Alcon june 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 39 - June 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Win Tickets to see Parklife

From Poldark to Pen

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 Butterfly Reincarnation

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Three Counties Asylum.............................................4 Knowing Your Consumer Rights...............................8 From Poldark to Pen...............................................10 Win Tickets to see Parklife......................................13 Employment Matters.............................................14 Butterfly Reincarnation..........................................16 The Bliss of Diss......................................................19 Why Walk When You Can Run?...............................20 The Villager Book Shop...........................................23 Sawtry Carnival......................................................25

VILLAGER The

Issue 39 - June 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Win Tickets

to see Parklife

From Poldark to Pen

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

Service, Service, Service.........................................26 The Roman Group..................................................28 Divorce Myths Dispelled.........................................31 Puzzle Page............................................................36 What’s On...............................................................38 Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions................................41 £25 Prize Crossword...............................................42 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes.....................................45 Book Review..........................................................47 Classifieds..............................................................47

The Roman Group

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11,000 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, Ramsey, Riseley, Sawtry, Shelton, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean and Warboys (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)

Editorial - Richard Knight, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Carol H Scott, Andy Mydellton, Tim Saunders, Nooshin Hassan, Tony Larkins, Abby Smith, and Russell Grant.

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Scott - 01767 261122 scott@villagermag.com Photography - Famveldman and Darren Harbar Photography Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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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.

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History

Three Counties Asylum

By Richard Knight

In the early 1850s, the old Bedford asylum was beyond repair and overcrowded with both the living and dead. A new asylum for Herts, Beds and Hunts was proposed.

George Fowler Jones drew up plans for the new Three Counties Asylum. He chose a Gothic Romantic ‘corridor’ design so that people did not have to walk through rooms when moving around. Inspired by a visit to Hatfield House, Jones designed corridors that resembled Elizabethan and Jacobean long rooms.

Nevertheless, the design was the most modern of its day with hot water, indoor flushing toilets, individual beds, ventilation and views. In strict Victorian rule, the sexes had separate wards, entrances, dining rooms and ‘airing courts’.

Builder William Webster of Lincolnshire began work in 1857, using Arlesey white bricks and employing local tradesmen. When the local brickworks could not keep up with demand,

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Webster built his own small brickmaking plant on site.

The building sub-committee was so pleased that in 1858, employees and their wives were treated to a party to ‘raise the roof’ of the new building. On 8th March 1860, the asylum received its first “inmate pauper lunatics” – six females and six males, aged from 27 to 77. The asylum officially opened on 2nd April, 1860.

By 1866, overcrowding was a problem. With poor rural living conditions, people were faking mental illness to be admitted as the asylum offered three meals a day, your own bed, heating, hot water, indoor flushing toilets, free beer, a daily tobacco allowance and free fortnightly entertainment fortnight. By 1874, there were 900 patients and only 71 staff to look after them. Plans to extend were put forward; some patients moved and a chapel and 20-bed detached isolation hospital built.

In 1881, the building looked much as it does

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today, apart from one feature: the clock tower. A huge ‘Jules Verne’ turret housing a massive clock with two faces (one facing north, the other south) it was dismantled in 1902 as being ‘unsightly’ and the bell re-hung in the chapel.

No photos survive of the inside of Three Counties but walls would have been lime-washed with bare floorboards and scattered rugs, illuminated by gas lighting that omitted a constant hiss. Baths were made of lead encased in wood with hot water from steam boilers. Iron bedsteads were used throughout with straw mattresses and pillows during the early years.

Working in the asylum was hard and a 14-hour shift not uncommon.

Violent patients could not be manacled, chained or cuffed and padded cells only used in extreme circumstances. In the early 1920s, the terms “pauper lunatic” and “asylum” were changed to “patient” and “hospital”. Everything with the word ‘asylum’ was disposed of, from headed paper to crockery and attendants’ whistles.

Even a street name in Arlesey was changed from Asylum Road to Hospital Road. In 1926, electric lighting and a new cinematograph was installed much to the delight of patients and staff.

By the 1930s it was becoming clear that patients could be treated for mental illness. Insulin Coma Therapy (ICT) was one new treatment. Involving gradual insulin overdose until coma was induced, it was thought this caused the mind to relax and become clear. It was ceased in 1947.

Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) was introduced in 1939 and TCH’s Dr Robert Russell pioneered its development for depression and schizophrenia.

Unique to Three Counties, Dr Russell opened an ECT suite where people could come as out-patients. He was so successful that he set up his own business in Letchworth selling and developing ECT machines.

Another radical treatment involved patients being bitten by mosquitoes carrying malaria! A high fever state was believed to cure neurosyphilis, caused by untreated syphilis. By1949, Penicillin had arrived and was proving more useful.

Possibly the most barbaric and dangerous operation was introduced at TCH in 1943: the frontal lobotomy. Controversial from the start, it was used on patients with a ‘disruptive violent

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nature’ and involved scraping or burning away the frontal lobes of the brain. It was quietly abandoned in the early 1950s.

The late 1930s saw expansion: a nurses’ home was opened and in 1939, a new admissions block, hydrotherapy and insulin therapy unit, small operating theatre and two villa wards for convalescent patients were built.

Classed as “mental defectives”, TCH admitted children as young as six, who were kept on the same wards as adults.

With building work complete, the hospital was requisitioned by the war department and all children were moved to the new Bromham unit. London’s Royal Free Hospital was relocated to the site on a 25-year lease in a series of large wooden huts and huge marquee tents in the hospital grounds. Each was fitted out with wooden flooring, 100 beds, emergency operating theatres and makeshift drainage. Entertainment was still high on the agenda, the highlight being a concert

by Vera Lynn!

In 1947, the hospital was returned to the authority of Three Counties. The Royal Free moved back to London and, as the ministry still had 17 years of its lease, the London Chest Hospital moved in.

Peacetime at TCH saw a full recreation programme including weekly games, crafts, cinema showings, dance nights, plays and variety performances.

Bowls and cricket matches were a regular event, popular with staff and patients alike.

