World Thinking Day sees thousands of Girl Guides from across the country come together to connect and reflect. Lucy Callington catches up with our local Guiding groups who celebrated the occasion with a massive pyjama party!
World Thinking Day on 22 February is one of the most important dates in the guiding calendar – when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world come together to connect, reflect, and take action to make the world a better place.
A ‘peaceful’ scene as the girls watch Sing. Photo: Fran Sutton
Enthusiastic local Guiding groups decided to mark the day this year by taking part in a massive pyjama party. The giant slumber party saw over 50 girls grab their sleeping bags and onesies and head to the Saint Andrews Centre in Histon to have fun with their friends – all the while thinking about the amazing things girls can do when they stand together.
Fran Sutton, Histon District Commissioner and local Rainbows leader describes the excitement: “It was a lot of fun all round! All the games, storytelling, crafts, and activities were designed by leaders to spark joy and encourage the Brownies and Rainbows to dream big. It was a really special event for our girls.”
The attendees, who ranged from five to ten years old, enjoyed a shared meal before settling in to watch the animated film ‘Sing’, with the excited singing and jumping most probably audible far and wide! One Brownie, Eleanor shares: “It was so much fun, I wish I was still there.”
Part of something special
The group sleepover saw the girls from local troupes be part of something bigger as they joined 21,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, and volunteers from across the Anglia region who were also taking part in their own pyjama parties.
As can often happen with children’s sleepovers, there was probably much more partying than sleeping going on, as one very tired Rainbow reports back: “This was my first sleepover, and I loved it!” All the attendees were also given a teddy bear t-shirt, toothbrush, bookmark and an official event badge.
Crafts kept the girls busy and encouraged them to mix with new friends. Photo: Fran Sutton
Sleep or no sleep, Fran reports that the event went without a hitch. She says: “This was a really special event for our girls to be part of. It’s great for building their confidence, and helping them to be their best selves.”
The organisers are hopeful that they can repeat the success of the sleepover in the future but Fran is keen to highlight the part local guiding volunteers play in this. She tells us: “This is all made possible by our dedicated team of volunteers who make everything happen. But we need more helpers to ensure the future of Girlguiding in our villages”.
To find out more about Girlguiding Anglia and how to get involved visit here.
Buying and selling property can be a confusing process, especially for first timers. Ahead of National Conveyancing Week, Lucy Callington finds out why the role of the conveyancer is such an important and valuable part of the process.
Most people know what an estate agent is and how they can help you find, buy or sell a property, but conveyancing – an equally important part of the process – is less well understood. Choosing a reliable conveyancer can help your property transaction go smoothly and allow you to feel informed and updated throughout the journey.
National Conveyancing Week runs from 17-21 March 2025 and is the chance for over 500 law firms nationally – including Histon’s Hayward Moon – to advocate, inspire and promote the vital role conveyancers play in the home moving process. What better time then to shine a light on exactly what your conveyancer can help you with?
A step by step guide
Conveyancing is the legal process that takes place behind the scenes when ownership of a property is transferred from a seller to the buyer. It can start when your offer is accepted, and last until after the sale is completed.
Although most sales and purchases follow a broadly similar process, every transaction is unique. The process that your conveyancer will follow might look something like this:
Once the buyer has chosen the property they would like to buy and agreed the purchase price, the buyer and seller will each instruct a conveyancer to represent them.
Both sets of conveyancers will start by asking their clients for various details upfront, such as proof of identity and evidence of funds for the purchase.
The seller’s conveyancer will ask them to complete property information forms and then gather information relating to the property from the Land Registry. Based on this they will prepare a draft contract and send it to the buyer’s conveyancer, together with other relevant documents and property information forms.
The buyer’s conveyancer will check all these document and then apply for searches against the property and report back on any issues they may raise. Both parties and their clients will then go back and forth until all such enquires are ironed out and both the buyers and their conveyancer are satisfied with the answers they receive.
Once the buyer’s conveyancer has satisfactory replies to the enquiries, results of searches and the mortgage instructions (if needed) they will then report to the buyer and check if they are happy to proceed. They can then sign a copy of the contract and leave it undated with the conveyancer in readiness for exchange of contracts.
