Our speaker this month was Neil Callan who told us of “The Development of the Silver Spoon” In the 12th century, silver spoons were a luxury item used by the clergy and nobility. Early spoons were small and plain, with round or fig-shaped bowls. By the 14th century, more ornate designs appeared, including “apostle spoons” with decorative finials. During the Tudor period (1485–1603), silver spoons became more common among the merchant class, often engraved with family crests. Because silver was a form of wealth, spoons were sometimes clipped—small amounts shaved off the edges—leading to concerns over fraud and purity. To regulate quality, England developed a hallmarking system in the 14th…

Bill Handley District Councillor for Over and Willingham Phone: 01954 200287 (leave a message). Email: cllr.handley@scambs.gov.uk Expiry of postal votes: Following a change to the law as part of the Elections Act, postal votes now expire after a period of three years. Due to the timing of the re-application legislation, around 15,000 postal votes in South Cambs are due to expire at the end of January 2026. The SCDC Elections Team has just started the process of contacting affected residents to explain that they will need to make a fresh application via email, post or text message (or a combination). This is to ensure voters have sufficient time to make a…

Cambridgeshire County Council – Cllr Luis Navarro Dear Residents This is my first contribution to the Over Village News since being elected as your County Councillor in May. Many thanks to former Cllr Firouz Thompson for her dedication and service over the last four years.  The following is an edited version of my report to the Parish Council. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION Three main ‘unitary’ council options are being considered to replace Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s current system, each dividing the area into two councils: The County Council prefers Option A, keeping East Cambs linked to Cambridge for work, health care, and leisure. Option B is preferred by East Cambs District Council.…

This year’s exhibition will feature several guest artists as well as work by the regular Artimers. Do come along and enjoy the paintings of all the local artists.

Saturday 2nd August 2.00–4.30 pm in Over Community Centre Main Hall Calling all Over residents to make a note of this date in your diary. Why not make this the first time you enter one or more of the categories.  Pick up a Programme and Entry Form from Over Community Centre Foyer or download from the Over Parish Council website. We have all the usual Produce classes:  Vegetables, Fruit, Plants, Flowers & Arrangements, Home Cooking, Jams and Preserves, Homemade Beers and Spirits and Photography.  People, Places and Pets are the three themes for both Adults and Children’s Photography 2025 so keep these in mind when you are out and about…

Two friends from Hardwick W.I. —Jackie Allen, a nurse, and her friend Helen, — embarked on a life-changing volunteer trip to The Gambia with the Lisa Kent Trust, a UK charity focused on education and healthcare. After months of fundraising — including head shaves, cycle rides, and community events — they self-funded their trip and raised additional support for the charity. Life in The Gambia presented a stark contrast to the UK. With poor infrastructure — no refuse collection, sandy treacherous roads, and few public services — daily life was tough. But the local people were graceful, resilient, and welcoming. One unforgettable moment was watching a school cleaner elegantly balance…