VILLAGER The
Issue 29 - August 2014
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
World War I Postcards from the Front A Class Kitchens of Bedford
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Message from the Editor:
Summer seems to be flying by and our best news is that The Villager and Town Life magazine won Bronze at the recent 2013 Community Magazine Awards. Run annually by Cambridge Building Society, the competition seeks to recognise outstanding local publications in the Cambridge area and we were presented with a plaque at a recent awards ceremony as third in the High Frequency category. This is the fourth award that The Villager has received since it began so clearly it is doing something right. I hope you enjoy this summer issue which commemorates the month that WWI broke out a century ago.
Contents A Class Ktchens of Bedford
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How to deal with debt...........................................20 Kimbolton School swimming pool timetable.........22 Puzzle Page............................................................24 What’s On...............................................................26 Prize Crossword......................................................28
World War I - Postcards from the front.....................4
Island Dipping
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Beer of the month..................................................11 Collaborative family law.........................................12 Don’t be scared, be cautious...................................15 In a class of their own............................................16 Island dipping........................................................19 7,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Catworth, Covington, Dillington, Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, Riseley, Shelton, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean (We also have over 150 distribution points, including pubs, garages, most shops, post offices, Supermarket Chains in all of the above as well as in Huntingdon, Lt Staughton, Grafham Water Visitor Centre’s and Kimbolton)
Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Tamara Glanvill, Ted Bruning, Melanie Ridley and Tony Larkins Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Bernard Ormrod, Emma Porter, Gennadiy Poznyakov and Catherine Rose Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
History
Rosina and James
World War I Feature Postcards from the Front By Catherine Rose Described as “historically valuable war documents”, postcards sent during WW1 forged a strong link between soldiers and their families that has largely been side-lined in looking at the history of the Great War. The postcard was invented in Austria in 1869 to encourage people to write more frequently, being easier to use and cheaper than writing a letter. However, the emerging photography industry soon saw the value of providing their clients with multiple images in a postcard format which could then be sent to friends and relatives with a short message. Thus the popularity of the postcard flourished during the Victorian era and the industry reached its peak at the beginning of the First World War. Postcard publishers were quick to see the demand there would be for soldiers to be able to keep in touch with their loved ones from the Front. Consequently, patriotic and romantic postcards were on sale within three days of war breaking out on 4th August 1914. Some of the best artists and card illustrators were employed with the aim of keeping up morale as well as expressing feelings of love towards sweethearts and the sadness of separation. These postcards were a characteristic of the First World War which was never to be repeated. Ron Pickford of Wrestlingworth has a collection of First World War postcards, most of them made in France. They were written to his grandmother Rosina by her husband, Ron’s grandfather James Henry Bartle who was a private in the Bedfordshire
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Regiment, and by her two brothers Alfred James and Albert Edward during the years of the war. (Rosina also had a sister.) The postcards, as well as being a lovely and collectible piece of ephemera, provide a poignant reminder of those difficult days when the women were left at home wondering whether their loved ones were still alive, waiting for a few lines to arrive to allay their worst fears. Ron’s grandfather James Henry Bartle married Rosina Medlock in 1915, a year after the war began. In a sad twist of irony, his father, also James, had died the month war broke out in August 1914 aged only 53. By strange coincidence, James and Rosina shared a birthday of 8th March. James carried out his training at Ampthill Park and while he was waiting to be called up for active service, sent Rosina probably one of the first postcards of his dormitory - an austere row of metal beds with striped ticking mattresses and soldiers’ boots lined up below - that simply says “… Dear, I just write to fill up the time…” The postcards sent to Rosina from Northern France are particularly beautiful as they were mainly hand embroidered ‘envelopes’ attached to a card with embossed borders. This French