By 1954, there were 1,210 in-patients and outpatients daily. It was this year that farming at TCH stopped by order of the ministry. Livestock and TCH-owned Wilbury Farm were auctioned.

In the late 1950s, the NHS began taking control of mental hospitals. MP Enoch Powell proposed massive changes to mental health policy including the closure of all Victorian mental institutions within a decade, to be replaced by short-term hospitalisation and community-based care.

With the arrival of the 1960s, the hospital celebrated its centenary. By 1965, the association with Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire was over.

Thus ended over 100 years of the Three Counties connection. The hospital was re-named Fairfield Hospital and would be known under this banner until it closed.

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Three Counties Radio

Knowing Your

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Consumer Rights

I am becoming increasingly fed up with dealing with retailers right across Beds, Herts, Bucks and beyond who either don’t familiarise themselves with consumer law, or who deliberately attempt to pull the wool over their customer’s eyes. That makes it so important that we all understand the law as consumers. That way, when a retailer talks rubbish, we spot it straight away.

I thought this month I would take the opportunity to explain ‘Statutory Rights’. You may have seen on a receipt or contract ‘This does not affect your statutory rights’. This means that anything the retailer has offered you (in terms of returns policy etc) does not change the things you’re entitled to by law.

When you purchase any brand new goods or services in the UK you are protected by your ‘statutory rights’ (sale of goods act 1979).

All goods must be: a) Fit for purpose b) Of ‘reasonable’ quality (based on the cost) c) Last for a reasonable amount of time (based on the cost) Therefore, if you buy (for example) a fridge for £300, it should last for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time. I would suggest a minimum of 5 years’ worth of ‘reasonable use’ before it blows up. If it develops a manufacturing fault at any time during that period, the retailer IS LIABLE! Any attempt to fob you off, should be met with a firm, but polite explanation of your consumer rights.

Bear in mind, the retailer is at liberty to take into account usage you’ve had from a product before it breaks though. For example, if your 4 year old fridge blows up, the retailer could offer to replace it, but will ask for a contribution from you for the 4 years use you had from the previous model.

For the first 6 months after purchase, it’s up to the retailer to prove that the fault with the item is NOT their responsibility. After the first 6 months it’s your responsibility. Therefore, my advice when dealing with an obstructive retailer, is to obtain an independent report to confirm that the product has a manufacturing fault, then ask the retailer to not only fix the problem, but also reimburse you for the cost of the report.

It is also worth noting that when you first purchase an item, during the first 4 weeks you are entitled to return faulty goods and get a full refund. After this period of time, generally you will have to permit the retailer an opportunity to repair the item if they so wish.

So, remember next time the manager of a shop says ‘oh sorry, there’s nothing we can do I’m afraid’. Tell them you understand your statutory rights and if they still fail to help, then call my team on 01582 637450 and I’ll have a little ‘word’ for you!

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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Local News

From Poldark to Pen Many will have lamented the end of the new lauded series of BBC’s Poldark. Despite playing the part of Doctor Choake, whose curmudgeonly bedside manner left a lot to be desired, in person, actor Robert Daws is warm, friendly and modest, particularly as it turns out he is also a talented writer.

He is currently helping to organise the second annual Ampthill Literary Festival which takes place on 11th July at Parkside Hall with headline guest stars Barry Norman, Jenny Éclair, and actor John Challis (best known for his role as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses).

Festival fringe events began at the end of April with ‘Beer & Books’ when Robert took to the stage with actor wife Amy Robbins at Ampthill Cricket Pavilion to perform an extract from local author P.J. Whiteley’s new romantic comedy, Close of Play. Robert will be acting as Master of Ceremonies at the event itself and his brotherin-law, the well-known Ted Robbins, will be coming along to award prizes for the children’s festival and writing competition which takes place in the morning.

Robert, who lives in Ampthill, published his first bestselling crime novel, The Rock in 2012.

He became interested in crime fiction while co-writing and presenting the detective series Trueman and Riley for Radio 4. The Rock is set on Gibraltar, a place that Robert has been visiting for 25 years and knows well. He explains: “It has the second oldest police force after the London Met and I thought it was an interesting setting for a crime novel.”

The novels centre around Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan who finds herself knee-deep in murder mystery when she is seconded by the London Metropolitan Police Service to Gibraltar.

Robert has been able to find plenty of time to write on location while acting as there is a lot of “waiting around”. He also admits: “Now that I’m older and have a young family, there are many acting jobs I would rather not do and I am lucky enough to be able to pick and choose.”

Expected to be launched mid- autumn, Robert’s second novel, The Poisoned Rock, opens during WWII. “Gibraltar was a small, crucially strategic

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By Catherine Rose

piece of territory during the war,” says Robert “and there was a lot of agent activity going on.”

The plot is based on a wartime case that has repercussions on the present day.

Despite being a writer, Robert’s own literary achievements at the festival will be kept low key. “Actually, the thing I really enjoy is the technical side: the sound, lights and stage building” he confesses.

Robert is currently in the midst of having the second book in his detective series published and is already halfway through writing the third. “I have enough stories for ten books!” He laughs and adds that “things are progressing very creatively” on the television front.

For more information on Ampthill Literary Festival and how to attend, please visit www.amplitfest.co.uk

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COMPETITION

Win Tickets to see

Parklife

LPH Concerts and The Pad Presents...

ParkLive - Happy Mondays, Ash, Stereo MCs & The Scruff Bedford Park Friday 31st July 2015 Gates open at 6pm LPH concerts, the promoters for the Bedford Park Concert series this summer have teamed up with The Pad Presents to bring PARKLIVE to town, which will include legendary band The Happy Mondays headlining the Friday night concert.

