Out& About February - March 2023

February - March 2023

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We are proud that an Offord resident is responsible for London's New Year fireworks - more details on page 36.

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Welcome Welcome to this edition of Out and About, the Offord Village Magazine. It aims to promote the community by sharing village news and useful contacts. Out & About is delivered to all homes in the village. It is also online with many more coloured pictures to see.

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.

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te a d p U t c je o r P e f All Saints Wildli Over the winter period we have planted 20 bareroot hedging plants along the southern boundary of the churchyard. They were 2 year old whips of hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and viburnum opulus. We will need to keep them well watered during the first year until they have developed a decent root system. Hedgerows are a valuable habitat to wildlife by providing shelter, nesting sites, pollen, nuts and berries, as well as creating natural boundaries to our landscapes.

The only flowers we have seen in the winter months have been from the Christmas Rose (Helleborus Niger) which is planted in the old stone font. This plant starts flowering around Christmas time right through the winter. It’s pure white single flowers with yellow stamens resemble the flowers of a wild rose but the plant is actually a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).

At the time of writing this, the snowdrops in the churchyard are just peeking through the ground. The wild daffodils (lent lilies) that we planted last year, are also making an appearance. These early signs of spring are such a welcome sight after the dark cold days of winter. Hopefully all the crocus, daffodil, tulip and muscari bulbs we planted in the autumn will now be in full flower and continue until Easter.

A few pruning jobs will be carried out now including our rose. Any dead or crossing stems will be removed and the overall size will be reduced by a third pruning to an outward facing bud.

Buddleia can be pruned in early spring just as the shrubs are coming into growth. Aim to produce a short strong framework of five or six main branches. This will promote a good shape and maximum flowering potential.

Finally make sure ponds and water features are cleared of leaf debris to avoid a sludgy bottom! Also any dead material of aquatic plants can now be removed before new growth appears.

Fiona Fitzhugh

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b u l C y a d s r u h T Hello Everyone, We hope you had a good Christmas. Our last meeting of 2022 was a Christmas lunch and it was a great end to the year. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

We are a social club for any age and any gender. Visitors are very welcome. £1 a session entitles you to light refreshments and a convivial two hours from12.00 to 2.00pm.

If you would like further information please contact Doreen Rowbury 811025 or Sheila Reece 812238

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l o o h c S y r a m i r P d r o f Of We enjoy welcoming visitors into school to show off the learning that the children are participating in at school.

Once each half term we invite parents and carers to come into school to take part in lessons and learn alongside their children.

The children love their parents getting involved in their lessons. During the two ‘Welcome Weekdays’ we have already held this academic year, parents have taken part in an art lesson where they were drawing on paper and on the ipad to look at comparisons. Some took part in a PE lesson practising their netball skills.

Others learnt a song is Spanish and another lesson focused on the life of Florence Nightingale while another group of adults joined their children in our orchard for a Forest School session.

We are looking forward to welcoming the adults in again for some more lessons at the end of the month.

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Offord Primary School became part of The Cam Academy Trust in September 2019.

Being part of an academy allows us to work alongside other schools and share the latest good practice and learn from each other.

The Cam Academy Trust is made up of 11 schools, 4 secondary (Comberton Village College, Cambourne, St Peter’s Secondary in Huntingdon and Melbourn) and 7 primary phase schools (Hartford Infant School, Hartford Junior School, Thongsley Primary, Jeavons Wood, Gamlingay Village Primary, Everton Heath and ourselves).

The Trust supports Offord Primary in providing a broad and balanced curriculum for our children. To do this it is vital that staff are able to access excellent training to ensure teaching and learning can be up to date and innovative. Many of our staff have recently or are currently embarking on high level nationally recognised training. Current courses that staff are completing include a National Professional Qualifications in Leading Literacy, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Senior Leadership and a BA(Hons) in Applied Education Studies. We are also very pleased that Lucy completed her Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with distinction and has used her time with us to gain experience before embarking on a Teacher Training degree at university.

It is great that our staff are partaking in continued professional development to ensure that the provision at Offord is always improving and moving forward.

Lucy learning on the job – training as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant (1950’s style activities as part of our Platinum Jubilee Celebrations) 7

b u l C s l w o B t a M t r o h S d r o f Of The club held its Annual Christmas Party in the village hall on Wednesday, 14th December. The event was well attended, with members supplying all the food for the buffet and the drinks by the club.

The main event of the evening was the annual target bowls competition. As usual there was some excellent bowling by all members and the final scores were very close . However John Temple was the clear winner and was presented with the cup by our chairman, John Storey.

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O ff

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

February - March

A Happy New Year to all our members after a difficult year, both from the ups and downs of our weather, to the battle with increasing costs. We look forward to a successful growing year ahead of us.

We welcomed members back to the village hall in January for the first meeting of the new gardening year and invited them to renew their membership. We also welcomed any new members who wished to join as well.

Our February Meeting is on the 16th February 2023 at 7:30pm in Offord Village Hall, and our invited Speaker is David Gedye with the subject being A Monkey Puzzle Miscellany.

Members’ Competition is Spring Flowers with a raffle and refreshments.

We do not hold a monthly meeting in March as March 24th is the Annual Spring Show. The show is open to all OGA members, as well as all village residents, who are invited to enter exhibits for judging with trophies being awarded. The Show Schedule will be available in due course.

