Discovering Bourne issue 160, December 2024 by Discovering Magazines

Welcome to your December issue...

And so, here we are in December but with still so much in store, especially as the fabulous build-up to Christmas continues. Excitement (and perhaps a bit of stress!) will no doubt increase in the weeks to come, whether that involves the buying and packing of presents, the planning of provisions for ‘the big day’, or maybe enjoying the school Nativity Play.

Whatever the month has in store, we hope that this Christmas can be really special for you and your family and that this month’s issue will continue to inform, advise and entertain you along the way.

Sincere thanks go to all our contributors and advertisers for their continued support and here’s wishing all our readers a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy 2025.

Claire x

Let me be the first to wish you all good health and happiness for Christmas and the new year. Just in case your crackers haven’t got any cracking jokes in them, try these for sighs!

✦ When I told my vet that my dog had swallowed seven Scrabble tiles, he said, “That could spell trouble!”

✦ That Australian dessert kept coming back on me – it must have been a “boo-meringue”.

✦ Most people were shocked when they found out just how bad I was as an electrician.

✦ Don’t you just hate it when people answer their own questions? I do.

✦ I was addicted to the ‘Hokey Cokey’, but then I turned myself around, picked myself up and …

FUN FACT: The Hokey Cokey was invented by a Russian dancer, Yaputcha Leftlegin.

Here’s hoping that you can look back on this year with fondness, and forward to 2025 with optimism and a smile on your face. John

Discovering Magazines, PO Box 164, Bourne PE10 1ET

Publisher and Sales Claire Saberton 01778 421427 | 07837 499061 | sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Ops Director Andy Armstrong: 07780 922214

Accounts Sarah Brooks: 07564 966452 | accounts@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Group Editor John Schwarz | editor.bourne@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Design Graham Copestake | Sarah Gumbley | Andy Beavis | Richard Hallam | Graham Booth

Sales Paula Kirtland: 07903 776211 | Sally Anne Davis: 07737 026594

Events Hilary Bloomer | hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Book reviews from Bourne Bookshop. 9 Gift ideas from Don’t Lose Hope. 10-11 Inside Out Home Store.

12-13 Christmas Fayre – Performers’ set list.

14 Santa’s Sleigh Route.

15 Christmas Church Services.

16-18 What’s on: Events guide.

22 Local History – A walk down Austerby.

23-26 ... Bourne’s BRM – Celebratory feature.

30-31 .... Ziggy’s Barber Shop.

32 .......... The Beardwood Practice: Stress-free Christmas anyone?

38 .......... Introducing Chris Meredith: Psychotherapist.

40.......... The Len Pick Trust: Looking for new trustees.

48 Financial Affairs with Finova Money.

49-52 Christmas Novelty Hunt: Win £100.

54 Legal Issues: Double & Megson.

66 Property insights from Newton Fallowell.

70-71 Consumer advice from Safe Local Trades.

72 Will & Probate Services (W & P Legal).

80 Bumper Christmas Quiz.

84 Words From the Mayor.

85 Community Matters.

92 Stamford Property Maintenance. 93-98 Businesses directory.

With thanks to

Richard Wood, Liberty Partnership, Helen Crawford, Bourne Bookshop, Jason Treadwell, Brynley Heaven, Chris Meredith, Christine Beardwood, Nick Ash, Eileen Le Voi, Rob Schwarz.

Deadline details

Copy deadline for the January issue is Friday 6th December 2024.

Discovering Bourne is published by a local team and is not associated with any other business. Care is taken to ensure that the content and information is correct at the time of going to press; however, we cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by any errors. Permission must be granted to reproduce, copy or scan anything from this publication. For a copy of our contributors’ guidelines please email info@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

Christmas at

Magical 4D Sleigh Ride

Hop on Santa’s Sleigh this winter at Waterside & fly through Santa’s toy workshop! Feel the excitement in this super festive 4D experience that’s sure to bring Christmas joy to the whole family.

Just £6pp | Book online to avoid disappointment.

RIDES AVAILABLE EVERDAY | BOOK ONLINE | IN-STORE | WALK-INS MAY BE AVAILABLE

Winter Wonderland - Christmas Shop Open Daily

Artificial & LED Trees

FREE BREAKFAST IN JANUARY*

with this voucher when you buy any breakfast in January 2025.

T’s & C’s Apply: Offer available from open until 11:00am. Cheapest breakfast is free when you purchase any other breakfast dish - both must be ordered in same transaction. Offer ends January 31st 2025. Copies not accepted. This voucher has no cash value & cannot be replaced.

BOURNE BOOKSHOP

19 North Street,

Finding the Edge

Jimmy Anderson

21 years. 188 Test Matches. 704 Test Wickets.

This is a no-holds-barred tell-all of one of the most extraordinary cricket careers of all time. Celebrating the soaring highs of winning the Ashes four times, reflecting on the tough lows: crushing defeats and the shock of being dropped. Finally, his resurgence under Brendon McCullum to close out his career with his 700th wicket, all alongside his teammates and lifelong friends on the England team. Signed copies available.

I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You

BY MIRANDA HART

Hello to you, I am with news, I have a new book. Basically, I have had an unexpectedly difficult decade –there have been surprising joys, but also deep revelations and challenging lows. Life now, amazingly, is SUCH FUN! (always important to quote your own catch phrases. . .) If you fancy having a read, then I hope my story might help your story. After all, we are in this beautiful, mysterious, challenging life together. Rest assured, there are funny stories along the way – we will have a laugh too, my dear reader chum. Oh, and I couldn’t possibly say if there is a love story in it . . . (There is – shush). Exciting!

Happy Bloody Christmas

BY JO MIDDLETON

Anna’s Christmas Eve to Do List: 1. Wrap the kids’ presents 2. Peel the potatoes 3. Get rid of the dead body?!

Hungover and exhausted after her family’s annual party, all Anna Johnson wants for Christmas is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine. But when she stumbles across a dead body in her larder, her plans are well and truly scuppered. With her judgemental in-laws arriving in less than twenty-four hours, turning her house into a crime scene is not an option. It’s up to Anna to find out what the hell’s gone on. Oh – and figure out what to do with the body before one of the kids finds it.

Minecraft Advent Calendar Book Collection

Start your festive season with some gaming magic this Christmas with the official Minecraft Advent Calendar. Stuffed to the brim with fun things to do, this Minecraft advent calendar will keep you entertained throughout the entire

holiday period. The 24 pockets include festive bite-size builds, jolly activity books, adorable baubles, hilarious jokes, fun challenges, how to draw mobs and more. The perfect advent calendar for any Minecraft fan!

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS THAT SUPPORT

With Christmas fast approaching, please think about shopping locally

‘Don’t Lose Hope’ is a mental health charity based in Bourne. They support over two hundred local adults and children every week with free, or low-cost counselling sessions, as well as providing groups and workshops for many more at their café / gift shop and community garden space. They do not receive any government funding and rely on the profits from the café and gift shop, as well as fundraising events to provide this support.

If you are looking for truly unique gift ideas this Christmas, please drop into their gift shop at 3 South Street, Bourne. Many of the items have been handmade in-house such as the candles, diffusers and wax melts. The community garden team have also hand-crafted many items which can be purchased through the shop. Every gift purchased goes towards funding a counselling session for someone in need.