The seminal Manchester band, changed musical culture forever and were one of the biggest bands of the Madchester era. They released 2 cult albums on Tony Wilson’s legendary Factory Records label ‘Squirell & Gman’ and ‘Bummed’ before rising to huge acclaim in 1990 with the release of ‘Thrills Pills & Bellyaches’ which spawned the immortal hit singles Step On, Kinky Afro, thrusting them into mainstream consciousness as they went on to tour and top festival line ups all over the world. Other classic Mondays tunes include Lazyitis, Loose Fit, Bobs Yer Uncle, W.F. L and the club anthem ’24 Hour party people’ - a track title that went on to inspire a film of the same name which recounted the Factory Records glory days and all the chaos that came with it.

In recent years the band have reunited with the full original line up, including front man Shaun Ryder

alongside his maraca shaking vibes man Bez as well as backing singer Rowetta.

Special guests for the evening are Belfast pop punk indie icons Ash. The Tim Wheeler fronted stalwarts of indie have been together for over 20 years and were one of the movers and shakers of the Britpop era, stacking up 5 top 10 albums and an incredible run of 18 top 40 singles including Girl From Mars, Goldfinger, Shining Light, Burn Baby Burn and the movie theme tune A Life Less Ordinary. Ash are back on tour all over the UK this year including many major music festivals but are pleased to be making the stop off to Bedford in July having sold out Bedford Corn Exchange back in July 2013.

Support comes from the Stereo MC’s who emerged out of the UK indie dance scene in the late 80s early 90’s with the release of the albums 33,45,78, Supernatural and the Brit Award winning album Connected, the latter which spawned their biggest single successes with the title track Connected, Step it Up and Ground Level. Opening up the show are local boys The Scruff.

Tickets are £32.50 including booking fees, and can be purchased from www.lphconcerts.co.uk and www.thepadpresents.com The Villager and Town Life has a pair of tickets to give away for the Parklife Event.

To enter, simply email editor@villagermag.com with the heading ‘Parklife Entry’ and include your name, address and telephone number.

A winner will be picked at random.

Closing Date: 12th June 2015

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Employment

Employment Matters Pension Auto-Enrolment What you Need to Know

If you employ people, the first thing you need to know is that there is no opt out of a pension! The business has to put a pension in place although employees can opt out after they have been autoenrolled.

Which employers are affected?

Almost all employers are affected whether you employ 1 or 1,000 people.

Which employers are not affected?

If you are the director and sole employee of your company, there is no requirement to auto enrol.

Which workers are not affected?

Self-employed contractors.

Which workers are affected?

All workers between age 16 and 75 who usually work in the UK. ‘Workers’ includes employees and others who are contracted to work for you, except as part of their own business. Agency workers are included, and you are likely to be responsible if you pay them directly.

Workers are ‘eligible jobholders’ if they are aged 22 or over; are under state pension age (a moving target) and earn more than £10,000 p.a. This figure currently matches the income tax personal allowance.

Workers are ‘non-eligible jobholders’ if they earn more than £5,772 a year and are not eligible jobholders (under 22 or over state pension age).

They must be offered a pension on the same basis as eligible jobholders, but must apply to join rather than being automatically enrolled.

Workers are ‘entitled workers’ if they are over 16 years but earn under £5,772 a year, and employers have to offer them access to a pension scheme,

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but do not have to pay into it.

National Employment Savings Trust – NEST To assist smaller employers with the cost and admin burden of auto-enrolment, the Government has established a pension scheme: National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) which operates in broadly the same way as other defined contribution occupational pension schemes but it is not for profit so the costs are lower.

However NEST contributions are subject to a cap making it unattractive to those on high salaries or older employees who want to top up their pension pots. Funds cannot be transferred into or out of NEST so if a worker leaves and joins an employer with a private scheme they will be unable to transfer their pension savings.

Independent Financial Planning Advisors IFAs can consult on any and all products that they think meet your auto-enrolment needs covering the whole market and the IFA cost structure tends to split into three main areas: 1) Design only: The IFA will assess the workforce and recommend an appropriate scheme; 2) Design and Implement: For employers who would like the IFA to recommend a scheme, arrange implementation and act as a first point of contact for all employees; 3) Design, Implement and Maintain: For employers who would like the IFA to design and implement the solution, and then maintain the scheme with ongoing support for the business, employees and payroll provider.

Your key action is to start planning 12 months in advance of your staging date.

Carol H Scott

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Adoption information evenings: First Wednesday of every month At our Milton Keynes and Peterborough offices - see website for details

Adoption Connections

Many children are currently in care and need a new family… could you be that family?

St. Francis’ Children’s Society is a voluntary adoption agency, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

We welcome all kinds of adopters for all kinds of children, regardless of age, race, cultural background, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.

www.sfcs.org.uk enquiries@sfcs.org.uk

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Milton Keynes: Peterborough:

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Wildlife Meadow Brown New Denham Butterfly

Butterfly Reincarnation

By Andy Mydellton Butterflies are fragile and dainty creatures that begin their four-stage life cycle as a tiny white egg which is laid on carefully selected plants during warmer months. Most butterflies instinctively lay their eggs on the types of plant that the caterpillars have specifically evolved to eat.

Synchronicity has evolved hand-in-hand so that the caterpillar emerges to feed at the same time as their selected flowers are in leaf. A caterpillar is little more than an eating device. They hatch in fantastic numbers to survive great onslaughts of predation and feed unquenchably throughout their existence, outgrowing their expandable skins four times before they are ready to develop into the third stage.

After successfully growing to its largest size possible, the caterpillar closes down this stage of its life to imprison itself into a chrysalis. It begins its transformation by instinctively finding a sheltered spot from predators, spinning a thread of silk to dangle from, splitting its skin and forming a discoloured outer shell.

The chrysalis stage appears to be a lifeless, hard sheath that doesn’t do anything. But the exciting miracle is happening inside these protective outer layers where metamorphosis takes place.

When I was a child I was taught that a caterpillar metamorphosed into some type of coagulated soup before completely re-assembling itself. Now biological scientists have discovered that they

Small White Ringshill Farm Butterfly

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keep their major organs intact. So when the adult butterfly emerges to complete the fourth stage of its life cycle, it inherits the caterpillar’s knowledge and instincts (referred to as genetic epistemology).

