Out & About Dec 22 - Jan 23

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. It is also online with many more coloured pictures to see - visit: tinyurl.com/mrx4zv2u

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

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.

AllSaintsWildlifeProject Update

You may remember earlier in the year I reported seeing a pair of Blue Tits actively flying in and out of one of our new bird boxes. Chirping sounds were also heard so we were fairly confident a brood of chicks had hatched. In Autumn we took the 3 bird boxes down to clean them out ready for the next nesting season in Spring. I’m happy to say that 2 boxes had fully made nests with evidence of a brood of chicks having hatched and fledged. The other bird box had the beginnings of a nest but for some reason the bird making it didn’t finish Therefore in our first season as the saying goes “2 out of 3 ain’t bad” It's fascinating to examine a bird’s nest. They really are a work of art. Our nests were woven with moss, dried grass or hay and lined with a top layer of soft animal or horse hair. Blue tits can lay up to 16 eggs! The majority of clutches contain 8-12 eggs. Unfortunately our Blue tit nest had a tiny bird skull in it so at least one chick sadly didn’t make it. This winter why don’t you add a bird box or two to your own garden? If you’re lucky enough for a bird to choose it for their nest site, seeing the activity of nest building and chick feeding with be a pleasure to behold. A couple of things to remember when positioning the bird box. It ideally needs to face between north and east to provide natural protection from direct sunlight, wind and rain. For most birds the best height is 2-4 metres attached securely to a wall, tree or fence out of the reach of predators including cats.

Between November and March is the best time to plant bare root hedging. We will be planting a mix of native hedging plants along the southern end of the churchyard. The varieties we have chosen are hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose). They are all beneficial for wildlife by providing early flowers for pollinators which are followed by berries in the autumn ready for birds to feast upon. The hazel will have bountiful nuts which squirrels, mice and voles adore. Woodpeckers and nuthatches jam hazelnuts into crevices in tree bark so they can hammer them open more easily.

Lastly in an attempt to stop the rabbits digging up the plants around the old stone font, we have surrounded it with attractive pebbles. So far so good!

Lots of spring flowering bulbs such as crocus, daffodils, tulips and muscari (Grape Hyacinths) have been planted for a welcome splash of colour in the Spring and much needed pollen for early emerging bees and insects. If you feel a bit down in the dumps this winter, wrap up warm and get outside if you can, either in your own gardens or into the countryside. It will lift your spirits and you’ll feel all the better for making the effort.

Fiona Fitzhugh

Offord Primary School

After two years of restrictions, it is great to be able to get fully involved in activities in the wider community. The Autumn term has seen many different teams compete in various sporting activities, competitions and festivals. The children have had a great time representing Offord Primary School and improving their skills with great quality coaches and then putting them to test in a competitive forum. Every year group is taking part in Football Festivals during the year. The Year 6 and 5 took place earlier this term – finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. The Y5 and Y6 also competed in rugby and a team of various ages won a Bronze Medal in the Penathlon Games. The Y2 children very much enjoyed the experience of trying so many different sports at their Festival of Games. We don’t just look at sport when participating in inter-school competitions – a team of Year 6 children took part in the Cambridgeshire English Challenge. We are so proud of the children when they represent Offord Primary School in the wider community. Well done to all of them, and good luck to the rest that will be competing later in the year.

December is always a very exciting time at Offord Primary School as we get ready for Christmas. This year is no exception.

Our Christmas celebrations will begin with the Virtual Christingle Service from Ely Cathedral. The younger children in the school (Reception, Year 1 & Year2) are busy learning songs and practising their lines ready to perform their nativity themed play to friends and family. We will be wearing our Christmas jumpers during the last few days of term and looking forward to the ‘Offord Primary School Christmas Day’ - this is happening on Tuesday 20th December this year. As well as celebrating by tucking into a lovely Christmas dinner the children can expect a visit from Father Christmas before he gets really busy over the following weekend. Fun and games will also be had during an evening when the children will take part in a snowman and reindeer themed Beetle Drive with lots of Christmas themed prizes to be won. The older children will also be leading the festivities in a Christmas Carol Concert being held at the church. This really is a magical time of the year.

All the pupils and staff at Offord Primary School would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Photos from Christmas 2021

‘Why’, you may ask, ‘am I writing about the Godmanchester Foodbank in an Offord journal?’

Well, that’s easy; we haven’t a foodbank of our own, and if Offord people need help, it is to Godmanchester they go. I think that puts a responsibility on the rest of us to help if we can.

I’ve just paid the Foodbank a visit on a very busy Monday morning, when they were receiving gifts of food from the local harvest festivals (and others) to sort and pack, ready to be collected by people needing their help. My, they were working hard!