Provide hope for others by visiting ‘Don’t Lose Hope’!

Sparkling Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On

Saturday 7th December 2024

Christmas Lights Switch-on Set List

Start Finish Performer Name Details

11:15 12:00 Apollo Dance School

12:00 12:30 Willoughby School School Choir

12:30 13:30 School Super Choir Combined Schools Choir

13:30 14:00 Dom Brister & Son Guitar Duo

14:00 14:45 Tuneless Choir Adult Choir

14:45 15:00 Audience Participation with Stephanie’s Flowers

15:00 15:45 LDC Dance School

15:45 16:15 Beyond a Princess Singing

16:15 16:30 Audience Participation with Stephanie’s Flowers

16:30 17:00 Archey & the Astronauts Band

17:00 17:30 Lights Switch-on with Santa 17:30 18:00 Archey & the Astronauts Band

Santa's Sleigh Route 20²4

Fri 29

Wed 4 Bourne West Beaufort Drive Hazelwood Dr

Thu 5 Mill Drove Kingsway – East access Arnhem Way

Fri 6 North Road Catholic Church North Road top

Sat 7 Marks & Spencers supermarket 9am to 4pm

Mon 9 Rippingale & Haconby Rippingale Haconby Lane

Tues 10

Wed 11

Thu 12

Sat 14 Tesco’s supermarket 9am to 4pm Mon 16 Morton East Old Station Yard Five Bells pub Tues 17 West Road & Bourne Heights Pyramid Club Behind Warner’s Wed 18 Saxon Way St Gilberts Road Pinewood Close

Sacred Heart and St Gilbert’s Church,

LOCAL CLUBS, GROUPS & EVENTS

1st - Open Event during Deeping Christmas Market: 10am- 2pm. Oddfellows Hall, 57 Church Street, Market Deeping. PE6 8AN. Why not pop in and try your hand at our tombola and find out more about us? Raising funds for Three Counties Dog Rescue. There will also be free craft activities for children.

1st and every Sunday - Bourne Wheelers ‘Club ride’ leaves the Bourne Post Office car park, Burghley Street at 9am.

1st - Open mic at The Hare and Hounds, Haconby, 8pm. PA and soundman providedhosted by Nick Gomm - 01778 57142.

2nd - Bourne Scrabble Club at 2pm in 1HUB, Queens Road, Bourne. For further details, contact: Angela 01778 426617 or 07706 993886.

3rd - Surprise Christmas Bingo! 2pm at Oddfellows Hall, 57 Church Street. PE6 8AN. £1 for a book of 10 games. Includes Christmas refreshments. Contact Jenny to pre book on 07788 534290.

3rd and 5th and every Tuesday and Thursday evenings - Bourne Bridge Club meets at the Masonic Hall, Roman Bank Bourne, 6.45 pm for a 7pm start. All levels of Bridge players are welcome. For more information, please contact Sue on 07857 468732.

3rd - The Rebuilding Wellbeing Friendship Group meet on the first Tuesday of each month between 1.30pm – 4pm at The Sugar Mill, Milestone Road, Bourne PE10 9ET. Come along and re-connect with others over refreshments.

3rd - Forget Me Not Club 10am - 12noon at The Salvation Army, Manning Road, Bourne for those with dementia in their own homes. Entertainment and refreshments.

4th and 11th - Little Fishes - Parents and Toddlers group at The Salvation Army, Manning Road, Bourne, 9.30am -11.30am.

5th - Nubourne WI Meeting at 2pm in Bourne Abbey Church Hall. Kit Meggit will talk about ‘Christmas in the 1950s.’ Visitors £5, including refreshments.

5th - Chess Club every Thursday 6.30pm9.30pm Wake House 01778 782224. All ages and ability welcome. Free parking. Refreshments available.

6th and 13th - Cafe Connect/Warm Hub at The Salvation Army, Manning Road, Bourne,10am - 4pm. Relaxation, table games, craft working,

with lunch served between 12noon and 1.30pm.

7th - Christmas Tree Festival at Bourne Methodist Church 10am to 2pm. Mince pies and sausage rolls, tea and coffee served in the hall. Donations to charity.

7th - The Old Town Hall will be open for the traditional ‘Mince Pies and Mulled Wine’. Students from Bourne Academy and Bourne Grammar School will be entertaining you with music and song during the day. Why not come in from the cold and enjoy a glass of warming mulled wine? Open from 11am - 5pm. All proceeds will go towards the Bourne Old Town Hall Trust renovation project.

7th - Festive Nibble and Natter in the Abbey Church Hall: 10am - 12noon.Stalls to include raffle, books, gifts, jewellery, Lucky Dip gift bags, Christmas Basket Raffle and Christmas refreshments. All proceeds to Bourne Abbey Church Funds. All welcome. Further details from Ann Northen 01778 423353.

7th and every Saturday - Bourne Wheelers ‘Social ride’ leaves Coggles Causeway at 9am ‘Beginners ride’ leaves Bourne Leisure Centre at 9am

7th - Elton John Experience at Ron Dawson Memorial Hall, Corby Glen, NG33 4NU. A remarkable Elton John lookalike and soundalike, Elite Elton’s solo tribute act performs live piano, with professional musician backing tracks. 7pm Tickets £13 – discounts for groups. Box office: www.ticketsource.co.uk/events-corby-glen.

8th - Second Sunday Singaround (songs and tunes) 7.30pm at the Hare and Hounds, Haconby, hosted by Dean and Jen Hardy - 07788 410530.

9th and 23rd - Option “B,” a bereavement group for those who have lost their husband, wife, or partner, meet at Don’t Lose Hope Café every second and fourth Monday of the month, from 4pm - 6pm. If you need further information, please contact optionbdlh@gmail.com.

13th - Christmas Bino at Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne. Doors open 7pm, Eyes down 7.30pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits. Then every second Friday in the month. www.wakehouse. org.uk.

14th - Christmas Fayre and Santa’s Grotto at Twenty Village Hall, Station Road, Twenty PE10 0AZ. 11am till 5pm.

15th - The Salvation Army presents the Town Carol

Events are brought to you by Hilary Bloomer. To send in yours please contact hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk or phone 01778 421427 / 07837 499061

Service at the Corn Exchange, Bourne, 4pm

16th - U3A meeting at 2pm in the Corn Exchange. “Tinderbox” will provide seasonal musical entertainment.

18th - Bourne Organ Club. This month Matthew Bason. 7.30pm at Bourne Corn Exchange. Tickets on the door- £7 members, £8 visitors. Everyone welcome. Call 01778 424947.

18th - Knit and Sew Friendship Group at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. 2pm - 4pm, £2 which includes tea, coffee, and biscuits. For further details, contact Rosie 01778 423569.

19th - Bourne Garden Club welcome a presentation by Simon White from Peter Beale’s Roses. The evening includes the sale of plants, roses and other gift ideas. Seasonal refreshments. 7.30pm at Bourne Abbey Church Hall. Visitors welcome £5. For further details, contact Marion Durrands 01778 421023.