This innate information directs the butterfly to seek the same flowers, the same territories and shun the same dangers as the caterpillar did so successfully.

The more common species I see at Millstream Fork are the cabbage white, peacock, lesser tortoiseshell and red admiral. However others also arrive in the summer months, attracted by the plants we have chosen to grow.

Many garden butterflies are generalists which allow them to become more ubiquitous, while others are specialists, needing particular conditions to complete their lifecycles.

Britain has 59 butterfly species, many of which are magnetised to plants such as buddleia that offer the nectar they need. Stinging nettles, although classified as ‘weeds’ by many gardeners, attract the peacock butterfly.

For the wildlife enthusiast, a little research can go a long way in attracting specific butterflies. Nowadays butterfly habitats such as wild flower meadows are rare because of intensive farming. Fortunately wildlife gardening is helping to solve this problem as it gives butterflies a mosaic of alternative habitats.

Many wildlife gardens are separated from each another by large distances, but butterflies can fly over ‘dead land’ such as roads, car parks and large buildings - a huge advantage over land-based animals which find these physical boundaries too difficult to overcome.

At a time when many butterfly populations are reducing, every wildlife garden can make an immediate and strong impact with little cost.

Andy Mydellton is CEO of the Foundation for Endangered Species (FES) & Wildlife Zone.

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The Bliss of Diss

By Tim Saunders “Yes, it will be bliss, to go with you by train to Diss.”

– A Mind’s Journey by Sir John Betjeman Norfolk is full of success stories. During our stay at Fritton Lake Lodges in North Norfolk, we discover Lord Somerleyton’s estate was purchased by carpet manufacturer Sir Francis Crossley in 1863 and has been in the family ever since, partly made possible through funding from 80 self-catering lodges set in 250 acres, some available for purchase.

We stay in a three-bed lodge with views of the lake.

There is also an outdoor centre, a pub and hotel and it is possible to visit Somerleyton Hall, a wedding venue. The lodges certainly provide a good base for becoming better acquainted with Nelson’s county - born on 29th September 1758 to a prosperous family in Burnham Thorpe near Great Yarmouth.

At Diss, we meet artist John Atkinson at his studio with little dog Treacle. “You get a lot for your money here,” says John, who relocated from London eight years ago. “It’s only about an hour and half from the capital.”

This has allowed him to hire a London chef for his latest venture, a restaurant at The Boilerhouse in Cobbs Yard to complement the delicatessen he already runs. John will be exhibiting his industrial themed paintings there.

We can see why Norfolk appeals to the artist, not least because of the large skies and flat landscape.

The magical compositions of Nicholas Simington, another artist from Old Buckenham, focus on people. He studied at Glasgow School of Art and we drop in on him and his wife Barbara to see his latest picture.

At Norwich, we visit the castle, which dates back to 1096 and is constructed of flint and mortar faced

Travel

Fish and Chips at The Bell Inn with a cream coloured Caen limestone. The cathedral was eventually completed in 1145.

We also spend a day at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth where we are all mesmerised by the crocodiles in the swamp house. It is pleasing to see that the animals are given room to roam and the Sumatran Tiger truly captures our daughters’ attentions. Mazes provide yet more entertainment and the Chinese Willow Pattern Garden, complete with suspended wooden bridges, is a joy to walk around.

At Hoveton, Wroxham - the gateway to the Norfolk Broads - we find Wroxham Miniature World: an award winning attraction which really does reinvigorate the model train enthusiast in us all. Our favourite exhibit is the Japanese railway complete with cuttings from Japanese newspapers. Aside from the beautiful dolls houses are toy collections of yesteryear including Sooty, Smurfs, the Magic Roundabout, roller skates and Sindy.

On the way back, we stop off at the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate to enjoy a walk around historic Wimpole Hall, which dates back to 1640, and some of its 3,000 acres of land and gardens. Harriett and Heidi practise milking at Home Farm, sit on a tractor and see pigs, cows, lambs and Shire horses.

What more could you fit into a week?

Crocodiles at Thrigby Hall

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Well Being

Why walk when you can run?

By Nooshin Hassan

Ok, I did it. I signed up for a running race. I only have myself to blame.

Being a novice runner (and that’s a generous description) my motivation was not the love of the sport.

My decision was fuelled by the desire to raise money for a charity that didn’t involve shaving my head or dousing myself in ice. A small part of me also felt it would be good to set myself a new kind of challenge.

So now I am ‘in training’ (that sounds far too professional versus the reality) for the Great Yorkshire Run where I will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society. It’s a 10k race, which might not seem much compared to the marathon-sized efforts of many people today, but it’s the longest distance I’ve ever run. This is not just about improving my fitness or the race itself; I’ve made a commitment to support a greater cause something to remember when the going gets tough. And I’m hoping that my once-a-week yoga has helped….

Tips from a non-pro runner: •

•

• •

Get some decent trainers. You don’t need expensive gait analysis (although that might be what you want).

Stretch! I suffered the consequences of not bothering and it was PAINFUL so I cannot stress stretching enough. 20 minutes. Before and after running.

Ladies I have two words for you: Sports. Bra. Apply lip balm/Vaseline etc. before running to avoid cracked lips as you become dehydrated.

£20 Cut and Finish (normally from £34)

Valid first visit only subject to availability. Please mention The Villager at time of booking.

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Book Book early early to to avoid avoid disappointment disappointment

• Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care

Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc

01480 436435

10% discount on initial visit www.neilbroechiropractor.co.uk BUPA and PPP registered

PAMPER PARTIES

Gather some friends together at your home for a special pampering

Are you in pain?

