Edition 3

Issue 3 November - December 2017

Paxton Post THE MAGAZINE FOR GREAT PAXTON

Village Show Photographs

Merry Christmas See Page 15

1 to all our readers

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This is your magazine, and it needs your contributions.

All contributions to the next issue of the magazine are gratefully received. We particularly welcome: • News of village events • Photographs from the village • Private for sale adverts • Recipe ideas • Letters to the Editor • Reviews and Opinions • Anything you feel the village would be interested in.

Contributions should be sent to Simon using the details below: Email: simon@easiprintandcopy.co.uk Telephone: 01733 602302 Post: Easiprint, Suite 5, 4 Blenheim Court, Peppercorn Close, Peterborough, PE1 2DU

The Paxton Post is delivered to every home in Great Paxton, and advertising is available at competitive rates. Advertising is not only great local exposure for local businesses, but it also helps support this village magazine, which is a real asset to Great Paxton.

The Paxton Post is published every two months.

Our rates are: Quarter Page Mono - £ 5.00 per issue Full Page Mono - £15.00 per issue Half Page Mono - £ 8.00 per issue Full Page in Colour - £20.00 per issue Advertisements should be sent to Simon using the details below: Email: simon@easiprintandcopy.co.uk Telephone: 01733 602302 Post: Easiprint, Suite 5, 4 Blenheim Court, Peppercorn Close, Peterborough, PE1 2DU

You adv r herert e

Recycling Waste Garden Waste Black General Waste Wednesday 1�� November Wednesday 8�� November Monday 6�� November Wednesday 15�� November Wednesday 22ⁿ� November Monday 20�� November Wednesday 29�� November Wednesday 6�� December Monday 4�� December Wednesday 13�� December Wednesday 20�� December Monday 18�� December Thursday 28�� December For more information on your bin collections, including what goes in what bin visit http://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins-waste/ Paxton Post is published by Easiprint in association with Great Paxton Parish Council. It is funded by the Parish Council, with help from advertisements. Whilst every effort is made to ensure information in this publication is accurate, neither the Editor nor the Parish Council can be held responsible for any errors. The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the Parish Council.

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Below are our regular service times and a mention of special services coming up this autumn leading into the Christmas period.

1�� Sunday of the month 9.00am Holy Communion.

2ⁿ� Sunday of the month 10.45am All Age Worship lasting 40 minutes family friendly and informal.

3�� Sunday of the month 10.45am Holy communion.

4�� Sunday of the month 10.45am Morning Prayer.

The latest news from your local parish church Compiled by Canon Annette Reed Great Paxton Church has been a unique place of Christian prayer and worship for over 1,000 years. A recent talk from local historian Quinton Carroll suggested that the ancient building, though modified over the centuries, may date back to the 10�� century rather than be a late Saxon structure.

The Vicar, Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council have the responsibility for looking after the fabric of the building – which is a challenging task with such a large Grade One listed building to care for.

New facilities introduced in 2008 make it easier to offer hospitality to our visitors and the major project currently underway is the complete refurbishment of the bells and the addition of a new bell to make a peal of six. This is being generously supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant making bodies and private donations.

As Graham Bevan writes elsewhere, we are so grateful for the financial support villagers and others give us by way of the 100 Club without which the church could not continue to be maintained and our ongoing work in the community and school continue.

On the fifth Sunday, we move a Songs of Praise around the benefice.

Special Services in the next quarter.

Sunday November 12�� at 10.45am A Service for Remembrance Sunday and two minutes silence around the war memorial at 11.00am.

Sunday December 10�� at 3.00pm Christingle with carols and readings Christmas Eve Carols round the crib at 4.00pm (come early to get a seat!)

The First Communion of Christmas at 11.30pm Annette will be singing carols outside the Bell Pub with her faithful guitar on an evening near to Christmas Day – more details to follow.

For regular updates and news from all of our four churches go to our facebook page: facebook.com/StJamesChurchLittlePaxton.

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taken away to Taylors bell Foundry in Loughborough sometime in the new year.

Why not listen out for them in your garden or from an open window?

Happy Birthday to Great Paxton School!

25 years old this November.

Bell News!

The HLF sign is up and the bell project has begun with new lighting being brought into the tower at all levels so that when the main work begins the contractors can see what they are doing. The electricians who carried out the work were from the firm of Darnells from Huntingdon.