19th - Stamford’s popular community choir, Woven Chords, led by talented musical director, Graham Dale, will be back on stage in the Stamford Arts Centre ballroom. Specialising in ‘a cappella’ (unaccompanied) songs, and often singing in the original languages, they aim to take the audience around the world with songs from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Enjoy their glorious harmonies, be uplifted and filled with seasonal cheer. 8pm tickets £10 from www. stamfordartscentre.com 01780 763203 or on the door.

19th - Traditional music and song at The Barn in Baston at 8pm. Christmas Show with Magpie Lane, a 5-piece folk band based in Oxford, who perform traditional English music and songs. Tonight, they will be performing a programme of seasonal songs and music. Admission is £15 (cash please), unreserved seating, ’bring your own drinks.’ Phone 01778 560497 and talk to Alan or Maggie to check availability or make a reservation.

22nd - Traditional Carol Service at The Salvation Army, Manning Road, Bourne, 10.30am. All invited.

22nd - Family Carol Service at Bourne Methodist Church Sunday, 3pm. Mince pies will be served in the hall after the service - everybody invited to this festive event.

25th - Christmas Day Annual Christmas Day Service at Bourne Methodist Church at 10ameverybody invited.

DECEMBER 2024

Bourne Hereward Probus

Bourne Corn Exchange.

9th - Monthly meeting at 12.30pm. There is no speaker at this meeting, just a fabulous Christmas Lunch with all the fun of the season. Plus, a first-class raffle.

10th - Probus coffee morning, 10am, all welcome.

We are always on the lookout for new members; why not come to the main meeting or the coffee morning. Contact Malcolm Kenwood at bourneprobus@gmail.com or call 01778 441271 for more details.

Bourne Motor Racing Club

12th - “An Evening with James Toseland.” Bourne Motor Racing Club are extremely fortunate to be included in James’ current tour which will allow the audience to gain an insight into his career as a world class Superbike racer (twice world champion), rock star and TV presenter. The event will include discussion on his motorbike racing career spanning multiple titles, live acoustic performances of his classic songs, and a question and answers session.

A high turnout for this event is expected, so it is essential to reserve a seat in advance. For further information and to reserve your seat please visit www.bournemotorracingclub. co.uk/event/james-toseland

Doors at the Bourne Corn Exchange open at 7pm and James will begin his presentation at 8pm. Guests and visitors are welcome. For further details visit www.bournemotorracingclub.co.uk.

Bourne Farmers’ Market

15th - Indoor Farmers’ Market held at Bourne Leisure Centre (Queens Road, Bourne, PE10 9DX) from 10am-2pm on the third Sunday of every month (except January). Free admission. See www.facebook.com/ bourneindoorfarmersmarket for full details.

Royal British Legion Club

Monthly Meat Draw on the second Sunday of each month at 1pm.

6th - Live music with EDDY - £3 entry.

24th - Christmas Party with Lloyd Moon from 7:30pm ’til late, tickets £5. Please bring donations for the Box ‘n’ Bottle raffle (wrapped raffle prizes please).

31st - Bringing in the New Year with Steve Carmel: 8pm ’til late (all tickets £5).

Kokoni Creative Workshops

7th. Jewellery Workshop Open Day: Room 23, upstairs, Wake House 10am - 4 pm. Gifts and vouchers for classes available. kokonicreative@ gmail.com.

Bourne And District Lions

Charitable Trust Fund. Meetings monthly on the 2nd and 4th Monday at The Royal British Legion, 7a Burghley Street, Bourne. Contact us at www.bournelions.org or 0345 833 2810.

LDC Dance Company

Specialising in teaching a wide variety of dance styles to all ages and abilities. (3yrs+). 18 Abbey Road, Bourne. Telephone: 07984 381153 Email: lauren@ ldcdance.co.uk Website: www.ldcdance.co.uk

Apollo Dance

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acro, Musical Theatre and Cheerleading. 35 Wherry’s Lane, Bourne PE10 9HQ Telephone: 07907 008362 Facebook: apollodance2 Email: info@apollodance.co.uk

Contact Hilary with your details on hilary@discoveringmagazines.co.uk, 01778 421427 or 07837 499061

What’s available in December...

We can provide you with your complete Christmas dinner & much more! Order your turkey & all your festive favourites from Grasmere Farm’s butchery counter & order a veg box to go with it, filled with home grown and locally grown seasonal vegetables. We’ve plenty of treats available, as well as locally made Christmas cakes. Take a break & sample our Festive menu in the Café. Don’t forget that bird food, feeders & accessories make a great gift too!

MON-SAT 8AM - 5PM SUNDAY 9AM - 4PM

Café hours: MON-SAT 8.30AM - 4.30PM SUNDAY 9AM - 3.30PM

A Walk Down Austerby

by Brynley Heaven

The Austerby is bursting with historical surprises. By origin, a medieval suburb of Bourne, set apart on a bit of relatively dry land above the morass, the lane was lined with ‘Mud and Stud’ homes. With a Norse name (‘Austr’ means East), it could be Early Medieval.

When the Turnpike came in 1828, it followed the ancient route south from Bourne along Austerby for a very short distance, before a sharp dog-leg south to Peterborough. Even today, that turning is preserved as a cul-de-sac, itself also called Austerby. Bit of a clue. Between Austerby and a point opposite the cemetery, the modern South Road is a cut-off.

Not to be outdone, the railway came in 1866 and rather impertinently crossed Austerby on the flat. The Crossing Keeper Cottage still stands, as does the former Railway Inn, both now attractive homes. As for the line itself, some little imagination is required in the vicinity of the Army Cadet hut.

The stand-out edifice, from a historical point of view, is The Old Manor House (see picture), the oldest building in Bourne still in residential use and site of the home to the Abbots of Bourne, or so the well-attested story goes!

‘Historic England’ describe a building of great complexity, layer upon layer down the centuries, late 16th century in origin. Be sure to see the quaint old shopfront on ‘The Old Bakehouse’ at No 74 next door.

Last, but by no means least, the impressive 1950s Shillaker Court gives the lie to the idea that ‘market town styles’ have to be wistfully nostalgic or purely suburban. It stands on the site of Annie and Harry Shillaker’s house and “rather grand” artists’ studio. Annie’s work was exhibited at the Royal Academy. Harry was a Local Councillor; he farmed out at Tongue End and was a stalwart in the Hereward Lodge Freemasons.

If you get the urge to dig deeper, ‘Lincolnshire Houses’ by David L Roberts (page 147) has super analysis and sharp photos of a modest sixteenth century thatched house on Austerby, demolished in the 20th century.

The Old Manor House in Austerby

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BRM V16 first revealed to the world on December 15th 1949

BRM is an iconic part of Formula 1 Grand Prix Motor Racing history that was based here in Bourne over three decades. Between 1950 and 1977, the team started in 197 Grand Prix with 17 victories, 11 pole positions, 15 fastest laps, one Drivers’ World Championship and one Constructors’ World Championship in the same year (1962), and four times runners-up in the Constructors’ Championship (1963, 1964, 1965 and 1971).

BRM was the vision of Bourne resident Raymond Mays CBE (1899-1980), a successful pre-war racing driver, and founder of English Racing Automobiles. Mays’ post-war vision was of a British Grand Prix car capable of beating the continental factory teams. This was achieved with the backing of Sir Alfred Owen and Rubery Owen organisation, from a factory on Spalding Road situated behind his lifetime home, Eastgate House, with a workforce that never exceeded 120 people at any one time!