Chiropractic so often the answer

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68 Green End Road, Sawtry, Cambs PE28 5UY

Also at: Manor Lodge, Barham Road, Buckworth PE28 5AQ Tel 01480 891539 Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association Over 30 years experience

COME TON OUR OYPE DA 13th Saturdayom June fr 9am

Canine Hydrotherapy Services

• Rehabilitation after illness or injury • Relieves Pain, Swelling and Stiffness • Strengthen and Maintain Muscles • Increase Range of Motion • Aids Weight Loss • Improve Fitness and Stamina • Fun for Your Dog • Other Pet Services also Available Professional new facilities in a friendly home environment

Wendy Gilpin, Colmworth, Beds, MK44 2NA

07480 877800 Riverglade Hydrotherapy

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The Villager Book Shop

Bringing local authors and readers together The Villager and Town Life magazine is delighted to launch a new venture this month - The Villager Book Shop, aimed at promoting the work of local authors and filling the gap left by the closure of so many small independent bookshops in your area.

Our first book on offer is East Anglia from the Air: Cambridge and Around by Martin Bowman published by Amberley Publishing. There are almost thirty Cambridges throughout the world but Cambridge, England is globally renowned for its magnificent university buildings which display seven centuries of architectural heritage. In this collection of aerial and ground photographs, Martin Bowman gives the reader a new perspective on the heritage of Cambridge and the local area, including Madingley, Ely, Duxford and the surrounding villages. Martin says: “I began to understand why Cambridge held such fascination for me. I had been looking for a place like this all my life.”

Martin Bowman is one of Britain’s leading aviation authors with over 100 published books. He has also established an international reputation for his superb imagery and aerial photography. He has a passion for flying in military aircraft and lives in Norwich, Norfolk.

To order your copy of East Anglia from the Air: Cambridge and Around, please contact The Villager Book Shop on 01767 261122 or email booksales@villagermag.com. Alternatively, fill out and return the form below to The Villager Book Shop, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The book is priced at £17.99 plus just £1.00 postage and packing.

I would like to order a copy of East Anglia from the Air Cambridge and Around

by Martin Bowman.



Name: Address:  I enclose a cheque/cash for £18.99 made payable to Villager Publications Ltd. Publication: Paperback, 160 pages, 200 illustrations, August 2013 Price: £17.99 ISBN: 978-1-4456-1890-6 Size: 170 x 248mm Rights: World, all languages To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Local News

Sawtry Carnival Wheels have been in motion for the 2015 Sawtry Carnival which will soon celebrate its 10th birthday this year on the 13th June.

As in previous years the Carnival is free to enter and the Carnival Committee have once again organised some free activities for children to enjoy. Last year the Sawtry Small Business Partnership (SSBP) also provided a free activity and this year will be no different as they have organised a Roman re-creation in the SSBP Marquee and a fantastic model car racing track on the Astro Turf pitch.

The Sawtry Carnival is a not for profit organisation and its mission has always been committed to supporting the local community and this year the Sawtry Carnival Committee are pleased to be able to pledge £300 to a local charity.

The Carnival Committee has extended this years Carnival to 5pm. Meaning that you will have more time to enjoy the days entertainment from groups such as Midlife Crisis and The Flying Aces. It is also fantastic to see the return of The Sidekicks to the Carnival stage.

Once again the main arena will be packed with local groups dancing, twirling, Zumba-ing and showing off their martial arts and musical talents.

This year the Carnival is introducing a second stage at the Old School side which will play host to local band Craylen, vocalists, a tribute band and children entertainer.

First of all before any of this you will have the opportunity to wave to the Parade of Carnival Courts from Sawtry and surrounding towns as they take on the longer route this year joined by local groups and bands, making this years Parade

bigger and better.

The Sawtry Carnival Court Selection and Crowning night has taken place and the Rose Bud, Princesses and Queen have been selected and have already thrown themselves into their role by meeting the public at the Stilton Cheese Rolling event.

Look out for the Grand Prize Draw tickets in local shops and take the opportunity to buy yours before the event. Make sure you are in for a chance to win the top cash prize of £150 or one of the many other prizes on offer, many of which have been donated from local businesses.

There will be some faithful retuning stalls at this years Carnival and some new faces with a variety of choice. Food and drink will be spread over the Carnival providing options for all palates.

Following on from the success of last year, Cromwell Vets will host it’s 2nd Fun Dog show, with classes such as Best Puppy, Most handsome dog and Best in Show.

If you wish to book a stall please email Martin on martin.sales@btinternet.com If you wish to advertise in the Carnival Programme please email David on sawtrymarquees@btinternet.com All other enquiries about the Carnival please call Jo on 07944 895114

IMPORTANT INFORMATION When? Saturday 13th June 2015 from 12noon till 5pm Where? Old School Hall off Green End Road, Sawtry - Junction 15 of the A1

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

25

Beacon Wealth

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

Service, Service, Service I recently went shopping for another Dinner Suit.

I left my usual shop and called in at another for a comparison, and was surprised to find just what I wanted for less than I thought and the service was above and beyond expectation. They are a wellknown supplier who could benefit from telling others they exist.

Some time ago it was felt that clients would benefit from high quality legal advice through a firm with the same approach to client service as our own. Knowing of only one individual, Linda Eaton, who in my opinion was head and shoulders above the norm, I approached her and after explaining my desires, was pleased to hear she too wanted the same. We therefore set-up a new law firm with a view to recruiting likeminded individuals.

During this pursuit we came across Jeffrey Mills who has experience oozing from his pores. Jeffrey loved what has been achieved through Beacon and when he heard that Linda Eaton was already on board, he too wanted to be a part of the new firm. With his own business quietly trading in St Neots Market Square, as well as St Ives and Sawtry for many years (Kimboloton will provide the fourth

26

office), he has been there, done it and bought the T-Shirt, but has chosen a quieter life of late.

With Linda’s enthusiasm further conversations took place, and we discovered he was sitting on a gold mine of untapped skill and experience, which with a few tweaks and little investment, would provide everything and more of what Linda and I wanted to offer. Terms were agreed and Beacon acquired Jeffrey Mills Solicitors (JMS) on the 1st April. Following her notice period, Linda took over the reins on 1st May. Jeffrey and all the team will remain, and indeed will be added to. Building around JMS we could be described as the new ‘old’ kids on the block. With a personal service from highly skilled solicitors and support team, and new state of the art software, we hope to become the solicitors of choice.