Enjoy Your Gardening John 811148

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The Horseshoe Inn Offord D’Arcy 01480 810293

New Food Opening Hours Tuesday 12.00-14.00 Pensioners Set Lunch (No Main Menu) Tuesday 17.30-21.00 Dirty Burger Evening (No Main Menu) Wednesday 12.00-15.00 & 17.30-21.00 Main Menu Thursday 12.00-17.00 Main Menu Thursday 18.00-21.00 Curry Evening (No Main Menu) Friday 12.00-21.00 Main Menu 17.30-21.00 Steak Night Saturday 12.00-21.00 Main Menu Sunday 12.00-17.00 Carvery (No Main Menu) Please book via www.theoffordshoe.co.uk Or email: info@theoffordshoe.co.uk Phone 01480 810293 10

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

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

The hall is licensed for music.

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

Weekend evening rates available on request.

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

OFFORD VILLAGE HALL 300+ CLUB (OFFORD RECREATION HUT) Registered charity no. 302653 The 300+ club provides funds for the maintenance of YOUR Village Hall as well as cash prizes for lucky winners! The club needs between 200 and 400 members (over the age of 16) to run efficiently.

Each member has a unique share number(s) at a subscription of 50p per month, payable as £6 per year. Approximately half the membership subscription is allocated to monthly prize draws. This year we had fifty two lucky winners and have given over £1000 out as prizes and the same amount has benefited the Village Hall.

Draws usually take place at village clubs or events each calendar month, beginning March 2023, and winners will be notified.

WINNERS NOVEMBER £20 051 £15 137 £10 103 £ 5 271

Janet Wildber Katie Moore Nikki Mitchell Jenny Bell

DECEMBER £125 £ 60 £ 30 £ 20 £ 15 £ 10

363 298 172 279 342 348

Steve Iddon Stephen Eayrs Brian Cook Nikki Mitchell Mike Randall Sarah Leader

To join please fill in the application form and see: Mrs Helen Bosworth, 127 High Street, Offord Cluny.

Tel: 811892 Or Mrs Jenny Murby, 2 The Haycroft, Offord Darcy Tel:811474 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM: 300+ CLUB Name:……………………………………….…………..……Tel No:….…………………….………….………

E mail address……………………………………………….Mob No.……………………………..………….

Address:…………………………………………………………………………………...……………………… ………………………………………………………………….…...................................No shares:…………

I enclose the sum of £6 per share

TOTAL£…………….…….

Payment preferred by bank transfer to: Offord Recreation Hut sort code: 207481 Account No: 10676160 (Barclays Bank) Or by cheque payable to Offord Village Hall or by cash Please sign to give the organisers permission to hold your details on record. These details will only be used for the administration of this club.

……………………………………………………………………………

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b u l C s n e z i t i C r o i n e S d r o f f O It hardly seems possible that all the Christmas festivities have been and gone. Looking back, for our November meeting we decided to serve jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings followed by fruit pies and custard. After supper we had several games of dominoes which were very much enjoyed.

On 8th December we had planned to have our Christmas Party but, unfortunately, due to illness and seasonal coughs and colds, we had to postpone it until our meeting at the end of January. So, as I write this, we are now looking forward to our New Year Party!

On Saturday 11th February we will be holding our coffee morning in the Village Hall 10-12pm.

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

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

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l l a H e g a l l i V Offord Following our AGM in November we are pleased to announce that Kathy Millward will be our Chair. Her years of experience of organisation and running events will be invaluable. We are also pleased to welcome new trustees to our Management Committee this year and say goodbye to John Gatward. We are grateful to John for all his hard work and advice over the years.

At our AGM we also had a visit from local historian Julie Angell who has roots in the village. She has produced a photo book about the history of the hall from its beginnings as the Recreation Hut to the present Village Hall. This was very interesting and informative as we looked to see who we recognised in the pictures. A copy will be purchased for the hall should you wish to look at it.

The Management Committee 2022-2023: Chair - Kathy Millward Treasurer – John Kirby Bookings Secretary – Helen Bosworth Secretary – Helen Ellis Elected Trustee - Sarah Cutworth Elected Trustee – Rebecca Davis-Marsh Elected Trustee – Patrick Ruddy Organisation Representatives: Senior Citizens – Marlene Alderman The Offord Players – Will Headen WI – Margaret Pullen Offord Cluny & Offord Darcy Parish Council – Simon Young PCC – Jenny Murby Thursday Club – Angela Simpson Bowls Club – Rod Arnold Offord Gardener’s Association – Steve Iddon Offord Tots – Louise Byam-Cook If you have been to the Village Hall recently you will have noticed that there has been work going on to install the new Audio-Visual units. Unfortunately, due to supply issues this has been slower progress than we had hoped for, but the end is in sight. We are confident that users will be impressed with the new lighting, and we have already had an opportunity to show off the huge film screen with our 14

showing of the ‘Nutcracker.’ This was a lovely afternoon with mulled wine and minced pies which captured the spirit of Christmas.

The ‘Christmas Celebration’ with the ‘Melody Beats’ had friends and family on our feet dancing. A good time was had by all, and it was good to get back to being able to go out after the restrictions of the last few years.

The Village Hall is here for the benefit of all the community in the Offords. Apart from the clubs and classes that are running we run events to raise money to keep the hall as relevant and up to date as possible. To this end we have put together a programme of events for the coming year. Often our events are poorly attended, and we would like to get a wider range of the village community to come and see what is on offer. Perhaps you have ideas of the kind of things you would like to see take place. A questionnaire will be appearing soon in conjunction with the Parish Council Facebook page so please fill it in. You can also send any ideas to anyone who is on the Management Committee. We are always surprised by the members of the village who have never been inside the Village Hall and are unaware of the fantastic facilities on offer.

As part of our fundraising towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall we run a 300 Club. Subscriptions are just £6 a year. Prizes total £50 a month and twice a year total £250. To join just go to our website which has an application form with all the rules and details of payment. New members are welcome.