Many notable names drove for BRM at differing stages in their careers including six World Champions; Juan Manuel Fangio, Mike Hawthorn, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees,and Niki Lauda. Other notable drivers included Reg Parnell, Froilan Gonzalez, Stirling Moss, Jo Bonnier, Pedro Rodriguez, Jo Siffert, Peter Gethin and Jean-Pierre Beltoise.

The December 15th 2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of the unveiling of the BRM V16 to the world’s press at Folkingham Airfield by a very proud

Raymond Mays, alongside all from Bourne involved with the project and the leading industrialists of the day who had invested their time and money. They also brought unique skills of their own businesses to the project, providing equipment and components needed to build the car.

This vision and determination paid off when, in 1962, Graham Hill steered his P57 ‘’Old Faithful’ 1.5 litre V8 to win the World Drivers’ Championship and together with the team and his team-mate Richie Ginther, secured the World Constructors’ Championship for BRM. It was a monumental moment for British Racing Motors, for Britain, and the town of Bourne; this was the first time a British driver had won the World Championship in a British car with all British components, and set the foundations for the continued success over the decade.

Celebrating all things BRM, and the involvement of the town of Bourne has been integral to the last 4 years. This selection of images covers the V16 racing at Prescott; the Can-Am cars in action; Goodwood Revival and a rather wet Chassis IV, engineered in Bourne in conjunction with Silverstone Museum and the BMRC; a 2023 gathering of former BRM

mechanics; Chassis IV in action with The Stig and the infamous Tunnel Run; Can-Am cars in action; and the presentation of “Racing For Britain” as a thank you to the Discovering Bourne team. Photos with thanks to the Rubery Owen BRM Archive, Simon Owen and Tayte Fordham, and to Eric Biggadyke and the BRM Association for the car chronology.

Reawakening: 2020-24

Bourne Town Council

CONTINUING THE BRM STORY:

Going into 2025, we are planning a number events to celebrate. We start 2025 with the continuation of the BRM presence in the F1 Global Exhibition in London. Plans are afoot for several events where Chassis IV and BRM cars will once again be out on the tracks, alongside some static displays. Engineered in Bourne will be back, and of course there is Doug Nye’s eagerly anticipated BRM Volume 4. We will also continue to create both a physical and on-line repository of “all things BRM”, that

captures the history. We are conscious that there are many memories here in the town, and would like to capture those. There may be in-person memories, stories that have been handed down, faded photographs and boxes in attics and garages, with letters and notes that chronicle this wonderful history.

We look forward to 2025, and a Happy New Year from all of us; and a thank you to all involved over the last 75 years and here’s to the next 75.

Bourne’s Willoughby School celebrated SciFest 2024, where we were visited by great scientists throughout the week. They shared a wealth of experiences, and we had opportunities to investigate the ‘hands on’ activities.

A Fabulous Week of Fun and Learning

On Tuesday, Starlincs and the Planetarium visited school. We learned great space facts, encountered sounds and images of space, and were all very engaged.

Dr Ken visited on Wednesday, and he shared his knowledge of how to save the world in forty-five minutes! We thought about how we can help the planet by recycling and saving energy.

On Thursday, Chris from Zoolab came into school along with his animals. Cedar, Oak and Cherry classes encountered a range of creepy crawlies. Laura from Animals U.K came into school on Friday

morning. She brought along some of her wonderful animals including a snake, tarantula, skunk and a Little Owl. We had a fabulous time encountering them whilst learning lots of cool animal facts too! Our SciFest finale was Dr Matt with his science magic, which was a perfect end to a great week! Many thanks to the team at SciFest and the sponsors who made it all possible.

PRICE GUIDE

Stress-free Christmas

Christmas is a meant to be a time of togetherness with family, fun, joy, and selfless thought towards others. However, Christmas can often just seem like another one of life’s major stresses.

What makes Christmas stressful?

First, there’s the preparation, the shopping in frenzied, crowded stores, people pushing and shoving, and you worrying whether so-and-so will like the present you’ve bought them. Then there’s the cooking and organizing and, of course, the financial strain that the extra cost of Christmas entails. Many of us get seriously in debt (or more in debt) after the Christmas holiday. But the biggest stress of Christmas comes from the very essence of what Christmas is supposed to be all about … other people and togetherness!

“It’s the expectations of having a ‘perfect Christmas’ that drive this stress”

Pressure can come from other angles too such as trying to stick to that healthy eating regime, social anxiety, keeping phobias at bay at Christmas, (you would be surprised to discover there are many different phobias which can be problematic at Christmas time) and keeping depression or even anger at bay at this time of year too. Alcohol isn’t helpful either, destroying the happy chemical in our brain, thus leaving us more susceptible to stress, anxiety, anger, and depression.

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling we get when we feel under too much pressure, whether that comes from outside sources or from ourselves. A small amount of stress can be useful as it prompts us into action. When it builds up, however, it can lead to physical and psychological problems, including anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches and even depression. We can become stressed by anything that seems to exceed our ability to cope and causes stress hormone levels to rise in our bloodstream.

Hypnotherapy for stress

Hypnotherapy will relax you deeply and prepare your mind to feel calm about the prospect of Christmas. You’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed during the holiday season and enjoying Christmas. Hypnotherapy for stress management can help you gain a completely different perspective on life, not just for the holidays. Clinical hypnotherapy helps assess the issues and identifying their root, whether it is a situation, a physical issue, a past experience, or a relationship. Working collaboratively, the therapist and client will set goals and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and create routines for healthy stress management, helping create a happy and positive mind.

“Transform a stressful Christmas into a relaxed one!”

Have a stress-free Christmas and give the gift of pampering with a

VOUCHER

DOUBLE

TREATMENT ROOM

Available on request

Available to purchase on line, over the telephone or in salon

Call to collect at your convenience

Open late 3 nights a week

Why our customers love Prime Comfort:

Mobility Scooter Service & Repairs; Replacement Batteries; Punctures; Replacement Tyres; Body Work; Electrical Components: Free collection and delivery back to your home.

Setting up one of our adjustable beds or comfy recliners - all installation work is free and carried out by one of our trained engineers. We also provide free home surveys for stair lifts. Free next day delivery on all stock items. Simply call 01476 560044.

Sound Advice Hearing Reopens Market Deeping Branch Following Extensive Refurbishment

Sthe reopening of its Market Deeping branch after a comprehensive refurbishment.

The newly renovated facility, located at 37 Market Place is now open and equipped with state-ofthe-art technology and enhanced amenities to better serve the hearing health needs of the community. The refurbishments were undertaken with the goal of creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for all our clients.

Managing Director of Sound Advice Hearing.

“We are incredibly pleased to be back in our Market Deeping location,” said Paul Scigala,

❱

“The upgrades to our facility will significantly enhance the experience for our clients, ensuring they continue to receive the best possible care in a modern and comfortable setting.”

Sound Advice Hearing extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Deepings Community Centre for their support and hospitality during the renovation period. Their generosity allowed us to continue serving our clients uninterrupted and exceeded our expectations.

