Offords Out & About April - May 2022

April - May 2022

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Welcome Welcome to this edition of Out and About (O&A), the Offord Village Magazine. It aims to promote the community by sharing village news and useful contacts. In addition to the printed edition delivered to every home in the Offords, an on-line full colour edition can be accessed via the village websites.

We encourage new contributors with a story to tell. Articles are accepted from organizations and individuals so long as they are not political or offensive. We welcome photographs, news stories and poems from villagers. It should be noted, however, that some articles may represent the opinions of the writer and not represent the opinions or views of the editors.

Reader submissions are published in good faith with the intention of creating an inclusive publication. We may need to defer entries if we receive too many at once. Contributions are included free of charge. You can contact the editorial team via offordOandA@gmail.com Most of the cost of production is covered by the revenue from advertising and we are grateful to our loyal advertisers. Production costs are also supplemented by an annually reviewed grant from the Parish Council.

Out and About is delivered free of charge because a willing team of volunteers brave the elements come rain or shine to bring it to your door.

We hope you find something to interest you in this edition.

UKRANIAN APPEAL FUND. On behalf of All Saints Church, The Offords, I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the Bacon and Butties morning in the Village Hall on the 5th March and who gave so generously.

All proceeds and donations, which totalled £500.00, went to the Red Cross in aid of the Ukranian Appeal Fund. A fantastic result!

Thank you, John Storey

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te a d p U t c je o r P e f All Saints Wildli Winter is now behind us and Spring has sprung. The masses of snowdrops in the churchyard made a joyous appearance and gave an outstanding display this year.

In the autumn we planted English Bluebell bulbs and Wild Daffodils to add to the spring beauty. Both of these flowers are native to England and happily naturalize and spread if the conditions are right.

The yellow trumpets of daffodils brighten up the dullest spring day during March and April. Wild Daffodils were once abundant and hand-picked for markets. This wildflower is now much rarer, having declined during the 19th century as a result of habitat loss.

The Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) has narrow, grey-green leaves and a familiar daffodil flower, but with pale yellow petals surrounding a darker yellow trumpet; this two-tone look is one way to tell them apart from their garden relatives. The Wild daffodil is also relatively short and forms clumps, carpeting the ground.

Also commonly known as the 'Lent Lily' for its This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed long association with Easter celebrations, the Wild daffodil got its Latin name, Narcissus, from an Ancient Greek myth. Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, becoming so obsessed that he fell in and drowned.

The nodding head of the Wild Daffodil embodies Narcissus bending over the water and it's said that the first flower sprang from where he died.

At this time of year, birds will be busy making nests in readiness for the breeding season and we are hopeful our new bird boxes will be chosen as nest sites. A good indication of this was when a blue tit was spotted investigating a bird box located in the wildlife area on a large tree.

Various wildflower seeds were sown during autumn and more will be sown this spring to provide food for pollinating insects and bees we hope to attract. These included borage, cornflowers, corn marigolds, foxgloves and poppies.

More progress has been made clearing graves of ivy and nettles during the winter months. We are experimenting with replanting areas with plants like oxeye daisies which, if the rabbits leave alone, will self seed and spread making an attractive display.

We invite you to take a walk through the churchyard and enjoy the spring flowers.

Fiona Fitzhugh (07972163887) 5

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n o i t a i c o s s A s ord Gardener

April & May

By the time this edition is printed we would have held our Spring Show, the first for two years. I will report on how well it went in the next edition.

The February meeting was our first meeting of the year, and most members felt able to attend and renew their membership.

We would like to finalise our membership list and I would ask if you wish to renew your membership (£10 per person per year), please could you let us know as soon as possible. New members are always welcome.

As the show is in April, we do not hold a monthly meeting. Our next monthly meeting is on May 19th 2022, and the subject is ‘Climate Change, Sustainable and Carbon Neutral Gardening’. Non members welcome to come as a visitor, with the monthly competition ‘Flowering Shrub’.

We are affiliated to the RHS and are here to help with your garden queries.

ENJOY YOUR GARDENING John 811148

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The Horseshoe Inn Offord D’Arcy 01480 810293 The Pub Garden is now all set for the Spring and Summer The Pods seat 8 for Drinks or 6 for Food comfortably.

Sunday Carvery is now in full flow, and we recommend you book at least two weeks in advance to save disappointment.

If any of you Teenagers are looking for some weekend work, Running Food and Drinks, etc, over the Spring/Summer Please give us a call, you must have a NI Number.

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CONTACT US FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE OFFORD VILLAGE HALL HIRE Offord Village Hall is available for hire for all types of functions: Wedding Receptions, Christenings, Private parties etc.

The Hall has disabled access and facilities and comprises of: a large main hall with a stage, refurbished kitchen, bar, separate committee room and a car park.

The hall is licensed for music.

Daytime rates are priced per hour (minimum 2 hours) with reduced rates for regular users.

Weekend evening rates available on request.

For further details please contact For further details (including availability, hiring process and rates) please visit our website www.offordvillagehall.org.uk or contact our Bookings Secretary Helen Bosworth on 01480 811892 or email bookings@offordvillagehall.org.uk 11

OFFORD VILLAGE HALL 300+ CLUB (OFFORD RECREATION HUT) Registered charity no. 302653 The 300+ Club has been part of the village for many years and it raises funds for the maintenance of Offord Village Hall.

Approximately half the money collected goes to provide cash prizes and the remainder is used for the running of the hall.

Now the Hall has reopened, as restrictions have lifted, and most groups are back in the hall, the monthly draws are taking place once again at village clubs and events.

The new year for the 300+ club draws begins in March and, so far, most people have re-joined so we will continue with 4 prizes a month for ten months and a top prize of £125 twice a year.

Thank you to all the members who support this draw and to those who help to collect and recruit. Good luck to everyone.

We can always add new shares, so if you have not joined and wish to do so, please contact Helen Bosworth on 811892 or Jenny Murby on 811474 for further details.

WINNERS JANUARY £ 20 No. £ 15 No. £ 10 No. £ 5 No.

324 114 191 112

Hilary Moorbey Sarah Hogben Malcolm Reece Rebecca Washington

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FEBRUARY £ 20 No. 203 £ 15 No. 317 £ 10 No. 002 £ 5 No. 252

Brian Cook Peter Hawkins Tony Bosworth Michael Day

b u l C s n e z i t i C r o i n e S d r o f f O Unfortunately, in line with the other village clubs, we decided to cancel our January meeting when the Covid figures were escalating.

However, we were able to go ahead with our February meeting and we had a lovely evening. For supper our members had a choice of homemade soups followed by desserts. We had a few games of Beetle drive, with prizes, to finish off the evening.

