Offord Out & About August - September 23

August - September 2023

A visitor to the Rewilding Area of All Saints Churchyard during a Butterfly Count in July 1

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Welcome Welcome to this edition of Out and About, the Offord Village Magazine.

It aims to promote the community by sharing village news and useful contacts. Out & About is delivered to all homes in the village.

We encourage new contributors with a story to tell. Articles are accepted from organisations 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 A few upcoming village events worth looking out for include: ● 12th August - Bacon Butties at the Village Hall - see page 25 ● 19th August - Offord Gardeners Association Show - see page 11 ● 3rd September - Elm Drive BBQ - see page 25 ● 8th September - Bingo at the Village Hall - see page 19 ● 9th & 10th September - St Peters Church Open Days - see page 42 ● 16th September - Offord Beer Festival - see page 2 ● 30th September - Quiz Night at the Village Hall - see page 18 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.

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OFFORD VILLAGE HALL 300+ CLUB (OFFORD RECREATION HUT) Registered charity no. 302653

WINNERS MAY £ 20 No. 069 £ 15 No. 064 £ 10 No. 065 £ 5 No. 362

Fred Rance Beryl Cross Jason Wilson Rebecca Iddon

JUNE £ 20 No. 008 £ 15 No. 056 £ 10 No. 253 £ 5 No. 192

Margaret Pullen Jennifer Kennedy Delia Murren Malcolm Reece

There are still a few shares available if you would like to join.

Contact Helen Bosworth on 811892 or Jenny Murby on 811474 for further details.

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t c e j o r P d r a y h c r u h C s t n i a S All Getting the wild life area through the hot dry spell in June was challenging and required frequent visits to transport water. Many plants made it through the winter with an even better display of poppies compared to last year. The new hedgerow plants are developing nicely thanks to the watering and are growing satisfactorily although inundated by nettles.

With domestic and business commitments, time spent nurturing the wildlife area was severely curtailed. Once work could recommence the first challenge was to clear the abundant nettles, interestingly there was nothing else thriving in the soil once the nettles were gone. More work is required to reinstate the essential variety of plant life needed to attract insects and pollinators. Happily bees were attracted to the blossom on the Cotoneaster and poppies.

The Buddleia blossom is attracting flying insects especially ladybirds, hopefully butterflies will also be making a visit. Once again we will take part in the annual Great Butterfly Count and hopefully improve on the last two years. Already Red Admiral, Gate Keeper, Small White and Small Blue have been seen fluttering around.

A large number of ladybirds have been noticed in the churchyard lately as well as in our gardens. They are one of the easiest beetles to spot due to their vivid red colouring and are as likely to be encountered walking as flying. Have you ever wondered why they are called Ladybirds? Here are some fun facts about them. ‘Lady’ refers to the Virgin 6

Mary who was depicted wearing a red cloak. It is her seven sorrows and joys that adorn our original seven-spot ladybird. They are beetles and there are 6,000 types in the Coccinellidae family worldwide and around 47 have been recorded in the U.K. Ladybirds are safe to handle, but if distressed they release a yellowish fluid from their joints called reflex blood. This is foul smelling and distasteful.

The Ladybird Life Cycle October-February – Hibernation. Some remain dormant until May March – April - Adult Ladybirds emerge and start feeding up May – June - Mating and egg laying occurs July – August – Eggs hatch into larvae and shed their skins three times as they gorge on aphids as they grow. The larvae look other-worldly and unfamiliar to many people. Their final larval transformation is to a pupa.

September – New adults hatch from their pupal cases, their wing cases may start pale but soon gain their full colour. These adults feed while the weather is good and then hibernate.

One of the biggest problems in the Churchyard is an abundance of young rabbits. The chicken wire surrounding plants has been a success but a muntjac deer has created a new challenge. It was suspected the deer was around but one evening, on the watering mission, it was confirmed by a face to face meeting as it munched in the hedgerow. It didn’t stop for an introduction and was off and away followed by the shout “why not eat the nettles”. Now it may have been the sound of the 17:25 to Hull rattling by or maybe there was a reply “nah, needs garlic”.

Alan and Fiona

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The Offord PlayerS A very brief note to let you know that TOPS is planning a new production for Spring 2024 – most likely towards the end of April.