The seller’s conveyancer will similarly ask the seller to sign an identical copy of the contract in readiness, and discuss a completion date with them. At this point the buyer will be required to pay a deposit, which is usually 10% of the purchase price and this will be transferred via their conveyancer’s bank account.
Finally, both conveyancers will clear up any outstanding enquiries on the paperwork until the buyers and their conveyancers are satisfied, and then exchange and completion can go ahead.
Avoiding the pitfalls
Conveyancing can do some of the heavy lifting in what can be a process fraught with unexpected snags. A few of these include:
Boundary disputes and incorrect property descriptions – these can cause delays and lead to disputes between neighbours. Conveyancing can resolve existing boundary disputes or inaccuracies before completing the transaction.
Easements and Restrictive Covenants– these are legal rights or restrictions which may impact your use or enjoyment of the property, such as shared driveways, rights of way and access to utilities. Covenants can govern issues such as building restrictions or limits on permitted use.
Property Fraud and Identity Theft – your conveyancer will verify the identity of the property sellers and other parties involved in the transaction through identity checks.
Leasehold and Freehold Property Complexities – Your conveyancer will be able to advise you on the lease terms, including any restrictions or obligation that may impact on your ownership.
Environmental and Planning Issues – Environmental issues such as contamination, flooding or subsidence can cause legal issues and financial burdens. Your conveyancer will advise you of the searches that can be undertaken to diagnose these.
Join Hayward Moon at its new High Street Histon office for a Women’s Aid charity coffee morning from 10am-midday on Thursday 20 March. All welcome for cake and a chat!
Last weekend our community’s love for its trees was transferred into some very real results which will benefit our village for years to come. Amanda Borrill catches up with Dan Mace, the man at the root of so much of our village’s greenery, to hear more.
The weekend of 1-2 March was a big one for our village tree population as the community came together to demonstrate, in very practical terms, their value to the people of Histon & Impington.
Histon & Impington Parish Council donated most of the trees for planting, with a further three gifted by South Cambs District Council. Helping to plant them were a range of village-based groups; ably led by Dan Mace (well known for his work with Community Orchard/HI Trees) and assisted by Daphne Fisher.
New growth at The Coppice
Starting things off on Saturday, were residents of The Coppice who were keen to replace some of the diseased trees that had been removed recently, including the magnificent beech that used to grow at the road entrance. The first tree to be planted was a native oak, near the site of the removed beech. “Over the years this should grow into a wonderful tree, at least as impressive as the tree it is replacing”, explained Dan. The residents then moved on to a clearing at the Southern end of The Coppice, created by the removal of more diseased trees, and planted two hazels and a hornbeam.
Coppice resident Stephanie Norris said, “the residents were sad to see the removal of the diseased beech tree at the entrance to The Coppice, so we were delighted to help plant a new native oak tree as a replacement. We’re looking forward to watching it grow over the coming years.”
Across the community
Sunday morning saw Dan, Daphne and Daphne’s family plant a Summer Sun Cherry near the War Memorial. “This English cherry produces large black fruit in July – either local residents or the birds should enjoy the fruit from this tree in the future”, added Dan. And, next on the list was Clay Close Lane where the tree planters put in a Norway Spruce and Scots Pine. “It was really great to see local people – both adults and children – taking pride in their green spaces and planting trees for generations to come”, Daphne enthused.
Last, but most certainly not least, came Manor Field. “The Cubs did a fantastic job at Manor Field”, smiled Dan. “There are no plans to turn Manor Field into a forest, but we are planting a few specimen trees, well-spaced across the field. This is the third year the Cubs have planted trees on Manor Field – this year they planted three native hornbeams and replaced a silver birch that had died last summer.
Planting for future generations
“The Cubs are super-enthusiastic, ask loads of great questions and, at about 8-years old, stand a good chance of being able to return to the trees when they’re fully grown in decades to come”, reflected Dan wistfully. “I probably won’t live to see these trees fully grown, but hopefully the Cubs will. Of course, at 8 years old it is hard to imagine being as old as 58, so they settled for returning on their 18th birthdays to enjoy the shade of the trees they’ve planted,” he laughed.