For more information contact Helen Bosworth 300club@offordvillagehall.org.uk.

On behalf of the Management Committee, we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope to see more of you enjoying our Village Hall, so put these dates in your diary!

Helen Ellis Secretary Offord Village Hall

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Programme for 2023 Prize Bingo Friday February 10th Eyes down 7:30pm Free entry and refreshments.

Decades Disco Saturday February 25th Tickets £7 via www.ticketsource.org.uk Dance your way through the decades from 7pm to midnight. Over 18’s only. A licenced bar will be available. More details available from Rebecca on 07734253136 Murder Mystery Saturday April 29th 7pm Join the Strictly Murder team who will help you uncover the murder scene. Throughout the evening, clues will be revealed so that you can play along as detectives to find out whodunnit! A supper will be included in the ticket price of £15. A licenced bar will also be provided. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk Coronation Tea Sunday May 7th 2pm – 5pm Come and celebrate this historic moment, the Coronation of King Charles 111 with tea and cake.

Family Disco Saturday May 27th More details to follow.

Prize Bingo Friday June 16th 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 Disco Saturday October 28th More details to follow.

Saturday December 16th A Christmas Celebration details to be confirmed.

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

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Memories - Paul Reynolds (locally known as Orv) has organised an Offord reunion event on the 18th March in Offord Village Hall.

3 - 6pm is a free afternoon for senior citizens. Offering Tea/Coffee & Cake/Biscuits. (The help of some cake makers would be welcomed) 7pm – Midnight - is Ticket only access for a Disco, Hog roast, Bar & raffle. (Limited tickets available – selling fast @ £12 each) Orv says………

‘I have called it Memories, photos will be presented on a slideshow throughout the afternoon and evening, this to remember past memories and make new ones.’

Contact Orv on Facebook, messenger, or his mobile 07707397057.

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A message from Fr David

All Saints Church News

Hello, good people of the Offords, Saving string...

Do you save string? I do.

"I don't know; how long is a piece of string?" I said to Mrs M, repeating back to her, her words.

'Twice the length from the middle to the end' is what I should have said but I had no idea, aged seven. It did make me think, years later and as a teacher, that I would never answer a genuine question from a pupil with a facetious turn of phrase like this teacher had. So maybe her answer had served a function. What was my question? I can't remember. It was something, anyway, that had prompted her figurative response with the intent to imply: the answer is unknowable.

First recorded in 1888 apparently, in America, that expression my teacher had used. It was an answer in response to a question about the cost of a mile's length of railway (because the cost was unknowable due to regional differences in topography; whether a bridge would be necessary; and other details, all affecting cost).

How long is a piece of string? were Mrs M's words. Fair enough, and an interesting answer to some questions, maybe. However,...I'd asked a question that had an actual and fairly straightforward answer I'm sure, just one that she didn't know. I was bamboozled with a clever response.

String, the length of a piece of it, is not just an unknown quantity. It is sometimes a commodity: years later I once found myself sternly corrected because I carelessly cut a piece of string rather than bother to untie a knot. I was corrected because I didn't see the value of a length of string, uncut. Corrected by a man who had lived through different experiences; a man who had lived through a world war, and shortages, and poverty. This lesson has, like Mrs M's, given me food for thought since. I have unknotted tangled string since, unknotted knots to save lengths of string for further use, since. Perhaps because of these two string-related memories, I liked a sentence read earlier today: "The morning is one end of a piece of string on which the day's activities are strung and should be well-knotted with devotion" I cannot find the source for this, other than given as an unattributed quote itself, but I really like it. The well-knotted end to the piece of string, attached to a tree, or post, or hook, that the day's activities are hung from is, in my day-to-day life, morning prayer. Morning prayer, a well-knotted devotion. Morning prayer is functional, it is like the knot that attaches the string to the post, and it keeps me on the right track.

As the psalmist King David wrote: O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

(Psalm 5:3) 22

The Church of England's Common Worship: Daily Prayer, is what I use, I do what it says on the page, and read the readings (psalms, a reading fom the old and new testaments) morning and evening. I use the book or the app. It is better when I say morning and evening prayer with others, and I am glad that this happens most days. This office of prayer keeps me as a parish priest, like many others, on the right track. It sets me up, it holds before God all there is to do. It asks for God's help and guidance. It is an offering of love for God, who is love. I recommend it to you.

If you would like to know more you can find it here https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-dailyprayer or get in touch, and I can show you.

Every day I pray for you.

Lots of love, Fr David Priest in charge of St Mary's, Buckden, with All Saints', the Offords.

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 FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2023 - All are welcome February Services 5th February 12th February 19th February 26th February

Family Service 9.30am at All Saints Holy Communion 9.30 am Songs of Praise 6pm Holy Communion 9.30 am

March Services 5th March 12th March 19th March 26th March

Family Service 9.30am at All Saints Holy Communion 9.30 am Songs of Praise 6pm Holy Communion 9.30 am

In addition there are occasional combined services for the whole Benefice and in February these will be held at St Mary’s Buckden.

- A Candlemas Service of Holy Communion at 6.30 pm on Sunday 2nd February at St Mary’s followed by refreshments.

- And on Ash Wednesday (22nd February)10am, The imposition of ashes, and Holy Communion, Book of Common Prayer, at St Mary’s.

Details of all services at St Mary’s can be found via this shortened URL https://www.shorturl.at/DSUV6 23

Fund raising and social events are planned through to the end of 2023.