What impressed me was how they were working together as a well-oiled team, although they had individual roles. There was a retired doctor, nurse, teacher- contributing, not just their time, but their experience of life, their knowledge of people and their needs. Working alongside them is a member of the Citizens Advice Bureau, so that, not only does the Foodbank offer help with the immediate needs of those who turn to them, but they provide longer-term assistance in sorting out some of the fundamental problems that have driven them to seek their help. It’s like giving a well to African countries, rather than just a bottle of water.

I don’t work at the Foodbank, my only connection is that I went to make a donation, but it humbled me to think that others are making such a huge commitment of their time and experience, whilst most of us do nothing.

So how can we, in the Offords, help the Foodbank to help those who are going to have it rough this winter?

1. We can continue to donate non-perishable food products (Budgens has a basket).

2. Calling all Knitters! The Foodbank is asking for donations of knitted hats and scarves (for children and adults), to enable those who are cold to feel warmer.

3. If you Don’t need the £400 the government is giving you to keep warm this winter, why not give it to someone who does? The Foodbank has a procedure for giving people emergency help with power in a way that does not allow them to spend the money on anything else.

Want to help?

Call Cynthia on 07398 676406

If you have knitted items and would like them collected phone me, Norma, on 07802432616.

OffordGardenersAssociation

The OGA held their AGM last night just in time for me to put the report in this edition of the village magazine.

We’ve had a successful year, with better entries for both our Spring and Summer Shows than we expected due to the hot and dry weather during the summer.

Our monthly meetings included topics on Climate Change and Gardening without the use of Chemicals. Our meeting last night was well attended, with a new member coming forward to take on the role of Secretary, which was a big help as our Treasurer has been doing both roles.

We concluded our annual meeting with a demonstration of how to make a Christmas Table Decoration. Members were invited to have a go at making their own arrangement, with a cheese and wine social event to round off the evening. We would thank all members and committee for there continued support .

We do not have a meeting in December so our next meeting will be on January 19th as usual in the village hall at 7-30pm. This is when we invite members to renew their yearly membership of £10 as well as welcoming new members. The Speaker for this first meeting of the year is Zsuzsa Serer, and the Subject is Orchids and other House Plants.

We wish all members a Happy Christmas and New Year. Enjoy Your Gardening John

WINNERS

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

£20 No. 104 Dawn Mallord £20 No. 350 John Kirby £15 No. 169 Martin Griffiths £15 No. 301 Elizabeth Simpkin £10 No. 115 Michael Alexander £10 No. 047 Elizabeth Flint £5 No. 358 Rob Chew £5 No. 0858 Karen Wildber

The next GRANDDRAW will take place in December and the monthly draws will be taking place at Village clubs and events. There are still a few shares available if you would like to join.

Contact Helen Bosworth on 01480 811892 or Jenny Murby 01480 811474 for further details.

OffordSeniorCitizensClub

We had a fish and chip supper at our September meeting, which was very much enjoyed and always popular.

On 8th October, we held a tea and cakes afternoon. It was a nice social occasion, time for having a chat and a catch-up, and a valuable boost for funds. We have a raffle which is always well supported.

We decided to hold a Bring and Share supper for our October meeting. Everyone participated and we had a lovely evening, followed by a fun game with dice and coins.

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 call Marlene Alderman on 01480 810609 or Sue Barimore on 01480 810763.

Offord VillageHall

The Village Hall has been a hive of activity of the last few months. The Beer Festival in September was a well-attended event with a record number of visitors sampling the Beers, Ciders and Gins on offer. Thank you to all the volunteers but especially Sarah and her husband Mark for their great skills organising it again. The live music added to the relaxed atmosphere and an enjoyable time was had by all!

October was a terribly busy month for the Village Hall with unusually three events in one month. The first was Quiz Night, an opportunity to test your brain power. Thank you to Tracey and Janet for setting the questions and adding the scores.

‘The Road Dance’ film night, held on Friday October 21st was screened in conjunction with Creative Arts East who help to promote the arts in rural locations. A lovely story that was enjoyed by everyone. Film nights are becoming a popular night out. The extra-large screen makes watching them like a normal trip to the cinema with the added bonus of being a short walk for most people. As a special treat we are kicking off the Christmas season with a filmed ‘live performance’ by the Royal Ballet of ‘TheNutcracker’onSunday December11th3pm. Tickets Adults £7.50 and Children £2.50 available from www.ticketsource.co.uk.

The Halloween Hootenanny, held on Saturday October 29th saw us dancing to the Ceilidh band ‘Passerida’. It was an opportunity to get on your feet and have a go at the dances which date back to the 1800’s. The band were a young group of musicians who lifted everyone’s mood. As someone said as they were leaving the hall at the end of the evening, I can’t stop smiling!

Our last event for this year is ‘ACHRISTMASCELEBRATION’onSaturday December17th7:30pm–11pm. Dancing to the popular MelodyBeats. Put on your dancing shoes to start the Christmas season. Or simply sit back and enjoy the music. Join friends to answer John’s Christmas Quiz and get in the festive spirit with a sing-along! Tickets £10 which includes a complimentary drink available from www.ticketsource.co.uk.

