Author: chris

  • “I decided to go for a little run” – Forrest Gump

    “I decided to go for a little run” – Forrest Gump

    A pair of running shoes and a few fellow runners could be all you need to find the motivation to get out and get running. Eddy Moore found out what the village has on offer to help you take those first steps.

    New Year’s Resolutions traditionally include the determination to get fitter and running could be an appealing option. A pair of running shoes, comfortable kit and you can just open your door and set off. The health benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well-known, and you will build healthy joints and strong bones, strengthen your heart and accelerate your metabolism. There are also advantages for your mental health and well-being. However, starting to run can be a daunting prospect for those who haven’t run for years, or a lonely prospect for those who would enjoy some company as they pound the pavements. Fortunately, in Histon & Impington, finding running companions isn’t a problem – whatever your age or fitness – so that excuse simply won’t hold water!

    Spoilt for choice

    Advert
    The Hobblers at Histon Manor earlier this year. Photo: Jo Roach / Katherine Mann

    There are two local running groups based in the village, both of which are friendly and fun. HI Runners is a mixed running club which meets at Histon Rec on Wednesday evenings. The club is there for runners of all abilities, supports their members’ personal goals, and helps them progress to whatever level they wish to achieve. The Club is affiliated with UK Athletics, rapidly growing and always welcoming to new adult members.

    But if that still feels a bit daunting, then maybe Histon Hobblers – who celebrated their 20th anniversary this summer – might be for you. The group started in 2002 with the aim of: “let’s get off the couch and learn to run 5Km for the Cancer Research Race for Life”. 

    Over the last twenty years it has become a safe space for friendship as well as exercise, welcoming women of all ages and abilities. Their motto is “Hear us coming, join us running!” The Hobblers have completed marathons, half marathons and many local 10K races in their pursuit to raise money for various charities. Groups of members go out at times which suit them. Just contact Jan Watt for further details, at running@histonhobblers.co.uk.

    Do it alone

    Of course, running buddies are not for everyone and, if that’s you, then this still isn’t a good enough excuse for not getting started! Anyone looking for a free and easy way to get fitter and healthier could use the Couch to 5K app to give them that boost for getting started and, most importantly, keeping going. Absolute beginners start with a mix of jogging and walking three times a week with a rest day between each run, and the app will keep them on track and guide them through the whole process. Over the course of 9 weeks you gradually build up longer periods of running with the aim of being ready to run 5K.

    Once you’ve made it to 5K you could aim for a race taking place in Impington on Monday 1 May. A little more practice and the Flaming June 10K and half marathon on 11 June could be your next target, followed up by the Bonfire Burn 10K on 5 November. All of these events take place here in the village, giving new runners something to aim for, and experienced runners the chance to smash their ‘personal best’. Details of all these events will be published in HI HUB and on the HI Friends website.

    To keep you going between these village events, there are also the popular park runs to give you a weekly target for keeping going. Although not here in the village, there are three of these free fun and friendly weekly runs nearby, with adults running 5K at 9am on Saturday mornings in Coldham’s Common, Storey’s Field or Fulbourn Hospital.  

    Not just for adults

    It’s not just adults who can benefit from running, and helping children to develop a love for exercise and the outdoors is a gift they will value for the rest of their lives. Every Sunday morning there is a 2K Park Run for children and young people, and the nearest to Histon and Impington takes place at Milton Country Park. These friendly, volunteer-run, events are free to take part in but a one off pre-registration via the parkrun website is essential before your first event. If your family is happy to go a little further afield there are also Junior Park Runs at Wimpole Hall and in Cambourne.

    For more information on local running groups look at www.cambridge.gov.uk/running If you are taking up running this month HIHUB would love to get your progress reports. admin@hihub.info

  • Shoppers warned to remain vigilant after reports of targeted thefts

    Shoppers warned to remain vigilant after reports of targeted thefts

    Police have responded to reports of theft from the car park at Tesco, Bar Hill. Photo credit: South Cambs Police.

    Supermarket shoppers are being targeted by thieves operating in the car park at Tesco, Bar Hill. Three reports were received by local police last week, describing a group of males and females targeting lone female shoppers loading shopping into their cars.

    The group distract lone shoppers in order to steal bank cards and other valuable items.

    Local police are working with the community in the area to raise awareness and have been making CCTV enquiries in an attempt to identify those responsible.

    Advert

    Shoppers are asked to call the police if they are approached by these individuals and to make Tesco Security Officers aware of any suspicious behaviour.

    Staying safe

    Cambridgeshire Constabulary has also received multiple reports of shoppers being pick-pocketed in central Cambridge last weekend.

    Visitors to the city should be aware that pick pockets may attempt to steal mobile phones and wallets from coats and trouser pockets, and from bags left slightly open.

    Police are urging the public to take extra care of their belongings when in the city and to report anything suspicious.

  • Part-time Assistant – Gulf Petrol

    Part-time Assistant – Gulf Petrol

    The Gulf Petrol station on Station Road, Histon which is operated by London Fuel Ltd are looking for a part-time assistant.

    To apply pop in to call them on 01223 236373

  • Trainee Technical Specialist on Crop Characterisation – NIAB

    NIAB, a crop science organisation with a research facility at their Park Farm location in Impington, are looking for this new role.