Cub leader Maria was delighted that there was another opportunity for the Cubs to plant trees, and she and Dan are already starting to think about their planting plans for next year.
“It was a great weekend”, Dan shared, “and it was amazing to be able to plant a few trees right across the village. Huge thanks go to both our Parish and District Councils for funding these”.
Gallery of photos from across the weekend. All permissions given. Photos copyright Dan Mace.
Tree planting season is over for this year, but Dan is keen to continue to help with further tree planting in 2026. If you know of somewhere that would benefit from some new trees, please do get in touch with Dan directly.
Each year, the Feast donates to a variety of clubs, charities and groups across our community. All made possible by the generosity of villagers and a bunch of fun-filled events. Dan Mace tells how to get a piece of the pie!
As well as bringing the community together for a great week of activities, Histon & Impington Feast also raises money for good causes within our village.
Over the years, the Feast Committee has been delighted to support a wide range of organisations including support groups, sports clubs, local charities, environmental initiatives and organisations for both the young and the not so young. In 2024, (thanks in part to a generous donation from the Open Gardens committee), the Feast made donations totalling an incredible £5,000.
There is less than two weeks until the deadline for applications closes and the Feast Committee is keen to hear from Histon & Impington based clubs and groups who could use a little extra financial help with their activities. Do read our application form carefully for the funding criteria and please note that applicants will need to send a representative to a meeting on Tuesday 25 March, at 7pm, so put that date in your diaries.
Making a difference
14 local clubs and groups benefitted from 2024’s Feast Week and here’s what that money enabled them to do:
Co-op Member Pioneer Sadaf, far left, and Camtrust team with their 2022 Histon Feast strawberries and mallows. Photo Camtrust.
Camtrust – running a supported work experience programme and improvements of bike refurbishment workshops
Hope Again Bereavement Support – a contribution to running meetings
Histon Cricket Club – electronic scoreboards and maintenance to score hut
Histon & Impington Brook Primary School – a permanent outdoor play area for early years
Histon & Impington Hedgehog Champions – equipment for making gardens hedgehog friendly
1st Histon Scout Group – canoes and trailer
Histon Bowls Club – equipment and promotional material
Cambridge Acorn Project – panoramic support for child victims of abuse and trauma
Blue Smile – mental health support at Brook Primary School
Histon Methodist Church – refurbishment of toilets
Histon Howlers Junior Netball Club – establishment of a new Year 6 team
Histon & Impington Bicycle Club – gazebo for club and community events
Firs House Patient Participation Group – community health events
Histon Scouts – establishment of Squirrels section for 4-6 year olds
The deadline approaches!
There is now less than two weeks to go until applications close and so, if you know of a group who might benefit from some extra funding, please share this article and let them know.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Applications close at midday on Sunday 16 March. Applications can made online here. Alternatively, visit the Feast website, download and complete the form and email to Dan Mace at danrmace@gmail.com.
Everyone should be free to enjoy a night out safely and without fear. Lucy Callington discovers how three little words can help to protect us, right here in our village.
With a choice of six active pubs on our doorstep, we’re lucky to have no shortage of places to relax, get together with friends or meet new people.
While a typical night out in H&I can be fun, and we all do our best to make safe choices, sometimes we may need a little extra help. That’s where the safety scheme ‘Ask for Angela’ comes in.
Aimed primarily at women, the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative was started in 2016 by National Pubwatch and was quickly rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses. It means that people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly approach venue staff and ask them for ‘Angela’.
This phrase indicates to staff that the customer may need help with a difficult situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them – either through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them to a taxi or, in more serious cases, by contacting the police.
For participating venues, training is available on the ‘Ask For Angela’ website to help educate staff on how they can help. There are posters to download which are intended to be displayed in all public areas including female and male toilets promoting that the scheme is active. Should an incident occur, staff are then obliged to complete an incident report form to monitor the scheme’s effectiveness.
Safety spotlight
Following a recent BBC report checking the impact of the scheme in London, Cambridgeshire Police visited six popular venues in Cambridge to check whether frontline staff knew about the scheme. Officers were impressed with what they saw and found that two bars gave an “outstanding” response.