Maybe we’ll have had a summer by then!

Anyway, the important thing is that if there is anyone out there who fancies having a bash at amdram in the company of a friendly bunch of local thesps, then get in touch. We are always on the lookout for new talent in all departments, from backstage to front of house and everything in between. There are lots of opportunities for anyone with an interest in drama, theatre and the creative arts to develop and apply new skills, and to help ensure that your highly regarded local drama group continues to provide great entertainment and social opportunities in the local community.

For more information check out our website www.theoffordplayers.co.uk or contact John on 07983076480.

Sarah Hogben The Offord Players

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n o i t a i c o s s A s r e n e d r a G d r o f f

August - September

The OGA organised a coach trip to Wisley on 15th June, and although it was a hot day, I think an enjoyable day out was had. Especially noticeable were the big improvements to the site and updated facilities. We are pleased everyone enjoyed it.

The big event in August is our Annual Summer Show on 19th August.

Show schedules are being finalised and will be available to members and residents for them to enter the show classes. Posters are on noticeboards for further information. Show is open to the public from 2.30pm. Trophies are awarded at 4pm. We look forward to seeing you there - all welcome.

In September we return to our regular meeting on 21st at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, with a talk by Nigel Start on Self Sufficiency from your garden updated, with the Members Competition being Flowering Patio Tub. We appreciate your continued support .

Enjoy Your Gardening John

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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 13

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b u l C s n e z i t i C r o i n e S d r o f f O We had a very enjoyable May meeting. After a Bring and Share supper, which is always well supported, we cleared the tables and had several games of dominoes to end the evening.

Our outing in June was to Southwold. Fish and chips and an indulgent ice cream seemed to be the order of the day. The weather was kind to us and the day was much enjoyed by members and guests.

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, we would be very pleased to see you.

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

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Village Hall survey. We received 107 responses which were overwhelmingly positive and contained useful and constructive ideas and suggestions to help us put together our Business Plan for the next few years.

These are the results of the survey: It was felt the hall is a good facility, in particular the main hall, kitchen and technical facilities. Social events and adult clubs or activities are the most frequently attended.

‘Out & About’ is the most mentioned source of information about events, and 25% of responders use the hall more than once a week!

Some lovely comments included: “Thank you for the increase in the variety of activities in recent years. Noticed and very much appreciated.”

“The Village Hall is a great asset for our villages. It’s good to see some of the younger people becoming involved in the running of clubs, committees, and the Parish Council.”

“We’re very lucky to have such a lovely village hall with a vibrant and enthusiastic committee.”

“We have a wide variety of events, groups, and occasions. Well done to all who work so hard to arrange all this.”

Other things people would like to see in the hall: 35% of people would be interested in more live music and theatre. This is something we hope to build on with our collaboration with Creative Arts East. We do in fact have a couple of live events coming soon. We have a live band at the 5th Annual Beer Festival in September. Also, for our Christmas event we are extremely excited to be able to announce John Osborne, writer, theatre maker and a regular on Radio 4.

Other ideas mentioned were a few things that already take place which suggests that perhaps we need to work on getting the message out to the right people!

E.g., Yoga (we do have a class on Wednesdays). Baby and toddler groups (Offord Tots is on every Friday morning in term time and Dads and Tots on Sunday mornings once a month). Craft (this is available once a month on Saturdays). Bingo (3 or 4 times per year). Kids discos, and other exercise classes already take place.

Check out what is available on our website www.offordvillagehall.org.uk.

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There are of course some things which are not possible for us to achieve. 22% of responders indicated that they would be interested in adult education classes in the hall. We would love to include some, but they are not available in our area at the present time. A community cafe also interested 23% of those surveyed; whilst this is a great idea, logistically it would need many more helpers and volunteers to make a reality.

There are also areas beyond our control; the car park land and hedges are managed by the Parish Council and the suggestions for improving these will be passed on.

Improvements for the current facilities included the need to update the accessibility, outside areas, and toilets. There were also suggestions for benches or picnic tables outside.

We hope to address these areas in our new Business Plan.

Many thanks to Rebecca and Sarah for the survey and data analysis which did include some very nice pie charts! The full analysis is available to look at on our website www.offordvillagehall.org.uk.

