Charles Cinema is full of these types, thirty-somethings being ironic and drinking those stupid small bottles of beer. I watched Halloween there a few years back, and quickly felt like going all Micheal Myers on the chortling audience members.

It’s easy to claim that something isn’t as good as people say it is, almost everyone went through this phase as a teenager. Now there’s nothing wrong with challenging received wisdom, in fact it’s terribly important to do so. If you don’t you’ll soon find yourself believing everything you hear on Radio 4, sticking to weekly alcohol limits and taking politicians seriously.

You may be familiar with Halliwell’s Film Guide, which for years was the main cinematic reference book in the UK. Pre-internet it was invaluable for fact-checking, but its reviews were terrible. Leslie Halliwell was a tiresome bore who believed anything made after the 1950s was pretty much worthless. This absurd behaviour isn’t confined to cinema, I know musicians who turn their noses up at anything post-Brahms, and theatre buffs who believe the last acceptable plays were written by Chekov (not the chap from Star Trek).

So yes, challenging the established doctrines is vital, but being contrary for the sake of it is simply juvenile. If you look at the comments on YouTube or indeed any social media platform you’ll find that they’re packed full of this childish attention-seeking bilge. That and the white-hot political insight of course.

Now it is undoubtedly true that some things are overrated, and when this is combined with national treasure status honest criticism becomes almost impossible. Those who have dared to suggest that The Beatles may have been slightly less than god-like will appreciate the difficulties of applying objectivity to aesthetics. Especially when hearing “they were the greatest man” bellowed for the hundredth time.

That’s the set-up done. Next month we’ll look at some unfairly maligned entertainment. See you then.

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I love big books. I remember reading and relishing all those by Jackie Collins, Shirley Conran, Wilbur Smith, Judith Krantz and many more, way back when I had considerably more time to read. There is such richness in big books, such an indulgence. The writer can truly explore characters and settings. They can weave multiple plots and allow the storylines to twist and turn, interweaving and overlapping in a way that’s simply not possible with a short book. I am therefore delighted that one of my favourite writers has a new big book out. The paperback looks gorgeous, but he’s also split it into a trilogy of eBooks.

The first part of this trilogy, The Fabulous FitzHenrys: The Wedding, was a joy to read; I expected nothing less, and there is just so much going on it in. Colourful characters. Delicious dialogue. And it’s fun.

As with many good family sagas, this one centres around one of the most historic families in Great Britain. The father, and head of the family, is in a coma and has left a living will to be read. His long-suffering wife and his ex (because of course they live under the same roof) attempt to be civil to each other. While one daughter, Natasha, runs the family business, a Trust, which comes under severe attack from her old mentor.

The living will is an attempt to bring the family back together. This involves bringing his son Harry, a lovable rascal newly released from prison, and his estranged daughter, Sophie, back to the family home within a few short weeks or the entire family fortune will be turned over to the Crown. Jeopardy indeed.

This first part of the trilogy focuses on Harry. On his release from prison. On his reconnection with an old friend, Giles, and new connection with gangster, Terry Valentine. Oh, and on the upcoming wedding of his previous girlfriend, Flo, to sworn enemy, Archie. Harry made his plans in prison, on his release, he puts them into action.

How will it all work out? Fortunately, parts 2 and 3 are already available, so you don’t have to wait to find out. Happy reading!

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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Riding the Property Tide with Confidence

How property buyers and sellers should approach a confusing market this autumn.

What rises inevitably falls, and what falls will in time rise again. The property market is no exception. Sensible buyers and sellers should be prepared for movement in either direction because the market rarely rewards those who wait too long.

Consider the analogy of an incoming tide. On a sunny day at the beach it feels as though there is plenty of time before the water reaches you. Yet those who delay may find to their cost that the tide turns more quickly than expected. The market operates in much the same way: unforgiving of hesitation, indifference or misplaced confidence.

In falling markets, buyers who wait until prices have reached the bottom of the cycle are often disappointed. By the time conditions improve much of the most attractively priced property has already been acquired. Bargains are usually secured by those ready to act, not those who attempt to predict the precise moment of the turn. Just as with the sea, the shift from ebb to flood can be sudden and decisive.

The signs of recovery, however, are visible to those who pay attention. Stale stock begins to sell as vendors adjust prices to realistic levels. Cash-ready buyers and those with financing in place take advantage of reduced competition. First-time buyers in particular often absorb unsold new-build units left behind at the market’s high-water mark. This activity marks the transition from stagnation to growth.

For opportunistic buyers the key is to move with conviction once the market has passed its nadir. Missing the very bottom is less important than securing a foothold before momentum builds. In property, as in life on the beach, it is far better to get slightly wet than to risk being swept away.