On the city centre pubs, Superintendent Adam Gallop comments: “We work closely with the night-time economy businesses to make our cities and towns as safe as possible. It’s important people know, that if they have any concerns they can ask for ‘Angela’”.
Safety starts close to home
All of which got us, here at HI HUB, thinking about our own local venues and what help they offer to those who may find themselves in a situation where they feel unsafe. We checked in with our local pubs and, while none of them are officially members of the scheme, here’s what they had to say:
Steve at the Rose and Crown says customers can be assured that staff are here to help. Photo: Penny Reeves
Steve Snudden at the Rose and Crown: “As a small, family-friendly pub we are not officially in the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme. However, myself and my staff take customer safety very seriously and are well aware of the importance of such schemes. If we were asked for ‘Angela’ at the bar we would know that there may be a problem.
“We would then bring the customer to our back room as a safe space and find out what or who is the problem. Depending on the customer’s wishes we would get them a taxi home, remove the offending person from the property or in a more serious situation call 999.
“Having worked in the hospitality trade for many years now I know how important it is to be aware of your customers at all times and treat any concerns with a quick response. It’s a shame that schemes like Ask Angela have to exist, but it offers a great way to ensure that everyone can have a great night out knowing they have the option to discreetly ask for help if needed.
“Thankfully, I’ve never been ‘asked for Angela’ but would always be ready and willing to assist any customer that did. So, while we are not officially part of Ask Angela, you can be assured that we will always be here to help if needed!”
Susannah Kate Lee at the King Bill: “I think it’s a fantastic scheme to protect and help everyone, both male and female. I always thought of it being a city thing, but you never know who may need the protection, help and support, and we are here to help.”
Raimonda Aleksiejute at the Railway Vue:“As new tenants we are happy to look into training for us and staff members in the future.”
Andy at the Red Lion: “I’ll certainly have a further look at possibly implementing it in the future.”
Next time you see an “Ask for Angela” poster on an evening out – you can feel assured that bar staff can support and assist you through uncomfortable situations, without fuss, and you have absolutely no need to feel worried about causing a scene.
And, if you don’t see a poster – feel free to approach the management and encourage them to sign up. Their support will help everyone feel safer on a night out.
Firs House Surgery is a vital service, used by most people in the Village at one time or another. Alison Turnbull chats to Practice Manager, Libby Mead to find out what it takes to keep this key village utility fit and healthy.
Libby Mead has been Practice Manager at Firs House for two years, and has worked in the NHS for the last 20. Although she’s steeped in the world of healthcare, she likens her role as more like that of a headteacher in a school. She explains: “I look after the building maintenance, manage the money, make sure the processes are running smoothly and efficiently, and I oversee how things work, recruiting staff, the systems and processes”.
Of the many challenges of General Practice, lack of spare space is a big issue. Libby says: “There is never money for improvements because the NHS only pays for the treatments being offered, not the buildings. The demand is through the roof – if you pardon the pun – but we’re seriously trying our best. It’s not because we’ve not made appointments available, it’s because everyone is fully booked and there is no further space or any more practitioners available.”
Libby Mead, Practice Manager at Firs House Surgery
General Practice sees 90% of first patient contact but only gets 9% of the budget. Hospitals get the majority of funding that comes from outside investments – such as drug and procedure research and development.
The Primary Care Network, which includes Firs House, also includes Waterbeach, Willingham and Cottenham. Working together, there are services in the community for people who can’t get into the surgery, and for people transferring out of hospital. Libby says: “They are always stretched, but they are a great team including the District Nurses who visit the housebound, and the Community Matron who visit people who are more temporarily incapacitated”.
Same-day referrals
Villagers will be pleased to hear that Libby is currently working on achieving same-day referrals. She explains: “We can be inundated with referrals to hospitals and with the results and reports that are returned. It was taking a few weeks for these to be processed, but now referrals to hospitals are being processed the same day”.
Sadly it’s not always the case for reports and results coming back from the hospitals as there is no automatic link in the systems. Libby continues: “Communication tends to be limited to referrals via computer systems and the systems don’t quite talk to each other, meaning that reports and documents coming from hospitals have to be manually linked to a patients records.