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and Belgian embroidery was typical of the region and was made to contain a small, almost hidden, card in its heart for a message. This embroidery always consisted of flowers (which in Victorian times had hidden symbolic meanings) and the flags of the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia) would be incorporated into the design. To protect the embroidery these cards would be sent in envelopes made of tissue paper. Some of the postcards were sentimental drawings and others very patriotic. All were usually overflowing with positive thoughts and did not depict the true horror of the war. Probably shortly after he was posted, James sent Rosina a sentimental card that shows a soldier in deep thought under the title ‘His Dream’ in which James writes: “…Note to the young lady over the water but God’s grace keeps us united although apart with love from James xxxx”. Romantic thoughts must often have been far from James’ mind and other messages seem almost cool with formality. But it becomes more understandable when remembering the conditions the soldiers were surviving under and the patriotism that was instilled into all. Everything was for ‘King and Country’ and love had to take a back seat. One postcard sent by James to Rosina is entitled ‘Victory and Liberty’ and has the message “…May the Lord speed the time when this is accomplished from your husband on active service.” However, James did find time to show his wife that he still loved and thought of her. Another card is slightly more sentimental with the message ‘To my dear wife’ and depicts forget-me-nots, roses and a patriotic heart. A Christmas card to Rosina assures her “…I am quite well, with best wishes till we meet again. God be with you always from your husband J.B.” and a New Year’s card sees James sending her a very tender message on another embroidered postcard that says ‘From he who loves you’ and depicts flowers in the shape of the Alliance flags with James writing “…Forget me not. Best wishes for the New Year. Your loving husband James xxxxxx” Some of the postcards that were manufactured
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were part of a series that contained a drawing and a verse that was continued on the next card in that series. One such card shows a parting soldier with his lady and the rhyme: ‘… there’s something, dearie, that I want to say, one parting word before I go away: I’ve tried to think that someone else will do, instead of you - but that’s not true; I’ve tried to tell my heart that I don’t care, but it’s no use dear, for when you’re not there….” The verse stops at this point presumably so the lady can wait in great anticipation for the next! There were also postcards available for women at home to send to their soldiers. Ron has one such postcard although it is uncertain whether Rosina ever actually sent it to James. It shows a lady writing a letter and imagining her sweetheart in his uniform, and says ‘The days seem weary without you, time seems to go so slow….’ Ron also has postcards sent from Rosina’s brothers to ‘Rose’. One shows embroidered forget-me-nots and the Alliance flags with a small message inside saying simply “…To my dear sister. From Alfred to Rose”. Another from Albert is decorated with a cutout hand-painted paper fan that says simply “From Albert to Rose”. Sadly, neither of Rosina’s brothers survived the war. Albert Edward Medlock died on 14th October 1916 in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley of his wounds; and Alfred James who was fighting in the fourth Bedfordshire Regiment was killed in action on 20th April 1917 aged just 25. Ron has his ‘death penny’ which is six inches in diameter and was inscribed with the soldier’s name and the words ‘He died for Freedom and Honour’. The death penny was given to the families of those who lost men on active service. Rosina and James endured however. James returned from the war and the pair had a long life together with Ron’s grandmother dying in 1955 and his grandfather in 1973. These beautiful heartfelt but fragile messages of card and embroidery that they left behind are a touching reminder, not only of the strength of love between two young people through the greatest adversity but also as a unique personal record of a war that was to ‘end all wars’.
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Mano Bird seed & Established for over 50 years Family run business Arguably the best selection of wild bird products in 3 counties Committed to Quality Products and Service Easy to find – Brington is just 1 mile away from Junction 16 on A14 Large car parking space One UK’s best known bird food suppliers Manor Farm Granaries Brand Bird Food manufactured on site.
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• Cage and Aviary Bird Food and requisites
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• Wild bird Food Food and requisites • Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings small packs and large bales
• Selection of local honey and Very yummy jams & pickles very yummy I have tried most of them.