The display boards explaining the project have been to various village events recently including the village show. There is still an opportunity to sponsor one of the new headstocks which will be replacing the old wooden structures which are now very worn.

Sponsorship includes a dedication of your choice and is available for £200.00 or £300.00 – an historical record for many years to come!

Please contact Annette if you would like to know more.

On November 2ⁿ�, The Bishop OF Ely will be visiting Great Paxton School from 1.00pm to 3.00pm to celebrate the school’s 25�� birthday.

There was of course a previous school at the top of Church Lane but our present school opened in November 1992.

Bishop Stephen will meet the children at a special collective worship event in the afternoon and dedicate a new cloth being made by Mrs Ann Nicholson and all the children in the school. It will used for the collective worship table day by day.

Margaret Moore is also making a large cake for the occasion (no pressure there Mrs Moore!)

We hope friends who have been part of school life over the past 25 years will come along to join the existing school community in the celebrations.

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Local ringers will be attempting to ring a quarter peal on Tuesday October 24�� from c 7.15pm onwards lasting 50 minutes. This will be the last quarter peal before the bells are

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Thanks to all the children and parents who brought along gifts for St Neots foodbank to our Harvest Eucharist in October. A large collection of items was taken to the foodbank in Eaton Socon by our Vicar.

Who’s who in the parish.

PCC Secretary: Mrs Mary Weir mary@theweirfamily.co.uk

Vicar: Canon Annette Reed 01480 211048 canonannettereed@gmail.com

PCC Treasurer Mrs Jacqueline Jackson jnmunro@btinternet.com

Churchwardens: Robert Hacking 01480 219846 Peter Dunn 01480 477051

A key may be obtained to enjoy the peace and quiet of Holy trinity Church by calling at the home of Jill and David Peters at 7 Church Lane, Great Paxton.

Holy Trinity Church, Great Paxton

December 2016 First Number 24 £100 Patricia Kevan-Wale Second Number 200 £50 Peter Arnold Third Number 32 £25 Pamela Arnott March 2017 First Number 101 £100 Bob Footner Second Number 192 £50 Malcolm Harley Third Number 108 £25 Gary Szreider

June 2017 First Number 90 £100 Sue Johnson Second Number 199 £50 Lisa Bargh Third Number 94 £25 Terry Wells September 2017 First Number 112 £100 Sarah Crombie Second Number 110 £50 Simon Pritchard Third Number 32 £25 Pamela Arnott The PCC is grateful for all your support.

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Held on the 30th September, the show attracted 163 entries from all age groups. Of particular note was the increase in the entries in the Arts and Crafts section where the judges complimented the entrants on the quality of their needlework. The Rainbows were given a special commendation for their joint efforts in the Childrens classes.

In all, ÂŁ366 was raised and donated to Church funds.

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The first volunteers for the village Speed Watch have received their initial training and sites have been selected for the operation of the scheme. More volunteers are needed and should you be able to spend a couple of hours once or twice a month then please get in touch with Jill Peters by email jillatgp@gmail.com

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The Bell, 7.30 pm, every month on the third Wednesday (usually).

Our Local History Group is a small friendly informal talkative group meeting at The Bell to discover the past history and 'goings on' in Great Paxton and the surrounding area, as recorded in various documents brought to the meeting by members. All welcome.

The group then add their own opinions, memories, discussions and comments, often leading the conversation in many different directions.

central crossing. It is believed to have had Royal patronage and so could afford such a grand building in stone in the tenth century. The upper windows in the main aisle show that the church needed extra light inside when it was built in Saxon times. The outside walls indicate that they were built in sections, probably a section each year for many years, and when the building season came to an end the walls were capped and covered till next time.

For further information contact:

The next dates that have been set are:Wednesday 15th November 2017 No meeting in December

Annette Reed canonannettereed@gmail.com

Wednesday 17th January 2018 Or Jacqueline Wieczorek jacqueline.wieczorek@gmail.com Our bonus meeting talk was arranged in September and was by Quinton Carroll, manager of the Historic Environment Team with Cambridgeshire County Council, a post that used to known as the County Archaeologist.

It was organised by the Little Paxton History group and they invited our group to join them. There were over 30 of us to learn how the church building could tell us a lot about when it was made, and also how it was done. The church originally was much bigger than now, and it is very large still for a small village, and had large aisles to the north and south of the 16

Winter weather can be seriously bad for our health. Being cold can aggravate existing conditions and raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. However, there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.