Events calendar 2023 February 4th 25th March 17th

All events in the Village Hall unless noted otherwise Bacon Butties 10am - 12 Bacon Butties 10am - 12 Prosecco and Puddings 7pm - 10pm (Tickets in advance)

April May

15th 13th

Bacon Butties & Hot Cross Buns 10am - 12 Plant Sale 10am - 2pm (unless

June

20th 10th

Bacon Butties Bacon Butties

10am - 12 10am - 12

24th

Church and Village Fete

sold out earlier)

July 15th August 12th September 3rd October 1st 14th November 4th

Bacon Butties Bacon Butties BBQ 17 Elm Drive Harvest Lunch Bacon Butties Bacon Butties & Hot Dogs

Time & Venue to be confirmed 10am - 12 10am - 12 12 noon (Tickets in advance) 12 noon - 2pm 10am - 12 10am – 12

17th 25th & 26th December 1st

Bingo Christmas Tree Festival Band Concert in the Church

TBA 12 noon - 4pm 8pm (Tickets in advance)

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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.

Many of you ask how the fundraising for the new roof is going and the answer is “slowly”.

You may have seen that a large ‘thermometer’ has been set up at the end of the church driveway so that it can be seen from the High Street.

You will see the amount rising as donations are made. The QR code above is displayed on the sign and donations will be transferred to the discrete Church Roof/Repair fund within the accounts. These gifts are ring-fenced and cannot be used for any other purpose.

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Time to get walking again!

With Spring on its way we start to think about getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

Walking in Cambridgeshire https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/cambridge has loads of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John Harris (who maintains the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Cambridgeshire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

John Harris www.walkinginengland.co.uk john@walkinginengland.co.uk

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I live on my own, so I do as I please! ( It’s not all bad - I can eat when I choose ( I’ve plenty of room in my kingsize bed ( I can spend all day in my cosy pyjamas watching some rubbishy TV dramas.

Or maybe sometimes I won’t make the bed - but potter all day in my garden shed.

Each day’s a challenge and I do my best; it’s sometimes an effort to get myself dressed.

Often, I find the housework a chore – there’s only me, so who is it for?

Life’s about choices, or so they say, but I didn’t choose to be this way.

One of the things I miss the most is cooking a nice big Sunday Roast.

Now I like a dinner as much as you, but is there time when there’s so much to do?

So, salads and pasta – that’s what I eat. I haven’t got time to slow-cook meat.

There’s always the garden, the bins and sweeping - no time at all for moaning and weeping, There’s admin and banking and buying insurance – without familiar reassurance.

And as for the car, there’s a noise it makes - and should it be serviced? how are the brakes?

Tyre pressures to do and arrange MOT - and can I be brave and drive to the sea?

I try to deal with what I am dealt and my message to you is really heartfelt!

Be thankful each day that you are alive, it’s really a miracle how we survive.

Love your family, value your friends, for you’ll never foresee when it all ends.

Yes, there’s Facetime and Zoom and my landline phone, but end of the day, I’m still all alone.

So, if you see someone out for a walk – just spare a minute to stop and talk.

It might be the best thing that’s happened that day - a friendly smile as they walk on their way.

And when they get home and there’s nobody there, they’ll think of the smile that says –

I’m writing from my bedroom 12,000 miles away - I’ve family in Australia and I have come to stay.

There’s five of us, (two young ones) and life is just full on, with school run, concerts, carols – Oh what a lot of fun.

It’s “Nanny, come and have a swim! Let’s go on Daddy’s hike. And after, play Monopoly. And can you ride a bike?”

“Can you take us to the beach, and then to Scouts this evening, Oh yes, we need to make some cakes – what time are we leaving?”

I’ve never worked so hard it seems, no time to feel alone – and just a teeny weeny bit, I long to be back home!

It’s wonderful to be here and life is just a riot – but now and then (you’ll understand) I long for peace and quiet!!

Back soon!

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Out & About THE OFFORDS GAZETTE

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

Full page - £18.00 Half page - £ 10.00 For further information or to place orders for advertising please phone Sue Dorrington on 07724 553101 Or email sue _dorrington@hotmail.co.uk 32

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

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

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

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London New Year’s Eve 2023 – Have you ever wondered how it’s all done? O&A asked local resident Darryl Fleming to tell us how he (Titanium Fireworks) makes it happen!

This year was my 13th year overseeing the design, choreography, logistics and installation of the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations centered around the London Eye and three barges on the Thames. I cannot emphasize enough how good it felt to be back at the London Eye, delivering one of the country’s largest national events with an in person live audience post pandemic.

We normally start to develop themes and content as well as music for the soundtrack in July. This year the process was delayed and we couldn’t start our first creative session until Thursday 8th September. We started by discussing ideas and events from the year, the Lionesses winning the Euros and of course the Platinum Pageant, but as the day unfolded, the now historic course of events of that day changed the mood and direction of our meeting, as the news broke of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, at this point we did not even know whether the event would happen. It was late September when we reconvened with a new brief from the client, the display would be split into three acts.

The first would pick out standout moments from 2022, the women’s national football team success, recognition of the conflict in Ukraine and to celebrate 50 years of Gay Pride. Act 2 was to be a sombre and more reflective sequence, that needed to be poignant and respectful remembering the late Queen and the transition of the crown to the King. Finally Act 3 was to be a celebratory sequence with the hash tag, “with Love from London”.

The design process cannot start until the soundtrack is locked down and signed off by the Mayor’s office. The music is key, it is the spine of the show, where the tempo, pace and volume of the music informs the style, intensity and tempo of the fireworks, including colours, for example, red and silver for the Lionesses and a rainbow sequence for Pride. I did not get the final soundtrack until 6th November, leaving just 8 days to choreograph in excess of 5,000 firing cues to ignite 12,000 fireworks from anywhere up to 190 different firing locations across the river assets and the London Eye. My deadline for design completion was 14th November so that we could start producing the show in our factory. Once the design is 36

complete, the show sheets and script is printed off to go to our production staff who must collect all the fireworks, label and number every product, fuse together effects and re box per location to speed up the set-up process on site. We have a team of six technicians who produce the entire show, alongside the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay display which we also deliver. The process is normally complete with a couple of days to spare before the Christmas break, then we are on site for the actual delivery.