Wishing a Merry Christmas to All Our Clients, Old and New

So, this is our last advert of the year and, instead of telling you about a certain treatment or what we are up to right now business-wise, we wanted to just say a huge thank you to every single person that has helped make our business what it is today.

Over the six and a half years of being established, we have grown our business tenfold and we couldn’t have done it without our loyal client base who have, not only stayed with us since the beginning, but have also been instrumental in helping us to grow by giving such positive feedback

to friends, family and colleagues who have also adopted us as their “go-to practitioner”.

With over one hundred five-star reviews on Google and Yell and with lots of positive feedback about our care and professionalism, we have managed to maintain our position in a growing, and sometimes saturated, market. We continue to take on board what our clients need and move forward with training in new areas of treatments and courses. We will continue to do this when the new year takes hold and look forward to 2025 being an even better year. Thank-you again for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

TREATMENTS WE OFFER

CHRIS MEREDITH M.Sc. Psychotherapist INTRODUCING

I’m Chris Meredith, a registered psychotherapist working in Stamford. Over the next few months, I will be writing features here about some of the commonest problems that psychotherapists work with, including anxiety, depression, men’s mental health, relationships, neurodiversity, and bereavement.

I’m sixty-three years old and spent the first ten years of my working life in finance, before training as an osteopath, which I did until retirement in 2013. I studied psychology through the Open University, then started training first as a counselling psychologist, subsequently as a psychotherapist, gaining my ‘Masters’ degree in 2018.

I am now a registered psychotherapist working primarily within the ‘existential model’. Existential therapy recognises that life is often full of difficulty and suffering, and that even the strongest amongst us can be battered and overwhelmed by events. However, the human spirit has a remarkable capacity to endure and can, with the right support, overcome. Sometimes, all that we need is a ‘hand of kindness’.

I also use the techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness practice, and transactional analysis where appropriate.

My approach is pragmatic, rather than theory driven, with the aim of supporting the client in the most effective way possible, to explore their situation and bring about positive change.

On a personal level, I bring to the therapy room my long experience of life and its difficulties, and a philosophical perspective that draws on existentialism, Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism and Epicureanism. I combine a strong grounding in evolutionary psychology with practical, positive psychology.

Sometimes, all that we need is a ‘hand of kindness’

Although I am a generalist, and will work with nearly any presenting issue, I have a particular interest in men's issues, as men often struggle to benefit from traditional models of therapy. My other areas of special interest are neurodiversity, relationships, adoption, bereavement, anxiety, and depression.

I hope you will find my articles informative and entertaining. Please feel free to contact me if you think I might be able to help you.

tis the season to have perfect nails

Have you booked your Christmas nail appointment?

What is an illumiFacial?

The illumiFacial from Lynton is a groundbreaking, ‘no filter needed’ facial which rejuvenates your skin, with immediate results.

This pioneering aesthetic treatment uses a combination of Tri-Fruit Acid Peel to resurface your skin’s texture and decongest pores, followed by a Lynton medical grade IPL facial treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) to stimulate your natural collagen and elastin. It also targets any skin discolouration such as freckles, pigmentation and vascular breakouts.

Revitalise, recharge and illuminate your skin in 4 months

Book a course of illumiFacials in December and receive a complimentary Dermalogica facial at the end of your course.

This is what Val thought of the illumiFacials, last year: “I had a series of illumi facials over last winter. The effect on my skin was amazing. So many people commented on how great I looked! I’ve signed up for another six months course. Couldn’t recommend more highly if you want a glowing, airbrushed complexion in reality.”

Why not contact Jess, your local laser expert, to discuss any questions you may have?

The Len Pick Trust is a local charity which helps other organisations by awarding grants, for the benefit of the people of Bourne.

This is a voluntary role for an initial period of four years to replace those who have completed their term of office. Having a full-time job would not preclude you from becoming a Trustee. The role includes attending monthly meetings (in the evenings), along with involvement in sub-committees, visits to grant applicants as well as specific tasks depending on availability.

• Do you have an interest and awareness of the needs and aspirations of our community?

• Are you able to attend monthly meetings of the Trust?

• Can you communicate effectively and work with others to achieve the objectives of the Trust?

• Can you communicate effectively and work with others to achieve the objectives of the Trust? Applicants are subject to

We are particularly interested in applicants with skills in either finance, IT, or marketing but this is not a pre-requisite.

Please visit our website for more informationwww.lenpicktrust.org.uk For an application pack, or if you have any questions, please email enquiries@lenpicktrust.org.uk

DAY EXCURSIONS

HOLIDAYS

Thorney Lakes

Ideal for Golf Lovers and Peaceful Countryside Surroundings

Thorney Lakes Golf Course is situated just nine miles from the cathedral city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and its direct train line to London Kings Cross. Thorney Lakes has a wealth of activities on your doorstep. The cathedral, built in 1118-1237 is well worth a visit and is situated in the heart of the city. There is a large shopping centre with a huge choice of restaurants and shops. There is also a theatre, a Showcase cinema and an ice rink. Popular with the family, there is also bowling, planet bounce and numerous other sporting options.

This well respected and long established 18-hole championship course boasts a driving range and practice green, while our fabulous bar and restaurant offers wonderful food in a purpose-built clubhouse.

Choosing one of our luxury lodges, located in the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside, and you will feel like you have escaped to a new world, where the pace of life is slower, and you can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings.

An ideal place for golf lovers or for people looking for a retreat that is a haven of tranquillity. A place where you can relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

At Thorney Lakes, you can choose from our extensive range of luxury lodges, all with stunning views. Taking a tour around one of our individually designed show homes proves just how attractive countryside living can be. As well as a stylish interior with every modern convenience, each home is set in its own generous plot with plenty of room for outside living.

Christmas is a time for family.

What could be better than creating memories in your own lakeside lodge.

Turn your dream of a new life in the Lincolnshire countryside into a reality with your own luxury lodge.

www.goodlifelodge.com info@goodlifelodge.com 0800 564 2266

What does Simply Wills Ltd actually do and what makes us different ?

We can provide advice and support to help you navigate through the world of wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, Severance of Property Ownership and Property Trusts. We are here to answer your questions and queries and produce the necessary legal documentation in plain English for you to understand.

are ﬂexible and friendly, provide excellent customer service with competitive charges. We treat all our clients with respect and are conﬁdential in all that we discuss. We try our best to make the experience comfortable and straightforward for everyone.

We can visit at your home, at your convenience, to discuss your requirements and the ﬁrst meeting will be at our cost. Once you have had time to decide what you wish to achieve, we will be able to take ofﬁcial instructions and work with you in a timely manner to ensure you are able to achieve the outcomes that you want.

This is a subject which a lot of us don’t want to think about or talk about but know we should. Clients have been surprised at the feeling of relief when the ﬁnal signatures are on the documents and everything is set for when the inevitable happens.

We are professional in approach and are members of The Society of Will Writers. We

As a small company, we pride ourselves on the personal touch and would love to help you with your long-term estate planning. Take the pressure off loved ones when they are grieving and make the necessary legal processes as simple as possible.

INSTANT CASH

WATCHES, JEWELLERY, GOLD, SILVER,

ALL MILITARY WATCHES WANTED, ALL BRITISH & FOREIGN COINS WANTED, ANY AMOUNTS BOUGHT.