Helen Ellis , Secretary Offord Village Hall Programme for 2023 Prize Bingo Friday September 8th Eyes down 7:30pm Free entry and refreshments Beer & Gin Festival Saturday September 16th 6 – 11pm Tickets £25 via www.ticketsource.co.uk Includes 5 drinks and live music. Food available to purchase.

Quiz Night Saturday September 30th 7pm for a prompt 7:45pm start. Tickets £5 available from John on 07983076480 Teams of up to 6 people, which can be made on the night. Bring your own food and drink.

Family Halloween Film Night Saturday October 28th More details to follow.

Saturday December 16th A Christmas Celebration including ‘We Work on Christmas Day’ by John Osborne, writer, theatre maker and Radio 4 regular.

Food, bar, Quiz, and other Christmas festivities. More details to follow.

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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EYES DOWN 7:30pm

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All Saints Church News A message from Fr David Good people of the Offords, hello, Here in All Saints' church, above the altar in the North side of the church, are two small statues. Neither ancient, both beautiful. One is of Our Lady of Walsingham and one of Saint Francis. Both these small figures draw me over and I have prayed before both. I have the same copy of the statue of Our Lady (the Blessed Virgin Mary) here in the vicarage, and a small ceramic plaque of Saint Francis, which I keep meaning to attach to the wall outside. The statue of St Francis shows him standing next to a wolf. This is the Wolf of Gubbio (Guggio is a small town in Umbria, Italy) where St Francis is said to have stayed for a while. In the wonderful wonderful book The Little Flowers of Saint Francis you can read how the townspeople, in their trauma and terror, moved Saint Francis to seek out the wolf and speak about the awfulness of his actions.

The wolf was terrorising people, eating their livestock and, having no fear of any he saw, attacking them too. The saint ignored the warnings, the wolf rushed at him but St Francis made the sign of the cross, and told him to stop "in the name of God". This alone, making the sign of the cross, is a beautiful thing. I could stop here, and encourage you to join me in making the sign of the cross, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and that would be enough; it is a wonderful and prayerful thing, Amen. But, but...the rest of the story of the wolf! The wolf walked to the saint and put his head in his hands. St Francis told him his actions had been evil and must stop, and also that he could make peace between the people and him. The wolf submitted utterly to this holy man and his suggestion and walked alongside him to the town.

In front of everyone St Francis' asked the wolf if he would guarantee that he would never attack the animals or people again, and the wolf showed his agreement by placing his paw in one of the saint's hands.

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The people were not only amazed but eventually became affectionate towards the wolf; many came to the Christian faith because of the love of God for Francis and the wolf. For the love of God shown in Francis' love for the wolf, and the wolf's devoted submission to and love for Francis.

Reading the book The Little Flowers of Saint Francis was truly a wonderful experience for me, I was given the book after a funeral I took last year, by the son who had lost his mother. I had not heard of it before and this experience has inspired much more reading about the wonderful holy saint and his followers. The story of the wolf, one of a series of little flowers is a beautiful story of how we need to make peace and act humbly, also how we can trust in God's protection and his love both for us and for all his creation. The wolf is all that is other to us, and yet the wolf is reconciled here to be both one of us and one of God's beloved.

What is there in the world today that is other to us, who we are fearful of, or who we are against, or who we are repelled by? There are others who we see as like the wolf, as indeed we ourselves might be seen, by those we reject. Saint Francis preached peace, love, humility, mercy, and equality. Just as God forgave the wolf for all his past offences, he forgives us, ours. Love God, love our neighbour, love the other.

Fr David Sheppard Parish Priest of Buckden with the Offords 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/

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ALL SAINTS SERVICES AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2023 All are welcome August Services 6th August 13th August 20th August 27th August

Family Service 9.30am Holy Communion 9.30 am Songs of Praise 6pm Holy Communion 9.30 am

September Services 3rd September 10th September 17th September 24th September

Family Service 9.30am at St Peters Holy Communion 9.30 am Songs of Praise 6pm Holy Communion 9.30 am

In addition there are occasional combined services for the whole Benefice at either St Mary’s Buckden, All Saints Church or St Peters. Details of all services at St Mary’s can be found via this shortened URL: https://www.shorturl.at/DSUV6

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The Village Fete was a great success thanks to the Offord Parent Teachers Association (OPTA), The Friends of All Saints and the village organisations who manned stalls and joined in on the day. Of course the success was ultimately dependant on all those friends and families who came to support the event. A total in excess £1600.00 was made and split between the school and church to be used to support all ages in our community. A particular thank you goes to the school staff who welcomed us all on to their site and worked hard to make sure the Fete was successful.