Yet timing is never perfect. Sellers who achieve strong prices may find their next purchase less favourable, while buyers who negotiate well may have to accept a weaker result on the selling side. Over the long term these short-term swings matter little. What counts is the capital growth that accrues through consistent home ownership.

The lesson is clear: stop trying to second-guess the tide. Property wealth is built not by playing the market’s cycles with precision, but by holding your ground through them. 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

• DAILY FARM FRESH VEG

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• 25KG POTATOES

• CALOR GAS

• COALS, LOGS, KINDLING

• HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS

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Stock up on your coal & logs

CUBIC METRE

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Calor Gas

Coal

TOP END VILLAGE STORES

TOP END FARM

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”

HUNDREDS OF PUMPKINS IN STOCK

25KG LOCAL POTATOES

BULK BAGS KILN DRY LOGS

COAL, NETS OF LOGS PARAFFIN AND GAS

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Phone in advance, pay by card open 7 days a week call for details

• OFF LICENSE

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POTTING COMPOST

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VEG BOXES IN STORE PLENTY OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEG DELIVERED IN STORE DAILY

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HORSE & PET FOOD SUPERSTORE TOP END VILLAGE STORES

TOP QUALITY

HAY AND STRAW IN STOCK

Top End Farm, Lt Staughton, Beds, MK44 2BY Tel/Fax: 01234 376426

EQUESTRIAN & ANIMAL SUPERSTORE

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

PHONE FOR DETAILS, ANY PRODUCT FAST FREE DELIVERY

Check out prices on our new website

HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE

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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”

mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

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.

Wilson Browne Solicitors

Business Law Services

Wilson Browne Solicitors’ dedicated commercial team provides comprehensive legal support to businesses in Kimbolton and the surrounding areas. With four specialist teams working in harmony, we deliver expert guidance across all aspects of commercial law.

Commercial Litigation

Our Commercial Litigation team manages business disputes representing clients in contract disputes, debt recovery, partnership disagreements and regulatory matters.

Corporate & Commercial

The Corporate and Commercial team assists with corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements and business restructuring. The team guides clients through complex commercial arrangements, ensuring legal compliance whilst facilitating growth and investment opportunities.

Employment Law

Employment specialists provide crucial support on workforce matters including employment contracts, disciplinary procedures, redundancy processes, and tribunal representation.

Commercial Property

The Commercial Property team handles lease negotiations, property acquisitions, development projects, and landlord-tenant matters. The team ensure smooth property transactions that support business expansion and operational needs throughout the region.

Agriculture and Rural Land Solicitors

Our Agricultural Solicitors have served major landowners and the farming community for many years. The team is always available to give you the independent advice you need, based not only on their expertise but also their understanding of the issues affecting the farming community today.

Many of our lawyers are recognised in the Legal 500 (a who’s who of the legal profession) and we pride ourselves in delivering commercial, cost-effective and practical advice to our clients.

No Need to Search for the Heronines

After July’s Women’s Euros tournament in Switzerland, and stunning victory for the Lionesses, I’ve been pretty much addicted to following each player’s careers wherever they play their club football. The whole nail-biting tournament had me gripped and left me feeling well, shattered, yes, but also so bloody inspired. Those women just didn’t know when they were beaten. Refusing to give up, hell, even playing through the entire competition with a fractured tibia! (Lucy Bronze, you are utterly bonkers and just everything. Sigh.)

With that whirlwind tournament, subsequent victory parade, and 11th October being National Coming Out Day in mind, it had me in no doubt as to the theme of this month’s piece: inspirational women. I already covered Violet Constance Jessop aka “Miss Unsinkable” back in April, so here are a few of the women I’ve been inspired by, particularly this year.

My mother! Granted, not quite as famous as some, unless you’re a regular visitor to Wimpole Hall for the glorious piano music as you’re wandering through the rooms. On the first Saturday of September, a room at Madingley Hall fell silent as my wonderful mum sat down at the grand piano and played a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ In My Life, a favourite of my Dad’s, at a joint birthday and anniversary shindig for my parents. This was just after having delivered a speech with a little anecdote about each guest in attendance. Having always been reluctant to perform in front of people in the past, this shows just how far she’s come. What a woman you are, Mum!

My sister: the most outstanding friend anyone could ask for. No, really, I’m not just saying that because she’s my big sister. She’s in a book someone has written about friendship. I mean, yeah, the title happens to be ‘Bad Friend’, but Liz is given as an example of a brilliant friend, having booked the day off work to pick up a new friend from surgery, having only met through the author’s event. That is just one example, I could bore you for hours with more!

On to a couple more women you might have heard of. Caitlin O’Ryan, the poet. O’Ryan’s spoken poetry deals with the never abating issue of women’s safety and societal pressures on women to be perfect for men (“At What Point”), as well as gaslighting in relationships (“Why Did You Stay?”). I would love to meet this incredible poet and thank her for showing her vulnerability in her writing.

