November 2020

7 Buckden Roundabout November 2020 FRIENDS IN DEED Friends in Deed is a voluntary group offering support to Buckden residents. There are times in our lives when we could all do with a little extra support or companion- ship whatever our age or circumstances. In October we noted that the Covid 19 situation was easing. At the time of writing, that has not really changed, so far as the local area is concerned, but, as you all know, there are some new national restrictions and knowing what the future holds is very much a guessing game. The Community Café and other social events remain on hold, but our core support services remain available. Need someone to talk to? – Although we are no longer in lockdown, we know that the restrictions presently in place are still causing a lot of stress. There is no need to struggle on completely alone; our volunteers are still limited as regards personal visits, but they are there on the end of a phone if you need someone to talk to or a friendly ear to listen. The service is free for regular chats or just a one - off. To get someone to ring you, just call our co - ordinator, Angie on 07810 006598 and she will take it from there. Need a lift? – Our team of volunteer drivers has contin- ued to function through out the present emergency. We can provide transport for doctors, hospital, and den- tal appointments and we will respond where possible to other transport needs where family or friends can ’ t help. There are fixed fees to cover our drivers fuel and you will be told the fee in advance. If you need transport, please either E - mail Peter, the transport co - ordinator, on peter.mount@btconnect.com or, if you don ’ t have access to E - mail, ring the transport phone on 07810 006598. In either case, please supply your name, phone number, address, the date and time of any ap- pointment and the location. Finally! Could you be a volunteer community driver and help transport people to appointments as outlined above? Friends in Deed needs a few more drivers to assist with transport for Buckden residents. There are no fixed commitments, a driver only volunteers when they are available to undertake a journey. Most destina- tions are local to Huntingdon or St Neots. Friends in Deed is registered with Cambs CC as a Community Transport Scheme and mileage is paid. The scheme is coordinated in Buckden by Peter Mount and you can call him on (01480) 810805 for more details. Like almost everything voluntary nowadays, it does involve safe- guarding training and a DBS check (no fees), but other- wise all you need is a driving licence, a car and an email address – and a little spare time! In view of the uncertain future regarding the Covid 19 virus, all events organised for 2020 by the Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust have been cancelled. We will review the position later in the year with regards to events in 2021. Autumn/Winter Events 2020 Village News Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal, 2020 This is now a Buckden Community event with different organisations taking part. Buckden Methodist Church being the centre of it, as it is now a registered drop off centre for shoeboxes and has been recognised as a Church Collection Centre. Buckden Methodist Church will be OPEN on Monday 9 th and 16 th November also Friday 13th November, between 2pm and 4:30pm to drop off completed shoeboxes, emp- ty shoeboxes, donations of items or money. The shoe- boxes will be collected and started on their journey after 16 th November. Thank you very much to those who have already donated items, boxes and money and those who are busy knitting. It is very much appreciated. Operation Christmas Child is a worthwhile charity making a difference at Christmas, by giving shoe boxes contain- ing small gifts to children in poor countries. If you would like more information, then please contact Carol Swepstone 810053 Thank you.