Events calendar 2023 All events in the Village Hall unless noted otherwise August 12th

Bacon Butties

10am - 12

September 3rd

BBQ – Elm Drive

12 noon (Tickets in advance)

October 1st 14th

Harvest Lunch Bacon Butties

12 noon - 2pm 10am - 12

November 4th

Bacon Butties & Hot Dogs Bingo Christmas Tree Festival

17th 25th & 26th

December

1st

Band Concert in the Church

10am – 12 Details in October O&A 12 noon - 4pm

8pm (Tickets in advance)

For information about ticketed events please see list of fundraising contacts on page 27.

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All Saints Church does 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 but we prefer to raise money through events that all villagers may enjoy. Thank you to those of you who also give using the website ‘Give a little’. You can find a link to this 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.

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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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: 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

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/AllSaintsOfford A Church Near You: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13931/ 27

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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 32

The Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind can recycle your used postage stamps, and has a representative living in Offord Cluny.

Please drop them in at 127 High Street or phone 811892 for collection.

Just cut or tear off envelope leaving some paper around the stamp.

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Therfield Heath – 6th August 2023 The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites you to join our guided walk at Therfield Heath, Royston on Sunday 6th August at 10.30 am. This walk will be led by Martin Davies, who is a local butterfly expert.

Therfield Heath is chalk grassland, which is hilly in places. We hope to see common blue, brown argos, adonis blue and dark green fritillary butterflies.

Please meet at the Heath Café Bar Car Park, Baldock Road, Royston, SG8 5BG. What3Words searching.supposing.backfired. Grid ref TL 3485 4050.

Everyone is most welcome to attend. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. For more information please contact Tim (01480 457795 or timpfryer@gmail.com)

Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Registered Charity No: 1000412

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New Life on The Old West - 13th September The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites you to our first indoor meeting of the autumn. This will be held on Wednesday 13th September at 7.30pm at Brampton Memorial Hall.

Our speaker will be Howard Jones and his topic is New Life on The Old West.

The Old West River is part of the River Great Ouse starting east of Earith. The countryside around the Old West is an important habitat for rare and threatened species. It is located between the RSPB Ouse Fen reserve, the Ouse Washes to the west and Wicken Fen to the east.

It is a stronghold for many threatened species such as water vole, greater water parsnip, turtle dove and lapwing.

This is a project that has been led by Howard Jones and he will be delighted to tell us about its value to conservation and the progress that has been made over recent years.

Everyone is most welcome to attend. Booking is not necessary. The charge is £3.50 and payment is by cash or card. We meet at Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton, PE28 4TB. For more information please contact George (01480 450809 or georgecottam@virginmedia.com)

Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Registered Charity No: 1000412 37

y t i r e V d n a d Farmers E Well, hasn’t time flown by! Since we last wrote there is an endless list of activities which have occurred. Firstly, all of the sheep were sheared by the end of May – which is always a huge relief. Shearing is an important part of the farming calendar, as it ensures we are maximising our flock’s welfare – not only does shearing reduce the risk of flystrike, but it also makes it much easier for the sheep to remain cooler during the hot weather. It was a welcome relief when the sun decided to come out in May, as it is important that the sheep are as dry as possible when they are sheared – this means that the wool can be sheared more easily and improves the condition of the wool during storage.

Following this, Farmer Ed was busy making silage and hay, and the result is that the first cut is now being stored ready for feeding throughout the winter months. To think that this time last year we were already having to feed this to our cattle and sheep … it is a relief to see green grass in the fields still!

Spring calving has been completed with the birth of a beautiful heifer calf – she is certain to become a long-term addition to the herd. The cows and calves continued to enjoy grazing in the village field – and the bull has now joined them. We are looking forward to welcoming the next new additions as a result of this next spring – the gestation period of cattle is 9 months!

This is just a small note about what we have been up to recently – we will share more next time! Enjoy the summer everyone!