We will not be ‘stuffy’ fee based pessimists, but honest, realistic, friendly and cost conscious. We will offer a personal service taking into account your objectives, so pop in or give us a call. Home visits can be arranged and JMS are now open lunch times.

If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

27

Local News

The Roman Group Most people, when you mention the Ninth Roman Legion, think they know the story.

“Oh, Yes”, they say. “Weren’t they the Legion that lost their standard and then disappeared in Scotland?” The famous book ‘The Eagle of the Ninth’ by Rosemary Sutcliffe, and a number of mostly inaccurate portrayals on film have perpetuated this story, but the reality is different. The Ninth Legion came to Britain in 54 Ad when the Emperor Claudius decided to annex the island and make it the province of Britannia, and to begin with they were based in East Anglia. One of the local kings, Prasutagus, had done a ‘deal’ with the Roman Emperor whereby he would remain nominally in charge of his tribe providing he paid taxes to Rome and did what he was told. This arrangement went reasonably well, until, about five years later, Prasutagus died and his widow, Boudicca wished to inherit the kingdom.

Unfortunately for her, by then the Emperor Claudius had also died and his successor, Nero, went back on the deal and decided to appoint another king. When Boudicca and her tribe protested the local governor, in a piece of political ineptitude that was bad even by the standards of the time, had Boudicca flogged and

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confiscated the tribe’s weapons.

This was a deadly insult.

Boudicca bided her time, and plotted with neighbouring tribes.

When the bulk of the Roman Army was away in Anglesey, fighting the Druids, Boudicca rebelled.

The Ninth Legion, then based at Longthorpe near Peterborough, marched out to put down the revolt, believing it was just a little local trouble, but walked into a massive ambush and were almost wiped out – only the cavalry escaped and fled back to Peterborough where they barricaded themselves into the fort and waited for rescue.

In a few short weeks the full Roman Army was able to reassemble and that was the end of Boudicca.

Britannia then settled down into a relatively peaceful province (apart from regular trouble with the inhabitants of Scotland and Wales) and the Romans remained in charge for almost four hundred years.

The Ninth Legion Hispana (Peterborough) is a Living History Group associated with Peterborough Museum and its excellent Roman Gallery. We

provide demonstrations and displays of life in Roman Britain, including the Roman Army, and talks about what life was like, with reference to the rich archaeology of the region. If you are interested in Roman Britain why not come along and see us? A Roman Soldier is in attendance in the Roman Gallery at Peterborough Museum on most Tuesdays between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, and the whole group will be attending the Peterborough Heritage Festival in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral on the 20th to 21st June. http://www.vivacitypeterborough.com/festivals/ heritage-festival/ You might also like to join us! We are always looking for suitable recruits, not just to be soldiers, but also to play the roles of other members of Romano British society, so it is quite likely we will have a place for you.

Come along- Your Legion Wants You! For further information on the Ninth Legion Hispana Living History Group please contact Martin Owen at oggieowen@gmail.com or mobile 07938 107631.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 28

Molly & Co. Accountants

to Small / Medium Size businesses Specialising in Sole Traders / Partnerships and Small Companies Personalised service and affordable fees

Phone Claire for an informal chat on

01487 830845

or email: claire20gill@hotmail.com

Hill House Grade II listed building Rooms with beamed ceilings Close to Grafham Water

High Street Ellington Huntingdon PE28 0AB Tel: 01480 890324d

We are all living longer but, unless blessed with good health, there comes a time when many people have to accept they need a little looking after.

At ADR Care Homes we pride ourselves in providing a home from home.

Long & short term stays Day care available Dignity & privacy respected Spacious lounges Large, well maintained gardens Professional 24 hour care Nutritious meals Regular activities provided

Bethany Francis House Charm & character of a Stately home Cinema room Short walk from St Neots High Street

106 Cambridge Street St Neots Cambs PE19 1PL Tel: 01480 476868d

Please visit our website, www.adrcare.co.uk

You are welcome to come and see for yourselves by contacting our Home Manager or just pop in.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

29

Call for free, no obligation consultation with a fully qualified mortgage and insurance specialist, available 7 days a week.

01487 830 875 / 07958 504 308 barbara@blsmortgages.co.uk www.blsmortgages.co.uk Free, confidential mortgage and insurance advice BLS Mortgage & Insurance Services is a trading style of Edwina Jayne Sleight, trading as E S Mortgage Services who is an appointed representative of HL Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured against it.

Your local divorce & family law specialists Caring, confidential legal advice 3 Divorce and separation 3 Getting a fair financial settlement 3 Seeing your children after you split 3 Legal arrangements before you marry or live together

FREE telephone appointment Call locally based divorce & family lawyer Abby Smith on 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk

6 FREE downloadable guides available on our website

Local meetings arranged at a time and place to suit you www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

Woolley & Co is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Head office: Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF

30 W&Co_131.93LS_AbbySmith.indd

1

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 04/12/2014 14:22

Family Law

Divorce Myths Dispelled By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk Divorce is now so commonplace in modern society that many people believe it to be simple and uncomplicated, but in reality matrimonial law is not always easy to understand which has caused many popular misconceptions and myths. Whilst you might think these myths are harmless and misunderstandings have no consequence that isn’t always the case.

10 common divorce misunderstandings and myths “We can get a quickie divorce” This phrase seems to be used whenever a celebrity couple are getting divorced. BUT - there is no such thing as a “quickie divorce”, for celebrities or anyone else. In reality proceedings for divorce usually take around 4 to 6 months once the petition has been issued at court.

The “common law spouse” King George II abolished the doctrine of common law wives in 1753.

Therefore, however long you may live with your partner you will not gain any status as their spouse, and have not been able to do so for 260 years. The law relating to cohabitants is complex and very different to the law that relates to division of assets for spouses upon divorce, so don’t think when you split from a long term partner you’ll have the same rights as a divorcing friend.

“It’s not adultery if we’re separated” Actually, it is.