“Often, patients using My Chart on the NHS app have all the details, but the GP Practices don’t have access. So, if you’re consulting your doctor, it’s a good idea to have My Chart on your phone so you can share it during you appointment. Sometimes it can take 4–5 weeks for reports such as ultrasounds to be sent through to the doctors and we are hindered rather than helped by technology sometimes”.
General Practice and the Trust explained
Libby explains the difference between General Practice (GP) and an NHS Trust. “Each GP has a geographical area which overlaps, to give some patient choice. At Firs House Surgery there are five medical partners who own the building and make decisions about the services offered. Trusts are larger organisations that are centred around the hospitals. The Department of Health NHS England, runs the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and it decides what services are to be made available to GP Practices to offer, for a set price”.
She continues: “These are ‘Local Enhanced Services’ and are associated with Primary Care. For example, the ICB will have data showing what the main issues are, for example, if there are high numbers of people with particular conditions that could be treated well by GP practices. One such condition is diabetes – there are eight parts to holistic wellbeing for people with diabetes, and it’s important the whole person is treated rather than focusing on just their insulin levels”.
The GP practice also offers vaccinations – not only for seasonal flu and childhood disease vaccinations but also those for people travelling overseas. “Currently the take up of vaccinations is very high”, explains Libby “as the nurse practitioners are really good at following up on individuals to make sure everyone knows about the vaccine programme”.
Keeping pace with change
Over her two years at Firs, Libby has seen some significant changes, not least bringing back the telephone booking system with the call-back system for people phoning from 8am for a same-day appointment. Libby explains: “The average wait is 3 minutes 13 seconds for the phone to be answered at these very busy times”.
Firs House website homepage
She shares that it is now recognised that the online-only appointment system was a mistake and excluded many people. The online appointment system is still available for non-urgent and routine appointments – it may take a few days, but 96% are dealt with on the same day and an appointment is arranged within a maximum of eight weeks, making it a good option for booking screening appointments.
Don’t be a DNA
Figures for January show a continued improvement in people turning up for their appointments. In that month there were 73 no-shows which, Libby says, is, “still too many, but so much better than the previous year”. Text message reminders have contributed to this improvement. She continues: “It’s one of the benefits of technology, we’ve set it up in the background of the appointment system, so it happens automatically”.
However, “It is difficult to keep up with demand”, she continues “as there are only 4-5 people working on reception, and there are 24 hours of phone-calls being dealt with every day. And that’s without the paperwork arising from each appointment and queries from doctors.
“Sometimes people come in and are surprised because the waiting room isn’t full – they think we’re not working very hard! But we don’t want people in the waiting room. All appointments available each day will be booked up and if everyone arrives on time, and the doctors can keep to time, then there should be minimal people waiting. The doctors surgery may seem quiet, because everyone is in consultation rooms with patients but, as these are private, the building doesn’t give any indication of the level of activity going on.”
So how best to get that all-important appointment? Libby has this advice: “If you need a routine appointment you can help the system by using the online booking service. If you need to see a doctor quickly, phone us from 8am and use the call-back service. Just remember to keep your phone with you and make sure your volume is turned up!”
Histon Day Centre, meeting place for so many of our older community, is getting a glow up to better reflect its ethos of warmth and friendship. Helen Blake, of the HI Friends’ Older People Support team, tells how.
Fun and games for Len. Photo Helen Blake.
Throughout the year on a Tuesday or Friday morning, nestled in Kay Hitch Way, you will find Histon Day Centre. A place of food, fun and friendship, the centre offers a welcoming meeting place for members of our older community – with transport available for those who would not otherwise be able to get there independently.
Now, to better reflect its warm and friendly feel, what was ‘The Day Centre’ will be known as HI Friends Lunch Club and will be offering two new fortnightly sessions, again with transport for those who are in need of it. There is a small charge of £10 per session.
The HI Friends team really wants to ensure that those who are keen to attend can do so without waiting. Therefore, the two new fortnightly sessions will begin from 13 March and take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in the month. Again we are able to provide transport for those in the village who need it.
Alleviating loneliness
Lunch club attendee Olive takes in some pet therapy. Photo Helen Blake.