On a similar note… Jodie Comer. What. A. Woman. If you’ve never seen Killing Eve or Prima Facie, why not? The former is a masterclass in acting and accents (but possibly not for the weaker stomached) and the latter is a 100-minute, no-interval, one-woman play focusing on Tessa, a barrister. It’s gut-wrenchingly powerful and deserves all the awards she won for it, including the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play.

Finally, to end on a similar note to that I started on: Leah Williamson, captain of a certain titlewinning England side not once but twice. She may be Arsenal, but damn, I’d stand in front of a cannon just to see her do keepie-uppies. (Okay, fine, maybe just to the side.)

Sally Gower

sebtutoring.squarespace.com drbonlinetutoring@gmail.com

Bystander Community

HAIL WESTON WILDLIFE AND GARDENING GROUP

Tuesday 7th October

7.30pm, Hail Weston Village Hall, A talk from a representative of Notcutts on how to choose and care for houseplants.

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

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL

BIG BREAKFAST

Saturday October 18th

Saturday November 15th

9am - 11am

Full English - £8.50

Small English - £5.00

Tea & coffee included No need to Book

JUST TURN UP

KEYSOE VILLAGE HALL

Proudly Presents

THE Dr BUSKER SHOW

Traditional Pub Musician

11th October 2025

6.30pm for 7.30 start

Bar open all evening

Supper of renowned Keysoe Homemade Pie & Mash

Vegetarian option available

Tickets £20 from bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

Tel: 01234 376577

All 10.30am services can be accessed via

Zoom: ID 380 915 8110 Passcode: 90Mn1s

Morning & Evening Prayer are held on Zoom at 8.30am & 5.30pm respectively on week days

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 5th 10.30am Morning Praise

Sun 12th 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 19th 3.00pm Creative Communion

Sun 26th 9.00am Parish Communion

ST. ANDREW’S, GREAT STAUGHTON

Sun 5th 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship

Sun 12th 10.30am Harvest Festival

Sun 19th 10.30am Parish Communion

Sun 26th 10.30am Parish Communion

ALL SAINTS, LITTLE STAUGHTON

Sun 5th 9.00am Harvest Festival 12.30pm Harvest Lunch

Sun 19th 9.00am Parish Communion

Sun 26th 4.00pm Benefice Evensong

What’s on in Kimbolton in October

Wednesday 1st

Thursday 2nd

Friday 3rd

10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall

2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall

10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall

10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

10 - 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics Open Studio 20 East Street, Kimbolton

7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Sunday 5th 3pm Kim Jam. New Sun Inn

Monday 6th

Tuesday 7th

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

2.30pm WI. A History of the True Romanies. Speakers Gloria & Peter Wright 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

2 - 4pm Carpet Bowls Club. Mandeville Hall

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

Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk 7.30pm Bingo. Mandeville Hall

Wednesday 8th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 2-7.30pm Dance Class. Mandeville Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Thursday 9th 10-12pm Grief Kind Space. Oliver’s Cafe 12pm Senior Lunch Club. Youth & Community Hall

Friday 10th

Bytes

Saturday 11th 6 - 8pm Pop Up Wine Bar. Whitchurch Wines

Monday 13th 10-12.30pm Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall 10-12pm Fitness Class. Mandeville Hall 6-7.30pm Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 14th

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

Wednesday 15th 10-12pm Bridge Club. Mandeville Hall 1 - 3pm Art Class. Youth & Community Hall 7.30-9.30pm Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall Thursday 16th

17th

18th Monday 20th

Bytes Cafe. Youth & Community Hall

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

- 5pm Blair Loveday Ceramics

Cubs. Scout Hut

Tuesday 21st 2 - 4pm Carpet Bowls Club. Mandeville Hall 4.15 - 5.15pm Rainbows. Scout Hut 5.30 - 6.45pm Brownies. Scout Hut Girlguides. Scout Hut. Check website for times: www.girlguiding.org.uk Wednesday 22nd

Thursday 23rd

Unleash Yoga Flow. Mandeville Hall

Wow, what a summer of adventures the Guides have had! They were given the opportunity to attend 2 different camps, one close to home and one a little further away.

For the first camp we braved the traffic of the M25 to meet up with a group from Greater London West. Here Guides spent time learning some of the traditional skills of camping, from wooding to washing up, alongside working on a geocaching badge. They also tried their hand at archery – some of them were very good!

Over the bank holiday weekend, we transported ourselves to a desert island and learned some survival skills. We looked at how to filter water and transport it over a long distance, practised first aid and macramé, all alongside cooking some of our dinners and finished camp with a chance to sleep out for the oldest ones. One highlight was learning how to throw a tomahawk!