We must ensure all the elements come together to create one seamless display, the coordination of the drones and the significant lighting installation need to integrate with the fireworks and music.

This process also involves the BBC who are an important stakeholder and whose expertise and planning is required to capture the display for the broadcast audience. Our design software has the functionality to provide a simulation of the display.

This is a very handy tool to provide an animation render of the display to illustrate to the BBC, lighting and drone team how the display will look and to assist with the coordination of all elements.

During Act 2 we needed to bring the intensity of the fireworks down to allow the drones to display the crown and coin sequences. The BBC can then plan the location of their cameras to best capture the display.

The onsite delivery of the event commences on 27th December with two independent teams working side by side. The first team of 26 technicians are based in the Docklands, loading and rigging 30 tonnes of equipment on to three barges and four pontoons for the marine element of the display, with a second team of 8 working on the London Eye, rigging the bespoke cradles we have designed to attach 1,200 fireworks to the London Eye. While the barge team can work normal hours, the Eye team must work through the night, it would cost too much to close the Eye during the day as it is a popular tourist attraction. Our riggers who need a good head for heights work from 8pm through to 6am, attaching the cradles to the Eye and running our data cable to network all the firing modules. The biggest challenge we have with the London Eye is that we cannot rig any fireworks on the structure until the day of the display after it has closed to the public. The last flight is at 3:30pm, then the lighting is loaded into each of the capsules with a quick 37

revolution of the Eye until it is handed over to our team. Normally it is about 6pm on 31st December when we start loading the first fireworks to the structure. With a little under 6 hours to midnight, we only start building the most important and iconic part of the show.

This is the most stressful part of the installation, especially if the weather is not on our side. It is normally around 22:00 when we can lock the Eye down and run a final test to make sure everything is working and we have continuity across the network.

Firing the show is a complex, technically challenging task. All the various elements must be co-ordinated with each other as well as synchronized to the music, all to be broadcast live on BBC 1 and must start precisely at midnight with the first chime of Big Ben signaling the start of the new year. To keep the multimedia display in synchronization with each other and to start on time, a time code is broadcast from a central location from within MOD gardens opposite the London Eye. A multi-track playback device is triggered by GPS and the music sent to the BBC, while the various timecode sources are broadcast to us, lighting and drones. Our timecode is broadcast to the three barges and the central control location on Queen’s Walk behind the Eye. As soon as the timecode is received the firing panels start their respective firing sequence. Because we need to fire the first effects to be seen in the sky a few seconds before midnight, we actually start receiving the Timecode 10 minutes prior to the start of the display, this provides the ability to ensure everything is locked in and running and that all locations start firing their test igniters every 30 seconds up to the midnight moment. This gives the guarantee that everything is working fine and if not, enough time to rectify a location if there are any technical problems.

I am sat opposite the London Eye in the main control. Apart from running our firing protocol and making sure all the firers are happy that they are armed and ready to fire the show, I have a close eye on the weather. This year the wind was very strong, the forecast was predicting gusts in excess of 40mph. This is considerable and would require a deviation from the full show. As part of the planning process, we draw up a detailed curtailment plan based on the prevailing wind speed and direction, therefore we know what actions to take on the night for any given wind speed and direction. The curtailment plan will include the alteration of firing 38

angles to the aerial shells, or even removing the biggest effects from the barge nearest the downwind hazard. For example if the wind was blowing from the Eye straight towards Westminster bridge which is a main viewing location, we would remove the larger shells from the right hand barge. If the wind was particularly strong we could remove all the aerial shells from the right barge. Ultimately the display could be stopped all together. I have my more senior staff strategically located downwind to act as spotters. By taking onsite wind speed measurements we can assess what actions to take, even after the display has started. If one of my spotters feels that there is a risk of debris landing close to the audience due to the winds, we can make the changes and remove certain size effects even after the display has started. The good news was the wind did not behave as forecast and we ended up with a dry night and wind speeds around 15 to 20 mph. The show was fired in its entirety.

Titanium Fireworks were privileged to be part of the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve event to welcome in 2023 with a spectacular city-wide display, sending a message of thanks to our beloved Queen and hope to the nation in what can only be described as challenging times. A little bit of sparkle at midnight seems to be a good distraction, judging from the reaction of the audience, the display was well received. I would like to wish all my friends and colleagues a belated Happy New Year for 2023.

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h c r u h C s r te e P t S f o The Friends There was a large and supportive congregation at the Carols by Candlelight Service held on the first Sunday in December who all enjoyed singing traditional popular carols and listening to the Christmas bible readings. As always, we were grateful for the specially formed volunteer choir, with their choirmaster, Ken Diffey, who braved the cold for both a rehearsal and the service.

The church looked beautifully atmospheric with decorative greenery and over 100 tea lights.

The Friends are pleased to report we have been awarded a grant from the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to assist with the purchase of a portable PA system/CD and DVD Player which will enhance the visitor experience in the church. We are very grateful to the CCF for organising the funding. So now we are busy sourcing a system which we have already identified as the most suitable for our needs. Also included in the grant funding is an amount to replace one of our heavy metal publicity A frames for a more modern and easier to carry one.