The first event of the new year is QUIZNIGHT on SaturdayJanuary28th , 2023.7:30pmforaprompt7:45pmstart. Bring your own food and drink. Tickets £5. Teams of up to six people (can be made up on the night).

Come and join with us to meet friends old and new. Whatever the time of year you can always be sure of a warm welcome in Offord Village Hall. Offord Village Hall Management Committee would like to thank you for all your support over the year and wish you a good Christmas and a peaceful healthy New Year.

Helen Ellis, Secretary Offord Village Hall

ThursdayClub

Hello Everyone,

We had a Bring and Share lunch in October and in November a Jacket Potato lunch with a variety of fillings.

The club is now preparing for Christmas, with trips out and a Christmas lunch. Some members have been very busy making decorations to decorate the Thursday Club tree for the Christmas Tree Festival.

From the Thursday Club we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

If you would like to join the club please contact Doreen Rowbury 811025 or Sheila Reece 812238

FarmersEdand Verity

Hello everyone!

It is hard to believe that it is time to write again – the last couple of months have flown by for us. The rams have now been in with our second group of ewes, and by the time you are reading this, we will have pregnancy scanned the first group of ewes! Fingers crossed for lots of positive results, as it means we will start lambing at the end of January 2023. Some excitement in the village field as many of the local villagers spotted the new arrival at the end of October – a new calf. You might ask whether he was expected, as we typically calve our cows in the spring/early summer time – but we can assure you, he was. Over the late autumn/winter period, we take our stock bull away from the majority of the herd of cows and let him have a rest with a few cows for company – and this new addition, was the result. We have enjoyed chatting to many of the villagers about this arrival – so please do feel free to ask any questions if you see us ‘out and about’. We are gradually getting ready for over-wintering the livestock, and making the most of the mild weather currently – it is lovely to be able to leave as many animals out in the fields for as long as possible. The sheep have a wonderful thick fleece now and the cows are starting to resemble woolly mammoths, which means they can remain warm and comfortable throughout even the worst of weather. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to everyone. Best Wishes, Farmers Ed & Verity

All Saints Church News

A seasonal message from Fr David

Around this time of year I am always looking out for starlings. The way they flock together and seem to dance as a group, a mass twisting one way and another. Sometimes I've managed to be in the right place and time to watch them do this until groups of fifties or hundreds at a time have all swooped down into cover for the night. Then I've listened, as they chatter to each other, until all falls silent. Yesterday, the day before the Out and About deadline, I was lucky enough to see a number just big enough to be called a murmuration of starlings (in case I can spare you a google search five hundred is the number I'm told). Throughout the year starlings flying together are good to watch even with fifty or so, around now though it is especially good. They twisted and turned together. They split and reformed over a great bare field of dull colour, over stubble and earth. The sun set as I watched the starlings, and some woods a little way off turned orange with the colour cast on them from the eastern horizon. As I watched all this I felt very peaceful and I thought about the end of the year and the beginning of the new. Advent Sunday, the 27th November this year, is the beginning of the new year. The new year for the church at least. As you read this of course the day will have passed but for me, today, it is days away and after that the headlong dive into Advent, then Christmas, then Epiphany. This Out and About will have all three. Watching the starlings I felt peace, as well as something not uncommon in the clergy just before Advent, I will leave you to guess, please pray for your parish priest as he prays for you :)

Advent, a four week time of waiting, expectancy and preparation, in Advent Christians look forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ, the nativity, at Christmas. Advent also calls us to look and wait expectantly for the promised second coming of Christ: the parousia. Advent lasts until sunset on the 24th December, and Christmas eve, strictly speaking, begins after this. Christmas is of course a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is so wonderful that we celebrate Christmas for twelve days; Christmastide. Throughout the twelve days, on my windowsill, the three kings are moved closer and closer to my little ceramic figures of the holy family. Closer and closer they come until the twelfth night, and then they are close enough,

and ready for the next day, the 6th January. The 6th is the feast of the epiphany and the day the travelling magi, kings, wise men, whatever title you prefer, see why they followed the star. They join the ceramic nativity figures of the shepherd, the angel, and animals and they meet Jesus. They leave gifts and depart, but they depart changed. As T S Eliot wrote in his poem The Journey of the Magi: We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation

I leave my nativity scene up for the whole of Epiphanytide (6th January - 2nd February) I leave the wise men there, with all the other figures, though they would have left by then. Then, reluctantly, I pack it all away in the box. For me the nativity scene is a wonderful and great subject, a nativity scene is an opportunity for focussing devotion to our Lord, Jesus. This period of time marked by Christians ends when we remember Mary and Joseph taking their baby to the temple. Ah, but even though it is the scene for one of the most beautiful encounters in the bible (Simeon meeting the infant Jesus and recognising him as the saviour of the world) ... it is two days into February, and beyond this copy of Out and About!