If you would like to help give our members these adventures, or to teach them a skill, please do get in contact, at Kimbolton. guides@outlook.com, or follow the link below.

In Girlguiding we help all girls know they can do anything. For more information or to join us go to www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus

Support Team Members URGENTLY wanted!

Role summary

Get stuck into Scouts as a Support Team Member. You’ll be doing good, feeling good and bringing our amazing Scouts programmes to life.

Description

Kind and caring? Organised and motivated? Our Support Teams always need an extra pair of hands. So, if you love to help others, being a Support Team Member is perfect for you. You’ll be the go-to person for resources, and advice for your fellow volunteers. It’s thanks to brilliant Support Team Members (like you) that Scouts can run smoothly. You could be supporting the door opening to hundreds of new Beaver Scouts, or organising a fundraising event that’ll help thousands of Scouts go on their dream camping trip!

You’ll be a behind-the-scenes force changing young people’s lives for just 1 hour a week. When you support Scouts, we promise to support you, too.

Please contact 1St Kimbolton Scout Group via email

1stKimboltonbeavers@gmail.com

andInfant Loss Rememb

Sunday12 October2025th 6pm

A servcie to remember and support families who have lost babies during pregnancy or infancy

October 12 6pm th

St Mary's Church, Eaton Socon St . Neots PE19 8EJ

Everyone is welcome. Come and find solace in a community that cares.

MacMillan Afternoon Tea

Saturday 4th October 2025

2.30 - 4.30pm, Catworth Village Hall

We will be holding an afternoon tea at Catworth Village Hall to raise money for MacMillan.

Please join us for tea/coffee, scones/cake, catch up with friends and meet new ones.

We will have the usual produce bring and buy table as well as a raffle (any donations for both appreciated).

Please contact Rachel (07581 198179) or Libby (07812 989119) if you are able to bake a cake or would be able to help on the day.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Cake and raffle Donations can be dropped off at the hall Saturday morning from 12.

La Cote d’Or Antiques

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

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

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Refcom and FGAS Registered

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Fuse Box Upgrades

Lights replaced

Electrical Certificates EICR

All electrical work undertaken

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Daikin 5kw EMURA in black

Myenergi Zappi 7kw EV Charger

Carry on Sergeant

Here we go then, the real starting gun of a journey I'm taking through the archives of British comedy; Carry On Sergeant (1958), the inaugural film that still holds a deeply familiar place in my memory. So, why was this film the very first Carry On? The film was based on a play by R.F. Delderfield called The Bull Boys, and was never planned as the started of a series. The film tapped into the subject of National Service, (the compulsory military service for young men) which was still very much a part of British life at the time, and any comedic take on it resonated deeply with the audiences who had either experienced it firsthand or knew someone who had. The Producer, Peter Rogers and Director Gerald Thomas, saw the potential in a gentle satire of military life, full of relatable characters and minor mishaps.

A fascinating appearance by Shirley Eaton as Mary Sage, who plays the new wife of Bob Monkhouse’s character Charlie Sage. Fans of a certain “super-spy” will immediately recognise her as Jill Masterson, the iconic ‘golden girl’ from Goldfinger. Eaton had a brief, but memorable stint in the Carry On franchise, appearing in Sergeant, Nurse, and Constable before her golden moment in Bond history. It’s always a little thrill to see her in these early roles, hinting at the star she would become.

Now, about that infamous “chit” line. This is where Carry On Sergeant truly started to lay the groundwork for the series’ ingenious way of skirting the censors. Whilst later films would become masters of the double entendre, Sergeant offered an early, rather innocent, example of this clever verbal evasion. The clever use of the word ‘chit’ revolves around one of the recruits going through his ‘chits’, and Horace (Kenneth Connor) replying “blimey, you’re just a heap of chits!” It was subtle, understated, but it's undeniably there. It’s a brilliant early instance of the Carry On writers using seemingly innocuous words to suggest something much naughtier, allowing them to entertain a family audience whilst simultaneously winking at the adults in the room.

Carry On Sergeant established the template; the regular cast and that subtle, British sense of humour. It’s more than just a film to me, it’s a foundational piece of British comedy history, and a hint of nostalgia for me. And so, the journey continues, one Carry On at a time.

Ross Richardson

Cut the Clutter, Save Money – and the Planet!

Recent research from phone network O2 suggests 42% of British mobile phone users pay for additional storage, with millennials paying around six times as much as their boomer counterparts.

Many of us now use cloud storage as a digital dumping ground. Cloud technology relies on data centres filled with servers. And if data consumption continues to rise, electricity demand driven by data could exceed global electricity production by 2033.

