Alcon feb 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 23 - February 2014

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Free Advice & Support for Local Businesses

Banish

those winter blues

Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

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Contents New Year, New Displays P&R Bathrooms

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VILLAGER The

Issue 23 - February 2014

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue

Free Advice & Support for Local Businesses

Banish

those winter blues

Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

r

u E Ey FRcop

Yo

Are you ready for romance?....................................20 Puzzle Page............................................................24 What’s On...............................................................26 Prize Crossword......................................................28 Book Review..........................................................30

Are you ready for romance?

20

Knowing when go to court!. bathroom, but to mentioned as it was.................................4 a relatively didn’t think it was possible to buy such beauty small space I needed storage, however pipes prevented me from having furniture in it.

at your local Bathroom Showroom and of course have them fit it as well.

as I then went on to say how much I would also like one of those “floating sink thingy’s” you see

As I continued my journey down aisle after aisle of such varied stock, my head was

“Can you elaborate Madam” but no, he got me, he got exactly what I meant and waltzed me over

colossal piece of glass stood proud at the front with sturdy silver fixings glinting in the light. A

WhatI must is love, anyway?. .............................................6 of felt comfortable with Paul at this point,

Free advice and support forforlocal business.............10 in posh hotels.

I was waiting the smirk or the turned by the most stunning walk in shower. A P&R Bathrooms. .....................................................12 to this striking “floating sink thingy” first class shower head rained down onto the

sublime tiled floor, whilst a unique heated curly After getting a grip on my sheer excitement towel holder hung proud on the wall.

Your future ........................................15 and love is for important. this thing of beauty, Paul went on to explain that if storage is an issue due to

An hour later I had finally made my choice

pipework, they can install your bathroom by with the help of my new digital drawing and of Banish those winter blues. .....................................18 countersinking the pipes, pressure testing them course P&R Bathroom’s expert advice. and fitting new built in vanity units or some kind of panelling, creating instant storage.

I didn’t even have to shop around for tiles or Fun Quiz. ................................................................19 accessories as P&R have everything you could Paul suggested I have a wander around the possibly want in store, and with the new ranges 50 or 60 odd displays he currently7,000 has incopies the and displays have for it’s certainly delivered free ofthey charge in 2014, the following areas: showroom and just give him a shout when I need worth Catworth, a visit, evenCovington, if you’ve been before. Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Dillington, some help. He told me that he has some new Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, displays in for 2014 with some elegantly stylish I just want to shout from the rooftops about this Riseley, Stonley, Stow bathroom Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Upper Dean models on show, and boy heShelton, wasn’t wrong. company, because they truly Tillbrook, are a (We also have over 150 distribution points, including pubs,the garages, shops,showroom post offices, Supermarket Chains in all of the cut above rest, anmost unparalleled as well in Huntingdon, Ltwith Staughton, Grafhamsuites Water “The Cabritz” above a stunning new as Philip Stark staff and bathroom to Visitor match. Centre’s and Kimbolton) freestanding tap and super slim line shower head standing over a curvaceous bath. I had only ever You can find P&R Bathrooms at: 9 Lurke Street, witnessed baths of this nature in 5 star hotels; I Bedford MK40 3HZ. Tel: 0845 4348401

Editorial - Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Susan Brookes-Morris Publishers Villager Publications Ltd Tony Larkins, Alison Runman, Kate McLelland To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 3 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP and Bruce Edwards Tel: 01767 261122 PR Bathrooms.indd 3 20/01/2014 08:46 nigel@villagermag.com Advertising Sales - Justine Miller- 07905 063211 www.villagermag.com justine@villagermag.com Photography - Corinna Gissemann Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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.

Three Counties Radio

Knowing when to go to court!

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Thankfully most consumer disputes can be settled through effective and firm dialogue. If not, there are programmes such as mine that offer additional assistance for people who are finding it difficult to resolve their consumer complaint.

However, some cases just cannot be resolved, no matter how hard one or both parties try. It is for these cases that the small claims court can be very helpful.

This month, I will outline how to use the small claims court system to obtain the best results.