Lunch Club is a place of laughter and fun. It offers an important space for people to come together and help alleviate the loneliness that can so often be felt by those living alone and who are unable to get out easily. As well as having a hot meal (and pudding) we provide a range of activities for the members to join in with such as quizzes, singing, bingo and craft activities as well as guest speakers and other entertainment. Naturally, of course, there are also several cups of tea or coffee always squeezed in!
Chris Swallow who managed the Day Centre for many years. Photo: Chris Swallow.
The sessions are run by a leadership team of three. Employed by HI Friends is myself, Helen Blake, and Sally Smith. Then, assisting us both is Chris Swallow – a long standing volunteer who, almost single-handedly, kept this activity going prior to HI Friends’ involvement in 2022. A group of amazing volunteers help cook, wash up, make tea, arrange and clear away the tables and chat with members.
You are invited!
We are so excited that our village is able to offer this new group for our older people and we would like to hear from two particular groups of people:
Aziza taking time to relax with some music. Photo Helen Blake.Kathleen and Ann enjoy time with friends. Photo Helen Blake.
Firstly – if you are an older person or know an older person who may benefit from attending one (or more) of our lunch club sessions. We are expecting the spaces to be filled very quickly, so please get in touch as soon as possible so we can have a chat about whether the lunch club would suit the person you have in mind.
And secondly – if you are somebody with some spare time to volunteer in any of the sessions we run. This includes the existing Tuesday and Friday lunch clubs and, particularly, people who could volunteer at the new lunch club every 2nd and 4th Thursday. If you are reading this and thinking ‘that could be me’, please do give me a ring, as I am sure we can find an opportunity that will suit whatever amount of time you are able to offer.
If you would like to know more about the HI Friends’ Lunch Club, either attending or volunteering, please do get in touch. Call Helen on 07394 173430 or email her at helen@hifriends.org.uk.
Twelve months. Twelve sporting challenges. Twelve hours each. Martin Dickson tells Lucy Callington why 2025 will see him pushing himself to the edge of his physical limits.
For Impington resident Martin Dickson, 2025 looks likely to be a bit busier than usual! The not-quite fifty-year-old was inspired by his approaching half century, to take on a huge challenge for a cause that is very close to his heart.
Taking on a different 12-hour physical trial every month for 12 months, Martin will be trying his hand at everything from cycling and circuit training to football, pickleball and padel – with the aim of raising £12,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Martin, who works at Girton based care home Arlington Manor, is no stranger to adventure. Before settling in Impington in 2013, he travelled extensively and lived in many different countries before meeting his future wife, Sinead on a bus in Laos. Taking on a charity challenge at 50 is just the next chapter.
Daunting and challenging
Martin explains: “I wanted to test myself, and inspire people, but it’s more than a little daunting too. I’ve taken part in sports for years, so I know I have a good fitness level, but each sport is going to be a proper test and only real determination, with my inspirational family in mind, will keep me going throughout them all. Some of the challenges are sports I play regularly while others I have only dabbled in. I just hope I am fit enough to survive them all!”
Martin racked up almost 200km and £800 in 12 hours on a bike this January
Martin kick-started his challenge in January with a gruelling 12-hours of cycling, hosted by Arlington Manor. “It went very well”, he tells me. “I had residents, family members and people from right across the community come and join in, support and donate.
“I was pretty sore for a few days, but managed just under 200km on the bike and had lots of generous donations – raising over £800”.
Giving back
Twelve months of pushing yourself to the limit takes real dedication and Martin’s inspiration for this challenge comes from two very special people – his mum and dad. “Both of my parents were true inspirations to me and my family, and to countless friends, neighbours and colleagues”, he shares. “They touched so many people and cancer took them both from us far too early. Mum was only 44 when she passed away and Dad was just 59”.
Martin’s Dad was a born sportsperson; an excellent rugby, football and tennis player and also a dab hand at squash and table tennis, while his Mum’s passion lay in supporting their local community and volunteering for various charities. Martin has clearly inherited both parents’ strengths and qualities – putting them to great use in this year’s challenge!