Farmers Ed & Verity 38

h c r u h C s r te e P t S f o The Friends During June there were two events and one service held in the church, all of them while we had a couple of weeks of very hot weather.

We recorded a temperature of 24.5C in the evenings, something to remember when we’re in the chilly church in the December carol service.

For both events, the AGM and Huntingdonshire Guitar Ensemble concert, we made use of some of the new PA equipment and mic, which enhanced the volume of people who were speaking in the church. The guitar concert was well received and it is always a pleasure to welcome back Sandra Buckenham and her guitar group, especially as Sandra was born and brought up in Darcy, and was baptised and married in St Peter’s church.

At the communion service of St Peter’s Tide we were once again fortunate to use the 1569 ‘Oforde Daerssy’ Communion Cup, which formerly belonged to St Peter’s Church. This silver cup dates from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, after the restoration of the Protestant church in England when parishes were instructed to replace their popish chalices with communion cups. Ours is an early example.

Diary Dates Sunday 3 September 9:30am All Age Family Service. All welcome to attend.

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Saturday 9 September 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10 September 1pm to 5pm National Heritage Open Days As part of the annual celebration of England's architecture and culture that allows visitors free access to a wide variety of English historical landmarks, the Friends Group always open St Peter’s Church, which is a fascinating building with its own special and unique charm.

Committee members will be in attendance to show interested visitors the beautiful architecture, mystery stone effigy, memorial brasses, a family alabaster monument, carved corbel faces and a possibly unique William Glasby stained glass window with memorial plaques below which together form the Offord D’Arcy war memorial. Additionally, there will be displays of old photos of the church showing many interesting interior and exterior views not shown before, WWI histories and other hidden features in the church.

We consider St Peter’s to be the gem of the Offords and if you have always wondered what is inside that very old church with the spire that can be seen for miles around, then do take this opportunity to visit.

Sunday 22 October 12 to 4pm Autumn Craft Fair This popular annual event attracts many new stallholders who hear that it is held in a lovely location and has a good many visitors, so if anyone is interested in having a stall please contact me very soon as we have only a few spare spaces. Details below.

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Saturday 11 November 10.45am Armistice Wreath Laying Sunday 3 December 4pm Carols by Candlelight Service As an ongoing reminder, we highlight that for security reasons the church is kept locked. However, a key to St Peter’s can be obtained from The Limes and therefore the interior of the church can always be accessed. Our website also has the facility to make contact with the Friends Group by completing the contact page, if you wish to visit the church. https://stpetersofforddarcy.co.uk Please remember to sign the visitor book whenever you visit, sited on a table in the middle of the church, as visitor numbers are important.

All donations to the Churches Conservation Trust for the upkeep and maintenance of this beautiful building can be made into the wall safe, which is sited adjacent to the main door, along with a display of CCT visitor leaflets. There is also a donation pot on the table next to the visitor book.

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 41

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e t u t i t s n I s n e m Offord Wo The WI – Inspiring Women The Offords WI meets every month on the second Tuesday at 7.30 in the Village Hall. We have a healthy membership of women of all ages but always welcome more, so please think about joining. Or, just come for a trial evening and see if you are inspired. That is the aim of the WI. We have an interesting programme of speakers this year with topics as diverse as Farming through to Shakespeare. Posters around the village will tell you what to expect each month.

There is also a hobbies group, competitions and outings, and as most people know, the WI help at all manner of village events – you get to know so many people.

Marion Warden Enquiries: Jenny Murby. Tel: 01480 811474 Email: jenny@murby.me.uk

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Tel: 01480 273927

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ort p e R l i c n u o C h s i r a P Local Plan Update A large amount of Council time has been spent on this over the last few months.

You may have seen the posters on the noticeboards regarding the updating of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan and what this means for residents.

Planning and future development feature largely in this process as well as necessary infrastructure. There are 8 sites which have been put forward in the parish. Although the Call for Sites has now closed it is still possible to comment on them. Here is the link to the documents and you can find the relevant applications by putting the reference numbers into the comment ID box. https://consult.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/kse/event/37393/peoplesubmissions/ The sites are as follows with the reference numbers in brackets: Equestrian Centre, New Road, Offord Cluny – 35 houses (74) New Road Field – Offord Cluny – 50 houses (135) West of High Street – Offord Cluny – 50 houses (156) South of Orchard Way – Offord Darcy – 80 houses (174) Land Adj to Manor Court – Offord Cluny – 5 houses (199) Land Opposite Manor House – Offord Cluny – 2 houses (201) Land North of Station Lane – 5/6 houses + commercial (308) Land West of High Street – 130 houses (326) Note: Application Ref 326 is the same as for 156 but extended northwards to enable 130 dwellings rather than 50.

