September 2020

7 Buckden Roundabout September 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. 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 can be as a one - off chat or on a regular basis. If you do need help or if you would like to join us in providing help to others, please call our co - ordinator, Angie, on 07810 006598. 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. Please call the Transport line on 07914 669967, leave a message and provide 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 Part of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Registered Charity No: 1000412 Buckden Learning Group Update Buckden Learning Group (BLG) had 39 enrolments for its Winter term. Marina Burrell provided a series of fascinating lectures on ‘ Famous Russian Women in World History and Culture ’ that provoked stimulating discus- sions during the refreshment breaks. The course was going very well until Covid - 19 intervened. Ten people ventured out to attend the 9 th lecture and the course was then suspended due to the national ‘ lock - down ’. By the time you read this the final lecture should have run online on 18 th August. Unfortunately it was necessary to cancel the entire Summer programme of: a Day School, some independent lectures and a coach outing to Lincoln Castle to see the Victorian Prison (discussed during the previous course). We hope to reschedule the outing at a later date. With no immediate end in sight to the current restrictions a decision has been made to take our courses on Zoom until we are able to sit ‘ shoulder to shoulder ’ again. The BLG experience will be different but will continue. We will review this decision each term. Starting on September 22nd, Ros Connelly will present ‘ Witches in Literature ’. Witches have one definite power – the ability to fascinate and inspire. What is their appeal? Prepare to mount your broomsticks and discover the witches of litera- ture! See page 21 for details. In January we intend to provide a course on Native American History. Oppressed and dispossessed yet still here! We remain hopeful that this course can be held at Buckden Towers. The period beyond Easter will be reviewed in due course as it was to include tutors who do not teach online. Look out for adverts for full details of current and future events. Village News