Firstly, DO NOT RUSH TO COURT. In my experience, judges often look unfavourably at customers who are seen to take a company to court too quickly. It makes the consumer look unreasonable which never bodes well. Therefore always try as hard as you can to resolve the complaint between yourselves first. Consider the small claims court your last resort and it is essential that you have kept a record of your conversations and correspondence.

When you reach the conclusion that (within 6 years of the dispute and for amounts up to £10,000) the company or tradesman is not prepared to resolve the problem, you must write a letter of intention. Make it clear in the letter that you have tried hard to offer them opportunities to resolve the problem and that you would like to offer them one final opportunity. Allow them one month from receipt of the letter to respond, and make it clear that if you do not hear from them, you will lodge papers with the small claims court. Send the letter recorded delivery and ensure they have received it and signed for it.

If they still show no interest in resolving the dispute, then you have an important decision to make. Will you go through with your threat of court action or not? If you decide on the former, you must go into it with your eyes open. You can always lose as well as win, however it may not cost you as much as you may think. The fee is dependent on how much you are suing for, but this will be outlined when you proceed with the action.

If you are successful, the defendant will have to pay your costs as well as the amount you are claiming for.

It is also worth noting that you do not need a lawyer to take someone to the small claims court. It’s relatively straight forward, and as long as you’ve been reasonable and sensible in your dealings with the company or tradesman, you stand a good chance of getting a favourable judgement.

In many cases, mediation is offered as a way of agreeing a course of action. The result of this is not legally binding, and most often I would advise you to proceed with this where offered. It doesn’t prevent you progressing a case to a judge if unsuccessful. However, turning it down can made you look unreasonable.

If things go your way, the judge will award in your favour and will request that the defendant pays you a sum of money (either the whole of the amount you’re seeking, or a proportion of it). They will be given instructions as to how to pay it, and if they fail to do so, you can instruct county court bailiffs to recover the money. You can also escalate the case to the high court for a further fee and instruct the high court enforcement officers to chase your money.

Taking a company to court can be a daunting prospect, and I would always suggest obtaining advice from your local citizens advice bureau who will give you tailor-made advice on your specific case.

Good luck!

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.

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WOOD GREEN Behind the Animal carer scenes tours experience day Tuesday 18th February 2014 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm Godmanchester Centre £5 per person Join us and get hands on making fun pet toys and feed some of our animals tasty treats. Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential.

– unique present for 7 – 12 year olds!

Thursday 20th February 2014, 10am – 3pm Godmanchester Centre £75 per child + free adult space, £5 shop voucher and children’s lunch voucher Get Hands On with essential animal carer duties including cleaning out, health checking, feeding, making enrichment toys, getting creative in the dog kitchen and having a go at dog training! Receive a goody bag and certificate. Maximum group size of 4 and booking essential.

As of January 20th, in order to reduce the stress for our dogs we have restricted the public viewing of these dogs at our Godmanchester Centre to those people who are genuinely looking to rehome a canine companion. In addition, Wood Green will be closing all animal sections at all centres to the public on Mondays, excluding Bank Holidays, so that teams can spend additional time with the animals and undertake any necessary training. If you would like further information please see our website.

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: handson@woodgreen.org.uk

King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH

Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s play area 10.00am – 4.00pm

The Animals Charity Registered Charity No. 298348.

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15/1/14 20:28:18

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Time of Year

What is love, anyway?

By Susan Brookes-Morris

“Love”. It is one of the most frequently spoken words in the English language but often the word is used to express a general enjoyment as in “I love going to the cinema”. But, if asked to define what the word means, most people would think of romantic love – the one that attracts you to another human being. But what is that love and why do we feel it? In reality what we think of as love has three distinct phases: • Lust, or erotic passion • Attraction, or romantic passion • Attachment, or commitment Phase 1: Lust This really needs no explanation. It’s the one that starts as we hit puberty and it evolved for the purpose of mating and reproduction. It’s a rush of hormones that occurs less frequently as we age, along with the ability to reproduce.

Lust drives us to find a partner and in doing so may develop into phase 2 and 3. It is exciting and addictive. The serial philander may genuinely love their partner, but is so hooked on the high that comes from phase 1 they are unable to give it up.