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nor Farm Country Store
Open
Saturday Monday through pm 00 5. to am 9.00 y 4.00pm on Sunda and 10.00am to
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Brington, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5AF Tel : 01832 710235 Email:sales@manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk
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Beer
of the Month by Ted Bruning
By the law of averages, there have to be some days in August that are warm. But just because it’s sunny, your tipple doesn’t have to be lager. It could be a nicely-chilled sauvignon blanc, or it could be... cider. And there are three sorts of cider. There are the big brands, which are fizzed up to within an inch of their lives, have precious little apple in them and, frankly, aren’t much like cider. Then there’s still (or flat) farm cider, which can be absolute nectar or can be undrinkably oxidised and unbearably sour. Then there’s the crossovers – all-apple ciders made on the farm but wellbalanced, not too tannic, and acceptable to “real” cider nuts and ordinary human beings alike. Henney’s Dry from Herefordshire is a nice straw gold with a lot of bubbles. The aroma is very apple-y, with a slight hint of caramel. The flavour, again, is very apple-y, which is not as obvious as it might sound as ciders (like wines) don’t generally taste of the fruit they’re made from. It’s a light cider which, served cold, is a good accompaniment to a nice day. Sheppy’s Dabinett from Somerset is made from a single apple variety (most ciders are blends). It’s paler than Henney’s, and less fizzy. The aroma is fresh but not especially fruity while the flavour is earthier, creamier, and a little more acidic. It finishes sharply, with dry tannin developing. A bit more authentic, perhaps. Beware, though – Henney’s is 6% abv and Sheppy’s is a whopping 7.3%. Sip, don’t glug! Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
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Family Law
Collaborative family law
Is a collaborative approach to divorce right for me? By Tamara Glanvill Solicitor at Woolley & Co - Bedford www.family-lawfirm.co.uk Listed here are the 10 things you should know about collaborative family law before you decide which approach to take. 1. Collaborative law is a form of alternative dispute resolution for divorcing couples who need strong legal representation, but would like to avoid going to court, the clients agree in advance not to take matters to court and they sign an agreement to that effect. 2. Collaborative law is different from Mediation because a Mediator does not advise or represent the client and the clients need to seek advice from their solicitors during the process in any event. 3. Each party appoints their own lawyer but instead of conducting negotiations by letter or phone you meet your partner together with your lawyer to work things out face to face, known as ‘4 way meetings’. 4. Unlike a traditional divorce, collaborative law offers the client the option of retaining a team of divorce professionals, for, eg your divorce lawyer (which is essential in this process); a financial advisor to advise on the financial implications of any agreements or a family consultant who can support you and your children through the emotional terrain that sometimes exists. 5. The process is not driven by a timetable imposed by the court, so to a large extent the process can be built around the client’s individual timetable and priorities. 6. The process can be more successful in the long term than using the traditional court
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based approach as the parties are more likely to adhere to resolutions that they have reached themselves through negotiations rather than having ones imposed on them by the court. 7. Once agreement is reached, the lawyers can draw up a document that can then be submitted to the court for approval. You and your former partner will not need to attend court throughout this whole process. 8. The Collaborative process can be significantly less expensive than those traditional cases that progress to final hearing. 9. As well as reducing legal costs, it can also reduce the heartache and conflict which sometimes go hand in hand with marriage breakdown. In many cases, it is not the divorce itself that does so much harm to families but the way in which people divorce. 10. Resolution, the trading name of the Solicitors Family Law Association are responsible for training Collaborative lawyers and over 1000 have qualified in the last 6 years, you can search for a member at www.resolution.org.uk Woolley & Co has a team of fully trained Collaborative Family Lawyers. If you are interested in finding out whether a collaborative approach is suitable for your case call Tamara Glanvill on 0845 6802136 to arrange a free, no obligation discussion.