Our meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the Village Hall, Offord Cluny at 6.30pm. If you would like to come along you would be made very welcome.

For further information please contact Marlene Alderman on 01480 810609 or Sue Barimore on 01480 810763.

b u l C y a d s r u Th Hello Everyone, We have been meeting in the Village Hall again since early February. Twenty eight members attended our return meeting and we celebrated with a sandwich lunch. The club hired a table at the table top sale. It was a good afternoon and we made money for our funds.

Thursday Club meets in the Village Hall every Thursday from 12 to 2pm. It is a social club for any gender and any age.

Visitors are very welcome. £1 a session entitles you to light refreshments and a convivial two hours.

Doreen Rowbury 811025 Sheila Reece 812238 13

l l a H e g a l l i V Offord You may have noticed that we have a new sign outside the Village Hall. It was designed by one of our trustees, Rebecca, and is a large version of our logo with our website details underneath. It looks very smart now at the front of the building which has also had the varnish refreshed and the railings repainted.

It reflects the welcome you will find inside Offord Village Hall.

With maintenance of the hall in mind we would like to bring your attention to the heating in the hall. Unfortunately, as everyone will be aware, energy prices have risen drastically over the last month and are set to carry on increasing.

We try to keep the heating on low in the hall. However, we understand that groups who may be sitting for their meetings may find the need to turn the thermostat up, but please can you return it to 18 degrees at the end of your session. We need to try to keep the costs down and help do our bit for the environment. There is no point heating an empty space.

Our fundraising programme started in February with the Table-top sale. It was a great success and apart from being able to buy such a fantastic variety of goods everyone was pleased to get out and meet up again for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Thank you to the excellent cake makers who produced such a yummy variety. The only thing against us was the weather which unfortunately is something we have no control over!

We would like to invite members of the village and their families to join us for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Tea Party being held on the afternoon of Sunday June 5th. This is a chance to celebrate 70 years on the throne for our Queen Elizabeth II. Afternoon tea and entertainment will be provided, with music from the Melody Beats, face painting and a demonstration from our local line dancers ‘Feet to the Beat’. Come along for this royal event and be ready to sing along and wave your flags with patriotic fervour.

We are a very busy community facility, which relies on the support of our trustees to make sure we can maintain such a valuable asset. On the lighter side we are a friendly bunch and have a lot of fun getting together and putting on events. If you think you might be interested in joining the Trustee body, please contact me for more information secretary@offordvillagehall.org.uk 14

Make the most of the events on offer at Offord Village Hall now that all the Covid restrictions have been lifted. It is a chance to meet safely, make friends and enjoy yourself. There is such a variety in the programme that there will be something for everyone.

Helen Ellis, Secretary, Offord Village Hall CALENDAR OF EVENTS FAMILY DISCO Friday April 8th 5:00pm – 9pm A chance for all the family to get together. Magic Show, games and prizes, balloon modelling from NonStop Kids entertainment. Food available from Pringles Pizza. Licenced bar.

Tickets £5 per person £15 family ticket (2 adults + 2 children). www.ticketsource.co.uk or from Rebecca on 07734253136.

A MURDER MYSTERY Saturday May 7th 7:30pm – 10:30pm Join the Strictly Murder team who will help you uncover the murder scene. Throughout the evening, clues will be revealed so that you can play along as detectives to find out whodunnit! A supper will be included in the ticket price of £15. A licenced bar will also be provided. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk or Helen 07860507733 PRIZE BINGO Friday May 13th Eyes down 7:30pm. Free entry and refreshments.

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE TEA PARTY Sunday June 5th 2pm – 6pm An afternoon of celebrations for members of the village and their families. Includes afternoon tea, dancing to the Melody Beats, with a children’s crown making competition, and face painting. Come and join us for this unique celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

MIDSUMMER BALL Saturday June 18th 7:30PM – Midnight Live entertainment from the HUMS Big Band. An opportunity to get your posh frocks out! A licenced bar will be provided. Further details to follow.

A TABLE-TOP SALE Sunday September 4th 12 noon until 3pm. Tables £6 Refreshments will be available to purchase. This is an opportunity to recycle some of your unwanted or outgrown items or to sell something handmade.

Crafters welcome. For enquiries or to reserve a table email: kathymillward@hotmail.com 15

BEER FESTIVAL Saturday September 24th This popular event will include some Ciders and Gins. Live entertainment. Food will be available to purchase. Further details to follow.

QUIZ NIGHT Saturday October 15th 7:30pm for a prompt 7:45pm start. Bring your own food and drink. Tickets £5 Teams of up to six people (can be made up on the night).

HALLOWEEN HOOTENANY Saturday October 29th 7:30pm – 11pm. A Barn Dance for all ages. Dancing to Ceilidh band ‘Passerida’ whose callers will get you dancing like a professional! A Ploughman’s supper is included in the ticket price of £12.50p. A licenced bar will also be provided.

PRIZE BINGO Friday November 18th Eyes down 7:30pm Free entry and refresments.

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Saturday December 17th 7:30pm – 11pm Dancing to the popular Melody Beats. Put on your dancing shoes to start the Christmas season. Or simply sit back and enjoy the music. Refreshments and a licenced bar will be provided. Further details to follow.

QUIZ NIGHT Saturday January 21st, 2023. 7:30pm for a prompt 7:45pm start.

Bring your own food and drink. Tickets £5 Teams of up to six people (can be made up on the night).

STOP PRESS FILM NIGHTS – We have joined Creative Arts East which allows us to borrow more up to date equipment for screening films. We will use a new projector and high standard large screen. Our first film night for several years is ‘Dream Horse’ on Friday May 20th at 7:30pm. This film tells the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by a small town Welsh bartender. It stars Toni Colette and Damien Lewis and is rated PG. Tickets are £5 available from www.ticketsource.co.uk or on the door.

All events are subject to change. You can find more details of all the above events with ticket prices and how to get them by visiting our website www.offordvillagehall.org.uk.

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y t i r e V d n a d Farmers E Hello everyone!

Farmers Ed and Verity here. Sorry to have missed you all in the last couple of editions, but it has been a busy few months for us with all the animals.

We have had a successful first lambing group in early February – and many of you may have seen the young lambs skipping around in the village field.

Thankfully the weather was very kind throughout lambing itself, and although the days were cold at times, the sun shone and this meant we could safely turn the young lambs and ewes out into the field. Some news we must share – we had quads, and all born alive and well!

The ewes and lambs have now been moved to Diddington where they will hopefully spend the summer months grazing together. The eagle eyed among you may have noticed that there are once again cattle in the village field – soon to hopefully be joined by their own new additions.