Phase 2: Attraction or romantic passion When ‘love’ moves from lust into passion, we lose our ability to think rationally and can develop an obsession with the object of our desire. The phrase ‘love is blind’ is true in this phase, and we may be oblivious to our partner’s faults, even if they are obvious to all around.

Researchers at University College London found

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that people in love have lower levels of serotonin.

These lower levels are the same as those found in people with obsessive-compulsive disorders, possibly explaining why those in love can think of little else than their partner.

Couples in this stage spend many hours together – they really can’t get enough of each other. If this attraction remains strong and is mutual, then they usually enter the third stage: attachment.

Phase 3: Attachment This is the commitment phase, the one that creates a relationship which will last. Typically the passion will be fading and although not as exciting as lust and attraction, attachment is a deeper more contented feeling.

Studies have shown that the more someone idealises their partner, and turns a blind eye to their faults and less endearing personality traits, the longer the relationship will last.

If however the behaviour is unforgiveable such as being unfaithful, or one person simply cannot learn to live with the other’s ‘little ways’. the foundations of the relationship are undermined.

Then every difference is highlighted and the couple may reach the conclusion that they are incompatible where they were perfectly happy in the attraction phase.

Of course no relationship will endure unless both parties put in the effort and Valentine’s Day is your opportunity to confirm your lust, attraction or attachment to your other half.

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F

RT O P P U S D N A E C I REE ADV ESSES N I S U B L A C O L FOR

Small and medium sized businesses in Huntingdon, Godmanchester and Alconbury will soon be able to take advantage of free health and safety advice and training as the Estates Excellence Huntingdon project gathers pace.

Local businesses such as Xaarjet Ltd, Ken Booth & Co and West Anglia Training Association have joined forces with the council’s Environmental Health team, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Federation of Small Businesses and the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce to agree the way in which the project should be delivered.

UK Power Networks, Huntingdonshire Regional College, Savills and Huntingdon Community Radio have also lent their support.

In February the Estates Excellence team will make contact with almost 300 businesses in Huntingdon and Godmanchester and then specially trained visiting staff will help them to identify the free advice and training that will best meet their needs.

The advisory visits will take no longer than an hour and the training will be delivered in the first two weeks of March; often right on the doorstep thanks to other businesses who have kindly offered the use of their facilities.

Carter, Principal Inspector with the HSE urges businesses to have an open mind: “This project is not about inspection but about support for business in difficult times so when the Estates Excellence visitor knocks on your door please don’t turn them away, they are there to help not to hinder”.

Councillor Robin Howe is the Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Active Communities and has also lent his support: “Health and safety laws are designed to protect employees in the workplace but this is a complex issue and some companies have not fully embraced or adopted the concept. The offer of free advice to Huntingdonshire businesses aims to help companies assess risks before they materialise and to help with the adoption of safe working practices; a very worthy and important initiative” If you would like to know more about the Estates Excellence project then please contact the project team by email at estates.excellence. huntingdon@hse.gsi.gov.uk Alternatively contact Paul Davies on 01234 220624 or Keith Lawson on 01480 388291

There’s a wide range of free training available with subjects such as fork truck safety, ladders and scaffolds, “protect your back” and risk assessments. Almost 100 businesses at Alconbury Weald will also be offered free training but won’t have the benefit of an advisory visit. Instead, Savills will be helping to spread the word to make sure that nobody misses out.

It’s important that businesses take advantage of this unique opportunity and they can be assured that there aren’t any hidden costs. Paul

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New Year, New Displays, Same Outstanding Service…

As we welcome in the New Year with joy and positivity, Paul Kynoch of P&R Bathrooms in Bedford, welcomes in not only his customers, but his brand new bathroom ranges with the same love and affection.

Let me tell you, I have yet to walk into a bathroom showroom and have my words quite literally taken from my very being, that is until, I hit upon P&R Bathrooms in Lurke Street.

From the moment I arrived, I was consumed with a vast array of stunning and quite frankly impressive displays, all glistening and inviting me to have a good look.

The sheer size of this showroom spun me into an excited frenzy, but how on earth could I possibly choose the bathroom of my dreams with such a selection on offer.

Well that’s when I met Paul, and any turmoil I had gathered, simply washed away the moment he started speaking.