• Get expert advice from your pharmacist If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice on the best treatment from your local pharmacist.

• Make sure you get your free flu jab Flu is a highly contagious and can cause serious complications for at risk groups. Adults over 65; those with long-term health conditions; children aged two to eight; carers and pregnant women may all be eligible for a free flu vaccination – ask your GP practice today.

• Stock up your medicine cabinet A well-stocked medicine cabinet can help you treat common winter ailments such as coughs, colds, sore throats and sickness bugs at home and will save you going out if you feel unwell. Ask your pharmacist about essential medicines to keep at home.

• Keep warm Keeping warm, both inside and outdoors, over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

• Get the right help Make sure you're receiving all the help you are entitled to. Learn how to make your home more energy efficient and take advantage of financial schemes to keep up with energy bills.

Visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/KeepWarmKeepWell for details.

For further information on staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell

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FOUR YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG We have had a wonderful summer, with many events and parties to celebrate. We would particularly like to thank everyone who made our 4�� Birthday Party such a success, and praise the lord for giving us nice weather on that Bank Holiday for a change. Let’s hope that the building support from the village goes on, and our 5�� Birthday Party will be as successful.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD Although we are still running quizzes and events (thanks to those of you who turned out for our St.Ives Rotary Quiz and out Marie Curie Charity quiz) it is now the time to bring to your attention the changes that are happening in our restaurant. Since Wil (our chef) arrived things have been progressing and hopefully will continue to do so. We currently offer food from Thursday through to Sunday, and work largely on a ‘Theme’ basis.

Thursday is currently one of our two Steak Nights, with the other being Saturday. If you need reminding of how good the steaks are just look at our reviews in TripAdvisor (under Restaurants in Great Paxton) where we are strangely enough Number 1 in Great Paxton. We are currently considering changing our Thursday theme to Curry Night, but watch our Facebook pages for news of that.

Friday is Fish and Chip Night, where you can eat in or take away, depending on your levels of energy on a Friday. My favourite combination is to go down to the pub and order a take-away, and have a couple of pints while I am waiting.

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Friday and Saturday we now also do a Bar Menu from 1 pm to 6 pm, with offerings varying from Chilli through Chicken Burgers, Burgers and Jacket Potatoes to Nachos.

SUNDAY LUNCHES ARE BACK Starting mid October we will be offering traditional Sunday Lunches, with Beef, Lamb and Turkey as the meats, all served with Roast Potatoes, Glazed Parsnips, Seasonal Vegetables and Yorkshire Puddings. Served between 12:30 and 4, with options of 1, 2 or 3 courses.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING If you are looking for somewhere to hold an office get together or a family gathering with special Christmas Food, look no further than The Bell, with two different menus varying from £21 to £35 depending on the number of courses. Due to the size of the Restaurant we are limited to 30 people per sitting, so book early to avoid disappointment.

OPENING HOURS On Fridays we are now OPEN from 12p.m., with Food being available from 1.p.m FURTHER NEWS Further news about the Bell is always available on our Facebook page or Web Site. Watch out for opening times over Christmas, and what is going on at New Year.

For News of the Shop check the village Facebook Page www.facebook.com/thebellgreatpaxton www.thebell-greatpaxton.com Bookings on 01480 700107

Great Paxton Pre-school Learning together, growing together

Great Paxton Pre-school is a place which seeks to achieve high quality learning and development that is delivered to children in a professional, respectful and safe atmosphere. We will provide experiences that enrich a child’s social, physical, learning and creative abilities, while maintaining the importance of the concepts of ‘play’ and ‘fun’. The setting will have regard for the individual needs of children and their families.

We are an Ofsted registered Pre-school with a Good rating in November 2015. We are affiliated with Great Paxton C of E Primary School who were also rated Good in July this year.

We are currently accepting children aged 2 years 9 months through to school age and have spaces available to start immediately. Our opening times are 8.50 am to 11.50 am 5 days a week. Price is £12 per session; you can use your 15 hours Early Years Government Funding (now called Universal hours) or 15 Extended hours the term after your child is 3 years old. We do also accept childcare vouchers.

Contact: Mrs Julie Edwards For further information or to arrange a visit.