2023 Diary dates Thursday 15 June Friends of St Peter’s AGM Saturday 17 June Guitar concert by Hunts Guitar Ensemble Sunday 25 June St Peters Tide Service Saturday 9 September National Heritage Sunday 10 September Open Days Sunday 23 October Autumn Craft Fair Saturday 11 November Armistice Wreath Laying Sunday 3 December Carols by Candlelight Service The church services are subject to confirmation and we hope to include one or two more during the year.

We may be able to book a visit from the travelling theatre company ‘This Is My Theatre’ to perform for us during the summer. They were very well received in 2018 and we all agreed then that it would be good to host them again.

For all the above please watch out for details in future editions and on posters around the village. Whichever event you may attend we look forward to welcoming you in St Peter’s during the coming year.

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Visiting the church As a 2023 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. The newly recreated 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

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e t u t i t s n I s n e Offord Wom In November we decorated our Christmas tree for the festival in All Saints Church. We had a Royal theme to the trees and made our versions of the Crown jewels to adorn it. When dressed it looked truly regal!

In the time leading up to Christmas our members knitted scarves, hats, and neck warmers for the Godmanchester Food Bank charity. We also donated coats and tins to help others through the current cost of living crisis. These were collected up and given to Cynthia who volunteers for the charity.

The last full meeting was just before Christmas when our own Carol Temple showed us how to make simple Christmas decorations. It was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere with Mulled wine and Mince pies helping us to be creative with the sequins and craft pieces. The results were splendid, and we all took home something to add to our own decorations Our January meeting was a New Year’s Lunch at the Wheatsheaf in Perry. Most of our members were able to come and it was great to get together and share lunch with a good natter. We also had a gift from Santa’s sack for everyone too!

We are a small group but have enjoyable meetings with a variety of speakers, outings, and the chance to meet others. Beside the local activities of our own WI the WI Federation provide opportunities to gain something new or take part in things you enjoy. Each week a new list is sent to do everything from Yoga to Watercolour Painting or taking a course in history. It has moved a long way from knitting and making jam, although you can also do that if you want! The WI building in Huntingdon also provides a local venue for more hands-on workshops and activities.

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If you are interested in finding out more about what is on offer, come to a meeting and see for yourself. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting is on February 14th and the speaker is Angela Ellmer who is going to show us modelling Cold Porcelain Flowers. Our AGM is on March 14th and the speaker is Alex Turner ‘Monologues and Meanderings’. Visitors pay just £4, and everyone is welcome!

Helen Ellis Enquiries: Jenny Murby. Tele: 01480 811474 Email: jenny@murby.me.uk

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The History and Controversy of Darcy Street Lighting.

It was mentioned in the previous edition of Out and About the issue of a street light near the High Street requiring updating. That stimulated some thoughts on the history of Darcy lighting.

Records show that even in 1897 street lighting occupied the minds of the Offord Darcy Parish Council. Today some Offord residents may not be aware that historically Offord Cluny and Offord Darcy had individual Parish Councils. Also the Parish rate in Darcy was somewhat greater than Cluny; some of this was due to the quest to improve Darcy street lighting.

Up until 1900 the best way to find your way home in the dark was to know the village ‘like the back of your hand’. That year a ‘lighting rate of £20 was raised to maintain and fuel oil lamps, which had been installed for no more than £50. This was as a result of a Parish Council resolution in 1899. It is said ‘the balance of opposition had finally been overcome’. An annual rate of £20 lasted for thirty years when it was increased by 50%.

Around 1930 the possibilities of electric lighting received consideration.

It must be remembered mains gas did not arrive in the Offords until the 1990’s. It seems the matter rested until 1957 when a public meeting was called to consider the situation. The decision was – to give no consideration. The lack of attendance taken as an indication of the lack of interest.

1962 saw the outlay of £235.12.3d (old money), plus maintenance costs of £59.1.10d, raised from an overall rate of 9d in the £. (Sorry no prizes for converting that into decimal!)

Following that Darcy streets were illuminated with fluorescent lighting financed by the Parish Council. Housing developers in the late sixties and early seventies were required to construct roads and lighting to Cambridgeshire County Council standards enabling them to be adopted.

This left fluorescent lighting along the High Street and Graveley Road with Darcy council funding the electricity supply and the maintenance.

Other housing areas were furnished with more modern Sodium lighting funded and maintained by Cambridgeshire.

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In the 1980’s moves were made to achieve the CCC standard for street lighting. This was partly as a result of increasing electricity supply costs as well as maintaining the fluorescent lights which had become unreliable and declared obsolete.

With the co-operation of Cambridgeshire County Council, Darcy Parish Council embarked upon a four year project to modernise the lighting a section at a time, starting along the High Street and followed by Graveley Road, with CCC adopting each completed section. Ultimately all the lighting became the responsibility of Cambridgeshire County Council who some years later contracted out to Balfour Beatty.

Alan G Acknowledgments to Mrs Gina Futter.

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ort p e R l i c n u o C h s i r a P As I’m writing this, more cold weather is forecast with snow and ice a possibility. Please take care when moving around and use the salt provided in the bins to deal with icy pavements as required. The salt is for public rather than private areas so please don’t use it for drives, etc. If you notice the bins need refilling, please let me know.

We are all constantly being told that 2023 will be a difficult year due to the current economic situation and the Parish Council wants to help if it can. It is often hard to ask and sometimes even more difficult to understand what’s on offer but we will help if we can. If you require help, please get in touch with one of the Councillors or me, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.

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 Annual Parish Meeting – Saturday April 22nd, 2pm This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will be on Saturday April 22nd at 2pm in the Village Hall. This is not a Council meeting but a meeting for parishioners facilitated by Council. It is hoped that the police will be attending to talk about their new neighbourhood policing policy and a demonstration on how to use the defibrillators will be given. We need people’s views on how they would like to see The Offords develop es56

pecially in connection with lowering the speed limit through the village.