Having never chosen, paid for, installed and finally tiled my own bathroom before, I can’t help admitting I felt a little nervous about the whole 2

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scenario, but with Paul at the helm, he made me understand that with P&R Bathrooms, they take pride in offering a step by step service, whereby they can literally hold your hand from the outset and guide you through the process.

Paul explained that they are unique in their approach to their work, they employ their own team of highly experienced installers, plumbers, carpenters and tilers for customers that require their services, thus creating a trusted and reliable bond between all parties.

In fact, a very useful service P&R offer to their clientele is to provide them with a digital drawing of their potential new bathroom. This was perfect for me as it gave me a clearer vision as to what I really wanted. You could even change the colour of the tiles and the floor to really set the scene. All I had to do was provide them with my bathroom measurements and bam; there it was in front of me.

Paul went on to enlighten me that their main supplier was Villeroy & Boch, an established company offering quality products with an array of price tags to suit all pockets, music to my ears.

I described the foresight I had for my new

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bathroom, but mentioned as it was a relatively small space I needed storage, however pipes prevented me from having furniture in it.

I must of felt comfortable with Paul at this point, as I then went on to say how much I would also like one of those “floating sink thingy’s” you see in posh hotels. I was waiting for the smirk or the “Can you elaborate Madam” but no, he got me, he got exactly what I meant and waltzed me over to this striking “floating sink thingy” After getting a grip on my sheer excitement and love for this thing of beauty, Paul went on to explain that if storage is an issue due to pipework, they can install your bathroom by countersinking the pipes, pressure testing them and fitting new built in vanity units or some kind of panelling, creating instant storage.

Paul suggested I have a wander around the 50 or 60 odd displays he currently has in the showroom and just give him a shout when I need some help. He told me that he has some new displays in for 2014 with some elegantly stylish models on show, and boy he wasn’t wrong.

“The Cabritz” a stunning new Philip Stark freestanding tap and super slim line shower head standing over a curvaceous bath. I had only ever witnessed baths of this nature in 5 star hotels; I

didn’t think it was possible to buy such beauty at your local Bathroom Showroom and of course have them fit it as well.

As I continued my journey down aisle after aisle of such varied stock, my head was turned by the most stunning walk in shower. A colossal piece of glass stood proud at the front with sturdy silver fixings glinting in the light. A first class shower head rained down onto the sublime tiled floor, whilst a unique heated curly towel holder hung proud on the wall.

An hour later I had finally made my choice with the help of my new digital drawing and of course P&R Bathroom’s expert advice.

I didn’t even have to shop around for tiles or accessories as P&R have everything you could possibly want in store, and with the new ranges and displays they have for 2014, it’s certainly worth a visit, even if you’ve been before.

I just want to shout from the rooftops about this bathroom company, because they truly are a cut above the rest, an unparalleled showroom with staff and bathroom suites to match.

You can find P&R Bathrooms at: 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ. Tel: 0845 4348401

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Beacon Wealth

Your Future is Important

By Tony Larkins

We entered this world innocent and free of worry, perception, anticipation or expectation.

Through our informative years we learned the importance of education, although sometimes I agree, perhaps a little too late to take advantage of it. As we grew older we meandered through life, faced trials and tribulations, and became burdened by the weight of responsibility to ourselves, partners and, if blessed, those of our offspring.

This is often when we look back and think how simple it all was. Isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing?

Financial planning works on the basis of reverse hindsight. We start by looking into the future and deciding what life looks like at that time.

The planning is deciding what needs to happen between now and then, so that it becomes as near to reality as possible. Clearly, there will be actions beyond our control that will cause a variance, be that for example, tax, inflation, or health. This is why regular revision is useful.

My own annual plan is, as you can imagine as a former accountant, life coach and full time planner, quite specific in detail regarding what I want and how to achieve it. I even have a disaster recovery plan if health becomes an issue.

It is our informative years that have given us the ability to look forward and compare our desired lives with those around us now, or perhaps our own parents. We build into the future the ability to assist

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Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner

in the lives of others where permitted.

How many times have you been told, or even said to others, “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” The reality of lifes experiences is that sometimes you need to think ‘outside the box’ to achieve it, or structure an actively managed investment programme. For others in the last third of their life it is about doing things now, whilst physically able, so a desire does not become a regret in the future.

