August 2024

15 Buckden Roundabout August 2024 The house Lucy made famous has been continuously inhabit- ed for over 900 years and dur- ing that time it had many differ- ent owners. Some of the best - known are Edmund Dudley, collector of debts for Henry VII, who was executed by Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell ’ s grandfa- ther Richard Cromwell. Also worthy of mention are the Gunning sisters, Elizabeth and Maria, born at the house in the 1730’ s into a family with no money or con- nections. What the daughters lacked in terms of status, they made up for in charm and beauty and they used their assets well to enter Lon- don Society and eventually marry into the highest layers of society. Elizabeth married a duke and later became Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Charlotte. A meteoric rise for a Georgian woman of modest means. Historians will be interested in this Norman house renovated in Geor- gian times some 600 years later, then restored as close as convenienc- es allowed to its earlier appearance by Lucy Boston during the Second World War. (Continued from page 14) Village News Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal, 2024 Buckden Community will be taking part in the 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 children in poor countries. PLEASE NOTE SWEETS AND TOOTHPASTE CANNOT BE PUT INTO SHOEBOXES THIS YEAR Gift suggestions Toiletries: Toothbrush, hairbrush, etc. No Bottles or liquid items please. Educational Supplies: Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpen- er, eraser, etc. Toys: Cuddly toy with CE label please, doll, toy truck, skipping rope, yo - yo, ball, small puzzle, etc. Other items: Hat, scarf, gloves, sunglasses, hair accessories, wind up torch, jewellery set. Are you able to knit a puppet, hat, scarf, gloves, or soft toy? Patterns are available. Or perhaps make a bag, pencil case or puppet using your sewing skills? Of course, you may like to do your own shoebox, and this would be very welcome, as well. Donations of money always welcome for transportation as it costs £5 to transport each box. If you would like more information, contact Carol Swepstone 810053