Great Paxton C of E Primary School. Tel: 01480 472132 19

County and District Councillor Reports Councillor Mrs Boddington reported on the current position with regard to the proposed A428 Road Improvements, which although a little behind time, would still proceed, if approved, in 2020. Public consultation on route options had taken place in March/April and feedback from this consultation is currently being analysed. Further public consultation on the developed route option is expected to take place in early 2018 with the application for a Development Consent Order submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport in autumn 2018.

Local Highways Initiative: 2018/9 Application The Parish Council has discussed its next application for County Council funding towards highway improvements in the village. In doing so, Councillors had regard to issues around speeding on the High Street, progress made in attracting volunteers to a new village Speed Watch team, the impact of the new Community Shop and the potential for a zebra crossing in future years as well as the need to demonstrate, for the purposes of the application, the extent of the speed problem. Mindful of all these varying factors, the Parish Council agreed to apply for funding towards the installation of two priority give way traffic islands with solar illuminated signs (similar to those in The Offords) and one set of rubberised speed cushions and invite Community Roadwatch to place a traffic data logger in a suitable location in the High Street for one week to collect information to support the application. This is the first stage in the 2018/19 process. Should the 20

Parish Council’s application make it through to the second round, County Council Highways Officers will offer advice on cost, the improvements proposed and any alternative options that might be available.

Saxon Green Play Area: Replacement of Toddlers Swing Councillors have considered three quotes received for the replacement of the toddler swing on the Saxon Green Play Area. Because of the scale of the investment required to replace the equipment and some misgivings as to whether all Councillors would, in the light of the quotes received, still wish to replace rather than repair, the Parish Council decided to circulate the quotes received to those Councillors who were absent from the meeting for their views on whether to go ahead or not. The Clerk was also asked to explore the possibility of attracting grant funding towards the project.

Renewals The Parish Council has renewed its insurance arrangements (with a specialist company in the local council sector) and membership of Cambridgeshire ACRE for 2017/18. Cambs ACRE provide encouragement, practical help and support to local councils and communities throughout Cambridgeshire.

Other News!

The Parish Council has • asked Councillor Mrs Jill Peters to attend, on their behalf, a District Council Conference for Parish Councils entitled ‘Together We Can’; •

decided, given previous experience, not to take any further action in response to a request received from the County Council to encourage volunteers to become involved in a Community Gritting Scheme over the winter 2017/18;

THE OFFICE OF HIGH SHERIFF The Office is independent and nonpolitical, enables the holder to bring together a wide variety of individuals and office holders.

The Office of High Sheriff is at least one thousand years old and is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown.

As with so many Royal Officers, the Sheriff began life as a Royal official above local interests and was therefore able to enforce the King’s interests in the country.

All land belonged to the King and he due levies on it, as it was his duty to do justice and keep the peace through the ‘posse comitatus’ and later the ‘militia ‘ Originally the office of Sheriff held many of the powers now vested in Lord Lieutenants, High Court Judges, Magistrates, Coroners and Local Authorities.

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invited Community Roadwatch to its next meeting to discuss the outcome of the traffic monitoring undertaken in September and to learn more about the scheme involving ‘Stickers on Bins’; and

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been updated on progress with the Community Shop and new Speed watch Team.

Next Meeting!

The next meeting of the Parish Council is to be held in the Community Room at the Primary School on Monday 30th October 2017 at 8pm. Please join us!

The High Sherriff remains the Sovereign’s representative in the Country for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order There is an annual nomination ceremony in November in the Royal Courts of Justice when three names are put forward for the Office of High Sheriff in each county The selection of a new High Sheriff from these names is made by the Sovereign at a meeting pf the Privy Council when by ancient custom, the appointed name ‘’pricked ‘’ with a silver bodkin.

RICHARD WEST DISTRICT COUNCILLOR THE OFFORDS AND GRANSDEN TEL 01480 811467 EMAIL Richard.west@Huntingdonshire.gov.uk or Richard.west@buckdencambs.co.uk

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A 428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet - Update Topographical survey fieldwork are still taking place together with ground investigation surveys for sections of the scheme that are common to all route options up until year end.

Timeline August to December 2017 - Surveys as stated above Autumn

- Preferred Route Announcement and further engagement with local community representatives and Landowners.

Early 2018

- Public consultation expected developed route option.

Early to mid 2018 - Further develop the scheme incorporating input from all Consultees.

Autumn 2018

- Submit application for a development Consent Order.

Early 2020.