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Are you in pain? Chiropractic so often the answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care
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Don’t Be Scared, Be Cautious
Last week I met with a businessman to whom I have just started providing advice. His business is profitable with potential for so much more. We discussed the need for the structured delegation of duties, so that he could spend more time on more profitable activities, and how, with a couple of minor changes, a lot of tax would be saved. This would also improve cash flow and thus additional staff would be effectively free. The gentleman listened, nodded and agreed with everything I said, but there was a hint of reluctance. On further discussing his hesitation, it transpired, he had already been there, done it and effectively bought the T-Shirt for everything I was saying. Through grit, determination and difficult decisions, he survived a major down turn and once again, saw a new opportunity. This time however, he knows the downside and has taken advice early. They say what does not kill you makes you stronger, and in this particular case it is certainly true, but he need not be scared, just cautious and learn from his previous mistakes. What does this have to do with you? Well possibly nothing, possibly everything. We meet a number of clients who have saved all their lives and lost money when the markets crashed. The FTSE 100 is currently 50 points off its peak and no doubt the ‘doom sayers’ will be out if it goes much higher. The reality of course is that whilst the
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Beacon Wealth Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
market was artificially high before, inflated by the Dot Com era and a general state of euphoria, the world today has a completely different mind-set. We have been through one of the worst economic crisis and are only now seeing the new world. Employment is up, company financial strength is up and in general confidence is up, but no-one is acting blasé. In the mind of the investor will always be, what if it happens again? Now is the time to be cautious, not scared. Your savings need to be invested in the lowest level of risk to achieve your financial objectives and the portfolio needs to be under constant review. Your adviser also needs to have the ability to move funds quickly prior to obtaining agreement. This enables you to move to the appropriate fund without delay and usually without cost. Ask your adviser about their investment procedure and confirm they have Discretionary Status. Growth has been strong over the last five years and with an election due next year we could see some positive performances coming up. Remember don’t be scared, be cautious. You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS). If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk
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In A Class of their Own A Class Kitchens of Bedford
A Class Kitchens of Bedford has been operational for just over a year and as well as providing high quality but affordable bespoke kitchens, they are possibly the most ethical kitchen company around. Catherine Rose met the founders, husband and wife team Jon and Jemma Hough. Working from home to fit around their small daughter, Jon and Jemma have strong ideas about what a kitchen company should not be. With a background in kitchen design, Jon got fed up with having to toe the company line when it meant using unscrupulous methods for putting profit before customers. He also hated the high pressure selling that seems to go hand in hand with buying kitchens and wanted to get away from it. “We don’t have a flashy showroom. We bring the showroom to you” explains Jon. “There is no hard sell, no hidden agenda and any special deals we offer are genuine. We pass on all our cost savings to the customer.” Above all, the company believes in good old fashioned honesty. They do not use cheap carcasses on their cabinets for the simple reason that these often result in sagging doors and misaligned drawers a few years down the line when the panels shift. Instead, all A Class cabinets have solid tops and backs for stability and durability.