Financial planners help improve your existing situation, and create a path to follow so you can achieve your plan. As Neil said at the end of the Matrix film “I can show you a world where anything can happen.”

After all, it was Mary Kay Ash who said “there are three types of people in the world; those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wondered what happened.”

For something as important in your life as your future, it pays to use the skills of an experienced Chartered or Certified financial planner. Go on, treat yourself and contact a financial planner, some of my clients have been quite surprised by what is possible.

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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Health and Beauty

Banish those Winter Blues

By Alison Runman

Often, you can cope with the start of winter. It may be dark, cold and wet, but the early months are full of celebrations to lift your spirits until the New Year and its ‘fresh start’.

A few weeks later, your resolutions are in tatters. The days are still dark, meaning you drag yourself out of bed and then feel like the day is over by dinner time. You may be just fed up, but you could be suffering from ‘Winter Blues’. So here’s how to survive the winter.

Let There Be Light!

Lack of sunlight can increase melatonin levels (making you sleepy and lethargic) and reduce serotonin levels (affecting mood and appetite). It’s also thought to influence your ‘body clock’ (your circadian rhythm that controls body functions). So spend time outside. When indoors, try to work or relax near a window.

A sunrise clock may help you wake up; they aim to bring your body out of sleep gently, by gradually increasing the light they emit.

Stay Warm If your body is fighting to keep you warm, you’ll feel sluggish and struggle to concentrate.

Keep yourself as warm as possible; wear layers and heat your home adequately. What about spending time somewhere else warm and cosy - a pub or library?

Eat and Drink Healthily Warm, stodgy food and extra tea and coffee seem tempting when we’re chilly and low, but resist – think hot but

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healthy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables of different colours and choose low sugar, low fat alternatives to stodgy puddings.

Healthy soups are a great winter warmer, as are fruit teas, orange juice with cinnamon, honey and lemon, or malted drinks made with skimmed milk or hot water (but beware versions loaded with fat and sugar).

Socialise There’s scientific proof that the company of others, particularly if laughing and hugging is involved, is great for our wellbeing. So invite friends round, go visiting and attend sociable gatherings wherever possible.

Exercise Exercise will warm you up, increase your immunity and alertness and make you feel good too. So bundle yourself up for a walk outdoors on brighter days, and find an indoor activity you enjoy – perhaps an exercise or dance DVD or video game.

Whatever you do, your mind and body will feel better for it.

When you’re not just blue, but SAD Over 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a more severe form of Winter Blues. SAD is at its worst from December to February when days are shortest, and causes either depression, or mood swings between depression and hyper-energy.

Sometimes stress or trauma such as bereavement or a new baby seems to be a trigger, and it’s most prevalent in 18-30 year olds. If you are a sufferer, you can help yourself by: Following the Winter Blues advice above Trying a light box Therapeutic light boxes, available to buy or rent, produce light that’s at least ten times as intense as normal daylight. Rent one first to see if it works for you.

Seeing your GP They may suggest counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) or in some circumstances, antidepressants or a structured course of light therapy.

For support and information, visit http://www.sada.org.uk/ (The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA)) or http:// www.sad.org.uk/

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Fun Quiz - Say It With Flowers 1. Famous for its slogan “say it with flowers”, what is the world’s largest flower delivery network?

2. Which literary hero took his nickname from the drawing of a small red flower he used to sign his messages?

3. What name is given to the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower?

4. Better known as a singer, who wrote the 2003 best-selling children’s book The English Roses?

5. In the film Bambi, what type of animal is Flower?

6. What spice is obtained from the crocus?

7. Mrs Cobbitt was the flower seller on which children’s TV show?

8. In 2001, the Flower Pot Men were revived in a stop-motion animation show for Children’s BBC called Bill And Ben, but what type of flower was Weed replaced with?

9. Also the name of a brand of margarine, who was the Roman goddess of flowers?

10. According to legend, which flowering plant was the last to be named by God and had to remind God that it needed a name?