- Decision expected from Secretary of State for Transport, if approved, construction will proceed 2020

The delay is not unexpected - this is a huge piece of work and many of you must have seen the surveyors still working locally. The A428 is an important route in an area of the country where considerable growth in housing and employment is planned.

The scheme will * reduce congestion and delays * improve journey time reliability * improve safety * reconnect communities * and more I am here to help All the Electorate Cllr Barbara Boddington Tel:01480 880929 Email barbara.boddington@huntsdc.gov.uk

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Many residents have emailed me with their concerns over the review of children’s centre services across the county. Over 2,200 responses to the consultation were received by the county council with additional responses from a range of organisations and partners and is one of the most respondents received to a consultation on children’s centres in the country. Cambridgeshire is one of the last counties in the country to review the services that children’s centres offers and was originally targeted at making savings of £1 million. Cambridgeshire County Council understands that supporting for children in early years is crucial and that families need to access the right services in the right place and at the right time in order to ensure their needs are met and to avoid the damaging and costly escalation of problems later. Following

the consultation the proposal to children centres has been altered to give an increased level of spend on front line staff whilst streamlining management and building overheads and in the process of doing so make efficiency savings of £900,000.00.

I would like to wish all residents a peaceful and restful Christmas holiday and period and look forward to serving residents in 2018.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Julie Wisson County Councillor St Neots East and Great Gransden division 07725 791459 01767 677837 julie.wisson@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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OFSTED Report Our OFSTED Report following the Inspection on 4�� July 2017 has now been published – the full report is available on our website.

We are pleased to report that - ‘This school continues to be good.’

Some positive quotes from the report include: • The school is continuing to improve.

• Pupils told me how much they enjoy coming to school. The positive relationships between staff and pupils are evident in every classroom. This is a school where every pupil is known as an individual, not only because the school is small, but because of the values that underpin everything you do.

• Pupils want to do well and the pride they take in their learning is clear from their well-presented workbooks and their positive behaviour in lessons.

keep pets inside if possible. We aim to start the fireworks at around 5.30pm. The display will last no longer than 15minutes.

This year music will accompany the display for the children and a possible light show. I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause but it is an excellent opportunity to provide a safe environment for the children to witness a display close to home. Children will be carrying out a leaflet drop as a reminder nearer the time for the houses close to the school.

Children Starting School September 2018 For those parents/carers who have children due to start school next year, as a school we do not hold an open event as we prefer instead to meet with you 1:1, tour you round the school and answer any questions. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact Julie Edwards in the school office. We have been oversubscribed for the last 2 years and we will happily share with you the process of application and answer any questions that you may have.

We are continuing to strive for further improvement and would like to thank the constant support and input from the community.

Sports Premium This year, the school will be receiving additional Sports Premium funding due to the ‘sugar tax.’ We will be receiving a total of £16,000 and an additional payment of £10 per pupil.

Firework Extravaganza We are holding our (now) annual Firework Night at the school on Friday 3�� November for the children of the school.

This is not a public display but we would like to make the community aware so that they are prepared for the fireworks and

We have already introduced Zumba this year for some classes and have employed a PE specialist teacher. We are going to be purchasing some additional equipment to offer some new sports – table tennis and curling. But our most exciting announcement is that we have joined

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together with Offord Primary and Newton Primary to lease 2 minibuses between the 3 schools for 1 year. This will enable us to transport the children to more sporting events and join the other schools in additional activities.

The children will also benefit from using the minibuses for other trips which will reduce costs of activities for all and open up exciting new opportunities – for example Y6 are going to go the Theatre, Y1/2 are going to the cinema – activities that will enrich the curriculum that were not feasible due to the costs of transport.

Exciting Upcoming Events Planned: 1st November Tag Rugby Competition 2nd November School Birthday with a visit from the Bishop 3rd November IMP Firework Night (display at approximately 5.30pm) 9th November Y6 visit to Milton Keynes Theatre 21st November Y1/2 visit to St Neots Cinema 23rd November Y3/4/5 visit to West Stow 11th December Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal 2pm 13th December Christmas Play 6-7pm 14th December Christmas Play 6-7pm Yours sincerely Mr Lee Frost Headteacher

GREAT PAXTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL Mount Pleasant, Great Paxton, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE19 6YJ E-Mail: office@greatpaxton.cambs.sch.uk Web address: www.greatpaxton.cambs.sch.uk Telephone: 01480 472132 Fax: 01480 471735

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1st Great Paxton Rainbows The new unit opened in September and we've welcomed girls from both Great Paxton and St Neots. As well as getting to know one another, choosing our leaders 'name's and learning about Rainbows we've got lots of exciting activities planned this term.