Everyone is welcome and anyone can speak on anything at all to raise issues and ask questions. Wine and nibbles will be provided as well as the usual tea/coffee/biscuits. We hope to see you there.

Interactive speed signs Council is looking into purchasing a moveable speed sign which records data. This will provide valuable information for any future bids relating to traffic issues.

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

Overgrown Trees and Hedges 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 before March which is the deadline for such works to be done due to the nesting season which runs until September.

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

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New Councillors wanted 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.

Recreation Ground It’s brilliant when a project gets completed. Outdoor exercise equipment was something requested at the Annual Parish Meeting, and it has now been installed. It has already been well used and the comments via social media are extremely positive.

The MUGA is very well used in the winter months. The basketball hoops have been replaced and two councillors have volunteered to delve through the container (large spiders permitting!) to find the tennis nets and put these in place for the summer.

Millennium Green Council has been asked about placing memorial trees on the Millennium Green and the possibility of a memorial area was again discussed at a recent meeting. First thoughts are that an area could be planted with fruit (edible or ornamental) trees and would extend the area behind the small children’s play area where one memorial tree is already planted.

Council would source the trees to ensure the overall appearance of this 58

area is maintained with residents paying for them. If anyone has any thoughts on this or questions, please get in touch.

It has been decided to renovate the pond by clearing the brambles and self-seeded saplings and raising the overall canopy to allow more light into the area. The reeds will also be reduced, and an area of wildflowers created. Some of this work could take place before March but then will have to stop until the nesting season is over. As with anything, safety is our main concern, especially where deep water is involved. There was a recent report of children walking on the ice on the pond which gave way under their weight. Parents are requested to remind their children of the dangers of this.

A wildflower area will be sown on the green in the coming weeks. The dead trees in the newly planted area have been replaced and a further pack of trees from the Woodland Trust should arrive in the next couple of months.

Cleaning of White Bridge Everyone will no doubt have noticed that the white bridge in Station Lane is extremely dirty and not the best representation as you enter the parish. This was a job Cambs County Council used to do but has now fallen by the wayside. A group of volunteers is being put together to deal with this – more hands make light work - and it was agreed to start the cleaning on Sunday April 23rd . Depending on how many helpers we get one day might be enough. An environmental marine cleaning fluid has been purchased to avoid any pollution into the river. If you feel you could help, if only for an hour or two, please get in touch.

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

Jackie Stanbridge

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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 61

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!

Liam Beckett

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Full fibre broadband for The Offords So as we start 2023, what has happened to the promised full fibre to the premises for residents in The Offords? Frustratingly, the simple answer is not a lot. The Parish Council is continuing to monitor the situation with three providers and has also been in contact with Connecting Cambridgeshire at CCC. The Openreach ‘when and where’ map says that the Buckden exchange upgrade will happen in the next 12 months. At present, we are working with Connecting Cambridgeshire to get confirmation as to whether The Offords will be included in this timescale.

Gigaclear state that their Buckden rollout will include The Offords and that they are hoping to start at the end of February 2023. Letters will be sent to residents when the work is starting. The PC are aware that the Gigaclear commissioned works in Folksworth during 2022 have led to significant road disruptions and so will monitor the situation carefully.

Jake Simons from the third provider, County Broadband, visited The Offords during May/June 2022, inviting residents to sign up to their scheme.

The County Broadband website states that they are “delighted to announce that we will soon be delivering services” in your area (on their postcode checker). However, the PC has not received any further updates despite requesting the same.

So there you have it! We do not know who will get to the starting line first but the PC will continue to update you as and when we receive any reliable updates.

Caroline Savage The Offords PC

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t a e B e h t o t Feet

The Offords Line Dance Group

We are six years old in February!

Classes resumed at the end of January following Izzy’s wonderful break to visit her family in New Zealand and Australia.

At the start of every new year, after a break, we find it takes a couple of weeks to get back in the routine of going to the Line Dance Sessions every Tuesday morning and also wishing we had perhaps made the effort to practise a few dances at home to keep our feet and brains in gear. Izzy allows us a few easy, old favourites to get us back in the swing of things and then on to the more challenging and slightly harder dances. Of course, we all grumble and say those dances are too hard but once we have gone over them a couple of times we are feeling confident again.

It is hard to believe that we have been going for six years as the group was started in February 2017. However, with a gap of several months due to Covid we haven’t been attending classes for a full six years, but still we can look back and reminisce on how many of us were total beginners in February 2017.

For those who have made it a New Year’s resolution to get fit and more active then there is no better way to join the Line Dance group. We are a friendly group of people and always very welcoming to new members. Please contact Izzy for more information.

Jenny Griffiths On behalf of Izzy Brogan Tel: 07709 344144

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. Sue Baker-Maher. Tel 473444.

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

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Happy New Year!

We are working hard behind the scenes to fill our diary with day trips and outings for 2023.

If you are already on our mailing list, our new brochure will be posted out to you at the beginning of March.

If you would prefer to hire one of our vehicles for a private excursion, then please get in touch and we will be happy to help! *Airports* *Weddings* *Seasides* *School trips* *Sporting fixtures* *Days out* *Special occasions*

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t r o p e R s r o ll i c n u o District C As we head into the New Year it’s been a busy time for councillors. The new Joint Administration at Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has a busy work programme with a new focus on improving outcomes for residents and putting a green lens on all we do - we are looking at every aspect of work to see what could be improved or added to. However, it’s against a backdrop of financial pressure and we will need to ensure that we spend our limited resources wisely.