The giving of gifts, gifts of time and attention, gifts given with love, simple gifts of kindness, gifts of charity, gifts that give joy to children, whatever you give this Christmas I hope and pray for peace in your house, the peace of Christ, and the message of the shepherds and angels to be in your hearts. "...Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19).

I hope and pray you will treasure the nativity of Christ, and ponder it in your heart. All good seasonal wishes and much love to you and yours.

With love, Father David 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/

Fund raising and social events are planned through to the end of 2023. By the time that this edition lands on your dormat we will have had the Christmas Tree Festival and Band Concert and will be looking forward to Father Christmas making his usual trips round the village. We will encourage Father Christmas to stay on his sleigh and the families to come out to him. Look out for the Facebook page to track his progress as he stops at pre-planned spots. We will be knocking on doors like we did before the pandemic so you don’t miss him. As well as being fun for everyone, this event raises money to keep All Saints going with extra services at Christmas and the heating turned on for them! More information will be posted on the village websites nearer the time.

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

February 4th Bacon Butties 10am - 12 25th Bacon Butties 10am - 12

March 17th Prosecco and Puddings 7pm - 10pm (Tickets in advance)

April 15th Bacon Butties & Hot Cross Buns 10am - 12 May 13th Plant Sale 10am - 2pm (unless sold out earlier) 20th Bacon Butties 10am - 12

June 10th Bacon Butties 10am - 12 24th Church and Village Fete 12 - 4pm

at Offord Primary School

July 15th Bacon Butties 10am - 12 August 12th Bacon Butties 10am - 12 September 3rd BBQ 17 Elm Drive 12 noon (Tickets in advance)

October 1st Harvest Lunch 12 noon - 2pm 14th Bacon Butties 10am - 12

November 4th Bacon Butties & Hot Dogs 10am - 12 25th & 26th Christmas Tree Festival 12 noon - 4pm December 1st Band Concert in the Church 8pm (Tickets in advance)

Father Christmas visits the village on 15th (Offord Cluny) & 17th (Offord Darcy)

Coming Soon!!!!!

Many of you ask how the fundraising for the new roof is going. You will be pleased to know that Bob Bargh is organising a large thermometer to display outside the church so that you can see the amount rising as donations are made.

ALL SAINTS SERVICES DECEMBER 2022 & JANUARY 2023

All are welcome at All Saints

December Services

4th December

Family Service 9.30am at All Saints Carols by Candlelight 4pm at St Peters

5th December Celtic Advent Service 6.30pm (District Churches Together)

11th December Holy Communion 9.30 am

18th December Carol Joy 10 am - Come to hear the Christmas story and sing

24th December Christingle Service 4pm Christmas Eve – the First Christmas Communion 9.30pm

25th December Christmas Communion 9am

January Services

1st January

Holy Communion Service 9.30am

8th January Family Service at 9.30 am

15th January Songs of Praise 6pm followed by refreshments

22nd January Holy Communion Service 9.30am

29th January Morning Prayer at 9.30am

Please help us to keep our village church alive. Throughout the pandemic we became increasingly reliant 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 ministry costs. We are dependent on, and greatly encouraged by donations from the congregation and other villagers. Some of you give 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 open for worship and for when you or your family and friends need it. Church is for everyone, it’s not a private members club.

Hunts Waste Busters Top Tips for Saving Money, Getting Creative & Reducing Waste

This Christmas

The Hunts Waste Busters believe in sustainable living, making minor changes to reduce our carbon footprint. Christmas is a time where our waste increases dramatically, with the bulk, ending up in landfill. We have compiled a few thought-provoking ideas, that can assist you in reducing your waste this Christmas, in addition to saving money and creating memories.

Buy Pre-Loved

There is an abundance of ways to seek presents that are preloved, finding the ideal gift at a fraction of the price. Support local charities or make use of modern websites, apps or local buy and sell pages, saving you money and rehoming a good product whilst reducing the amount of unwanted gifts/clothing sent to landfill. The best present may be right around the corner from you...

Creative Menu

Save money by utilising end of life food or leftovers to create a unique meal, reducing your food waste as well as trying something new. The internet is full of festive food ideas and recipes with the ability to input your available ingredients to make a dish that not only tickles the tastebuds but impresses guests with your cooking skills. If you don't get through it all, freeze it for a later date, giving you a much-needed night off cooking. *Please remember all food waste including peelings and even bones, can be put into your garden waste bin, which is processed for composting.

Make Your Own Decorations

You may find the least expensive way to decorate is right under your nose, with items such as twigs, fir cones, and holly and willow wreaths being just some of the examples, our great outdoors

has to offer, to create the ultimate in Christmas decorations. Many examples, tutorials and inspirational ideas can be found online, offering a great conversation starter for any guests.