We had lots of fun creating gardens on plates, wildlife collages and Mr Potatoes to enter into the Village Show and we were delighted to be awarded a second and third place. 'As the Rainbow section is 30 this year we've been challenging ourselves with 30 challenges.

We've thrown ourselves into our Rainbow Roundabout badge and selected lots of activities to helps us 'Learn', 'Laugh', 'Love' and 'Look'. There's also going to be outdoors trails in the dark and a joint Christmas party with the Brownies.

1st Great Paxton Brownies We welcomed back a full unit after the summer holidays and all of the fun of our District 'Festival in a Day' event. The Brownies have been busy helping to shape the plans for the rest of the term...

We've got a pack holiday planned for November and there's lots of preparations happening. We've been saying 'hola!' whilst holding a Spanish evening and had lots of fun whilst exploring different parts of the Brownie promise and what it means to each of us. A visitor from the local PCSO has helped us complete parts of our Crime Prevention Badge - which we will finish in the coming weeks - and we decided to see how many Brownies can fit in police van cage (13!). Like the Rainbow's we'll be exploring the outdoors in the dark and we'll be celebrating fireworks night too.

We say farewell to two of our Brownies this term as they move up to Guides and so they are already exploring what new adventures there'll get to experience in a new unit as we get ready to enroll four new Brownies.

Volunteers We rely upon volunteers to be able to provide a wide range of activities for the Rainbows and Brownies in the village. We are currently looking for more volunteers to help support Girlguiding Great Paxton. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please get in touch using the contact details below.

If you are interested in joining the Girlguiding adventure as an adult volunteer, or to register your daughter for Great Paxton Rainbows or Brownies please visit http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/ joinus You can contact us via email; Brownies: 1stgreatpaxtonbrownies@gmail.com Rainbows: 1stgreatpaxtonbrownies@gmail.com Emma, Tayla, Tracey, Emma, Amy & Maddie Girlguiding Great Paxton Leadership Team

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Missing very much-loved family pets Over the past few years residents of Great Paxton have noticed an increase in the disappearance of cats in the village.

It seems to be happening mostly in the older end of the village (London Lane and Brookside areas).

There has even been an instance of a cat disappearing for SIX …. Yes… you read right…

SIX months and then coming home very fat and anxious. This was a cat called Thomas, he disappeared over last summer and his owner said “when he came home I had him refusing for me to put him down so I couldn’t go anywhere without him. He would even climb up my legs to get me to carry him everywhere and slept on my head every night.

He was so happy his purring was so loud and he even dribbled when putting his nose to min. Thankfully he has started gaining confidence to begin to venture away from our home again to play in the fields behind us.”

They did everything they could think of, to try and spread the word of his disappearance via social media, informing lost pet databases and delivering over 100 leaflets with his photos on in local houses. They even put posters up around the village.

Now I am very sad to say more, very well loved family pet cats have disappeared, and yet again the families are met with silence in trying to find them. Smudge is a black and tan, 2 year old tortoise shell, who looks lean but she is well fed and cared for. She doesn’t wear a collar but she is microchipped. Bertie is a black male cat, who is also about 2 years old, and he too looks slim but is very well loved and cared for. Bertie is also microchipped. Unfortunately, there have been no records of accidents or sightings for either of them to date, so this is where the families need your help and understanding….

Often people will encourage cats into their homes that they think are strays, or they may enjoy their company. Does your neighbour seem to have a new cat up on their window sills? Or are you hearing meows behind a door? Maybe you know someone who is “homing and feeding” stray cats. If so then they could be breaking the law, as: “Theft Act 1968: Cats are regarded in law as the ‘property’ of their owner. The theft of a cat is treated as an offence under the Act, in the same way as theft of any other property is. A cat that is lost or has strayed is generally regarded as the property of the original owner. It is therefore necessary to make all reasonable endeavours to locate the original owner whenever possible.” (source www.cats.org.uk (Cats Protection leaflet “Cats and the law – essential guide 13)

Unfortunately, those involved in taking a cat might also be charged with handling stolen goods or obtaining property by deception and we really do not want this to happen. Please spread the word about the heartbreak that our families are experiencing at the moment. Children are missing their pets and they desperately want to know where they are and if they are okay.