One of the main drivers for this the rise of connected devices, with every user and device becoming a constant source of data production. Every message, document or selfie adds up.

Whilst we try to recycle more and cut back on single use plastic, our own digital behaviour still matters. Individual actions, such as deleting old files or photos, can make a difference, even if they seem small on their own. While your cloud footprint might appear insignificant, when multiplied by billions of users, the impact becomes substantial.

Every file has a footprint.

So how to declutter digitally?

My Top Tips to get started are:

• Delete blurred and low-quality photos If it’s out of focus or accidental, ditch it. Your gallery deserves better.

• Remove duplicates You don’t need six versions of that scenic selfie—just keep the best one.

• Create meaningful folders for your favourite memories. Make it easy to find your magic moments and skip the scrolling.

• Unsubscribe from newsletters you never open Inbox freedom starts with cutting the noise.

• Delete unused apps Especially those quietly draining the battery and hogging storage.

For client-focused digital decluttering and organising solutions, contact me now for a free consultation.

liz@thehomesorter.co.uk

07535 143497

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A Gordon Setter Story

A new book has recently been published by a local author and the main, endearing character is a Gordon Setter dog. We catch up with the author to find out more about it…

QWhatisthetitleofthebook?

A ‘Otis and the Search for a Monster’

QWhoisthebook’stargetaudience?

A It’s a picture book aimed to engage an age range of 4-7 years.

QWhatisthestorylineofthebook?

A Otis the Gordon Setter and his family are setting off for a holiday in Scotland. Adventures whilst there include a boat trip, a castle and a forest walk. Having heard stories about a resident monster, Otis spends his time looking for this mythical creature and meets local wildlife along the way.

QWhataretheeducationalelementsofthebook’sstoryline?

A Geography and travel. Folklore and legends. Monsters - are they all scary, or can they be kind and friendly? Family holidays, new experiences and exciting adventures. Also the key message of safety and care whilst with and around dogs.

QWhydidyoudecidetowriteabookforyoungchildren?

A I’m hoping that the children can discover/reaffirm the visual and tactile appeal of books whilst they read the story and follow this adventure of a friendly, new, canine character. To help young children become aware of safety aspects whilst with dogs.

QHaveyouwrittenabookbefore?

A No, this is the first one! It does follow on though from writing a few articles for canine newsletters published here in UK and in USA.

QDidyougaininspirationfromanyoneinparticularthatencouragedyoutowrite thebook?

A Yes. Encouraging feedback from my previously published newsletter articles and

the suggestion of continuing to write but this time a book! A good friend of mine works for Bloomsbury Publishing, so I’ve had insights into the publishing world. A couple of friends have had fiction books published, showing that folk like myself can become an author. It’s not restricted to just celebrities and the famous.

QHasthisprojecttakenalongtimetoachieve?

A Yes indeed. I’ve been working on this book for around 2 years now! With a very rough draft, I initially worked with a Writer’s Advisory Centre. The editors there were incredibly helpful albeit brutal at times in dissecting the storyline, the characters and the grammar! Finally, with the resulting manuscript complete, applications were made to find a publishing company to accept it. Not all publishers are particularly looking for the children’s picture book genre.

Once a publisher was secured, the next step was to create illustrations. A professional artist/illustrator from the publishing company was engaged. With my detailed brief of illustration requirements, the illustrator used photographs of our Gordon SetterOtis as a guide and for inspiration. The illustrations overall took 5 months to finalise! We then moved on to the next step of setting out the manuscript and illustrations together to create the book. Three consecutive proof copies were produced, enabling opportunities to review and alter as necessary. Then finally on to the printing stage. This last whole process taking nearly 6 months.

Whoever would have thought all of this work input was required for a seemingly simple child’s picture storybook!

QHowcanacopyofthebookbeobtained?

A The book is available to order via the publisher ‘Troubador’ on-line bookshop. Also order on-line or in store from Waterstones, and all other leading and independent bookshops. Happy reading!

Jenny Ives jenny.ives@sky.com _otistheadventurer_

Experience the Cuisines of India and be instantly transported thousands of miles by the exotic flavours and aromas in Grafham’s own Cinnamon Indian Restaurant. We welcome you to enjoy the fruits of our labour as we carefully prepare authentic dishes from the rich history of northern India. Blended fresh daily, our warm, fragrant and pungent spices create a feast for your senses that you will want experience again and again.