Make Your Own Reusable Calendar

Advent calendars are a major contributor to plastic waste over the festive period, with the bulk having plastic inserts that cannot be recycled with ease. Say NO to disposable and YES to reusable, making your own tasty treats, offer another fun activity for children or a perfect opportunity to show off your creative side.

Recycle, Recycle and Recycle

Always check if what you are throwing away can be recycled. For any items not recyclable through your recycling bin, check your local supermarket, most have dedicated recycle points for items such as soft plastics and batteries, making it easy to bring with you when doing your food shop. In the case of many electrical stores, they will also accept e-waste such as TV's, PC's, Laptops and phones.

*Placing batteries in your kerbside bins can cause fires in the collection vehicles.

Inspired? We hope you are... every small change makes a difference to our environment. All we can ask this year is to THINK, ACT, CHANGE and assist us in reducing waste, maximising recycling and creating a sustainable Christmas ethic that can live on for generations.

From all the Hunts Waste Busters Team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Sustainable New Year.

Check your Christmas holiday collection dates here: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/refuse-calendar/

St Neots Auction Centre

Following years of planning and months of building works, Thursday 1st December 2022 marks the dawn of a new era of auctioneering in St Neots with the reopening of W&H Peacock’s Auction Centre on New Street. Having two good sized salerooms, a first floor café, serving a range of breakfasts, lunches, cake and snacks, dedicated display areas and excellent facilities our newly redeveloped and extended centre means that the historic Cambridgeshire market town is now furnished with the most modern and accessible auction venue in the country.

The redesign blends a vibrant refurbishment of the existing Victorian rear barn with a purpose-built contemporary space to meet the demands of today’s modern, fast-paced auction world. The site will hold two weekly sales every Thursday together featuring over 1000 lots of furniture, household goods & electronics, tools, machinery & building supplies, garden & outdoor products and ex-retail stocks, as well as occasional specialist sales, valuation days and events throughout the year.

Key

Viewing

First

www.peacockauction.co.uk

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.

The Friends of St Peters Church

The Friends Group have had a very busy autumn, firstly with some local Women’s Institute groups touring the church as part of their walk around the village, hosted by the Offords WI. All members were very impressed with this lovely building and had no idea this gem of the Offords had such history with its beautiful architecture, memorial brasses, carved corbel faces and a possibly unique William Glasby stained glass window. We plan to give our village WI group a longer and fuller tour of the church next year.

The Craft Fair held at the end of October could well have been a soggy disaster at 9am as we opened up the church to welcome stallholders, however, they are made of stern stuff and turned up regardless. The rain was torrential and our brave volunteers on the archery field who directed the parking and assisted with carrying goods into the church were like drowned rats. A small glimmer of brighter weather at 12pm turned into a lovely sunny afternoon which brought out the visitors and made this event such a success.

It was very encouraging that everyone had an enjoyable afternoon, with over 200 people visiting the Fair. Many purchases were made and all stallholders were delighted with their sales. It was lovely to greet our longstanding stallholders who are like old friends, but also to welcome many new ones, who were very impressed with the organisation of the event, and also by the church itself.

There is a photo of Jemma Dell, ‘The Yelling Pig’, at her spinning wheel and with a fabulous selection of her home spun garments in the background.

The Friends group organised our customary wreath laying ceremony on 11th November when a poppy wreath was laid by the Parish Council on the Offord D’Arcy War Memorial in the church. As always we remembered those from Offord D’Arcy who died during the two World Wars

CarolsbyCandlelightService-Sunday4December4pm

We look forward to welcoming young and old to St Peter’s to celebrate the start of the Christmas season and this year sees the welcome return of the traditional hot mulled wine and mince pies after the service, on sale for £2.50. This service features popular carols led by a choir who volunteer for this occasion, interspersed with Christmas bible readings. The Friends decorate the church and organise the lighting of around 150 tea lights and candles, so a truly wonderful and atmospheric occasion.

Please note:

• Parking available on the archery field

• There is a dropping off point at the top of the drive for those of the congregation who are less mobile but wish to attend the service

• The church will be well ventilated and unheated so wrap up very warmly

• No personal candles please

• Bring a torch

Website

We are delighted to report that our new administrator has sourced a different website provider and we are now fully functioning, so please visit our new website, although the address remains the same: www.stpetersofforddarcy.co.uk.

The

We are hopeful that we can rebook the popular travelling theatre company ‘

This Is My Theatre’ for a date in the summer. They were very well received in the summer of 2018 and perform in all spaces from historic buildings and churches to purpose built theatres and open-air venues, and of course, loved performing in St Peter’s.

Visitingthechurch

Although we repeat the following wording in every edition of Out & About, we highlight that for security reasons the church is kept locked. Do get in touch if you would like to visit the church. 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.