As well as breaking the law “Feeding a cat that is not yours, may not be doing the right thing. […] you won’t know if it has a health condition that is being controlled with a 28

special diet. For example, the cat could have a dietary sensitivity or diabetes. […] another sad potential consequence of feeding is that you may encourage cats to cross roads in order to come to visit and inadvertently increase the risk of them being run over. There are over 300 000 cats killed on the roads in the UK each year and we don’t always know why they felt the need to cross this particular road.” (Dr Naima Kasbaoui and Prof Daniel Mills University of Lincoln Animal Behaviour Cognition & Welfare Group.)

If you think you know where Bertie or Smudge are, or if you have any concerns over the welfare of a cat, or think that a cat visiting you is a stray then please contact the St Neots, Huntingdon & St Ives Branch of Cats Protection on 01480 476696 (9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday) or email Lost & Found Cats at lostcats@hotmail.co.uk

Smudge, member of the Wilson family

Bertie, member of the Loveridge family

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1st Gt.Paxton Brownies

Emma Christie 1stgreatpaxtonbrownies@gmail.com

1st Gt.Paxton Rainbows

1stgreatpaxtonrainbows@gmail.com

Church Bell Ringers

Mary Parnham

394727

Holy Trinity Church

Rev. Annette Reed

211048

Church Warden

Bob Hacking

219846

Community Room

Julie Edwards

472132

Crib Team

Simon Black

700107

Football Club

Tom

07576600523

Friendship Club

Jean Wilkinson

731647

Gt. Paxton Community Shop

info@greatpaxtoncommunityshop.co.uk

Gt. Paxton Cubs

Andy Ottley

Ladies Group

Melanie Dingemans melanie.dingemans1@gmail.com

Parish Clerk

Christine Brandon

gppc@outlook.com

Petanque

Brian Wright

473697

Recreation Ground

Michael Fairs

School Headteacher

Lee Frost

St. Neots Police

07704857636

Michael.fairs@gmail.com 472132 101

Village Website

www.greatpaxton.org

Woodsooners Golf Society

Martin Bazley

21927

Walkers Group

Linda Richardson

213768

Any corrections please notify the editor or email jillatgp@gmail.com

34

Abigail Best Electrolysis and Beauty Therapy Great Paxton

ELECTROLYSIS

BEAUTY THERAPY

With over 20 years of experience, Abigail can remove unwanted hair that you may find embarrassing and unsightly, permanently.

Abigail is a highly qualified Beauty Therapist with over 20 years of experience working as a Beauty Therapist, Lecturer and Trainer for internationally renowned skin care company Eve Taylor.

All areas of the body are treated and both men and women can enquire about this treatment.

Abigail has trained with Sterex Electrolysis International and offers Transgender Electrolysis and Advanced Electrolysis treating unwanted blemishes including Warts, Verruca’s, Skin Tags and Broken Veins.

A free consultation is available and a test patch is always carried out for electrolysis without obligation.

Now working solely at her own salon Abigail specialises in Eve Taylor Facials and Body Treatments, Shellac and Vinylux Manicures and Pedicures, Hot Stone Massage (a client favourite), Back and Body Massage, Lash and Brow Treatments, Ear Piercing and Waxing.

Vouchers are available for any of these treatments.

www.abigailbestelectrolysisandbeautytherapy.com https://www.facebook.com/abbybestgreatpaxton 07929 918 965 abby.best@btinternet.com

35

MOT WHILE U WAIT CLASSES 1 2 3 4 5 7

Ope ni

ng T

imes Mond a y -F 8.00a m - 6 riday .00pm Sa 8.00a turday m-4 .00pm • Servicing to all makes of vehicle • New bay for servicing motor bikes • Tyres and Exhausts supplied and fitted • Free courtesy cars

Produce this advert to get £4.00 off the current price of your MOT

• Air Conditioning Servicing & Re-gassing

GRAVELEY GARAGE TEST CENTRE LTD ESTABLISHED SINCE 1970

01480 830462 / 831058 36

enquiries@graveley-garage.co.uk www.graveley-garage.co.uk HIGH STREET, GRAVELEY, ST NEOTS, PE19 6PL

Published by Easiprint, 01733 602 302 © Easiprint Limited

• Comfortable waiting area with FREE Tea/Coffee