    Trainee Technical Specialist on Crop Characterisation to assist with delivery of the Seed Certification and DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) programmes. The role is focused on the assessment and description of plant varieties and involves office, field trial, laboratory and glasshouse work. Closing date: 31 Jan 2023

  • IT Infrastructure Engineer, Internet Content Analyst – Internet Watch Foundation

    IT Infrastructure Engineer, Internet Content Analyst – Internet Watch Foundation

    IWF Logo

    The Internet Watch Foundation on the Vision Park are recruiting for these roles.

    IT Infrastructure Engineer to maintain, support and develop onsite network, server, security, and cloud IT Infrastructure. You will also provide support for IWF users and infrastructure on a day-to-day operational basis. They are looking for someone with experience of cloud based services such as Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft Office365 and Windows Desktop, Networking (CISCO) and Firewall (CISCO, Palo Alto). Closing date: As they need someone to start as soon as possible, they will be interviewing suitable candidates at the earliest opportunity.

    Internet Content Analyst to join the Hotline team. To be successful, you must be able to quickly learn the legal, professional and organisational considerations linked to the accurate assessment of potentially criminal content, including child sexual abuse images. You will be a systematic, analytical individual with a mature outlook coupled with strong computer and internet literacy, and precise attention to detail. Full time (35 hours per week), 2-year fixed term contract. Closing date: Friday 24 February 2023

  • Executive Secretary – IWC

    The International Whaling Commission who currently have an office in Impington is looking for this new role.

    Executive Secretary to be the Head of the Commission’s Secretariat and must be impartial in co-ordinating the interests of all member Governments. S/he is responsible for the efficient management of the Secretariat including development and execution of the Commission’s budget and associated programme of work, organisation of meetings of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies, and maintenance of relationships with other international organisations. The closing date for applications is 17:00 UK time on 15 March 2023. Interviews will take place in May/June 2023 and will be conducted in English.

  • Platform Service Lead – Instanda

    Instanda, an insurance software provider based on the Vision Park, are recruiting for 4 roles including this one.

    Platform Service Lead to join the Platform Support Team. Reporting to the Head of Platform Services, this a new position focusing on a wide range of responsibilities which effect clients. This role will oversee the client facing Platform Support team, including mentoring, coaching and owning the quality of the service provided. Also management of Training and Documentation of the product for clients, escalations and service improvement will fall under the remit of this role. This role will continue to evolve and grow based on the successful candidate’s experiences and contributions.

  • Financial Planning Specialist – Coutts

    Coutts, who have an office in Conqueror House on Vision Park, are looking for this role.

    Financial Planning Specialist to provide specialist, regulated banking advice to our private banking clients and advise clients on key financial planning areas covering investment, retirement planning, estate planning, and protection. You’ll undertake line management responsibilities for other members of our Financial Planning specialist team, providing motivation and encouraging professional development. Closes: 27/01/2023

  • Nurse – Etheldred Care Home

    Nurse – Etheldred Care Home

    Etheldred Care Home, in Histon are currently looking for 3 roles including this.

    Registered Nurse with a valid NMC Pin number as well as the most up to date clinical practices and experience of producing person-centred care plans and detailed risk assessments. For a salary of up to £53,414 per annum. 12 hour shifts 8am – 8pm and 8pm – 8am Mon-Sun full time and part time. The closing date for applications is Monday, February 13, 2023

  • Lead Teacher of Music, Lead Practitioner Humanities, Lead Teacher of Business and Economics – IVC

    Lead Teacher of Music, Lead Practitioner Humanities, Lead Teacher of Business and Economics – IVC

    IVC who are part of the Eastern Learning Alliance are looking to recruit for these senior roles and part time candidates are very welcome, and well supported, as they are one of eight schools in the UK to be a Flexible Working Ambassador School.

    Lead Teacher of Music (Key Stage 3-5) Music is a popular and successful option choice at both KS4 and KS5 as part of their large Performance School, and students of all abilities are actively encouraged to participate in a very wide range of extra-curricular activities. These include regular clubs, as well as several informal concerts and music shares each year. They also run a biannual whole-College musical with a full orchestra, with recent shows including Oliver!, Annie, Cabaret and We Will Rock You. Aumni have gone on to great success in the West End, and one recent alumna was even crowned BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2022! You would be joining a very supportive and friendly faculty, where innovation is encouraged and a commitment to working collaboratively is essential. Apply By January 30, 2023

    Lead Practitioner Humanities to play a crucial role in the development of teaching and learning across the College, in addition to the oversight of curriculum, professional development and standards within the faculty. As Lead Practitioner you will be expected to deliver both faculty-based and whole-College CPD, and to join our Leadership Forum which drives the latest developments in teaching and learning within the College. The Humanities faculty is a large and highly successful faculty, comprising History, Geography, RE and Philosophy, Psychology, Business Studies and Economics. Outcomes across all subjects are very strong, with high levels of uptake at GCSE and IB level, and many students progressing onto Humanities subjects at university. There is a very strong culture of collaboration across the Humanities subjects, and the opportunity to contribute to a range of extra-curricular activities and trips. The role would be ideal for a candidate who is an existing Head of Department or Faculty, who is looking to make the next step prior to a senior leadership role. Apply By January 30, 2023

    Lead Teacher of Business and Economics, economics is already a well-established course in the international sixth form, with large numbers of students achieving grades that are well in excess of the world averages. It is also a popular choice for university applications and extended essays within the IB Diploma. They also offer Business Management as part of the IB Diploma and Careers Programmes, which is a very popular and successful subject. Business Studies has recently been reintroduced into the curriculum at KS4, and has already proved extremely popular, with strong outcomes expected for our first cohort.