We use only fresh, natural ingredients to create our individual dishes, each boasting distinctive flavours and aromas that you would have to travel to India to match. Our centuries old tradition of preparation and hospitality are yours to enjoy as we invite you to dine with us and think of our home as yours. Every Thursday Banquet Night £19.95 per

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 kymvalleyguidingdistrict@gmail.com

Upper Dean Brownies & Rainbows,

Karen Jones: email: div.nbeds@bedsguiding.org.uk Little Staughton Guides, Little Staughton Brownies Scouts, Cubs, Beavers

1st Kimbolton Scout Group

Emma Mumford 07881 621260 1st Brington Scout Group

Tim Collins - 07881 821649

Dance/Performing Arts

Linda Allen School of Dance – Ballet, tap and modern jazz from 3+ years - Spaldwick and Kimbolton Ladies ballet and tap in Kimbolton, 01480 861332, info@LindaAllenDance.com, www.lindaallendance.com Stageworks Studios, St Neots. Dance, drama and singing classes for ages 3+. 01480 223331 Motion Dance Academy, Hinchinginbrooke Shcool, Huntingdon - 07887 932294, Miss Mollie www.motiondanceacademy.co.uk missmollie@motiondanceacademy.co.uk

Nurseries, Playgroups, Pre-Schools & Kids Clubs

Crosshall Nursery School 01480 475980

Crosshall Kids Club 01480 219518 Inn Farm Priv. Day Nursery 07802 826798 www.innfarmdaynursery.co.uk

Keysoe Playgroup – Keysoe Village Hall, MK44 2JE, Thursdays 9.30-11.30, £2 per family, healthy snacks, hot drinks, biscuits and craft activity included. Lovely friendly group with lots of toys for your little ones. Come and join us. Term time only.

Kymbrook Pre-School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe 01234 376100 www.kymbrookpreschool.co.uk

Playtimes Pre-School & Out of School Club, Spaldwick 01480 890077 www.playtimesplaygroup.co.uk

Puddeducks Nursery & Pre-school, Colmworth 01234 378880 www.puddleducksnurserypre school.co.uk

Puddleducks Pre-School, Kimbolton 01480 860743

Riseley Rascals, Riseley Village Hall (Term Time Only) 07986 313037 9:30- 11am Tuesday morning St. Leonards Day Care, Brington 01832 710020

Primary & Secondary Schools

Brington C of E Primary School 01832 710383

Crosshall Infant School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475980 www.crosshallinfant.co.uk

Crosshall Junior School Academy Trust, St Neots 01480 475972 www.crosshalljunior.co.uk

Eileen Wade Primary School, Upper Dean 01234 708260 www.ewmeschools.org.uk/ eileen-wade/

Great Staughton Primary Academy 01480 860324 www.greatstaughton.cambs. sch.uk

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

Kymbrook Primary School, Kimbolton Road, Keysoe. 01234 376266 www.kymbrookprimary.uk

Riseley Primary School 01234 708218 www.riseleyschool.co.uk

Spaldwick Primary School 01480 890371 www.spaldwickschool.org.uk

Ernulf Academy, Barford Road, St Neots, Cambs. 01480 374748 www.astreaernulf.org

Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, PE29 3BN, 01480 375700 www.hinchingbrookeschool.net

Kimbolton School, Kimbolton 01480 860505 www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

Longsands Academy, St Neots, Cambs. PE19 1LQ 01480 353535 www.astrea-longsands.org

USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Doctors at Kimbolton 01480 860205

Doctors at Gt. Staughton 01480 860770

Doctors at Sharnbrook 01234 781392

NHS Direct 111

NHS Cambridgeshire 01223 884 008

Patient Advice & Liason Service 01733 673 405 (PALS)

Cambs & Peterborough

Patient Advice & Liason Service 01234 795814 (PALS)

Bedfordshire

Hospitals

Addenbrookes, Cambridge 01223 245151

Bedford 01234 355122

Hinchingbrooke, Huntingdon 01480 416416

Cambridgshire Fire and Rescue 01480 444500

Non Emergency Police Line 101

Councillors

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

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

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

AA Emergency Breakdown 0800 887766

Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177650

Carers Direct 0808 802 0202

Childline 0800 1111

Citizens Advice 03444 111 444

Electricity Emergency 105

Floodline 0345 988 1188

Gas Emergency 0800 111 999

National Debt Line 0808 808 4000

National Rail Enquiries 0333 202 2222

NSPCC 0800 800 500

Parentline 0800 800 2222

RAC Emergency Breakdown 0800 828282

RSPCA 0300 1234 999

Samaritans 116 123

UK Missing Persons Unit 0800 234 6034

Victim Support 0808 168 9111

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Clubs, Groups and Organisations

