Katrina and Tony Oakley have lived at 137b Locks Cottages, Church Road for the past four months. Tony was born in Stevenage and Katrina in Hitchin, Hertfordshire; their two sons, Harry and Thomas, were both born in Benington, Cambs. Their stay here is only temporary while a three-bedroom house is being renovated for them at Bartlow by Tony’s employer. Tony is a farm worker there and Katrina is chef to Brigadier Bretmeyers.

The children attend Linton Infant School and will continue to do so after their move to Bartlow.

Katrina’s job is also her main hobby ­ cooking ­ along with horseriding, and both she and Tony enjoy swimming and country walks. Harry and Thomas like football and riding their tractors and re-enacting their father’s job with toy farm equipment.

Unfortunately their stay in Thurlow has not been an entirely happy one, as after two months here their locked car was stolen one afternoon from outside the house while Katrina was home. In the car items of expensive clothing and other personal belongings went too.

As a family they have made good use of the excellent recreation ground at Great Thurlow but lack incentive to become involved with village activities owing to their short stay.