It’s worth noting that these are possible sites put forward by landowners or their agents and not confirmed developments. The process now is that the Planning Department at Hunts District Council will look through them to see which ones are viable. This process could take some time and the entire update of the Local Plan several years.

Proposed charging for Green Bin Some residents have expressed concern about the possible new charges from HDC re collection of Green Bins and also raised questions as to whether or not this charge will be automatically included in their Council Tax payments 52

and if they can ‘opt out’ of the scheme. We don’t yet have the answers to these questions as HDC Cabinet is voting next week (decision will have been made by the time you read this).

This is the information we have been given by HDC to support their proposal: Garden Waste, Food Waste, Green Bins DEFRA wants all councils to collect food waste once a week (Environmental Protection Act 2021).

• This is to reduce the amount of waste going into overflowing landfill sites • HDC currently collects food waste co-mingled with garden waste While we do not yet have all of the details, we do know that: • A grant may be made to cover weekly food waste collections start-up costs and ongoing costs but it will probably not be enough to cover the full cost of delivering the service • No grant might mean a bill of up to £2 million annually to deliver the Service We also know: • Food waste must be collected in specialist vehicles and our current trucks are not suitable for this so will require significant investment.

• Our current trucks achieve around 4 Miles Per Gallon collecting green bins that are mostly empty for 1/3 of the year.

• The current collection schedule doesn’t work when food waste arrives and will need to be remodeled.

• Green bins are a “value add” service and some homes don’t use the service • Upcoming changes in recycling (like the Deposit Return Scheme) adds uncertainty and will make recycling more expensive to collect.

• We may have to charge for green bins to prevent cutting other services.

The Government’s Waste and Resources Strategy Act will see the biggest changes to recycling in the last 20 years. This significantly changes how we collect and dispose of our waste and recycling.

There are many challenges ahead, but it provides an opportunity to transform our services and make them better.

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• We have time to work out how we can change this for the better.

• We will continue to explore a variety of service delivery models.

Interactive speed sign Council has purchased one sign and had two locations approved for its display.

These signs provide data for use in any future road safety funding applications as well as a timely reminder of the speed limit. We expect the sign to be in place in late August.

Recreation Ground – Summer Sports The annual sports sessions will again take place throughout the summer holidays. These are always well supported by our children.

Millennium Green The upkeep of the green is a continual ‘work in progress’. There are varying views on its appearance ranging from those who wish to see something along the lines of Priory Park and other who want the entire area returned to the wild with just a few paths mown – somewhere in the middle is probably about right!

We have received the risk assessment and safety audit for the pond and Councillors have now had an opportunity to look at it. The suggestions to address any potential risks have been accepted and will be actioned. The second part of the report provided suggestions as to ongoing management and Council is now seeking quotes for these items and will probably start the refurbishment in the autumn. Obviously, specialist advice/works is costly so will need to be managed within budget.

Regarding general tasks on the MG, we have been approached by a small group of volunteers who are keen to do their bit and help with day-to-day tasks. Council is very grateful for their help. The problem they face is that their enthusiasm is not necessarily matched by their ageing bodies (I have their permission to say this!) and what is needed are some younger people to help.

If you feel you could become part of this group, please contact me and I will put you in touch with them.

We also need to organise the annual cut of the wildflower area which has become a little unruly. This needs to be cut after the flowers (those that remain) have produced seed and then the cuttings taken away from the MG. 54

The plan then is to add more wildflower seed to this area. If anyone could carry out this job for us or knows someone who could please get in touch.

Council is keen to keep work in the village if it can.

The trees ordered from the woodland trust will be planted and the silver birch trees which didn’t make it through last year’s very dry summer have been replaced. We have marked out a wildflower area and the seed ready to be scattered in September. If anyone has any ingenious ideas of how we can water these areas during exceptional dry spells, please get in touch.