Finally, we should like to thank all our supporters, both longstanding and new ones, who have assisted us in 2022 to put on such impressive and memorable events in the church starting from the Look at the 50s Exhibition to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee, the Festal Evensong, Claude Bourbon Guitar concert, the Craft Fair and finishing with Carols by Candlelight Service.

Jenny Griffiths

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

OffordWomensInstitute

The WI Federation runs two Group Walks each year, and this September it was the turn of The Offords to host the Autumn Walk 2022. This was a challenge as we are a small group and we didn’t know how many we would have to cater for until the last minute. However, our members and friends rallied to the task and we felt we had a very worthwhile and enjoyable day.

The weather was bright and sunny and was just perfect for walking. Over 30 visiting walkers arrived and were offered coffee or tea before setting off with their guides. There was a Short Walk and a Long walk to choose from. The Long Walk was 4.5 miles across local farmland, starting in New Road and returning through Littleworth End. This walk was quite strenuous but well worth the effort for the far-reaching countryside views and the peace of being ‘away from it all’. For much of the walk you can’t see a single road or building, which is a rare treat in our busy lives.

The Short Walk was an Historical Walk around the villages of Offord D’Arcy and Offord Cluny – two villages with one heart. One of our members had put in a great deal of work listing significant houses and sites of historical interest. The walk started at All Saints’ Church in Cluny where we were allowed in to have a look inside. Of particular interest is the stained-glass window honouring the RAF Pathfinders Squadron. The guides then led a meandering walk around The Offords pointing out various interesting landmarks and sharing anecdotes. The highlight of this walk was a visit to St Peter’s Church (D’Arcy) which is a redundant church, but full of life due to a group of ‘Friends’ who kindly

came to give us a talk. Although this was the Short Walk, it took more time than the Long Walk, as the visiting walkers seemed so interested in our village history. Finally, we arrived back at the Village Hall where WI members had been busy all day preparing a tasty lunch of ‘chilli on jackets’ with salad. There was a raffle for a substantial hamper and a Blind Date book stall to round off a pleasant day. Yes, there was quite a lot of work and planning involved in organising this walk, but looking back, we all felt that it had been a great success. Many of us felt that we had learnt so much more about our home turf and we felt proud to showcase our own villages. A lovely day! Our grateful thanks to all who helped on the day!

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

Art Exhibition

On the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd October, All Saints Church, Offord Cluny, was the venue for our community’s open art exhibition. The event was the brainchild of Fr David Sheppard, who contributed time, encouragement, and practical help, to make the show such a success. He was also one of the many artists contributing to this uplifting and cheering occasion. The delightful church also provided a visual treat with its painted ceiling and beautiful Pathfinder memorial stained-glass window.

There was an enthusiastic response from visitors (over 200) on the weekend; rather surprising given the torrential rainfall most of Sunday. The exhibition showed over 70 works by 35 artists. Subject matter included: landscapes, surrealist images, figurative painting and life drawing, still life, animal subjects, digital art, abstracts and portraits. One special exhibit was ‘Buckden in a Storm’ a lithograph by John Piper from 1977; kindly lent by Buckden Towers*. During the recent glum financial and political times it was a pleasure to see so much positive spirit in our own community’s cultural endeavour. Thank you to Michael Murfin who designed a superb poster – perfect for the event.

And much gratitude and appreciation to all the contributing artists, the visitors, and the helpers who hung the show, loaned easels, transported works, etc, and also to Mr John Simpkin who kept everything safe and secure. The exhibition raised approximately £400 for the church (over £250 in donations and around £150 from sales commissions). It is hoped that this event could be the first of a bi-annual visual arts exhibition in the benefice of Buckden with the Offords. It was a successful first time, so let’s hope it can be a fixture to look forward to in 2024.

PS: Far too modest to talk about himself but Terry who wrote the piece above was also a co-curator and exhibition organiser; my thanks to Terry and Michael for their hard work and enthusiasm drawing together work from artists who have a connection to either Buckden or the Offords. I'm glad to say the three of us are keen to do the whole thing again! David Sheppard

* John Piper (1903 - 1992 ) was a distinguished British artist (official war artist 1940 – 1942 depicting scenes of The Blitz around Britain and painter of a spectacular mural for the 1951 festival of Britain)