1. Interflora 2. The Scarlet Pimpernel 3. The stamen 4. Madonna 5. A skunk 6. Saffron 7. Trumpton 8. A sunflower 9. Flora 10. The forget-me-not

Before

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After

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Time of Year

? e c n a m o r

Are you really ready for It’s that time of the year when we just can’t avoid the subject of romance, from the heart shaped decorations fluttering in shop windows to those indulgent dinner-for-two recipes that appear in your local paper. Even search engines are in on the act: the minute you log on to your computer on 14th February, you know that a love-themed Google Doodle will pop up in your browser window.

This annual overdose of hearts and flowers can provoke a range of different reactions, depending on your age, situation or mindset.

If you’re a teenager expecting your first Valentine card, or a loved-up newlywed couple, the 14th February can be a time of high excitement. Alternatively if you’re a 20

singleton marooned at home with a ready meal for one, the day can turn out to be a thoroughly depressing experience.

For people who fall between those two extremes – generally that means couples in long-term relationships – there may be mixed feelings about St. Valentine’s Day. Depending on whether you are a ‘glass half full’ or a ‘glass half empty’ kind of person, you will either see the 14th February as the perfect opportunity to show your other half how much they mean to you, or as an occasion that merely serves to highlight the lack of romance in your relationship for the remaining 364 days of the year.

Of course, there are a lucky few who don’t

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need St Valentine’s Day to kick-start their romantic feelings: take David and Lauren Blair, who earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for renewing their wedding vows over 100 times, or Ravi Viswanathan, who paid over £25,000 at auction for a (still drinkable) 170 year old bottle of champagne to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary. If you must, even take American farmer Dick Kleis, who flew his wife over farmland in a plane to show her a loving birthday message he’d written out – you guessed it – in cow dung.

We all love a love story. If those tales of romantic dedication aren’t enough, you can go online to find thousands of videos of people getting married in quirky but endearing ways: wing-walking on a biplane, abseiling down a building or clad in wetsuits, under water.

It would seem that we can’t get enough of other people’s romantic experiences: one particular wedding dance video has enjoyed over 83,000,000 hits (which might suggest it’s not just the couple’s immediate family who are watching).

With Mills and Boon romantic novels published in 26 different languages and sold in 109 countries world-wide, we don’t need a social anthropologist to tell us that a desire for romance is hard-wired into the human psyche.

However, while it may be great to fantasise about other people’s love-inspired exploits, we are sometimes a little less comfortable about experiencing them ourselves, in real life.

When football fan James Miller stripped down to his underwear and did a Cupid-style streak across the pitch, firing roses from a bow and arrow in tribute to his girlfriend, it didn’t have the effect he anticipated: she was so embarrassed that she dumped him.

We can all sympathise with James’ plight: one person’s idea of romance is not always the same as another’s. When a

friend of mine discovered that her husband had booked a Mexican Mariachi band to play outside their hotel window on holiday, she hid in the toilet until the song had ended.

Last year on February 14th my partner of fifteen years rang me from work to say he’d booked a table at a new restaurant I’d spotted in town. “It’ll be like a proper date,” he promised.

Although it was exciting to dress up and go out on the spur of the moment, I’m afraid the whole thing ran out of steam pretty quickly: within half an hour we were discussing whether we should hire a plumber to fix a leaky tap in the bathroom.

Our night out may not have been the height of romance, but on reflection it summed up the comfortable place we have reached in our relationship. In fact, if he’d hired a choir to sing “Love Is All Around” and showered me with rose petals I’m pretty sure I would have run for the loo, just like my friend in Mexico.

It’s sad that St Valentine’s Day has lost its excitement for many of us, but I still believe it’s worth celebrating. Of course, some people condemn the 14th February for its overt commercialism, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to show that you care. Remember farmer Dick Kleis and make the best of the resources you have to hand … however, Dear Reader, if you want your relationship to last, I would advise you not to take his example too literally.

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By Kate McLelland 21

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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.

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 February Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. For more details visit http://www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com 1 February Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk

by Geoff Hodge on ‘Pruning making it simple’’. Geoff is and Editor and Garden Writer. Plants for sale. All welcome. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 2 February Beacon Antiques Fair 10am-4.30pm The Sharnbrook Hotel, Park Lane, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LX Admission: £2.00 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of quality antiques so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this unique fair is the place to visit. Refreshments including tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks served throughout the day. Tel: 01480 382432 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday – all welcome. Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served.

