Offord Out & About August - September 23

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

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.

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

JUNE

£ 20 No.008

£ 15 No.056

£ 10 No.253

£ 5 No.192

FredRance

BerylCross

JasonWilson

RebeccaIddon

MargaretPullen

JenniferKennedy

DeliaMurren

MalcolmReece

Therearestillafewsharesavailableifyouwouldliketojoin.

Contact Helen Bosworth on 811892 or Jenny Murby on 811474 for furtherdetails.

AllSaintsChurchyard Project

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

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

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

Offord Gardeners Association

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 811148

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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

OffordSeniorCitizensClub

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

ALL SAINTS SERVICES AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2023

All are welcome

August Services

6th August Family Service 9.30am

13th August Holy Communion 9.30 am

20th August Songs of Praise 6pm

27th August Holy Communion 9.30 am

September Services

3rd September Family Service 9.30am at St Peters

10th September Holy Communion 9.30 am

17th September Songs of Praise 6pm

24th September 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

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.

Eventscalendar2023

AlleventsintheVillageHallunlessnotedotherwise

August 12th Bacon Butties 10am - 12

September 3rd BBQ – Elm Drive

October 1st Harvest Lunch

12 noon (Tickets in advance)

12 noon - 2pm 14th Bacon Butties 10am - 12

November 4th Bacon Butties & Hot Dogs 10am – 12 17th Bingo Details in October O&A

25th & 26th Christmas Tree Festival

December 1st Band Concert in the Church

12 noon - 4pm

8pm (Tickets in advance)

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

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.

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/

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.

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

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

FarmersEdand Verity

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

The Friends of St Peters Church

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.

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.

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

Offord WomensInstitute

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

ParishCouncilReport

LocalPlanUpdate

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.

ProposedchargingforGreenBin

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

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:

GardenWaste,FoodWaste,GreenBins

DEFRAwantsallcouncilstocollectfoodwasteonceaweek (EnvironmentalProtectionAct2021).

• This is to reduce the amount of waste going into overflowing landfill sites

• HDC currently collects food waste co-mingled with garden waste

Whilewedonotyethaveallofthedetails,wedoknowthat:

• 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

Wealsoknow:

• 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.

TheGovernment’sWasteandResourcesStrategyActwillseethe biggestchangestorecyclinginthelast20years.Thissignificantly changeshowwecollectanddisposeofourwasteandrecycling. Therearemanychallengesahead,butitprovidesanopportunityto transformourservicesandmakethembetter.

• 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.

Interactivespeedsign

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.

RecreationGround–SummerSports

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

MillenniumGreen

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.

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.

Potholesetc

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.

FlyTipping

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.

ProposedCambridgeCongestionCharge

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

ParishCouncillors2022-2026

IanWeitzel(Chairman)

Ronaldsway,LittleworthEnd OffordDarcy

01480811697

Ian.Weitzel@offords-pc.gov.uk

JohnGatward(ViceChairman)

SimonYoung(ChairofPlanning)

5ElmDrive 6PippinClose OffordCluny OffordDarcy

01480811148 01480812877

Richard.Gatward@offords-pc.gov.uk

TinaDawson(ChairofFinance)

15ParkWay

simon.young@offords-pc.gov.uk

CarolineSavage

TheGrove,71HighStreet

OffordCluny OffordDarcy

01480539098

Tina.dawson@offords-pc.gov.uk

LiamBeckett

5DunstallClose

0796614495

caroline.savage@offords-pc.gov.uk

AlistairSim

7BramleyDrive

OffordCluny OffordDarcy

07395249004 07421259676

Liam.Beckett@offords-pc.gov.uk

HilaryMoorbey

125HighStreet

OffordCluny

07762133858

hilary.moorbey@offords-pc.gov.uk

Alistair.Sim@offords-pc.gov.uk

JackieStanbridge

ClerktotheCouncil

Clerk@offords-pc.gov.uk

07597988763

FeettotheBeat

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

PLUS LOTS MORE!

Day trip to Sheringham –

Thursday 17th AugustAdult £18 Child £10

Day trip to Cromer including the End of the Pier Show –

Tuesday 15th AugustAdult £44 Child £36

Day in Stratford Upon Avon –

Sunday 13th AugustAdult £18 Child £10

Day trip to Great Yarmouth –

Wednesday 2ndAugustAdult £18 Child £10

Wroxham Barns plus Norfolk Broads cruise –

Monday 31st July –Adult £26 Child £18

Day trip to Hunstanton –Saturday 29th July –Adult £18 Child £10

Sandringham flower show –

Wednesday 26th July£36

Day trip to Skegness –

Tuesday 18th July –Adult £18 Child £10

Downtown superstore and Boundary Mills outlet –Friday 14th July£18

Three-hour Nottingham cruise including 2-course lunch –Saturday 1st July£42

St Neots United Reformed Church

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

Buckden Methodist Church

Welcome to Buckden Methodist Church

Minister: Revd.SueBaker-Maher

01480473444

sue.bakermaher@methodist.org.uk

Stewards: BobBaxter01480810102

CarolSwepstone01480810053

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 takesplaceonthe3rdFridayofeachmonthat12noon Coffee Morning onthe1stFridayofeachmonthfrom10am-11.30

Village Groups & Organisations

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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