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“A kitchen is a big investment” says Jon. “We want ours to last at least 20 years whereas most kitchen companies will aim to get you to replace them after around eight.” A Class Kitchens’ customers are Jon and Jemma’s best advocates. What makes the company most unusual is that new customers are able to visit former ones to have a look at a previously installed working kitchen. “If you are welcomed back to your customer for a cup of tea after having fitted their kitchen, then you know you have done a good job” says Jon. All feedback is encouraged and the company has an open page on Facebook where customers can post comments, in addition to customer reviews on Checkatrade.com. Jon is the designer. On his first meeting, he will measure the space and spend time with the customer to understand the style and functionality preferred for the kitchen. “It’s important to have time to listen to what the customer wants from their kitchen, so this can be incorporated into the design” says Jon. A second meeting is then arranged to review the initial design and make any modifications. At this meeting, samples of the customer’s preferred door styles and colours can be seen. The company employs a group of dedicated
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tradesmen who are all expert in their fields, rather than a ‘jack of all trades’ who does everything. Each customer is allocated a project manager throughout and is able to choose their own preferred appliances, unlike some kitchen companies that restrict you to certain makes and models. Currently, A Class Kitchens fits around two to three kitchens per month and Jon does not particularly want to see this increase as he would prefer to take the time to do a job properly rather than rush it. The company can make cabinets to any size and in almost any colour and will paint kitchen doors if that is what the customer wants. “The one way we definitely differ from other kitchen companies is that we can offer an almost exact colour match of the cabinet to the door” says Jon which has the benefit of giving their kitchens an upmarket appearance without the high cost. “Country cottage-style greys and greens are popular at the moment” says Jemma. ‘Soft close’ is standard on all their drawers and doors which means that they shut slowly and smoothly so little fingers won’t get trapped. The company primarily covers the Bedford area but has also fitted kitchens in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Buckinghamshire and as far away as Slough and Wisbech. While Jon does the designing and manages the team, Jemma deals with the administration and finances. She is also in charge of marketing and has written the company’s website content. Possibly the most unique aspect of A Class Kitchens however is that they are very community focused and directly support their local Alzheimer’s Charity – a cause close to Jemma’s heart having worked for them previously. She explains: “Providing they are in good condition, we re-sell the old kitchens we remove, sometimes even adapting them for other uses such as handmade chalkboards, and we then donate the money to the charity. Last year we bought the Alzheimer Society a P.A. system.” A Class Kitchens of Bedford is certainly a family-run company with a conscience. Going forward, the couple even hopes to one day set up their own charitable foundation. In the meantime, their aim seems to be firmly on making their customers happy. “Ultimately we want customers to have the kitchen to fit their life, not the other way round” says Jon. “And we take great pride when we have been told that the finished kitchen is better than they had imaged.” To find out more about A Class Kitchens of Bedford visit www.aclasskitchensbedford.com or telephone 01234 589136 to arrange a visit.
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Travelogue
Island Dipping After an early morning rise on Monday 7th April, we were off on our next adventure. The following three days were to be spent in a car and cooking meals with six people we had met for the first time the previous night, driving around a World Heritage listed island and sleeping in tents 100m from the beach. You know you are living the dream when you are driving along a deserted beach in a Toyota 4x4. Being considered the world’s largest sand island at 1,840 square kilometres, the only way to get around this spectacular island, is in a powerful 4x4 vehicle. Our first destination was a large lake made naturally thousands of years ago by rain compressing the sand and soil into a large bowl shape which has been filled over thousands of years with fresh water. At 1,200 metres long, 930 metres wide and 16 feet deep, Lake Mackenzie is quite possibly the most breathtaking place I have been too. On arrival at the lake it began to rain, which you may think would change our minds about wanting to take a dip but on the contrary actually made us want to get into the water quicker. It also made the water an even better temperature. After a few drinks with some new friends on the first night we all had to be up and ready to leave
Before Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
By Melanie Ridley
at 8:00am the following morning. Surprisingly everyone was. The first stop on day two was Eli Creek. Have you ever imagined being able to fill up your water bottle from a river and drink it without getting ill? Sounds crazy right?! After a brisk five minute walk away from the beach along man-made decking, we arrived at the mouth of Eli Creek. The best way to travel down the creek is to jump into the water, chill out and let the current take you. Day three included a three kilometre walk. Lake Wabby was the destination and being the deepest lake on the island at 39 feet it made the hike 100% worth it. As you exit the forest you step onto what seem like never ending sand dunes. For many, the urge to run down these into the water are too great to ignore. However another great way that many enjoyed the dunes was to grab a sand board and surf their way down into the water! In 1992 Fraser Island was listed as a World Heritage Island. Situated just off the north east coast of Australia, it is in my mind is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The sights, sounds and experiences I had there will stay with me forever.