Tel: 01480 394321 for further details Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 5 February Little Paxton Gardening Club Mike Day will speaking about “Salads All Year Round”.

Learn how to grow many varieties and eat seasonally.

7 February Philomena - Kimbolton Community Cinema 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tel: 01480 860297 for more details Web: http://e-voice.uk/themandevillehallkimbolton Tickets: Watson’s, Dixie’s Deli, Bytes Café or on the door if available.

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7 & 8 February 1940’s Music and Dance Weekend!

Friday 7pm-12 midnight Saturday workshops from 10am Saturday evening 7pm Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives Tickets: Friday evening £11, Saturday evening £17.50 – buy both for £25 5th Annual 1940’s event with The Swing Commanders on Friday night, dance workshops on Saturday and Chris Smith Jnr and the String of Pearls on Saturday night. Unreserved cabaret seating, and a fully licensed bar with food available.

Added attractions include vintage stalls, movie room showing films of the era, re-enactors in a war time home, vintage vehicles (weather permitting). Why not dress in the clothes of that era - allied uniform or in 1930/40’s period clothing, it will add to the atmosphere!

Evening Tickets available from the Box Office or website.

For information on Dance Workshops please email paul@rug-cutters.co.uk.

Tel: Box Office 01480 388500 Web: www.burgesshall.net 8 February Tabletop Sale Sellers 9am, Doors open 10am Buckden Village Hall Tables £5, Free admission Sell your unwanted Christmas gifts, de-clutter or come along to bag a bargain!

Tel: Bookings and further info Rachel 01480 811101 8 & 9 February Historical Fair 9am-5pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Tel: 01480 453390 12 February The Flora and the Lizards of the Canary Islands 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust is pleased to present an illustrated talk on the flora and lizards of the Canary Islands, the Galapagos of the Atlantic. Anyone interested in wildlife is welcome to attend. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk

16 February A Celebration of Marriage 3pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton The annual service open to any couples thinking about marriage, who want to celebrate marriage or anybody who thinks marriage is a good thing.

Wedding music, hymns and readings followed by refreshments.

18 February Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission £6, including light refreshments Demonstration entitled “All About Flowers” by Elizabeth Ollenbittle. Arrangements will be raffled.

Accessories for sale. Visitors most welcome.

19 February Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30-9pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Non-members welcome - £1 donation appreciated at the door. The Swing Riots by Rita Butler.

Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 22 February Grand Auction Sale Viewing 9.45-11.00am, Auction begins promptly at 11am Buckden Millennium Hall Free admission In aid of St. Mary’s Fundraisers. Refreshments.

22 February Shepreth Village Hall Market.

10am-12.30pm Our market is now in its 2nd year and we would like to thank everybody who has supported it. Tim and Lisa’s Basket and Apple juice gazebo will be outside the hall welcoming you in along with local, fresh produce from around the area inside and a lot of new stalls including “The Dog Coat Lady” and “Biscuit Bunny” fabulous biscuit creations for all occasions. Refreshments by Shepreth W.I. Please call in to sample the wares and purchase some excellent buys! Everyone welcome, including dogs! Tel. Jane 07554207580 Web.www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 22 & 23 February St. Ives Antiques Fair 10am-4pm Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St. Ives, PE27 4WU Adults: £2, Concessions: £1.50 A great day out at this well-established Antiques Fair with more than 40 dealers attending, offering treasures of yesteryear at affordable prices to suit all pockets.

Tel: Linda Parkhouse 01480 896866 for further details Email: parkhousepr@aol.com

26 February Musical Memories 11am-12.30pm Peppercorns Academy, Little End Road, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8JH Free event It is recognised that singing, listening to music, even playing an instrument, are pleasures that remain for people with dementia long after everything else has gone. This accounts for the spread, and growing popularity of groups all over the country that provide an opportunity for those with memory problems and their carers, to meet at regular intervals to sing together. A group of volunteers in St. Neots that already hold a monthly drop in at the Coffee Pot Club and a Pub Lunch, with the support of local Rotarians, are starting a monthly gathering to sing and socialise for anyone with memory problems and their carers.