We start lambing our second group at the end of March, so fingers crossed the weather is kind once more. This second group has all our shearling ewes within it – this means that they have not yet had a lamb, so it is their first time. Usually, mother nature kicks in and all is well, but sometimes these ewes need assistance and extra care to ensure they bond well with their lambs.

We hope everyone has a lovely Easter period, and is able to get out and about enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

Ed & Verity

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Pilates with K Fit in Offord!

With a focus on stretch, strength, mobility and control, Pilates exercises can help you ease back ache, improve posture and strengthen the core muscles in a gentle and calm environment. K Fit has been established in St Neots since 2011 and is very excited to reach the Offord community.

Class Details: Wednesday mornings at Offord Village Hall 11am-12pm These classes will be held as 6 week courses through term times, Course price: £48 These classes will be held with a maximum of 12 participants to ensure there is enough floor space and good quality teaching. Prior booking is essential; please get in contact to reserve your space.

Katrina Hyland Head of K Fit 07967100603 Kdanceandfitness@gmail.com www.kdanceandfitness.co.uk

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June Lee Chiropodist / Podiatrist Bsc(Hons) HCPC Registered, MChS Nail Cutting, Corn/Callus Removal, Ingrowing Toe Nails, Verrucae, Biochemical Complaints, Generalised Foot Pains, Diabetic Foot Care Home Visiting Service Only

Over 14 Years NHS Experience Friendly & Professional

Tel: 01480 214392 / 07947 371107

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JEZ ASHCROFT LTD All your decorating needs including: Coving, Decorating (Internal), Drylining & Plastering, FREE ESTIMATES Please Call

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D.K.TILL & Son in Law COAL AND SOLID FUEL MERCHANTS Family run business for 40 years Coal, Logs, Charcoal, Gas, Compost TEL: 01223 232947 David Till 07523 044521 Kevin Crisp Email: dktill@hotmail.co.uk

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Out & About THE OFFORDS GAZETTE

Please note our advertising charges. This magazine is issued every two months and the cost per issue is:

Full page - £18.00 Half page - £ 10.00 For further information or to place orders for advertising please phone Sue Dorrington on 07724 553101 Or email sue _dorrington@hotmail.co.uk 26

• Bakery • Hot Food • Milkshake Machine • Lottery in Offord • Cash Machine - free to use • Costa Machine Tel: 01480 819602 • Quality Produce • Fresh brands such as Grasmere Sausages & Pies

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Offord Tots Hi all, We've had another few fun weeks at Offord Tots. We've decorated Valentine's Day cupcakes, made Mother’s day craft and finished the term with lots of Easter fun! We even had a special present from the Easter bunny to be given to the children! It's so lovely watching the children play and develop their friendships.

We are closed for the Easter break on the 8th and 15th April and then back open on the 22nd April.

Unfortunately, we are having to increase our prices to £3 per family as the Village Hall are increasing their hire fees.

This is our first increase since 2016 so we've introduced a special offer of four visits for £10! As always, it includes hot drinks for you and snacks for the children.

As we move towards the summer, we will have special craft for the Queen’s Jubilee and there will be a chance for the children starting school in the September to try on their uniform to gauge sizes. The Offord PTA will also pop by to sell second hand uniform in June. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for specific dates.

As always, all children under five are welcome with their parent/carer!

Thanks Nikki

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e t u t i t s n I s n e m Offord Wo Our WI has just held its Annual General Meeting during which we elect a Committee for the coming year. Fortunately, several members, including the President, have agreed to stand again. But we hear warning bells that next year we shall need to find replacements. Being on the Committee can be fun and you certainly get to know people. There are various set jobs that are allocated, but you can also just be a general contributor. So, if you have bright ideas to share and enjoy organising events, please think about offering a little of your time. Just mention your interest to any of the committee.

After the formal meeting was over, we enjoyed a practical session called Fun With Science. Pat King brought along lots of experiments that we could all take part in. Very noisy and messy – but great fun. We made spoons sing, paper cups bark like dogs and mixed enough bicarbonate to grout a bathroom!! Where else could you get such entertainment?

We have managed only a few speakers in the last troubled year, but all of them have been fantastic. It certainly hasn’t been an easy time to be the Speakers Secretary and we thank ours for arranging, cancelling and then re-arranging such a variety of interesting evenings.

We now look forward to the following twelve months’ programme including an outing to Shuttleworth House and the Swiss Garden for the daffodil festival.

For further information call Carol Temple on 01480 812879 Or email caroltemple51@gmail.com

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All Saints Church

A message from All Saints Church

Watching the news coverage of the invasion and war in Ukraine has me expressing various emotions. I am frequently struggling to put thoughts in order. The news coverage from Ukraine has me robbed of words it has felt on some days. This reaction also reminds me of, or keeps me coming back to, one particular line from the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans in the New Testament, that is: Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words (Romans 8:26). When we pray we are not reliant on ourselves to form our prayer but on the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit is praying through us. I know that in prayer God inside is praying to God beyond me. God is helping in my weakness, as I do not know how to pray as I ought.

We have practical, financial, pastoral ways which can help Ukrainians. We can pray, also. I believe that prayer is never wasted, never unheard. We might pray articulately and with good words…and the Holy Spirit intercedes through us, but we can also give up on finding the words to express our horror at what is being done…and the Holy Spirit intercedes through us, just the same. In the Lord's Prayer, when we pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done we pray that this is on earth, as well as in heaven; God's kingdom is all about peace and love, on earth, as well as in heaven. If you know the Lord's Prayer and would pray this each day, you are praying for peace and love, on earth. Jesus was all about peace, and he told us that we should love each other, and love our enemies. At All Saints Church we follow Jesus and are grateful that however far we step away from his way we know that he is the way, and the truth, and the life, and he makes it easy to look up, and get back into his companionable presence.

A prayer for Ukraine Loving God, to you no one is a stranger, no one is far from you, no one is ever distant from your love. In your love and kindness watch over refugees and exiles, over those left behind, over those who have invaded, and those who are invaded. Watch over the orphaned, the newly born, the wounded, the dispossessed, and all who are in trouble, welcome the souls of the departed. Have mercy on those who have lost home, friends, family, those who have lost everything. That your divine compassion may heal and bring peace, we pray to you. Amen.

God bless, lots of love, Fr David Sheppard Parish Priest of Buckden with the Offords http://www.stmarysbuckden.org.uk/ https://allsaintsoffordcluny.wordpress.com/ 07792128503 (day off: Friday) We pray to be generous and visible people of Jesus Christ https://www.elydiocese.org/about/strategy/vision/ 31

We have planned fund raising and social events through to the end of 2022. Fingers crossed that they can all go ahead.