CASH PAID FOR SILVER, BANK NOTES, COINS ETC...

Come and see us at:

BOURNE: Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne PE10 9AE on Wednesday 11th December, 11am-2pm or call 07724 473810

JOIN OUR TREASURE HUNT: Do you have cash in the attic? Come along to our Antique Roadshow – if the offer is OK, flog it!

So come on down, this is the Real Deal! From scrap gold to the finest antique jewellery, we’ll take it. We purchase all quality watches and jewellery – gold and silver is at an all-time high, so cash in. From old silver coins to antique silver tea sets, we want them all. WANTED – all Aviator diver/military watches. Best price paid.

Festive Finances!

For December’s issue, let’s take a moment to review key changes announced in the UK’s Autumn Budget under the new Labour government. As we wrap up the year, these are updates which may impact how you approach your financial planning in 2025 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:

Capital Gains Tax

One of the most significant changes in the Budget was the increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates. The lower rate has risen from 10% to 18%, and the higher rate from 20% to 24%. This change, effective immediately, will impact individuals and investors selling assets like shares and property.

Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) is a relief that gives business owners a lower tax burden when they dispose of qualifying business assets. This has remained, with a lifetime allowance of £1 million. However, the applicable rate of CGT will increase from 10% to 14% from 6 April 2025 and go up to 18% from April 2026.

Pensions will be included in an estate’s taxable value, marking a shift from previous rules where pensions could be passed on tax-free

beneficiaries who inherit pensions after this age will also pay Income Tax on death benefits at their marginal rate.

Implications for Farmers and Business Owners

The budget introduced targeted reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which are key for farmers and small business owners. Under the new rules, the first £1 million of business or agricultural assets remains exempt from IHT, but any amount exceeding this threshold will be taxed at a reduced 20% rate (after a 50% relief).

Inheritance Tax on Pensions

Starting from April 2027, pensions left to heirs will be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). This means pensions will be included in an estate’s taxable value, marking a shift from previous rules where pensions could be passed on tax-free. The move is expected to generate over £2 billion in revenue, though it may prompt individuals to review their estate planning to mitigate future tax impacts. This will become a particularly important area of planning for those over the age of 75, as

What next?

With these changes in mind, now could be a good time to assess your financial plans. There were many other announcements not covered here, so scan the QR code to schedule a free initial 30-minute consultation with me to explore how you might adapt to the new landscape.

A very Happy Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year to you all.

with Rob Schwarz

CHRISTMAS NOVELTY HUNT

WIN

£100 CASH

Match the correct festive novelties participating shop windows

novelties with those placed in windows and win £100 cash!

Where To Find Your Festive Novelties

Alec Day Butchers

Newton Fallowell

Gordon’s Photographic

Harrison and Dunn

Double and Megson

Petorama

Fitzgeralds

Kudos Gurkha 91

North Shoes

Buckles and Bows

The Sweet Stop

The Party Stop

Stephanies Flowers

Bourne Computer Store

Gather ‘N’ Sew

Winkworth Estate Agents

Moore and Scrupps Jewellers

Bourne Bigwash

Blush Bridal

Eckfords Estate Agents

Lambourn Flooring and Interiors

Hoppers Jewellers

Dani’s of Bourne

Clarabelle's

M.Y. Lab

Paint A Pot Place

Inspire Travel by Shaun Longstaff

The Barber’s Shop

Name: Tel:

Address:

Don’t Lose Hope Gift Shop

Frankie's Cocktail Bar

Rosedale Estate Agents

Cornerstone Mortgages and Finance

Hairport

Unique & Chic

The Angel Hotel

Smiths of Bourne

Glow'n'Go Tanning Studio

Coffee 23

’Tis the Season to be Joyful!

WORDS FROM RICHARD WOOD

The partners of Double and Megson and our staff wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. We could talk of presents being of “satisfactory quality” or “fit for the purpose” under The Consumer Rights Act, but that seems a bit too formal at this time of the year. If Santa has a depot in England (I believe that he does), we are sure that his elves will have several enshrined employment rights under The Employment Rights Act. Do our youngsters have any comeback if the gifts they wanted are not delivered under the Distance Buying Regulations or is there an exemption for charitable gifts?

At Double and Megson, we have been your solicitors in Bourne for forty-six memorable years. We always take a “down to earth” approach and our clients are like our friends in many cases. On many occasions, we have received

repeated instructions from different generations in the same family. Our staff are friendly and approachable, and we enjoy working for you. Each person we work for matters and, where possible we enjoy ongoing relationships.

Empathy and sensitivity are as crucial to our clients as us knowing the law. Our approach can be distinguished as putting the client at the heart of what we do. We always strive to know your case as though it is our own and support you through sometimes complex and challenging subject matter.

In understanding what we have learned in our own lives, we try to offer an holistic approach. Being multi-disciplinary, we understand how each subject in the law fits together to protect against unnecessary risk.

The New Year may be challenging but we are here to assist you at our Bourne office.

Double & Megson

MESSAGES

Merry Christmas and happy travels

A&P TRAVEL

Don’t worry, be happy... it’s Christmas!

GORDON’S PHOTOGRAPHIC

Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2025

NORTH SHOES

Seasons greetings from us all at WINKWORTH ESTATE AGENTS

Festive

Greetings and best wishes for 2025

MOORE & SCRUPPS JEWELLERS

May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year

BLUSH BRIDAL

Christmas greetings from us all at CLARABELLES

May your Christmas be full of joy and laughter!

M.Y. LAB

Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!

PAINT A POT PLACE

Keep smiling and have a smashing Christmas

INSPIRE TRAVEL BY SHAUN

•

• Carpentry • Furniture assembly

• Fitting and repairs • Flooring and tiling

• Painting and decorating • Kitchen installation

• Doors and windows • Basic plumbing

• Locksmith

• Fixing plugs and sockets

• Bathroom renovation (ﬁtting and repairs, bath/shower siliconing, shower curtains)

• Garden maintenance and waste removal

• Wooden fence service

• Garden wooden gate installation service

We install long-lasting, high-performance and low maintenance, roofline and external cladding products.

T: 01780 917168 E: sales@frontlinefascias.co.uk www.frontlinefascias.co.uk

Our beautiful bedroom range covers everything from cool and contemporary to the classic and timeless.

High sheen finishes, natural wood veneers, mirrored doors and sliding wardrobes. The options are endless and we now manufactor for our own carcasses enabling us to offer complete flexibility when it comes to size and function. Brilliantly designed, expertly crafted, every piece of furniture is made to measure for your own room. Storage has never looked so good.

Portfolio landlords

MARKET INSIGHTS FROM

• Residential property has long been the investment choice for many in the UK, but as orginal buy-to-let landlords near retirement, a new generation must step up to meet the future demand for rental homes.

• The average age of an ‘aspirational portfolio landlord’ (landlords with between one and three properties who expressed a desire to grow their portfolios) is 37.8, with the highest proportion aged between 25 and 34 (35%).

• Family and friends with an existing

property business were a key motivatorfor 43% of next generation portfolio landlords to become landlords, followed by a desire to create long-term rental income.