Bolnhurst & Keysoe Parish Council Clerk

Buckworth Cricket Club Social Club

Samantha Langley 07977 828153

http://buckworthcricketclub.co.uk/

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 01480 444500

Catworth Women’s Group

Catworth Quilters Group

Ellington Neighbourhood Watch

Ellington Village Club

Grafham & Ellington Art Group

Great Staughton Village Hub

Gt Staughton Horticultural Society

Gt Staughton Playing Field & Pavilion

Hargrave Investment Club

Barbara Cawdell 01832 710404

Pam Wardle 01832 710324

Rick Wilcox 01480 890902

Sue Rice (Chairperson) 01480 896139

Jackie Woods, 01480 890279

Details on the Great Staughton and Perry Facebook page

Emma Mumford 07881 621260

Bob Jewell 01480 861259

Rick 07905 211919 or Sue 07818 050034

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

Kimbolton Local History Society

Kimbolton & Stonely Parish Council

Kimbolton Church - Bell Ringing

Kimbolton & district Royal British Legion

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club

Nora Butler 01480 861007

Jo Russel 01480 276075

Mary Foster 01480 861594

David Henrick 01480 896556

Chris Davies 01234 376542

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

Neighbourhood Watch Gt Staughton

North Beds Ramblers

Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Clark

Save the Children Fund

Stow Longa Village Community - social events

The Villages Gardening Club

The Stables Christian Centre

Frank Backhouse, 01480 861167

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

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

Nora Butler 01480 861007

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

Jan Roche 01832 710561 janetroche0@gmail.com

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

Tilbrook Village Newsletter www.tilbrookvillage.life

Tilbrook Amenites Committee Chairman, Stephen Birch, chairman tilbrookvillagelife@gmail.com

Tilbrook Parish Council Clerk

Lionel Thatcher, 01480860055 Whist Drives, Ellington

WI Groups

Kimbolton WI

Ellington WI

Gt Staughton WI

Pertenhall WI

Steve Sherratt , 01480 891418

Anne Beszant 01480 860672

Jan Sherratt 01480 891418

Ruth Easom, rutheasom@gmail.com

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

Perry WI perrywigroup@gmail.com

Village Halls

Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton

bookings: Stan Rhodes, 07367 783886

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

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

Village Hall, Ellington

Village Hall, Gt Staughton, bookings

Village Hall, Hail Weston

Village Hall, Keysoe

Village Hall, Keyston, bookings

Village Hall, Little Staughton

Village Hall, Melchbourne

Anita Dowdall 01480 891821

Vicki Goldsmith 01480 860005

Liz Bacon / bookingshwvh@gmail.com.

Janet Browning 01234 376577 bookings@keysoevillagehall.co.uk

Chrissy Faulkner, 07714 080837

Kevin and Maria Foskett, 01234 376260

Bookings Julia Koball, juliakoball@hotmail.co.uk 07941 245 639

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

Village Hall, Pertenhall, bookings

Village Hall, Tilbrook

Paul Sheard paulsheard@aol.com 01480 861457

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

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

Spaldwick Community Room

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 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

Cricket Club, Little Staughton

Carpet Bowls, Catworth

Carpet Bowls, Kimbolton

Carpet Bowls, Gt. Staughton

Shirley Osborne 860198/Jill Strand 861508

Mary Matthews, 07717 246107

Mark Field, 07769 159496

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

Chair Based Strength And Balance Class

Grafham Tang Sou Dao Club

Great Staughton Golf Society

MVH Pilates - Melchbourne

MVH Tai Chi - Melchbourne

Alison Owen, 07767 202958

Nicole Yates, 01480 860616

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

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

Derek Fitzgibbon, 01480 861234

Penny Hales penny@tightassets.co.uk

Rob Poyton simplyflow@outlook.com PE28 Kickboxing, Grafham Village Hall

Mark James, 01480 819478

Yoga Classes, Little Staughton, Hail Weston, Linda Tongue 01480 350345, Brampton, Catworth & Godmanchester 07733343702, lindatongue@yahoo.co.uk