Events calendar 2022 All events in the Village Hall unless noted otherwise April May

16th 7th 21st June 11th 25th July 16th August 13th Sept 4th October 2nd 15th Nov 5th 26/27th Dec 2nd

Bacon Butties & Hot Cross Buns Plant Sale Bacon Butties Bacon Butties Village Fete Bacon Butties Bacon Butties BBQ 17 Elm Drive Harvest Lunch Bacon Butties Bacon Butties & Hot Dogs Christmas Tree Festival Band Concert in the Church

10am - 12 10am - 2pm (unless sold out earlier) 10am - 12 10am - 12 at Offord Primary School 10am - 12 10am - 12 12 noon (Tickets in advance) 12 noon - 2pm 10am - 12 10am - 12 12 noon - 4pm 8pm (Tickets in advance)

We are delighted to be working with Offord Primary School to hold a village fete on the school site, with profits split between All Saints Church and the school. Together we aim to provide a great fete for all ages. More information in the next edition.

All are welcome at All Saints Inside the church, being cautious and responsible, many still wear masks as we sit, move around the church and sing. Always feel welcome to come in and join us. If you love to sing you might like our Songs of Praise evenings when we choose and sing lots of favourite hymns – old and modern.

ALL SAINTS SERVICES APRIL/MAY 2022 3rd April

15th April 17th April 24th April

9:30am Family Service – followed by refreshments, and 10:30am Annual Church Meetings 9:30am Holy Communion on Palm Sunday 6:00pm Holy Communion with Stations of the Cross (at St Peter’s Offord Darcy) 9:00am Service for Good Friday 9:30am Holy Communion for Easter 9:30am Holy Communion

1st May 8th May 15th May 22nd May 29th May

9:30am Family Service 9:30am Holy Communion 9:30am Songs of Praise 9:30am Holy Communion 9:30am Morning Prayer

10th April 12th April

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Please help us to keep our village church alive.

Throughout the pandemic we have been more reliant than ever on donations and thank all those who would normally give to the collection at services but who have set up electronic payments or saved in their collection boxes. If your collection box is full of coins, please contact Bob Bargh 810237 or John Storey 810763 and someone will collect the box from you.

We do not receive financial help from the Diocese, the Church of England or any other body. As we struggle to raise funds to replace the roof we also have to raise money to heat and maintain the building and pay our share of running costs. We are not too proud to beg and were greatly encouraged by donations from the village when Father Christmas visited us all in December. Some of you gave using the website ‘Give a little’. You can find a link to this on our website and on the All Saints Offord pages on ‘A church near you’.

We have a QR code you can scan if you are reading out & about in the paper version. Lots of us do.

The site offers you a choice of donation amounts £1 / £3 / £5 or an option to name your amount.

If you feel you can ‘give a little’ to All Saints it will bring us a step nearer to a new roof and will help keep the church running for worship and for when you or your family and friends need it. Church is for everyone. It’s not a private members club.

Thank you.

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All Saints Church – Contact details Priest in Charge: Fr. David Sheppard fr.davidowainsheppard@gmail.com Mobile: 07792 128503 Church Warden John Simpkin 01480 819664 warden.offord@yahoo.com Mobile: 07904 617973

Church Warden & Webmaster Sue Dorrington offordallsaints@gmail.com Mobile: 07724 553101

Fundraising & social events: John Storey johnlstorey35@gmail.com Stephen Eayrs stepheneayrs@btinternet.com Bob Bargh barghrobert921@gmail.com Helen Northrop helen.northrop1@btinternet.com Mandy Eayrs mandyeayrs@btinternet.com Elizabeth Simpkin lizsimpkin@msn.com Church Website: Facebook Page: A Church Near You:

https://allsaintsoffordcluny.wordpress.com https://m.facebook.com/AllSaintsOfford https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13931/

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All Saints Offord D’Arcy and Offord Cluny – Annual Report Objective: To further the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. In short: to work together in building up the body of Christ in this place and beyond. To follow Jesus, and raise the profile of justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

Management: The parish church of All Saints is run by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) along with the Priest in Charge, Revd David Sheppard. In addition to the Priest in Charge, the members of the PCC for 2021 were as follows: John Simpkin and Sue Dorrington (Churchwardens), Liz Simpkin (Secretary), Mandy Eayrs (Treasurer), Stephen Eayrs, Helen Manning, Jenny Murby, Helen Northrop, Cynthia Rowbury, John Storey, and Robert Bargh.

2021 at All Saints: Welcome to the All Saints report of a year that involved significant change. I joined the benefice some way through the year and so for me first hand knowledge of ministry here is limited to under half the reported year of 2021. I have heard, though, a lot about the first part of the year and how well supported you were during the relatively short vacancy between parish priests.

All Saints has been moving slowly back towards worship in the form it took before the pandemic through a series of sound decisions which combined practicality, necessity, and compassion. We have a long way to go but good progress has been made.

The work of the churchwardens, John and Sue, ensure the church is well and safely used. This is very much appreciated. In this effort they are supported by others; bells are rung, music is programmed into a box for services, the maintenance of the church and churchyard is effective, fundraising is effective (albeit hampered until the Autumn of 2021) and I am grateful to a number of people who work very hard in these areas.

Since the vacancy began, and continuing today, the churchwardens have a weekly meeting with their counterparts in St Mary’s, Buckden, to offer support and continuity across the benefice. There are many opportunities for worship and fellowship, prayer and praise, in services across the benefice of these two villages. I encourage everyone to make the journey across river and rail from either starting point, Offords or Buckden. By doing so we live out our Christian witness more fully as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The way we have had to live, and adapt, continues to affect worship - for example the emergence of the Omicron variant in the Autumn led to changes but thankfully more adaptation than cancellation of services.

The churchwardens and PCC made difficult decisions regarding how to proceed, and for which I am grateful.

The services in Advent and Christmas were well attended, albeit with many being understandably cautious about returning to church with Covid isolation rules necessitating isolation if the virus was caught. The Christingle services were cancelled as were refreshments after the December brass band concert.

We aim for a return to numbers in the congregation pre-pandemic, and beyond that to a growth in the congregation. The work of 2021, a year of two parish priests, of farewell to one and welcome to another, has seen progress. To grow in holiness, reaching into our community, as well as bringing people into the body of Christ as it gathers in All Saints, is our direction I hope and pray.