• With a well documented supply shortage, 60% are investing in property because of the long-term demand for rental homes.

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, Paragon Bank

New Roofs

Flat Roofs

Tile & Slate Roofs

Leadwork

Re-pointing Chimney Stacks

All Roof Repairs

Valleys Repaired

New PVC Fascias & Gutters

Solar Panel Cleaning

Advice

Parcel Theft and Fraud – Here’s the Know-how, All Wrapped Up!

Solar Panel Bird Proofing

By Eileen Le Voi at Safe Local Trades

With almost nine in ten of us making at least one purchase online last year, online shopping has never been more popular, and parcel piracy (at it has become known) looks set to peak over the next few weeks.

Recent ﬁgures from Cambridgeshire Constabulary show some 189 porch thefts were reported to them over a 12-month period. The total reported value of the stolen items amounted to £33,729.74 and the average value of the items stolen was £178.46.

Opportunistic thieves are making off with goods, potentially worth hundreds of pounds at a time, after spotting boxes dropped off at homes by couriers during the day when their recipients are not in.

How to reduce the risk of doorstep theft:

• Track your parcel to ensure you or someone else is at home for the delivery.

• Install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile, so you are notiﬁed immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system.

• Arrange for your parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, or other family members.

• Opt for your parcel to be delivered to a secure off-site locker (Amazon and In Post are among the most popular) or arrange for your parcel to be couriered to a supermarket or post ofﬁce.

• If you agreed for your parcel to be left “in a safe place” and it’s then stolen, it’s your responsibility. However, the potential for misery can start even before the parcel is delivered.

How to spot a parcel delivery scam:

• Check the number. A scam text message will often arrive as a mobile number, rather than from an ofﬁcial source.

• Scams are often vague and won’t be speciﬁc about where the parcel is coming from, or what’s inside.

• A common way to spot a scam is spelling errors –check for mistakes or broken English. You may also see exclamation marks or strange capitalisation on fraudulent messages.

• Royal Mail will never use text or email to collect fees. If your message is from Royal Mail and it’s asking you to pay a fee, you can be sure it’s a scam.

If you receive a ‘missed parcel’ message that looks suspicious, you can report it to your mobile operator. Reporting a scam is easy – don’t open the message, just forward it to 7726, a free spam-reporting service provided by phone operators. Once reported, you can simply delete the message.

Have a very safe shopping period and wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

As the festive season descends upon us, bringing with it the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of shared meals, and the sparkle of twinkling lights, the team at W & P Legal would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This time of year often prompts reflection, a time to look back on the year that has passed and to consider the year ahead. For many of us, this reflection also includes thinking about those we love and ensuring their future well-being.

As a firm dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, we understand the importance of ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.

NICK ASH, Managing Director W&P Legal

This is why the little bit of downtime we all enjoy over the festive period is an ideal time to consider your estate planning. A well-crafted will and Lasting Power of Attorney can provide peace of mind, knowing that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones will be cared for in the event of your incapacity.

Don’t wait until the New Year to take action! Make this Christmas a time to prioritise your future and ensure your family’s security.

So, contact us today on 01778 252301 to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive estate plan that meets your unique needs.

We hope you have a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, and may the New Year bring you health, happiness, and peace of mind.

Christmas

MESSAGES

Eat, drink and be merry at Christmas time

HARRISON & DUNN

Keep rocking around the Christmas Tree!

MOVEITORLOSEIT

Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2025

ECKFORDS ESTATE AGENTS

Seasons greetings from us all at

LAMBOURN FLOORING AND INTERIORS

Festive Greetings and best wishes for 2025

HOPPERS JEWELLERS

May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year

DOUBLE AND MEGSON

May your Christmas be full of joy and laughter!

KUDOS

Keep smiling and have a smashing Christmas

FITZGERALDS BEDS

Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!

ROSEDALE ESTATE AGENTS

Christmas greetings from us all at

CORNERSTONE MORTGAGE AND FINANCE

your windows or conservatory

Silicone Hero

Is your silicone suffering from mould or not looking its best?

Silicone Hero specialises in the removal of old unsightly silicone and resealing with brand new high quality sanitary grade silicone - give your bathroom a new lease of life and keeping it mould-free to avoid costly water damage and leaks.

FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE Contact us for a free quote 07757322013 info@siliconehero.co.uk

www.siliconehero.co.uk

Decluttering? Would you like your garage back? Downsizing? Keeping papers for 7 years in the loft? Between houses? Simply need a ‘lock up’?

if 24 weeks paid for in advance

Christmas

MESSAGES

Eat, drink and be merry at Christmas time

HAIRPORT

Festive Greetings and best wishes for 2025

UNIQUE AND CHIC

May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year

23 COFFEE

Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2025

THE ANGEL HOTEL

May your Christmas be full of joy and laughter!

SMITHS OF BOURNE

Wishing you a Christmas that’s merry and bright!

LINCS GARAGE DOOR

Don’t worry, be happy... it’s Christmas!

LONGSTAFF

Merry Fitmass

SMART-FITT

BOOTCAMP CLASS

THURLBY

Merry

Christmas FROM THE DISCOVERING MAGAZINES TEAM

Email: enquiries@tradelinkinstallations.co.uk

Words from the Mayor

Another very enjoyable month of being Mayor and meeting new people. We attended a quiz being held by the Mayor of Raunds. Not going to say how we did, but we did get some wooden spoons!

Then, along with many others, I attended the annual Len Pick talk. This year, it was given by Amar Latif, a wonderful and inspirational man who, at the age of eighteen, woke up blind. This has not held him back in life and he has gone on to do amazing things, like cross Nicaragua with ten others who also had varying disabilities; this was filmed by the BBC. He also appeared on “MasterChef” and has started his own travel company for the visually impaired.

On November 2nd, I had the honour of opening Bourne Fireworks, the first time it has been held on the Wellhead. Thank you to Bourne United Charities for allowing this to be held in such a wonderful setting. Thanks also to Bourne Round Table and Bourne Abbey Primary Academy PTFA for the event’s organisation, and all the many local businesses that sponsored the event so that it could happen. If you were there, I hope like me, that you thought that this year’s show was amazing. It took over one hundred hours by local firm, Illuminatus, to put the display together!

On Sunday 10th, it was Remembrance Day, where so many of us in Bourne were all gathered to pay our respects to those who had fallen in World Wars One and Two. Sadly, there have been several other conflicts in the world since, where we have lost our brave men and women. We remember and thank them too. I hope you all manged to go and see the poppy display in Bourne Abbey Church - a fantastic display with so many people making poppies.

Councillor Helen Crawford

Do not forget the Bourne Christmas Fayre being held on December 7th. I hope to see you there, especially for the turning on of the lights and to support our ‘High Street businesses’.

It will for be a hard and stressful time for many families who are struggling financially this year.

If you are able, please support by donating, however big or small, to those charities who will be helping those families, as every little contribution does help.

It leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year.

MORRIS SOFTENERS LTD

Matters

We bring you items of interest for your home and community. If there is something you’d like us to cover or you have something to say please get in touch with Tori : 01778 421427 or 07837 499061 sales@discoveringmagazines.co.uk

‘Ladies in Pink’ Come Together to Raise Breast Care Awareness

Paula Harding, Coordinator of the Carers Sitter Service, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Following surgery to remove the cancer, (“lumpectomy”) it was identified that a second operation was necessary to remove all the lymph nodes in her arm (“axillary clearance”), as the cancer had already started to spread.