Potholes etc Councillors regularly walk around the parish noting issues and areas which require attention. These will be reported but residents can also report using the ‘report a fault’ tool on the Cambridgeshire County Council website – www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk Alternatively, if you come across anything let me know and I’ll report it for you. Anything considered dangerous is dealt with quickly but unfortunately the Highways department of Cambs County Council does not have an unlimited budget, so some things just join a ‘to do’ list.

Fly Tipping Due to changes to what can and can’t be taken to the waste recycling units there has been an increase in fly tipping. Anyone can report fly tipping which will be dealt with by Huntingdonshire District Council provided it is not on private land. This can be done via the reporting tool on their website www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk or alternatively get in touch with me and I will do it.

Proposed Cambridge Congestion Charge An online petition has been started against these proposals.

If you wish to sign this the link is as follows: https://tinyurl.com/3bekmznu As always, if there’s anything I can help with please get in touch.

Jackie Stanbridge

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Parish Councillors 2022-2026 Ian Weitzel(Chairman) Ronaldsway, Littleworth End Offord Darcy 01480 811697 Ian.Weitzel@offords-pc.gov.uk

John Gatward (Vice Chairman) 5 Elm Drive Offord Cluny 01480 811148 Richard.Gatward@offords-pc.gov.uk

Simon Young (Chair of Planning) 6 Pippin Close Offord Darcy 01480 812877 simon.young@offords-pc.gov.uk

Tina Dawson (Chair of Finance) 15 Park Way Offord Cluny 01480 539098 Tina.dawson@offords-pc.gov.uk

Caroline Savage The Grove, 71 High Street Offord Darcy 07966 14495 caroline.savage@offords-pc.gov.uk

Liam Beckett 5 Dunstall Close Offord Cluny 07395 249 004 Liam.Beckett@offords-pc.gov.uk

Alistair Sim 7 Bramley Drive Offord Darcy 07421 259676 Alistair.Sim@offords-pc.gov.uk

Hilary Moorbey 125 High Street Offord Cluny 07762133858 hilary.moorbey@offords-pc.gov.uk

Jackie Stanbridge Clerk to the Council Clerk@offords-pc.gov.uk 07597 988763

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at e B e h t o t t e e F

The Offords Line Dance Group

Despite warm summer weather the hall is kept cool using a large fan and a second one kindly supplied by a dancer. By leaving all doors open as well, there is a cooling breeze which is also a great benefit to the dancers. All are encouraged to drink plenty of water during the class and of course anyone can sit out and watch at any time.

As well as hot humid weather conditions to contend with, recent local road closures did their best to deter dancers attending the classes by making access to Offord Cluny from St Neots very difficult. However, Izzy was dedicated as ever and to encourage as many dancers as possible to get to Offord Village Hall so as not to miss their Line Dance class, she drove around and found alternative routes which she then passed on to those dancers determined to make it to class. Not only is Izzy a great teacher she is a good friend who looks out for her dancers.

Feet to the Beat are promoting international relations with Australia as one of the dancers has a cousin who does line dancing over there and so we are currently relearning a dance we did five years ago but Izzy taught it just recently so it could be passed on to the Australian cousin.

For those who have made it a resolution to get fit and more active then there is no better way than to join the Line Dance group. We are a friendly group of people and always very welcoming to new members. The classes are held in Offord Village Hall every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm with a refreshment break, and cost £5 per session, so good value for money, and there are no term breaks to interrupt the flow.

Please contact Izzy for more information.

Jenny Griffiths On behalf of Izzy Brogan Tel: 07709 344144

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Three-hour Nottingham cruise including 2-course lunch – Saturday 1st July - £42 Downtown superstore and Boundary Mills outlet – Friday 14th July - £18 Day trip to Skegness – Tuesday 18th July – Adult £18 Child £10 Sandringham flower show – Wednesday 26th July - £36 Day trip to Hunstanton – Saturday 29th July – Adult £18 Child £10 Wroxham Barns plus Norfolk Broads cruise – Monday 31st July – Adult £26 Child £18 Day trip to Great Yarmouth – Wednesday 2ndAugust - Adult £18 Child £10 Day in Stratford Upon Avon – Sunday 13th August - Adult £18 Child £10 Day trip to Cromer including the End of the Pier Show – Tuesday 15th August - Adult £44 Child £36 Day trip to Sheringham – Thursday 17th August - Adult £18 Child £10 PLUS LOTS MORE!

