October 2020

7 Buckden Roundabout October 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 sup- port or companionship whatever our age or circumstances. With the Covid - 19 situation easing throughout the country, it is good to see more facilities and businesses now opening up in the village and with shielding officially ended and the Covid - related Village Volunteer Service closed, Friends in Deed have returned to a relatively normal service. Whilst the Communi- ty Cafe and other social events are still on hold we are able to offer our core support services. Need someone to talk to? - it is not easy to ask for help, but why struggle when there are people happy to listen and to help? When we keep things to ourselves and struggle on, things can feel overwhelming and a little bit of help can make all the difference. Whilst visiting is limited for our volunteers at the moment, we can easily provide a friendly voice and ear over the phone. This is a free service and can be either a one - off chat or regular chats. If you do want someone to talk to, please call our co - ordinator, Angie, on 07810 006598 and she will make the arrangements. Need a lift? Our team of volunteer drivers are able to provide transport for hospital / dental / hair appointments etc when family, friends or public transport is not an option. There are fixed fees for this service. Please call the Transport line on 07914 669967, leave a message and someone will call you back. Please do give us at least 24 hours notice and we shall do our best to meet your needs. 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 Buckden Community will be taking part in the above appeal and shoe boxes will be collected in November. Operation Christmas Child is a worthwhile charity making a difference at Christmas, by giving shoe boxes containing small gifts to chil- dren in poor countries. Gift filled shoeboxes demonstrate God ’ s love in a tangible way and for many children, are their first gift ever and may be their only one. PLEASE NOTE SWEETS AND TOOTHPASTE CANNOT BE PUT INTO SHOEBOXES THIS YEAR DUE TO INCREASING CUSTOMS REGULATIONS BUT HAND MADE TOYS MAY BE INCLUDED WITH THE CORRECT TOY STUFFING. Leaflets: At the moment, due to the Coronavirus I am unable to leave leaflets in the usual community places, but I have the leaflets for 2020 and I am happy to deliver leaflets to you. Gift suggestions: • Toiletries: Toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of soap, flannel, etc. No Bottles or liquid items please, thank you. • Other items: Hat, scarf, gloves, sunglasses, hair acces- sories, wind up torch, jewellery set. • Educational Supplies: Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers, solar calcula- tors, etc. • Toys: Cuddly toy, doll, toy truck, skipping rope, yo - yo, ball, small puzzle, etc. Are you able to knit a puppet, soft toy, hat, scarf, gloves for a Christmas shoebox please? Thank you. Patterns are available. Or perhaps make a bag, pencil case or puppet using your sew- ing skills or even make notebooks. Of course, you may like to do your own shoebox, and this would be very welcome, as well or donate some goods for a shoebox. Donations of money always welcome for transportation as it costs £5 to transport each box. Thank you. Finally thank you to those who have busy knitting for shoe- boxes during lockdown and donations I have received. If you would like more information, contact Carol Swepstone 810053