Within the benefice the daily office of morning and evening prayer is typically held in Buckden (with of course anyone welcome to attend whichever village they live in) but the prayers encompass the Offords and beyond, always. I am in the Offords, sometimes with my dog, during the week and always pray in and for the village and people and their needs known and unknown to me. If you would like to pray with me always say so! I hope the richness of this life of prayer, a love of Jesus in heart and mind will move more people to go deeper into God and deeper into their relations with others. In All Saints, in the profound and healing grace of the blessed sacrament in Holy Communion as well as in services of the Word, I hope you join us to go deeper into a relationship with God. The prohibition on congregational singing was lifted during 2021 which was a delight and a relief. We have sung since late July wearing facemasks. Steamed up spectacles aside, this has been acceptable for many, and a practical and pastoral reaction to the fluctuating levels of covid19. My thanks, for their hard work and dedication, go to the members of Angel Voices and their director Chris Bylett for his hard work in composing, arranging and rehearsing music. Monthly All Age services are well regarded for their distinctive - Angel Voices led - music. All worship is, can and should be all age, but it is good to keep one service a month explicitly signposted as such. Chris has led a number of the Songs of Praise services recently and I am grateful to him and Angel Voices for their commitment to worship in both of the benefice’s churches.

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On the parish profile I read, before my application for the post of priest in charge, that a focus is on bible based preaching and teaching. One way I made this a priority to honour from the outset was moving to three readings from the lectionary each week in Sunday services. I aim to use all, an Old Testament, a New Testament (usually from one of the epistles) and the Gospel reading, in my sermon. I write a considered reflection on the week's gospel reading for the pewsheet to add to this.

I am extremely grateful for the work of Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs), Chris Bylett and Richard Noble, and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs), Ann Brittain and Roger Cresswell, and retired clergy, the Revd Peter Taylor and the Revd Miles Falla. Miles Falla is much in demand at other local churches where he is well loved, so am especially grateful! Fr Peter has also been a most practical and spiritual support in 2021; to single out two instances I would have to say how much the congregation appreciated his Christmas Day sermon, and the continuing commitment to preach and lead the service of Remembrance in November.

Moving forward I would like us to look at the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources, particularly as we are very much encouraged to do so by the Church of England, and LLF has come out of the national church. It would be good to have conversations, listening to different and differing views. LLF project is intended to facilitate such conversations that can be fed back eventually to the Church of England for “learning, insights and experiences as part of the Church’s discernment” More information here https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith.

School: It has been good to be able to continue ministry in Offord Primary School with collective worship.

Revd Jes Salt left a strong working relationship with the headteacher, Kate Ruddock, which I benefit from today. Acts of collective worship have been recorded during the pandemic and in my time here during 2021 have taken place on zoom, and in school depending on the restrictions and covid numbers at the time. The pupils are wonderful and I have loved the conversations I have had. The infant nativity play ‘The Inn Keeper’s Breakfast’ was a complete delight!

St Peters: St Peter’s is such a beautiful church, for some time under the governance and stewardship of the Churches Conservation Trust. St Peter’s had two services take place in 2021: Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer on the 26th September, and a carol service on the 5th December. For your parish priest the former service had the challenge of facing East at the altar for much of the time, rather than the congregation, as the altar is against the East wall (very historic and traditional) rather than away from it which enables the priest to face the people. Ad orientem rather than versus populum! A tricky challenge and one I will be ready for next time after a few tips on choreography from Fr Peter! The carol service was an utter delight. It was candlelit, and the choir who assemble for this one occasion returned to their place in the chancel. It was a moving and beautiful experience, and despite the ongoing pandemic, a solidly Angican service of lessons and carols. My thanks to Liz Howes, Jenny Griffiths, and Elva Nash for all they do here.

Social Action: All Saints’ members have continued to support the village’s weekly donations of food to Godmanchester Foodbank. Since August 2021 All Saints church in Offord Darcy has become a referral agency for this foodbank. Our thanks must go to PCC member Cynthia Rowbury, a volunteer at the foodbank, who has formalised our commitment in this area and ensured we have foodbank vouchers to give away when needed.

Occasional Services: We have celebrated one baptism, and held four funerals in our Church this year, as well as two interments of ashes.

Fabric Report: The only change to the contents of the church came in December, when, in readiness for the visit of the Cottenham Brass Band, the wooden folding chairs which have served us so well for many years were replaced by the padded chairs from the Church Rooms, where they are not presently needed.

Some rewiring was carried out in January as a result of the previous year’s electrical inspection report but there have been no other repairs.

The process of providing a permanent replacement roof has proceeded, although slowly. We were advised by the architects that, before seeking quotations, it would be best to obtain the necessary planning consent because the terms of any planning consent might affect the specification we would ask contractors to use to 36

cost the work. (Planning consent is needed because the new roof must incorporate insulation, and will therefore be a few centimetres higher than the old one.) Unfortunately, in our situation, a planning application needs to be preceded by an ecological survey. That was carried out recently and in turn calls for a bat survey (to be carried out between May and September). We must also consider other wildlife, including hedgehogs and great crested newts. We await quotations for the costs of these further surveys and reports.

Since we know that we have “bats in the belfry” it is almost certain that the eventual re-roofing will have to take place in either spring or autumn, meaning that any work in 2022 is unlikely to be possible. In any event, despite the generosity of residents since the theft of the lead roof, we still have to apply for grant funding to cover much of the cost of the work and grant making organisations will not usually look at applications without details of costings. It will be seen that this is very much a “step by step” process and although it may seem that nothing much is happening, that is far from the case. It is just that it does take time – and patience!

The PCC is still looking to “reorder” the south end of the church to provide a toilet, servery and community meeting space (which it is intended to be available for anyone to hire). However, while the roof project remains ongoing it is unlikely we shall be able to make significant progress with that project.

Annual Financial Report - Year Ending 31st December 2021: This has inevitably been another difficult year financially for All Saints.

Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £13,375.50 of which £2,251.04 related to unrestricted fund raising. £6234.67 in regular giving, of which £4,356.31 was from Gift Aid itself and £571.42 from Tax Recovered. The amount in fees received (£2,525.00) has remained more or less the same this year but the amount received in interest from the Eayrs Trust (£1,044.79) has increased a little. All receipts and payments are detailed in the Financial Statements. These can be made available on request.

The planned giving through envelopes and banker’s orders has remained the same with the majority of the regular congregation still kindly giving a regular weekly or monthly donation to the Church. The Collections figure (£1134.88) has increased as we were able to hold more services in the Church during the year. £14,980.58 was spent from unrestricted funds to provide the Christian ministry from All Saints Church. We unfortunately had to reduce our contribution to the diocesan Parish Share throughout the year but it was agreed that the balance of our Parish Share should be paid out of our reserves. It is hoped that this will be a one off and that our fundraising will be able to cover these costs going forward. The major expenses were the continuing running costs of the Church and the Church Rooms which, although they were closed for a number of months, the utility charges were still having to be met.