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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 Welcome to Buckden Methodist Church Minister:

Revd. Sue Baker-Maher 01480 473444 sue.bakermaher@methodist.org.uk

Stewards:

Bob Baxter 01480 810102 Carol Swepstone 01480 810053

Sunday Services 10.30 am Regular Activities: Bible Study group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 10.30am Soup and Sweet Lunch takes place on the 3rd Friday of each month at 12 noon Coffee Morning on the 1st Friday of each month from 10am - 11.30

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Village Groups & Organisations Archery Bowls Club Brownies Church Events Community Police

Marc Bax 381172 Carolyn Bargh 810237 offordguiding1@gmail.com Helen Northrop 07771 590304 Bob Bargh 810237 c/o St Neots 456111 Police Stn 0345 456 4564 Sarah Conboy 414900 Brett Mickelburgh 07441 392492 Debbie Mickelburgh 07537 121365 Liz Howes 812899 offordguiding1@gmail.com Peter Riley 811839

District Councillor District Councillor District Councillor Friends of St Peter’s Guides Neighbourhood Watch Offord Cluny & Offord Darcy Parish Council Ian Weitzel 811697 Parish Clerk Jackie Stanbridge 07597 988763 Offord Gardeners’ Assn Janet Bedingfield 810091 Offord Sch, Headteacher Kate Ruddock 810308 Chair of Governors Liz Simpkin 07976 792463 Offord PTA c/o The School 810308 Offord Day Nursery & Out of School Club Lilly Templeman 01480 811977 Offord Tots Louise Byam-Cook 07853 923126 Rainbows offordguiding1@gmail.com Senior Citizens Marlene Alderman 810609 The Offord PlayerS John Kirby 810049 Thursday Club Doreen Rowbury 811025 Village Hall hire Helen Bosworth 811892 Village Hall 300+ Club Helen Bosworth 811892 Women’s Institute Jenny Murby 811474

Whilst every effort is made to ensure information in this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any errors. To update any details above, please email offordOandA@gmail.com The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect those of the Editor.

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Directory of Advertisers & Service Providers BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLBEING 20 ACCENTUATE YOGA 9 FLAIR UNISEX HAIR SALON 50 JUNE LEE PODIATRIST 21 MOBILITY BATHING GROUP

07756 463147 01480 810417 01480 214392 & 07947 371107 01462 889097

CHILDCARE 43 SWIFTS OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB 14 OFFORD DAY NURSERY & OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB 30 OFFORD TOTS

0207 6220484 0207 6220484 07853 923126

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN SERVICES 13 A1 CHIMNEY SWEEP & MAINTENANCE 07508 051920 48 ABSOLUTE PLUMBING 01480 812549 46 ANGLIAN WATER 0800 0113774 34 CM DECORATING 01480 810594 35 DK TILL COAL MERCHANTS 01223 232947 51 HOME-N-DRY CLEANING 01487 840310 & 07766 576381 50 GREENSLEEVES LAWNS 01767 651639 51 JEZ ASHCROFT DECORATING 07708 031493 & 01480 812461 45 JODI FINCH & SON ELECTRICAL 07771 613848 & 01480 731599 49 JOHN SINCLAIR ELECTRICIAN 01480 273927 & 07815 903467 SELF STORAGE & ROOM HIRE 10 CINCH SELF STORAGE 33 MORE SPACE 13 OFFORD VILLAGE HALL HIRE

01480 455261 01480 830130 01480 811892

FOOD & DRINK 4 GODMANCHESTER FOODBANK 12 THE HORSESHOE INN, OFFORD DARCY

07398 676406 01480 810293

VEHICLE & TRANSPORT SERVICES 64 GRAVELEY GARAGE & MOTORCYCLES 10 PAXTON HILL GARAGE 58 PLATINUM TOURS

01480 830462 & 831058 01480 217806 01480 810560

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 47 HUNTS SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND 63 HUNT & COOMBS SOLICITORS 32 KINGFISHER FUNERAL DIRECTORS 31 W&H PEACOCK AUCTIONEERS

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01480 453438 01733 882870 01480 471001 01480 474550

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