Mobile Library Service 0345 045 5225 for enquiries / renewals

2nd Wednesday of the Month (R. H10) - 8th October

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) - 28th October

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) - 22nd October

Ellington : Mermaid Pub 9.30 to 10.00am

Grafham : Breach Road 10.10am to 10.35am

Perry : Chichester Way 10.45am to 11.40am

Hail Weston : Orchard Close 12.00pm to 12.20pm

Great Staughton : The Causeway 1.30pm to 2.00pm

Kimbolton : Stow Road (Newtown) 2.15pm to 3.45pm

Kimbolton : Castle Gardens 3.50pm to 4.30pm

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

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

Please mention Village Bystander when responding to adverts

Accountancy

Listings of Businesses in Our Area

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

Engraved by Elle, p.11

Grafham Coins, 01480 811227, p.10

La Cote D'or Antiques, 01480 861587, p.71

The Framery Ltd, 01480 860086, p.39

Building Services/Home Maintenance/Garage Doors

Ablewood. 07740 435801, p.45

GAP Home Improvements, 07935 002610, p.40

Garolla Garage Doors, 01480 630081, p.21

R&D Maskey, 01234 825015, p.97

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.87

Care Professionals

Trust Care Solutions Ltd, 01480 584124 p.6

Computer/IT Services/Marketing/Proofreading/HR

Hudson Virtual, 07967 661613, p.86

iEdit, 01480 860519 p.83

Newport Bookkeeping Services, 07519 352933, p.26

Oxygen IT, 01480 390395, p.72

Silver Websites, 07340 234555, p.86

Social Beans, 07808 020554, p.72

Social Media Management, 01480 769002, p.29

Domestic Services

C Major Change, 07584 279228, p.91

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

Sweeping Tom Ltd, 07990 561874, p.97

The Home Sorter, 07535 143497 p.81

Education/Tuition

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

One to One Tuition, 07803 504631, p.7 Playtimes Spaldwick, 01480 890077, p.26 SEB Online Tutoring, drbonlinetutoring@gmail.com, p.55

The Assessment Practice, 01480 584001, p.78

Electrical Services/Solar/Alarms

Aircon Tom, 07402 745802, p.70

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2 Domelec, 07912 092985, p.89

LCS Energy, 01480 470064, p.76 Selec Solar, 01480 400607, p.73

Estate Agents/Letting Agents/Property

Carr Estate Agents, 01480 597799, p.47

Peter Lane & Partners, 01480 860400, p.84

Top Hat Projects, 07814 709320, p.31

Financial Advisers & Financial Services

Beacon Wealth Management, 01480 869466, p.33

Funeral Directors

Crowsons, 01832 272269, p.25

Regency Funeral Directors, 01480 759408, p.37

Gardening/Landscaping/Tree Care/Logs/Flowers

Eden Tree Specialists, 01234 960796, p.23

JAD Professional Garden Services, 07508 519213, p.24

JD Tree Surgery, 07745 378268, p.25

Manor Farm, 07849 528684, p.25

General Stores/Farm Shops/Wine Shops

Budgens, 01480 860582, p.50-51

Grafham Village Store, 01480 810119, p.20

Handpicked Wine Box, www.handpickedwinebox.com, p.38

Top End Stores, 01234 376426, p.49

Whitchurch Wines, jeff@whitchurchwines.co.uk p.77

Health/Treatments/Beauty/Wellbeing/Counselling/ Fitness

Close Health and Beauty, 07729 381085 p.10

Courtyard Beauty, 07922 678843 p.9

Enkindle Success, 07752 502036 p.10

Jill Dighton, 07925 852985, p.10

Kimbolton Swimming Pool, 01480 862276 p.8

Rosie’s Salon, 07733 482359, p.9

The Nest at 53, 07778 024564, p.9

Jewellers

Baker Brothers, 01234 438770, p.98-99

Kitchens

Kitchen Culture, 01480 861822, p.31

The Kitchen Magician, 01480 477200 p.29

Music, Theatre, Singing, Entertainment

Carol John, 01234 708029, p.39

James Thomas, 07971 403856, p.74

Pets/Petcare Services /Equine/Training

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

Top End Stores (Animal Feed), 01234 376426, p.49

Pest Control

Pest Gone, 07955 156397, p.11

Plumbers/Heating Engineer/Oil/Tanks

Anglia Oil Tanks, 01638 662955, p.13

Boiler Juice, www.boilerjuice.com, p.35

DAC Services, 01234 709347, p.2

Hill Heating, 01480 890929, p.21

Hydroflow, 07917 176375, p.31

LCA Maintenance Services Ltd, 01234 266220, p.3

Pubs/Restaurants/Cafes/Catering

Avalon Bakehouse, 07860 410075 p.82

Cinnamon Indian Rest & Takeaway, 01480 811316, p.91

Narls Equisite In-Home Dining, 07723 372537, p.71

Phaf Kimbolton, 07300 296926, p.47

The Elm, 01487 773585, p.18

The Flying Foodie natasha@flyingfoodie.co.uk, p.28

The Pheasant, 01832 710303, p.30

The Wheatsheaf Perry, 01480 810253, p.42-43

Solicitors

Wilson Browne Solicitors, 0800 0886004, p.53

Storage

Jonathan, 07753 638948, p.55

Travel

Fun with Santa, 01480 812598, p.21

Once In A Lifetime Holidays, 07961 884183, p.89

Vehicle Services/Vehicle Care/Vehicle Sales/Transport

Robinsons Garage, 01480 860581, p.27

Sweeping Tom Ltd

Book an end of season sweep –your chimney & liner will benefit from clean drying over the summer. Full sweeping services availablelocal, reliable, fully qualified & insured Chimney Sweep. Covering Peterborough—Cambridge and surrounding areas. Contact Thomas on 07990 561874 or email sweepingtomltd@gmail.com