Terry Sladden

The Mystery of 30A

To the residents of The Haycroft and Meadow Lane, Offord Darcy, it was a mystery why the lighting column at the end of their road simply didn’t work. Despite communications to the various authorities nothing seemed to lighten the darkness. Year followed year, dark winters came and went but still no change. On one warm summer afternoon the situation came to light during a casual conversation on the way to the village shop. The challenge was then set, to establish why the lighting column 30A didn’t work and even better, get it working. Two things quickly became apparent, the column was of the type installed during the street lighting improvement and modification programme carried out jointly by Cambridgeshire County Council and Offord Darcy Parish Council back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s funded by Darcy Council Tax payers and adopted by CCC. Column 30A should have been replaced with a more modern energy efficient unit during the more recent upgrade carried out by the contractor Balfour Beatty. So first question, why not? The answer, nobody knows. One clue was Lighting Column 30A did not exist! Or at least not on the computer system used for reporting and identifying street light faults. So no matter how much one tried requesting action the answer would be:The Computer says, No! So while the obvious fault was 30A didn’t work, the real problem was in fact an error on the reporting system. As ever with this type of issue it’s a question of knowing which buttons to press, or failing that, knowing someone who knows which button to press, or someone who knows someone who knows which button to press. Step forward your County Councillor Ken Billington whose reply to an email for help was “leave it with me”. So we did.

The magic didn’t happen overnight, and it could be imagined that within the corridors of power there was some scratching of heads. Possibly an engineer was sent on a mission to check out the report, or possibly not, as looking on Google Street View, 30A can be seen lurking in the background as the camera van zipped along the High Street. So 30A might possibly be spotted from Auckland to Vladivostok, so quite likely from Cambridge as well.

One can presume that someone somewhere eventually exclaimed, “good heavens, there is one there, how come we missed that?”

Happily one Friday morning in early November, a team of engineers arrived and lighting column 30A was no more, in its place a modern energy efficient unit stands proudly doing what it should, spreading light where once there was darkness. At the time of writing, the new column has not appeared on the reporting system, but it does exist, it functions brilliantly and its number is L26NBT, which is the identification to be used should a fault ever need to be reported.

Many thanks to Ken Billington, for seeing the project to a successful conclusion.

Alan G.

ParishCouncilReport

It appears that we are all heading into what could be a difficult winter and the Parish Council is keen to help if it can. We are best placed to be the first point of contact with most of our councillors knowing many residents. Please do ask for help if you require it and we will see what’s available. Things change continually and links posted might not always be current, but we will do our best to get information out to everyone and if in doubt about anything please do get in touch. Much of the documentation we receive has hyperlinks which do not necessarily translate when posted onto noticeboards.

The Hunts District Council Helping Hand Scheme offers help in many ways. To find out more please log onto the Hunts District Council website at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk and search for ‘Helping Hand’.

A new 100% grant funded scheme has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to support lower income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on their energy bills. Homes on gas and oil are eligible and landlords are also able to apply, although a financial contribution would be required. Full details are available at the Cambridgeshire County Council website at: Action on Energy Cambridgeshire

It’s budget time at the Parish Council which is always challenging but more so this year not knowing what services might be cut by higher tier authorities and how much our own expenditure is likely to increase with rising inflation. Council looked closely at its budget and projections and unanimously agreed that the parish Precept would remain the same. We are hopeful that between existing funds and grant applications we will be able to fund projects such as the renovation of the pond, interpretation boards and the resurfacing of the village hall car park. As you can imagine, it’s not easy to secure these grants with everyone vying for funds from the same pot, but I’ll keep you posted.

The order for the new outdoor exercise equipment has been placed and we are hopeful that it will be in place next to the MUGA on the Recreation Ground at the beginning of 2023.

Councillors often walk around the parish, noting issues and areas which require attention. These are 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.

As we approach winter, all salt bins have been checked. They’re full and ready for icy or snowy days. Anyone can help themselves to put salt on road or footpaths when required. The salt is for public rather than private areas so please don’t use it for drives, etc.

We have received reports of overgrown trees and hedgerows blocking pavements. These can make life very difficult for those with pushchairs, prams or Motability scooters. Could you check your boundaries please and if you have areas that are overgrown, we ask that you cut them back.

There have also been some reports of fly tipping in the parish. 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.

The Parish Council is the first tier of local government but also often the most visible as it’s the most ‘local’. Our councillors live in the parish so have a vested interest in making sure everything is well maintained. They work extremely hard to keep the parish ticking over and now this is especially difficult as we are 4 members short of a full contingency. This either means that tasks that were usually done will be left undone or that Council must employ outside contractors for everything, which ultimately will mean an increase in the Precept. If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, please get in touch for further information. The two main criteria are that you need to be over 18 years of age and have been registered on the Electoral Roll for more than a year.

Council has decided to look again at the possible provision of a Pavilion on the Recreation Ground. This would not only provide changing facilities for adult football teams and other sporting teams but also, hopefully, an additional meeting place for the village now that the Church Rooms are no longer useable. This is a very long-term project with funding secured via grants but if anyone has any thoughts or ideas please get in touch.

The two defibrillators in the parish located on the Village Hall and Church Rooms have recently been serviced and are in good working order. As the Church Rooms are no longer able to be used the power will at some point be switched off and the unit relocated. Once this has been done, I will of course let everyone know.

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

Lastly, from everyone on the Parish Council we’d like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a safe and peaceful 2023.