No costs were incurred from the Restricted fund to replace the Church Roof and the fund has increased to £6,781.96 as a result of additional donations throughout the year. The net result for the year was an excess of payments over receipts of £1,605.88 on unrestricted funds and as already mentioned an excess of receipts over payment of £1260.35 on restricted funds. Adding bank and deposit balances brought forward at the beginning of the year, the balances carried forward at 31st December on unrestricted funds totalled £18,509.36, restricted funds totalled, £30,942.52 and £5,299.01 has been set aside to meet the costs of maintaining the Church, maintaining the Organ and a contribution to the heating fund. This is carried forward as designated funds.

PCC action: The PCC has taken the following action to manage the financial shortfall: • The amount of parish share which is paid to the diocese to support ministry in the parish has been reduced from a monthly payment over 10 months to a nominal £250.00 per month. It is hoped that we will be able to make up the shortfall from revenue from our fundraising events throughout 2022.

• Active steps are still being taken to seek to investigate ways of reducing the financial impact of the Church Rooms. It is anticipated that during this financial year the PCC will be able to divest ourselves of the financial responsibility for this building.

• We recognise that the PCC still faces a formidable challenge to fund the replacement of the temporary roof structure with a permanent solution as well as then to fund the completion of the other planned works.

• Active steps were taken during the year to review and, if possible, to reduce some of our utility costs and this has been partially successful.

• We have invested in a card machine to enable us to take card payments at events and this is proving to be a more convenient way for people to pay.

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• Other than trivial items, expenditure is reviewed by the PCC. The financial model which has developed at All Saints over recent years, namely congregational giving supplemented by an expanded number of well supported fund raising events with careful management of expenditure is sound. Accordingly, the PCC is reasonably confident that the financial position can be restored once services and fund raising activities are resumed.

Reserves policy It is PCC policy to try to maintain a balance on unrestricted funds which equates to at least six months unrestricted payments. This is equivalent to approximately £14,000 based on a normal year’s expenditure. It is held to smooth out fluctuations in cash flow and to meet emergencies. The cash balance held on unrestricted (including designated) funds at the year end, together with the amounts payable to and by the PCC, is within this target.

The balance of £30,942 in the restricted fund is retained towards meeting the cost of the repairs to the roof and the Restoration and Upkeep of the Church.

Report on the meetings of the Deanery Synod Members John Simpkin and Sue Dorrington.

There have been four meetings of the Deanery Synod this church year. Three of these (July, October and November) were held on Zoom with only the last one I March 2022 held in person. It was a joy to be able to meet properly again.

The main topics of discussion were finance, and the problems churches were having in finding their full Parish Share. We were successful in the deanery making full payment by the end of the year and getting a rebate to assist with further payments.

There are continuing discussions on the deanery plan and how we can move forward with this. At the moment there is no suggestion that we will reduce the number of priests in the deanery. There is a meeting with Bishop Stephen on the 2nd April at Little Paxton Church from 10a.m. to 12.00 noon for ideas to be put forward. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Living in love and faith is a new topic for discussion about accepting differences in sexuality and gender but the synod felt that we should concentrate on the Deanery Plan at this point in time.

Other topics discussed included Covid and the way forward with services and specifically regarding the taking of the Bread and Wine. Also discussed was the ongoing use of social media.

If you would like any further information on Deanery Synod, please get in touch with your Churchwardens.

In Conclusion Thank you for your support of the church and her life. The worshipping people of All Saints are a committed and integral community within a village community. A family of God whose mission and evangelism beyond the walls of All Saints is enthusiastic and dedicated, as is the reverence and love of God in Word and Sacrament shown within.

There are many people who I could thank in writing for their work and dedication, please forgive me if I don't mention you by name here but know please how much your contribution to the life of the church is valued.

Everyone pulls their weight in so many different ways, I know this and many, not all, know this too. Let all we achieve be through the grace of Christ.

God bless you in the coming year as we seek his kingdom together. Love God and love your neighbour!

With love, Fr David, Priest in Charge of Buckden with the Offords

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n o i n i p O r e d a e R Dear Editor PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL SOLAR PANEL PLANT Recently all residents in The Offords received a leaflet from ADAS about the plan for an industrial solar plant close to the villages.

Naturally, we all support the drive to increase energy generation from renewable sources. However, we also believe that solar farms – which are large industrial plants - are situated on plots of land that are environmentally suitable for the purpose.

The proposed area is two large fields. Both are functional floodplains, which are vital to making space for flood waters. One is on the opposite side of the road from the entrance to Buckden Marina and the other is to the west of The Offords, next to the river and railway line. These fields are popular with families, ramblers, dog walkers, bird watchers, anglers. They are rare green spaces in our community and vital to our health and well-being. They include over a mile of the Ouse Valley Way and are one of the last open green spaces in the area where families can easily access an open space of natural beauty and engage with the environment.

This is not an environmentally suitable location. To learn more and make your voice heard please visit us at www.spaceforourriver.info

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TOPs Take 39 Steps into the Unknown The Offord Players are about to tread the boards and fill the air waves with their re-enactment of a radio adaptation of John Buchan’s ‘The 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play’ by Joe Landry.

Suspend your disbelief and come and play the role of Studio Audience as sound effects are played out live and actors take many characters to move us from ‘Mr Memory’ in a London music hall to the wilds of Scotland as Richard Hannay and Pamela find themselves caught up in this well known Spy Thriller. The performance will be held on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th April in Offord Village Hall. The ticket price of £10 includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco to welcome our return to the boards.

Tickets can be booked from 28th March via www.ticketsource.co.uk or www.theoffordplayers.co.uk Come and be our Studio Audience! Door and bar open 7pm. Curtain up 7.30.

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts,Inc. www.playscripts.com

Time for Tea with Willow The Offord Tea Ladies invite friends and residents of The Offords to join them for Tea on the Lawn at Whitwell House, Asplins Lane, Offord Cluny on Saturday 18th June (date subject to confirmation) Attractions include raffle and plant stall All proceeds to the Willow Foundation, a charity founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. Willow is dedicated to bringing special days to the seriously ill between 16 and 40 years of age in the United Kingdom Further information in the next issue of Out & About

MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATE : SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 40

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h c r u h C s r te e P t S f o The Friends As part of the Friends’ commemoration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee we have purchased a native English Rowan tree, Sorbus Aucuparia, and have planted it in a focal point in St Peter’s churchyard. Creamy white flowers in the spring and clusters of red berries in the autumn mean that our tree will not only enhance the surroundings for humans but also benefit wildlife in the churchyard. We’re pleased to take part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Additionally, we will purchase several more trees to replace some dead ones on the northern boundary which the Parish Council’s tree surgeons have identified need to be removed. The new trees will also feature blossom and fruits for the insects and birds.