“Macmillan were incredible during their illnesses, supporting our whole family so wonderfully”, Martin tells me. “Without them I’m not sure how any of us would have been able to keep going, and I wanted to give something back to help others in the same position”.
Tough trials
Having taken the decision to undertake the challenge just last September, Martin wasted no time at all in committing himself to planning the year-long schedule of events. Some months are still in the planning, but next up is a 12-hour session of circuit training on 16 February, followed by pickleball on 29 March and badminton on 26 April.
I ask him what does he think will be the hardest challenge? “I am slightly dreading the 12-hour circuit training in February”, he reveals, “as I haven’t really been a regular at the gym for about 15 years! The running one is going to be hard, but it’s likely the football challenge on 24 May is going to be the toughest. 5-a-side football is hard at the best of times but 12 hours straight up! I dread to imagine what my feet will look like at the end. Plus, gathering together enough people to play and support could also be tricky!”
Moral support
Martin would love as many people as possible to join in with his challenges or even just come along and offer their support. “Having people involved is going to make or break these challenges”, he enthuses, “and if anyone is able to come and join in, that would be fantastic”.
And into the future? Does Martin have any further fundraising plans? “Never say never”, he smiles, “I have fundraised often and always for Macmillan. I’ve taken part in two 100-mile bike rides and a 12-hour tennis match as well as many runs, walks and sporting events over the years. However, this is my biggest challenge yet so I may need to keep 2026 a little quieter to allow my aching body a chance to recover!”
For full details of Martin’s challenges email him on ferretbadger@gmail.com or find out more on his fundraising page here.
From economics and eco-homes to soil and ‘Swishing’. Alison Turnbull dropped into a HI Sustainability meeting to find out more about the ethos and activities of this green-focused local group.
Set up seven years ago in 2018 to respond to climate challenges locally, if its recent meeting is anything to go by, the HI Sustainability Group appears to be going from strength to strength. 16 people, all interested in joining the cause, met up in the snug of The Boot pub; eager to find out what the group had planned, offer suggestions, and find out if there were events or projects that they could join in with.
There is currently an active, if small, committee of local residents including, Nicole Barton (chair), Louise Baker, Sue Free and Fran Sutton. Sue explains to me that HI Sustainability’s stated aim is to: “raise local awareness of sustainability and environmental issues including climate change, and to help local individuals, voluntary sector groups and businesses take action on sustainability and environment issues to mitigate their impact on climate change by reducing carbon emissions”.
In simple terms this boils down to running projects to increase the community’s “personal and planetary happiness” in the areas of: recycling, transport, food, nature conservation, political influence, energy, education and the local economy.
Quite the mission in a village the size of Histon and Impington but, in the years it has been active, the group has had a visible presence at every village gathering including, Feast week, the Community Orchard breakfasts, Open Gardens, HI Friends’ Wellbeing Week and many more.
From humble beginnings
A HIIS film screening
HI Sustainability became active in 2018 after some green-minded local folk screened a film Demain, exploring creative solutions around travel, food, education and economics. Around 185 people came along and then another 30 joined a subsequent planning meeting to match up their skills and interests with new initiatives that might help the H&I community live more sustainably.
A sold-out banquet-style vegan feast followed, then the Village’s first Swish(swapping and sharing used clothing) and a green spaces trail for Wellbeing Week. COVID saw the group take a forced hiatus, only to come back stronger in 2023 with the Eco Fest at the Baptist Church and a popular screening of the film Six Inches of Soil among many other volunteer-led events. The group also occasionally co-hosts events with Cambridge Carbon Footprint which supports some of their activities.
Sustainable conversations
In addition to the group’s regular members’ meetings, their current programme includes a series, called ‘Conversations About’. Most recently, Dan Mace chair of Histon & Impington Community Orchard (HICOP) gave a talk about planting for increased biodiversity. The conversation was an opportunity for Dan to share experience gained through his involvement in the development of the orchard, and for residents to consider ways of growing their own patch of meadow, or just making their lawn more interesting.
‘In conversation with’ Dan Mace, as he shares his experiences of the Community Orchard. Photo: Sue Free
The next ‘Conversation About’ will cover electric vehicles (EVs), and how to charge them amongst other issues. This will be followed in September by a conversation about retrofitting homes. Keep an eye on the HI HUB What’s On pages for details of these and more in due course.