Huntingdonshire Place Strategy Over the last few months a lot of work has gone into the Place Strategy for Huntingdonshire where we have taken the views from our residents, businesses, education providers and other stakeholders about the future of the district. This strategy will illustrate our aspirations and ambitions for Huntingdonshire and shape how we can effectively achieve them.

The next steps action plan was published at the end of December and have now been through the overview and scrutiny process to enable the council to move ahead to start putting the detail into the plan.

Climate Conversation Throughout 2022 Huntingdonshire District Council have been engaging with residents to help shape our Climate Strategy. Of those surveyed 48% said that it was essential that the Council takes action on Climate Change.

In October a Cost of Living motion was passed enabling the council to commit to making decisions on investment and delivery that, wherever possible, contribute to environmental and social benefits across Huntingdonshire.

Using the feedback from residents the council are in the process of adopting a Climate Strategy that acknowledges the personal and financial impact of climate change on Huntingdonshire's most disadvantaged residents. The strategy is to ensure we lead by example and influence others to make sure that we are all doing what we can to protect the environment around us.

Warm Spaces Across the county community organisations, town and parish councils have set up warm spaces where people can go to keep warm while taking part in different activities. The network of warm spaces is a response to the rising

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cost of living and as the winter has progressed the number of venues has grown. Below is a link to the warm spaces available in Huntingdonshire. https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/people-communities/warmspaces/warm-spaces-locations/ Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are found in various Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) such as sofas and upholstered dining chairs. Such materials should not be landfilled according to a law against landfilling introduced in 2007 but not implemented until just before Christmas 2022 when the Environment Agency suddenly announced enforcement will begin.

This change meant that the recycling centres were temporarily unable to accept these types of material, however HDC continued to offer the Bulky waste collection service to reduce the risk of fly tipping. Fortunately the situation has been resolved and the centres are able to accept these items again.

See the link below for details of our Bulky Waste Service: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins-waste/bulky-waste-collection/ Casework We continue to respond to casework requests and chase up anything that you bring to our attention. These last few months has seen us contacting various departments and authorities including planning, housing and more uniquely the archaeology team to solve problems or find information on behalf of our residents.

As always, we work for you year-round. Should you need us, please contact us on: Debbie Mickelburgh debbie.mickelburgh@huntingdonshire.gov.uk 07537 121365 Brett Mickelburgh 07441 392492 Sarah Conboy 01480 414900

brett.mickelburgh@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

sarah.conboy@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

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Village Groups & Organisations Applepips Out of School Club Archery Bowls Club Brownies Church Events Community Police Cubs/Beavers District Councillor District Councillor District Councillor Friends of St Peter’s Guides Neighbourhood Watch Offord Cluny & Offord Darcy Parish Council Parish Clerk Offord Gardeners’ Assn Offord Sch, Headteacher Chair of Governors Offord PTA Offord Day Nursery Offord Tots PCSO Rainbows Senior Citizens The Offord PlayerS Thursday Club Village Hall hire Village Hall 300+ Club Women’s Institute

Carey Kelly Marc Bax Carolyn Bargh Ann Weitzel John Storey Bob Bargh c/o St Neots Police Stn Andy Ottley

01480 811977 381172 810237 811697 810763 810237 456111 0345 456 4564 07704 857636 info@paxtonscouts.org.uk Sarah Conboy 414900 Brett Mickelburgh 07441 392492 Debbie Mickelburgh 07537 121365 Liz Howes 812899 Ann Weitzel 811697 juliehillsjohnson@gmail.com 01480 812549 Peter Riley 811839 Ian Weitzel Jackie Stanbridge Janet Bedingfield Kate Ruddock Liz Simpkin Claire Faux Carey Kelly Nikki Mitchell Richard Braddick Ann Weitzel Marlene Alderman John Kirby Doreen Rowbury Helen Bosworth Helen Bosworth Jenny Murby

811697 07597 988763 810091 810308 07976 792463 810308 01480 811977 07872 986326 07921 094801 811697 810609 810049 811025 811892 811892 811474

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

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

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Directory of Advertisers & Service Providers Page 11 50 18 19 48 34 35 46 76 52 53 49 75 53 47 51 52 32 20 33 11 55 70 10 31

A1 CHIMNEY SWEEP & MAINTENANCE 07508 051920 ABSOLUTE PLUMBING 01480 812549 ACCENTUATE YOUR GARDEN 07756 463147 ACCENTUATE YOU HOME HANDYMAN 07756 463147 ANGLIAN WATER 0800 0113774 CM DECORATING 01480 810594 DK TILL COAL MERCHANTS 01223 232947 FLAIR UNISEX SALON 01480 810417 GRAVELEY GARAGE & MOTORCYCLES 01480 830462 & 831058 GREENSLEEVES 01767 651639 HOME-N-DRY 01487 840310 & 07766 576381 HUNTS SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND 01480 453438 HUNT & COOMBS SOLICITORS 01733 882870 JEZ ASHCROFT LTD 07708 031493 & 01480 812461 JODI FINCH & SON ELECTRICAL 07771 613848 & 01480 731599 JOHN SINCLAIR ELECTRICIAN 01480 273927 & 07815 903467 JUNE LEE PODIATRIST 01480 214392 & 07947 371107 KINGFISHER FUNERAL DIRECTORS 01480 471001 MOBILITY BATHING GROUP 01462 889097 MORE SPACE 01480 830130 OFFORD VILLAGE HALL 01480 811892 PAXTON HILL GARAGE 01480 217806 PLATINUM TOURS 01480 810560 THE HORSESHOE INN, OFFORD DARCY 01480 810293 W&H PEACOCK AUCTIONEERS 01480 474550

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