For information: • St Peter’s Church is vested in The Churches Conservation Trust, which is the national charity protecting historic churches at risk, and they are responsible for the maintenance and structure of the building • The Parish Council is responsible for maintaining the churchyard • The Friends Group make and keep the public aware of the history, art, archaeology and architecture of the building, in particular by encouraging the use of the building for suitable community activities and other events benefiting the community e.g. visits, community activities and educational activities.

Friday 3 June Saturday 4 June 2pm to 5 pm on both days

‘A Look at the Fifties’ Exhibition To commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The organisation for this event is moving forward with many village groups committed to supporting the exhibition which will be a special and notable event. Come and see what life was like in the fifties.

As most residents already know, St Peter’s Church is a wonderful venue for exhibitions and over the years we have organised many successful ones which have been well supported, so once again we are hopeful Offord villagers will join us.

Limited parking only on the Archery Field so please walk where possible.

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Thursday 9 June 7pm Sunday 26 June 6pm

Sunday 4 September

Strictly no parking on the drive.

Refreshments available for sale.

Please spread the word to all your neighbours and friends and take part in and visit this Platinum Jubilee village event.

Further details are in this edition of Out & About.

Friends of St Peter’s AGM. Festal Evensong sung by Tapestry.

To belatedly commemorate the 100th anniversary (2020) of the installation of the stained-glass War Memorial window.

Guitar Concert by Claude Bourbon.

Claude is a welcome return to St Peter’s Church.

Please look at his website and you will see that a photograph of one of his previous concerts in St Peter’s is featured on the home page.

Saturday 10 September} National Heritage Open Days Sunday 11 September } Sunday 23 October Autumn Craft Fair.

We are already getting commitment from previous stallholders so if you are interested in having a stall please contact me below.

Friday 11 November Armistice Wreath Laying at the Offord D’Arcy War Memorial in the church Sunday 4 December Carols by Candlelight Service.

Visiting the church Although we repeat the following wording in every edition of Out & About, we highlight that for security reasons the church is kept locked. However, a key to St Peter’s can be obtained from Deborah Gillbanks of The Limes, who is the CCT’s official keyholder, and therefore the interior of the church can always be accessed. Please remember to sign the visitor book whenever you visit as visitor numbers are important.

As a reminder, the driveway to the church is privately owned, with limited vehicular access. Visitors to the church should leave their cars at the road end of the drive. There is space for two Blue Badge Holders close to the church gates.

Jenny Griffiths Friends of St Peter’s Church 07776 426103 Jennygriffiths908@btinternet.com 46

Friends of St Peter’s Church Website HELP Please We are looking for someone who would be prepared and interested to take over the running of our website. Our previous site administrator took over in summer 2021 but due to unforeseen circumstances we need to advertise again.

We are seeking someone with some website management ability.

There is no need to be involved in the routine running of the Friends but you would always be welcome to join in if you wish.

The input is not onerous or very demanding, so, if there is anyone who can take over the role as site administrator please contact: Liz Howes liz@blmh.co.uk or Jenny Griffiths jennygriffiths908@btinternet.com

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h c r u h C d e m r o f e R St Neots United The Church is now open again for worship, at the usual time of 11am.

Some restrictions will remain in place for now. Face coverings will be optional but we understand some will prefer to continue wearing them for now. Hand sanitising will be encouraged and there will be good ventilation.

We are now able to stream our services to YouTube every Sunday. Please contact us via our website for ID and Password. All are welcome.

Come and visit the United Reformed Church which is on the High Street in St Neots. There is access without steps at the rear of the building near to Argos. Parking is available in Tebbutts Road car park, behind the Church.

For all Church matters please contact the Church Secretary, Jenny Gibbs, via our website for further information. www.stneotsurc.co.uk

h c r u h C t s i d o th e Buckden M Minister: Stewards:

Rev. Sue Baker-Maher. Tel 473444.

Angie Barnes (810102) Bob Baxter (810092) Carol Swepstone (810053)

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t r o p e R l i c n u o C Parish This will be a shorter report than normal as the Annual Report, covering the last year, is being delivered with this magazine.

In May, the current Council term comes to an end. All Councillors step down and candidates can put themselves forward to become Members. If more nominations are received than available places, then an election will be held. Please check the noticeboards and website for more information.

The re-wilding of parts of the Millennium Green continues and the silver birch trees have been planted. A small wildflower area will be trialled with plans for other areas depending on the success (or not!) of the first one.

The new equipment for the smaller children’s play area has been installed together with the new safety surface, which looks fantastic. Thanks to Cllr John Gatward for overseeing this project.

All of the bats/balls on the table tennis table have been lost/damaged.

These will not be replaced by the Parish but sets will available to purchase from Budgens. Litter has been an issue on the recreation ground. Two new bins are now in place. Please put any waste in the correct bin.

By the time you read this the parish litter pick will have taken place.

Thanks to all involved.

There are plans for a major pick between Offords and Great Paxton, but this is a major task which will involve the closing of sections of the road so outside the scope of the parish. HDC and Cambs CC will take the lead on this.

After its absence last year, the Annual Parish Meeting returns and will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at 2pm at the Village Hall. This year’s theme is the Environment and in addition to representations from village organisations, we will also have someone from Hunts District Council talking about Recycling and a talk about reducing the speed limit to 20mph throughout the parish. Your views on everything shape what the parish council will be focusing on for the next 4 years so please come along and have your say. Refreshments will be served.

As always, if there’s anything I can help with please get in touch.

Jackie Stanbridge 07597 988763 50

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s e t i r W n o J r e F a rm Ukraine war and its impact on UK farming.

Hi everyone, Farmer Jon here!

We've all watched in horror as the events have unfolded in Ukraine, I cannot even begin to imagine what life must currently be like for families living in a war zone. It certainly puts life into perspective.

You will however have started to notice several changes which are occurring due to the war, with the cost of fuel and food prices.

Between them, Ukraine and Russia produce 29% of the world's wheat exports. Due to the conflict these exports have significantly reduced. Although 80% of wheat used in the UK is grown domestically, as with anything if there is a short supply, the price goes up.

Russia is also a major exporter of fertiliser and again, where supply decreases, prices increase. Where fertiliser was £250 a tonne to buy last year, it is now £1000 a tonne this year.

As we’ve all noticed, fuel prices are at an all-time high, this is having a huge impact on everyone. Again, this is due mostly to the war in Ukraine. Russia, pre-war, was a huge exporter of fossil fuels, so we’re now having to look elsewhere for fuel, and it comes back to supply and price.

As wheat is a big part of livestock feed, livestock farmers are really struggling as the price of feed and fuel has rocketed making an already incredibly hard job, even harder.