The group will meet under the musical direction of Caroline Muzolf of Peppercorns Music Academy. The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month. All those with memory problems and their carers, are very welcome to come along and join in.

Tel: Wendy 01480 219925 or Nell 01480 472495 for more details 27 February St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Members £2.00,Non-Members £2.50 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket Meeting with Sara Oldfield talking about Botanical Garden Travels. Competition is Snowdrops.

1 March Quiz Night 7-10pm Buckden Village Hall Tickets £2 including nibbles Come and test your general knowledge. Licensed bar.

Prize for the winning team.

Tel: Tickets 01480 811101 1 March Horse Race Night Wyboston Village Hall Tickets £7.50 including fish & chip supper A family, fun event. Licensed Bar. Please see website for full details.

Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 Web: www.wybostonvillagehall.com 22 March Fundraising Ferret Racing Evening 7 for 7.30pm Great Stukeley Village Hall £14 per person including Cottage Pie Supper Tote, Raffle, Bring Your Own Bottle. Name your own Ferret £6 per race. Theme: American-Red, White & Blue. Tickets going fast!

Tel: Mary Alleyne-James 01480 433954

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The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 European country (7) 5 Scour (5) 8 Inflamed (7) 9 Precise (5) 10 Strict (5) 11 Operating room (7) 12 Painter (6) 14 Lethal (6) 17 Non professional (7) 19 Likeness (5) 22 Edgy, anxious (5) 23 Revised (7) 24 Father (5) 25 Harnessed to ride (7)

and send to the address below before

15th February 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:



Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page

Down 1 Types of transport (5) 2 Not tight (5) 3 E.g. Crete, Rhodes (7) 4 Tiny (6) 5 Stage set (5) 6 Oven cooked (7) 7 Torch power cell (7) 12 Made suitable (7) 13 Coached (7) 15 Once lived (7) 16 Destroys (6) 18 Including all (5) 20 Fourth month (5) 21 Finished (5)

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RECRUITING ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS AT KIMBOLTON FIRE STATION

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

G O A T

£depending on availability As an on-call firefighter you will carry a pager and respond to emergencies as and when they happen.

In order to be considered you need to: • Be aged 18 years and over • Have a good level of all round fitness • Live or work within five minutes travelling time of the fire station • Be committed to providing a professional service to everyone in your community In return we offer: • Payment for the availability given • Uniform and personal protective equipment • Ongoing training • Pension • Paid holiday • The chance to work as part of a team protecting your local community We are currently looking to recruit during the following times: Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00 Saturday: 07:00 - 21:00 Sunday: 00:00 - 20:00

We are committed to achieving fairness and equality in employment and service delivery. Therefore we welcome suitably skilled applicants from all parts of the community, including applicants of Black and minority ethnic origin as we are currently under-represented by these groups.

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P I G S 29

Books Design Consultancy

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

Mistletoe Interiors Emma Rees 07885 135478 info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk www.mistletoeinteriors.co.uk

Siegfried Sassoon - Soldier, Poet, Lover, Friend.

Jean Moorcroft Wilson Duckworth Overlook, HB £25 After the frivolity of Christmas tide we’re into more serious mode.

This is the year of reflection, a consideration of how, one hundred years ago - yes, a hundred - this country launched into a disastrous conflict that radically altered our way of life.

So, perhaps opportunely, we can look at a significant man of the day. Here is a massive tome - ‘a life in one volume’ from an acknowledged expert on this remarkable literary figure. If one needs to discover what drove this man to be warrior and pacifist, poet and novelist and also to explore opposing aspects of sexuality, then look no further. A complex character, Sassoon had a good education at Marlborough and Clare College, left university to become a ‘gentleman’ and for seven years idled his time away in country pursuits and literary matters. Diving headlong into a cavalry regiment when the country was gripped with military jingoism must have been an answer to prayers, providing an income and an official occupation, but in due course the reality of trench warfare struck home. Writing poetry became a refuge from the horrors of war, but his well-scripted evocative and poetical accounts of mud, blood and death didn’t sit well with the public of the day. This very readable account delves deeply into his raison d’etre. As an insight into a poet’s life, it doesn’t come any better, as well as setting the scene for all that we will experience in this year of commemoration.

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