If you are still married and have sexual intercourse with a person of the opposite sex whether you are separated from your spouse or not, it is adultery in the eyes of the law.

“You have to obtain your spouse’s agreement to proceed with a divorce” This is not true.

“We want to divorce based on irreconcilable differences” It is common for people to want to divorce on the basis of their irreconcilable differences. It is possible to do this in other countries where no-fault divorces are available, but not currently in England and Wales.

“Fault affects the financial settlement” Apart from in extreme cases, the reasons for the relationship ending are usually irrelevant when deciding what share of the family assets each spouse receives.

The court is not usually interested in punishing the person allegedly at fault or having caused the marriage to breakdown; instead it is concerned with finding a fair solution that meets the family’s needs.

“I will lose the rights over my family home if I move out” No, you will not be penalized if you chose to move out of the family home. Lots of people assume that they will give up any legal rights to the property or equity in the property by moving out but that is simply not the case.

“I can keep any money, property or business that’s in my sole name” Sorry, not true. Even if you have been careful with money during the marriage, building up savings in your sole name, keeping all money separate from your spouse, by virtue of marriage all assets become joint assets, regardless of whose name they are held and claims for a share of those savings can be made by your spouse within divorce and financial proceedings.

“Children always live with their mother after divorce” That is not the automatic position. However, in most marriages or relationships the mother tends to be the children’s main carer and there is an assumption that this arrangement will continue post-separation.

If both parents have had an equal role in looking after the children on a day to day basis, then no presumption would exist in favour of the mother.

“Lawyers want to get you into court” This is not generally the case. Family lawyers, like all those at Woolley & Co, who are members of Resolution, sign up to a code of conduct that ensures a non-confrontational approach is taken wherever possible. Whilst there are cases where court may be the best, or the only option, many cases can be resolved through mediation, arbitration, negotiations or a collaborative approach.

“You need a solicitor to get divorced” Not always. You can represent yourself, and we are seeing more people doing this. Whether it is wise for you to do so is another matter. If you have any questions about representation or the divorce procedure, do get in touch.

Abby Smith of Woolley & Co is an experienced family lawyer and will work hard to assist clients to find an amicable solution wherever possible.

For advice on any family law issue contact Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation.

Call 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

31

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.

• Dog foods

• Chicken food pellets mash scratching mix mixed corn and large selection requisites

• Cat foods • Small pets Food

• Insect and wildlife habitats

• Pond food

• Insect study kits

• Pigeon Food and requisites • Cage and Aviary Bird Food and requisites • Wild bird Food Food and requisites

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• Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings small packs and large bales

• Great selection of countryside greeting cards.

• Country side calendars • Selection of local honey and Very yummy jams & pickles very yummy I have tried most of them.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

nor Farm Country Store

Open

ay y through Saturd da on M pm 00 5.

9.00am to y 4.00pm on Sunda and 10.00am to

• Rolls of Wire for aviaries chickens etc • Great prices on a good selection of Coal, logs kindling. Best prices for miles.

• Bird tables • Bird houses • Confectionary/sweets & soft Drinks • Potatoes various bag sizes and onions

Brington, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5AF Tel : 01832 710235 Email:sales@manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk

www.manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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ParkHall half page_ppl.pdf

1

11/05/2015

08:35

IF YOU’RE REALLY INTO PLANTS AND POTS

You really should be in to us!

We are a traditional, friendly garden centre specialising in...

Specimen trees & shrubs Conifers & bamboo

Home grown bedding Pots and planters

PARKHALL

Spend £20 or more for a free bag of 60-litre multipurpose compost with this advert (RRP £3.95)

GARDEN CENTRE Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-4pm Come into Somersham, turn into Parkhall Road (opposite the band stand), follow road over hump back bridge for half a mile into the countryside

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Tel 01487 840397 www parkhallgardencentre.co.uk Sat Nav Somersham PE28 3HW *This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers

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III SHIRES PEST CONTROL Call Matthew 07836 754014 / 01480 811330 Control of Wasps, Ants, Bees, Fleas, Bedbugs, Moths, Carpet Beetles, Cockroaches, Rats, Mice, Squirrels and Birds Suppliers of UV Fly Killers CRB Checked and Fully Insured Prompt and Discreet Professional Service Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural

E: enquiries@3shirespestcontrol.co.uk W: 3shirespestcontrol.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Codeword 1

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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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Welcome

ÂŁ4

PRICES START

FROM ONLY

,999

FULLY INSTALLED INCLUDING THE BASE AND VAT ry of your The conservato designed ally choice individu ur home! yo

by GSN to suit

to the world of GSN Conservatories... home of probably the largest outdoor display area you will ever see!

www.gsn.co.uk

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

The family firm with NO commission paid reps and NO sub-contractors

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

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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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n O s ’ t Wha In June

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 June Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except Bank Holidays.

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 June Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester Huntingdon & District Caledonian Society weekly Scottish Country Dancing for fun, friendship and fitness. You don’t have to be Scottish and you don’t need a partner. May-Sept is at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Godmanchester and Sept-May is at Little Stukeley Village Hall. Come along and give it a try!

Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com 3 June The British Infrantryman’s War

by Taff Gillingham 7pm for 7.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester Non WFA members most welcome. A small donation is encouraged at the door.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 June Bingo - Doors open 7.30pm, Eyes down 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Every Thursday night. Raffle and refreshments at interval. Sorry only 18+ can play.

Tel: Eddie 01480 475265 for more information 5 June Cambridge Touring Theatre ‘Robin Hood The Musical’ 6pm National Trust Dovecote & Stables, Willington Adults £10, Concessions £8, Family £36 Open air production for all the family.

Tel: Bookings 01805 624624 Web: www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk 5 June “The Jazz Workshop” in Concert 7-9pm St Andrew’s Church, Great Staughton Free admission Great Staughton Surgery Patient Group proudly presents “The Jazz Workshop” in Concert. FREE tickets available from Gt Staughton Surgery, Gilberts Butchers and Perry Village Store.

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5, 12, 19 & 26 June Tai Chi 4-5pm Wimpole Hall £6 per session Every Friday from 6 March.