After 19
Three Counties Radio
How to Deal With Debt By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
It is a sad reality that most of us are in debt these days. With the high cost of housing, it’s perhaps unsurprising that people are having to borrow more money than they really should. For many, this debt is perfectly manageable. However, it only takes a problem like losing your job, or ill health to suddenly turn manageable debt into an utter nightmare. If you are having financial difficulty and realise that you are unable to meet your debt responsibilities, the most important thing to do is to face up to the reality. As tempting as it may be to bury your head in the sand and ignore the demand letters, it is simply going to make the problem much much worse. When you have accepted the situation, you need to sit down and look openly and honestly at the money you have coming in, and the money going out. Even if the prospect is thoroughly depressing, you need to understand exactly what the numbers are before you go any further. At this point, I would advise contacting the companies you owe money to and explaining the situation. They may be able to give you a ‘payment holiday’ until you get yourself back on your feet again. They are also much more likely to be helpful if you’ve been open and honest with them rather than ignoring them and hoping they will simply go away. Remember, they want their money, so it’s in their interest to work with you as opposed to against you. When you’ve worked out how much money you can put towards your debts, you then need to prioritise them. The most important debts are: mortgage or rent arrears, gas and electricity arrears, council tax arrears, court fines, income tax or VAT arrears and TV licence arrears. If you fail to pay these, you could lose your home, and in the most extreme circumstances, could end up in prison. The less urgent debts include: benefits overpayments, credit cards and loans, water and sewerage bills (you can’t be cut off for water debts), student loans, loans from family and friends and parking penalties from local authorities. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t bother trying to pay them, but these should be at the bottom of the list. Hopefully, with careful budgeting, balancing and communication, you’ll be able to manage your debts until you get back on your feet. However, if you simply cannot pay what you owe, then there are some options for you. However, be aware they do not come without costs. Solutions such as debt consolidation, or even bankruptcy can be the only way out for some people but please look at the pros and cons before committing. I would always advise that you contact your local citizens advice bureau or the debt charity ‘Step Change’ on 0800 138 1111 before making any further decisions about the management of your debt.
Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. 20
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Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 24
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n O s ’ t a h W 2 August Roxton’s Diamond Jubilee Flower Show 3-5pm Roxton Parish Hall Adults £1, Children 50p An array of Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers, Flower Arranging, Cookery and Craft. Raffle, Refreshments, Stalls. Tel: Mary 01480-21252 for more details Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk
3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 August Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday - all welcome. Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served. Tel: 01480 214894 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 9 August Wildlife Extravaganza 11am-5pm Grafham Water Nature Reserve The Wildlife Trust, Huntingdonshire Local Group invites you to participate in a wildlife extravaganza. The event will involve guided and self-guided walks in the nature reserve to look for insects such as butterflies and dragonflies, meadow flowers and meadow, woodland and water birds. There will also be pond dipping, demonstration of charcoal making and bird watching boat trips on the reservoir (please book on the day; there will be a small charge). Many of the local wildlife conservation organisations will be represented. Indoors there will be a video display, an opportunity to enjoy a tea or coffee and a chat, and we will offer events such as owl pellet dissection, children’s crafts and more. Just come along, join the fun, and learn more about your local wildlife. Anyone interested in wildlife is most welcome to attend. Please meet at Grafham Water Nature Reserve, Mander Car Park, Perry, Nr. Huntingdon, PE28 0BX, (TL141671) from 11.00am. Most activities are free but the normal Anglian Water car park fees apply. Tel: Pat Doody on 01480 392706 for further information
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9 August Walt Disney’s Frozen 2pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Community Cinema Children’s matinee. Tel: 01480 860297 Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/
16 August Craft and Gift Fair 9am-2pm United Reformed Church, St. Neots Free admission Held in aid of The Coffee Pot Memory Café; a local charity in St. Neots for those with memory loss and their carers, run by volunteers and support from local Rotarians. Tel: Mary 07717 158549 for details and stall hire Email: maryjdcruz@gmail.com 16 August St Neots & District Garden Club Annual Summer Show Eaton Socon Community Hall Open to visitors 2pm. 25 August St Ives Bank Holiday Monday Market Over 70 market stalls to choose from, ranging from plants, ladies fashion, handbags, rugs, bedding, fabric, footwear and lots more, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you feel hungry while shopping around, you can try something from our food stalls ranging from ice-cream to doughnuts to hamburgers. For the children, weather permitting, there will be a bouncy slide. Tel: 01480 388388 31 August Teddy Bear Parachute Jump 3pm All Saints, Tilbrook Bring along a teddy bear, complete with parachute and watch him jump from the top of the church tower at All Saints. There will be a teddy bear’s picnic and other games plus charity stalls including RBL, MS, Save the Children and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Come along with or without a teddy bear and join in the fun.