Jackie Stanbridge

Colouring time

A Word from Your Newest Parish Councillor

I have been parish councillor for nearly two years now. In that time, I've been really impressed by the commitment, diligence and attitude of all our councillors, especially the chairs of our various committees and our clerk. What I've also noticed, is that there is an awful lot to learn as a councillor. The position provides you with a serious responsibility to make good decisions; decisions which have a direct impact on anyone living or working in our villages. Therefore, I feel somewhat privileged to have a great environment in which to develop my understanding of our village, and the position of councillor, with people that are able to fully articulate historical nuances, legislation and their own ideas and opinions.

Recently we’ve been working on the budget for 2023-24 and subsequently deciding how much the Parish Precept portion of your Council Tax will be, and I am yet again reminded of why it is so critical to have enough councillors that are experienced and diligent enough to make sound decisions on such matters. While these debates and discussions are challenging, I should also mention that it is a very enjoyable experience being able to work on the future development of the village. Those of us on the council all share the same motivation; wanting to do our best for the future of the Offords. In the same spirit, it's good to work with individuals that share similar values.

As it stands, the council has four councillor vacancies and I personally believe we need new councillors in role as soon as we can in order to help build up the level of experience and secure the longevity of our local parish council. I would therefore urge anybody that is considering becoming councillor to reach out to me directly to discuss any questions you may have about it. I'd be more than happy to give you an honest description of what it entails.

One future project I am keen to get your input on is the building of a neighbourhood plan for the village. Neighbourhood planning gives all of our residents the chance to shape the development and the future of the Offords. By developing a neighbourhood plan we can decide where we want new homes, shops and offices to be built and what

infrastructure we believe should be provided. Our community would subsequently then benefit from an extra 10% out of the community infrastructure levy, helping us fund future infrastructure projects we identify in the neighbourhood plan. This document would support the local plan and, as with the current local plan, would have to be used to inform any future developments in the Offords. Ultimately, it offers a unique way in which we can have more control over our future. For more information on neighbourhood plans, check out the government guidance on neighbourhood planning at gov.uk. At this stage, I am gathering interest from residents that would like to be part of a working group to develop such a plan. So, if you are interested in being involved or have an interest in this potential project, please contact me and let me know your thoughts.

Finally, I would like to say thank you to those that have been in touch with me over the last two years to offer their thoughts on the direction of the village and where the parish council might best focus their attention. One of the best ways to consider our future is to understand what you think. Regularly contacting us is always welcome, and so I encourage you all to table your thoughts with any of the councillors. Our council meetings are also open to all, and we always dedicate a portion of the meeting to listening to you; so please do come along, attendance is often low in numbers so it would be fantastic if in 2023 we have a larger number of residents discuss more ideas, concerns or comments!

Have a great Christmas, and I hope to see you in the new year!

Liam Beckett

FeettotheBeat

The Offords Line Dance Group

As well as being competent line dancers, Feet to the Beat, entered a team in the Village Hall Quiz night in October and came a magnificent third. So this is now a reputation to maintain for any future Quiz nights.

The weekly numbers coming to the Tuesday class are still very encouraging which means Izzy is an excellent and popular teacher, drawing in members from St Neots, Buckden, Brampton and further afield. As reported in previous articles, Izzy loves her Christmas music and so can’t wait to start playing festive songs to some of the dances.

We are so lucky to have Izzy as our teacher and we wish her a fantastic Christmas/New Year long haul holiday to visit her daughter in New Zealand and her son in Australia, as they haven’t met up for four years. Izzy, you deserve to have a wonderful break with your family.

Classes are held in Offord Village Hall every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm, with a refreshment break, when we have time to chat, and the added bonus of nice biscuits and cakes to celebrate any birthdays that week.

Classes finish on Tuesday 13th December and resume on Tuesday 24th January 2023.

Jenny Griffiths

We all went Ten Pin Bowling in the alley out at Pidley, Lunch and drinks to follow – better not get tiddly! We all tried hard to make a strike: we chose the smoothest ball,

We tripped and danced along the mat and no-one had a fall! But Oh, the balls were heavy and wonky was the lane, Our legs and backs complained a lot, our shoulders felt the pain.

But on we ploughed: it’s so much fun, or so we all declared, And yes, we cheated just a bit – but no-one really cared. For we knew who was winning, though we sometimes broke the rules, Its having fun that matters – the WI aren’t fools! We couldn’t read the final score: it didn’t really matter, We’d had a lovely morning, some dinner and a natter. So, join your local WI: we really are quite nice, If life seems just a little drab – well we can add some spice. We’re not all jam and knitting and some of us can’t bake, But we are part of something good and friends you’ll surely make!

Marion Warden

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

Minister: Rev. Sue Baker-Maher. Tel 473444.

Stewards: Angie Barnes (810102)

Bob Baxter (810092) Carol Swepstone (810053)

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