Take care and see you all soon Farmer Jon

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t a e B e h t o t Feet

The Offords Line Dance Group

We are now five years old!

Izzy reminded us in early February that the group was formed five years ago in February 2017 when a number of us gathered in the Village Hall on which, for some, was a big introduction to this popular activity called Line Dancing. The group has gone from strength to strength since that first taster session with the majority of us ‘first timers’ now forming the core dancers every week.

We have come together as a very supportive group of people, many of whom didn’t know each other five years ago, and it is encouraging that we can all treat our fellow dancers as friends. During the past two difficult years it has made such a difference to everyone’s spirits when we were able to resume the dancing sessions and have a bit of normality for a short while once a week.

Despite a common myth and believed by a lot of people that Line Dancing is all about Country and Western songs, in fact we dance to many popular artists and groups as well, such as: Ed Sheeran, Abba, Rag’n’Bone Man, Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, Sting, Elton John, Bellamy Brothers, Rod Stewart, Pharrell Williams, Little Mix, Maroon5, several traditional Irish songs and many others. Some songs last for nearly five minutes and others are much shorter but they all adapt to Line Dance steps.

Here are a few actual country singers that we also dance to: Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, LeeAnn Rimes, The Mavericks and Derek Ryan, to name but a few!

Classes are held in Offord Village Hall every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, with a refreshment break. Please contact Izzy if you would like more information.

Jenny Griffiths On behalf of Izzy Brogan Tel: 07709 344144 56

A gardener at last after looking for years!

I’m hoping he’ll save me blood, sweat and tears.

Now don’t get me wrong for I do love to garden, but going gets tough as the arteries harden.

I can’t get up as high as I could; I haven’t the power to saw through wood.

I can’t stand up if I kneel for too long, and now I’m retired, such hard work is wrong!

I can’t lift the compost or sweep the path without a soak in a bubble bath.

I find it a struggle to do the hoeing, yet day by day the weeds keep growing.

Some of them get so very tall, I need a ladder – but fear I might fall!

‘Mark’ needs a list when he comes next week, so, I went out today to have a peek.

It’s looking quite sad and a bit overgrown well I can’t do everything on my own.

But I don’t want my gardener seeing this mess I could have done more I must confess!

So, I started by cutting out all the dead wood and gathered the leaves – and found that I could!

Then I pruned the roses and trimmed the shrubs; cleared last year’s plants from all the tubs.

I swept and I trimmed for several hours and dreamed of a summer all full of flowers.

My garden now looks like a well-kept park and I wonder now, do I really need ‘Mark’??

I clean the tools and lock the shed and I go inside and collapse on the bed.

After a snooze I try to stand – Oh, that pain in my back – that wasn’t planned.

That ache in my shoulder and creak in my knee – my body is telling me plain as can be..

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Fitness Classes at

Offord Village Hall Every Monday Fit4Life exercise class for active seniors at 10am Pilates at 7.30pm For more information contact me, Janine RSA/YMCA qualified Fitness Instructor 01480 810370 / 07790 655637 janineskyrme@btinternet.com 60

Tel: 01480 273927

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Village Groups & Organisations Applepips Out of School Club Archery Bowls Club Brownies Church Events

Carey Kelly Marc Bax Carolyn Bargh Ann Weitzel John Storey Bob Bargh

Community Police

c/o St Neots Police Stn Andy Ottley

Cubs/Beavers District Councillor District Councillor District Councillor Friends of St Peter’s Guides Neighbourhood Watch Offord Cluny & Offord Darcy Parish Council Parish Clerk Offord Gardeners’ Assn Offord Sch, Headteacher Chair of Governors Offord PTA Offord Day Nursery Offord Tots PCSO Rainbows Senior Citizens The Offord PlayerS Thursday Club Village Hall hire Village Hall 300+ Club Women’s Institute

01480 811977 381172 810237 811697 810763 810237

456111 0345 456 4564 07704 857636 info@paxtonscouts.org.uk Sarah Conboy 414900 Mike Grice 383213 Sarah Wilson 412747 Liz Howes 812899 Ann Weitzel 811697 juliehillsjohnson@gmail.com 01480 812549 Peter Riley 811839 Ian Weitzel Jackie Stanbridge Janet Bedingfield Kate Ruddock Liz Simpkin Claire Faux Carey Kelly Nikki Mitchell Richard Braddick Ann Weitzel Marlene Alderman John Kirby Doreen Rowbury Helen Bosworth Helen Bosworth Carol Temple

811697 07597 988763 810091 810308 07976 792463 810308 01480 811977 07872 986326 07921 094801 811697 810609 810049 811025 811892 811892 812879

Whilst every effort is made to ensure information in this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any errors.

The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect those of the Editor.

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Directory of Advertisers Page 11 44 42 4 60 27 28 24 63 68 22 21 23 43 67 60 23 41 61 22 20 26 18 27 4 11 21 17 10 25 55

A1 CHIMNEY SWEEP & MAINTENANCE 07508 051920 ABSOLUTE PLUMBING 01480 812549 ANGLIAN WATER 0800 0113774 APPLEPIPS OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB 01480 811977 BUCKDEN DAY NURSERY 01480 810816 BUDGENS 01480 819602 CM DECORATING 01480 810594 DK TILL COAL MERCHANTS 01223 232947 FLAIR UNISEX SALON 01480 810417 GRAVELEY GARAGE & MOTORCYCLES 01480 830462 & 831058 GREENSLEEVES 01767 651639 HILTON DAY NURSERY 01480 830351 HOME-N-DRY 01487 840310 & 07766 576381 HUNTS SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND 01480 453438 HUNT & COOMBS SOLICITORS 01733 882870 JANINE’S PILATES 01480 810370 JEZ ASHCROFT LTD 07708 031493 & 01480 812461 JODI FINCH & SON ELECTRICAL 07771 613848 & 01480 731599 JOHN SINCLAIR ELECTRICIAN 01480 273927 & 07815 903467 JUNE LEE PODIATRIST 01480 214392 & 07947 371107 K-FIT PILATES 07967 100603 KINGFISHER FUNERAL DIRECTORS 01480 471001 MOBILITY BATHING GROUP 01462 889097 MORE SPACE 01480 830130 OFFORD DAY NURSERY 01480 811977 OFFORD VILLAGE HALL 01480 811892 PAXTON HILL GARAGE 01480 217806 PLATINUM TOURS 01480 810560 THE HORSESHOE INN, OFFORD DARCY 01480 810293 W&H PEACOCK AUCTIONEERS 01480 474550 WALDEN-HARRIS K9 (CANINE COACH) 07730 393757

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