6 September Tempsford Show The Stuart Memorial Hall, Church End, Tempsford Table top to sell anything of your choice £5 only! Tel: Meryl Besant 01767 640873 6 September Tandem Skydive Sibson Airfield, Peterborough In aid of Age UK. Raise £300 and jump for FREE! Age UK Peterborough provides services and support to enable older people to live a healthy and fulfilling life in their own homes. Helping with loneliness and social isolation is among some of the vast range of services they provide, but funds are badly needed. You can help them to continue to provide such essential services for the older population in our communities by taking part in the Tandem Skydive or the Perkins Great Eastern Run on 12 October. Tel: 0800 014 1832 Email: eileen@safelocaltrades.com Web: www.safelocaltrades.com/about/age-uk to find out more
Pet Services
Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894
Use your local removal company
Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk
14 September Comberton Ramblers Annual Subscription £8.50, under 18 years free Autumn Walking Programme starts 14 September. The group walks on alternate Sundays and covers from 4-7 miles, usually ending near a local pub. New walkers are welcome to join us with up to 2 free walks, and if you enjoy our walks we request that you become a member. For further details on how to join the group please see www.combertonramblers.org.uk or contact Stella the Secretary at stella.ramblers@ hotmail.com
Business gone a bit slow? Let us help! Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122
or email justine@villagermag.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
ÂŁ25
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
15th August 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Name: Tel: Address:
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Down 1 Private (6) 2 Allow to enter (5) 3 Krakatoa (7) 5 Beginning (5) 6 Sea mammal (7) 7 Not youngest (6) 8 Test (11) 14 Young dogs (7) 15 Hideous beast (7) 16 Fools (6) 17 Speaks (6) 19 Kind of turnip (5) 21 Increases in size (5)

Across 1 Deprive of food (6) 4 Scribble (6) 9 Complicated (7) 10 Meal of raw vegetables (5) 11 Additional (5) 12 Exactly alike (7) 13 Meeting (11) 18 Down-payment (7) 20 End of day (5) 22 Type of oil (5) 23 Result (7) 24 Process (6) 25 Holds firmly (6)
Welcome
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FROM ON PRICES START
,999
FULLY INSTALLED INCLUDING THE BASE AND VAT
ry of your The conservato designed ally choice individu ur home! yo by GSN to suit
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With over 20 styles of conservatories on display at our head office and 10 models on show at Wilstead we think you will be spoilt for choice!
All our conservatories are made-to-measure from modern, low maintenance materials so you can be sure that which ever conservatory you choose, it will continue to look as good as new in years to come. Your home deserves the best...You deserve the best that money can buy!
GSN CONSERVATORIES
Pertenhall Road (1 mile from Gt Staughton) Gt Staughton, Nr St Neots Cambs PE19 5BE Telephone 01480 860000 Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm Established since 1984
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Also at: Season’s Garden Centre Wilstead (main Road - A6) Bedford Beds MK45 3HU Telephone 01234 740011 Open Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm Sun 11am to 4pm
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Crossword Solution for The Villager July Edition
July’s Crossword Winner Ms M Read from Toft, Cambs
Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com 30
Visit our www.beds-local.co.uk Please mention The Villager andnew Towncommunity Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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