Go say ‘hi’ at the Farmers Market
The group is also running a regular stall at the farmers market, at Histon’s Methodist Church. The stall is currently being funded by Histon and Impington Parish Council until July. It’s proving to be a good way of having conversations in a low-key way and sharing ideas of things people are already doing to reduce their carbon footprint. The next farmers market is from 9 am until 12 noon on Saturday 15 February when the Hedgehog Heroes – the group championing the humble hedgehog’s right to roam through our gardens – will be hosting the stall.
Sue Free explains that they are looking for ways to grow the group, to find ways for people to be more involved without it becoming too onerous. So if that’s something that you think you would like to be a part of, the team would love to hear from you.
‘Love is all around us’ as the song goes, and Histon & Impington is no exception. Lucy Callington has a round-up of H&I’s top Valentine hot spots for all ages.
Those wishing to mark the day of love in our villages have no shortage of options. Whether you want to keep the kids busy with Valentine-themed craft, or treat that special someone to a beauty treatment or a meal in one of our many pubs and cafes, here are the best places to embrace your romantic side.
Hands-on hearts at Kawaii Kubs. Photo: Kawaii Kubs
Cupid’s little helpers
Fundraising with love: enterprising IVC pupils. Photo: Helen Freeman
Crafty kids aged six and over can visit Histon Library between Saturday 8 and Thursday 13 February to make pop-up Valentine’s Day cards. The team at the library will provide packs containing all the materials and instructions you need to make a pop-up card for your loved ones. Packs cost £1 each and can be made in the library or taken away to assemble at home.
Play group Kawaii Kubs is holding play sessions on Sunday 9 February from 9am to 11am at the Royal British Legion. Explore Valentine-themed messy and sensory play trays, make crafty keepsakes and even blow a kiss and pose for Valentine photos in the photo booth. There’s even dancing with bubbles… Sessions are suitable for sitting babies, toddlers, and kids up to around six years old and can be booked here.
For a charitable Valentine’s Day, head to a fundraising stall run by a group of year 9 IVC students at the HILF book sale stand at the Methodist church between 10-12am on Saturday 8 February. The enterprising pupils will be selling kids’ craft kits, Valentine’s Day cards, jewellery, cakes and chocolate treats, all in aid of raising funds for a trip to Tanzania with World Challenge.
The food of love
We are lucky to have so many eateries in the village, so whether you want an intimate meal or a bustling evening out, there’s something for everyone.
From Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 February, The Boot has a special deal offering Lanson Rose Champagne at a 25% saving, and Valentine specials including crab and scallop mousse agnolotti, herb crusted Cornish rack of Lamb and an ‘assiette’ of souffle.
The BOOT making a meal of Valentines Day
Or, for a quick bite with a loved one, look out for Valentine-themed cakes at the Saint Andrew’s Centre Café in the run up to Valentine’s Day.
Splash the cash Whether you’ve put weeks of thought into treating your other half, or you’re a last-minute gifter, the village High Street has you covered.
Gin House Flowers will be open extra hours (8am-6pm) on Friday 14 February and will have lots of flowers and roses available in large and small bunches. They also have chocolate, cards, teddies, gifts and wrapping paper available.
Topiary tree is also embracing the day of love, with a range of Valentine’s Day cards, chocolate, heart-based gifts, candles and more. It’s open all day on 14 February from 10am-5pm.
Pamper your partner
In the month of love, Estelle’s and The Cambridge Skin Lounge on Histon High Street would like to help you treat your loved one or even just yourself to a gift voucher for a relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial and more. Its ‘The Skin Lounge Luxe’ treatment is also on offer for £85 instead of £100 throughout February.
Or why not embrace Galentines day? A modern invention where girls get their friends round to celebrate and embrace femalefriendship. Get dressed up, stock up on treats, drinks and snacks; pick a box-set – even exchange a gift basket with your most deserving friend – then settle in for a fun evening celebrating love in all its many forms.
However you spend it, hopefully your H&I Valentine’s Day will be a memorable one this year.
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