Thankfully, after being given the all-clear, and with no chemotherapy required, Paula then had a couple of months of healing before receiving radiotherapy, and, at the point of writing, now looks forward to moving on cancer-free!

Paula’s friends/colleagues from Carers Sitter Service (CSS), Dementia Support South Lincs (DSSL), and Wake House have rallied round and supported her throughout the year. Along with Paula’s daughters, and as a thank you to Breast Care Nurses, they got together on ‘Wear

it Pink Day’, October 18th, and raised £500.

It was a fun day, with music, chatter, goody bags, a raffle and, of course, pink cake (baked specially by Kate Marshal DSSL). They were joined by a couple of the Breast Care nurses, (Nikita Copestake and Elizabath Stapleton) with their demo breasts who showed all the ladies how to be ‘Breast Aware’.

Third Place for The Bowthorpe Oak in National Contest

Congratulations to our area’s most famous tree which has recently been voted third in this year’s Tree of the Year contest, run by The Woodland Trust. The 1,000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak is to be found at Bowthorpe Park Farm, just off the Bourne to Stamford road, near Manthorpe. The ancient, hollow tree, which is reputed to have once had three dozen people standing inside it, came third with 14% of the public vote.

The Skipinnish Oak tree in Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands, won 21% of the public vote in the competition, which shortlisted a dozen ancient and veteran oak trees across

the UK. It narrowly beat the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury which secured 20% of the votes.

The public were given the chance to vote on twelve trees on the theme of magnificent oaks. According to the Woodland Trust, oaks can live more than 1,500 years and support 2,300 species of wildlife, and the UK boasts more ancient oaks than the rest of Western Europe combined.

We offer highly qualified Financial Advice on a wide range of planning areas including: Investments ✦ Pensions Mortgages ✦ Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney ✦ Inheritance Tax Business Planning ✦ Cashflow Modelling

Our goal is to build long-term relationships with every one of our clients. We take the time to get to know our clients and to understand their objectives and priorities. We know that the world of financial services is complex and can sometimes feel daunting. We will work for you in simplifying the process and we will communicate with you in terms that you will understand.

If you would like to speak to one of our advisers regarding any of these areas of financial planning, then please contact our office to arrange a FREE initial discussion as follows:

Phone: 01778 342291

Email: advice@liberty-partnership.co.uk www.liberty-partnership.co.uk

Wills

Why do I need a will?

Wills are important to ensure that your assets pass to those you would like. If you are not married, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate.

If you have children, you can also use a will to nominate guardians to ensure they are looked after if the worst may happen.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

What are they?

Lasting Powers of Attorneys (LPAs) are documents that allow someone that you nominate as your attorney, to deal with your financial or health affairs on your behalf.

These are used when you lose mental capacity but must be created while you can still make decisions. If you do not create these in time, then unfortunately the solution is more costly and time consuming.

Probate

What is it?

When a person sadly passes away, some banks and institutes require a Grant of Probate to enable you to collect in their assets. If you are selling a house, a solicitor will require this to complete the sale.

We are licensed to assist with the probate application on your behalf, as well as distribute the estate, making everything simpler at this difficult time.

HOUSE REMOVALS BY

DEEPING CAR & VAN HIRE BOX SHOP

Are you looking to move house ?

Look no further than our professional, affordable and reliable house removal service

Rest assured all of your items will be fully protected ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.

✓ Dedicated team of removers

✓ Dedicated vehicles

✓ Protective equipment always used

✓ Professional uniformed staff

Call our friendly team now for a free quotation

Let us take the stress out of moving

We have a brand new box shop open providing all your packaging and material needs.

We sell the following items:

✓ Boxes ✓ Wardrobe Boxes

✓ Bubble Wrap ✓ Wrapping Paper

✓ Tapes ✓All other accessories

Available to purchase individually or as a bundle.

Feel free to pop into our shop or alternatively give us a call.

Chapel Motor Repairs Ltd

•

Vans

The Cedars Donates to The Carers Sitter Service

The Cedars Care Home in Bourne recently presented The Carers Sitter Service with a cheque for £1,000. Staff from Central Co-op Funeral Care and The Cedars Care Home, along with staff and friends of The Cedars, took part in a ten mile walk around Bourne and the surrounding villages on September 28th. The aim was to raise money for The Carers Sitter Service, a local charity that provides

free respite support and home sitting for people who are restricted because of the 24-hour care they are providing for dependent relatives and friends.

The care home welcomed volunteers from the service to a presentation evening with the fundraisers, and gave them a tour of the home, over delicious homemade treats from head chef Richard.

I’m Gareth, owner of Stamford Property Maintenance. With over thirty years of experience as an electrician, I’ve made it my mission to bring dependable, high-quality property services to Stamford, Deeping, Bourne, and the surrounding area. Fully insured and NICEIC accredited, I work with local homeowners and businesses to keep things running smoothly and safely, whether it’s rewiring, installations, testing, or smaller troubleshooting jobs.

I live in Stamford with my wife, Cheryl, and our lively dog, Dolly. When I’m not with clients, I like to unwind at the local

Rebecca Aldred, Senior General Manager at The Cedars, said, “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities. The Carers Sitter Service does incredible work supporting people in our area, and we are thrilled that we were able to support them with this year’s memory walk, which was organised by us, with David Fawcett and Terry Dewey from R.J Scholes Funeral Service and supported by Wendy Cameron from Option B Bereavement Group. We are proud to say that we have raised £1,000 for this wonderful charity”.

Troubleshooting, fault finding and repairs

● EICR and PAT testing

● Handyman services

● Locksmith

gym, and when I find some downtime, you’ll often spot me behind a camera lens or flying my drone, capturing new perspectives of our beautiful area.

In addition to electrical work, I offer a range of handyman services to tackle essential

property upkeep and repairs, from fixing cracks and holes to clearing gutters and everything in-between. I also provide locksmith services, like lock repairs and replacements. Whether it’s a quick fix or a major project, I’m here to make life a little easier!

Sales surge 23%

Sales agreed boosted by nearly a quarter

Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023

BY REGION

28% East Midlands

28% East of England

26% North West

26% South East

26% West Midlands

23% Outer London

22% Yorkshire & the Humber

21% North East

20% Inner London

20% Isle of Man

20% South West

20% Wales

18% Northern Ireland

16%

Scotland

MARKET INSIGHTS FROM

• Falling mortgage rates are helping boost sales levels. There are 332,200 sales agreed across the UK in Q3 2024. 23% above the same period last year.

• While 2023 was a low base to compare with, Q3 2024 sales were also 7% ahead of the same quarter in 2019 (a stronger year for companion purposes).

• Average two and five-year fixed rates fell to 5% and 4.5% respectively

over September. There rates are now at their lowest since April and May 2023.

• All regions saw an annual increase in sales, with the East of England and East Midlands leading with 28% rises. The supply of properties for sale also rose 456,902 up 9% year-onyear and its highest level in the six years.

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, TwentiCi, Bank of England