Tel: Mike Tabrett 01223 503390 to book Email: mike@gret-heron.com 6 June Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church, St Ives Free admission Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola.

6 June Car Boot/Table Top Sale 10am-1pm Stuart Memorial Hall, Church Street, Tempsford Pitches £5, Buyers free. Refreshments served all morning. Tel: Meryl 01767 640873 to book 6 June Gamlingay Festival of Choirs Summer Concert 4pm St Mary’s Church, Gamlingay Adults £5, Children free Featuring choirs from the First School, the Village College, a Barbershop Quartet, the Choir from the Benefice of St Mary’s and Everton and The Gamlingay Community Choir.

Web: www.gamlingaychurch.co.uk 6 June Cambridge Touring Theatre ‘Robin Hood The Musical’ 6pm Houghton Mill, Near Huntingdon Adults £12, Concessions £9, Family £38 Open air production for all the family.

Tel: Bookings 01805 624624 Web: www.cambridgetouringtheatre.co.uk 6 June ‘Music Through the Ages’ 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, Offord Darcy Tickets £8 including complimentary drink A concert performed by Tapestry; a well-known local unaccompanied chamber choir.

Tel: 01480 811126 or 812795 6, 13, 20 & 27 June Parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 5k timed run.

Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate

6 & 7 June Teddy Bear Festival Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 2-5pm St James Church, Little Paxton Adults £2, Children and Teddy free Wonderful event including Teddy tableaux and also a thrilling treat for your Teddy to ride on a flying Fox zip line. A certificate of bravery will be awarded to each Teddy. All Teddies that are ‘dressed in their best’ and come to the festival and become part of our ‘congregation’ will receive a sweet treat. Stalls, raffles, refreshments and much more.

7 June Open Gardens at Alconbury and Alconbury Weston 12-6pm Adults £4, Children free Over 15 gardens open across both villages. Start at Alconbury Church (PE28 4DX) or the Green at Alconbury Weston (PE28 4JR). Plants for sale, cakes and tea in the Church, children’s quiz and raffle.

7 June Buckden Open Gardens 1-5.30pm Admission by Garden Passport Adults £4, Children free Including ‘Nature Detectives’ children’s trail. Garden Passports available from St. Mary’s Church, Buckden and all Open Gardens. Also includes Buckden Primary School Art & Poetry Exhibition, Plant Stalls, Floral Exhibits, Tombola, Cream Teas and an opportunity to see bees at work.

7 June Edible Ornamentals 1.30-5pm Cherwood Nurseries, Blue Bells, Chawston, MK44 3BL. Adults £4.50 per adult, Concessions and under 12s free British Red Cross Bedfordshire Summer Open Gardens. In Chawston, market gardens are abundant and growing peppers is a way of life! This is an opportunity to take a guided tour of these very pretty and vibrant chilli plants. The passionate chilli growers will tell you stunning facts about the plant’s origin, growing and uses. Tours at 2, 3 and 4pm.

7, 14, 21 & 28 June Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday – all welcome! Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served. Tel: 01480 700434 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha 10 June Little Paxton Village Hall - Annual General Meeting 7.45pm Little Paxton Village Hall Open to all local residents. We would welcome volunteers from the village to join the new committee. If you would to nominate yourself as a member of the committee please contact Trevor Herbert, Chair (trevorherbert32@gmail.com) 11 June St Neots & District Gardening Club 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Trip to the garden of Mr & Mrs Bunnage at Perry Road, Buckden.

12 June Race Night with Supper 7pm Eaton Socon Ex Service Club Tickets £7.50 including chicken/fish & chips or veggie option. Cash bar with reasonable prices.

Own and name a horse (£2) or simply place a bet.

All profits to Friends of St Neots Library. Tickets in advance only from St Neots Library.

12 & 13 June St Neots Folk Festival Fri 8pm, Sat 10.30am and 7.30pm Friday evening - Ceilidh & music and song session at The Great Hall, The Priory Centre.

Saturday - day of dance starting at 10.30am at Market Square Piazza, The Pig N Falcon, Chequers (Eynesbury) and the Ambience Café in the Riverside car park. Saturday evening concert - Faustus and Les Barker. Unreserved seating. Tickets available in advance from St Neots Folk Club on Tuesdays at The Priory Centre, telephone or on the door.

Tel: Tickets 01234 376278 Web: www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk 13 June Bromswold Charity Bike Fest Green Man, Leighton Bromswold Entry £5-15 donation depending on length of route A cycling festival for families, occasional and keen cyclists alike. Six signed cycle routes of 2, 7, 15, 25, 50 and 75 miles along the quiet country lanes of west Cambridgeshire and east Northamptonshire, all starting and finishing at The Green Man in Leighton Bromswold. All proceeds to The New Macmillan Woodlands Centre Appeal and Shine.

Web: www.bromswoldbikefest.uk or www.justgiving.com/bromswoldbikefest

13 June The Aragon Singers of Buckden 7.30pm St. Mary’s, The Parish Church of Buckden Adults £10, Concessions £8 to include a drink A Summer concert of great variety, including sacred and secular music. Tickets available in advance or on the door. Proceeds towards upkeep of St. Mary’s Church. Tel: Tickets 01480 812777 14 June Craft and Gift Fair 9am-2pm United Reformed Church, St Neots Held in aid of The Coffee Pot Memory Cafe’; 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 Email: maryjdcruz@gmail.com

16 June Kimbolton Flower Club Outing 8.15am £34 or £25 for National Trust members Visiting Hidcote Gardens in the morning and Kiftsgate in the afternoon. The Club will leave Kimbolton at 8.15am and leave Kiftsgate after 4pm.

Non-club members welcome. Tel: 01832 731601 16 June The Hemingford Grey Flower Club 10am Hemingford Grey Reading Rooms, High Street, Hemingford Grey £3 including refreshments Demonstration by Joyce Svensson. All welcome.

17 June The Story of St Neots 7pm St Neots Museum £4 per person, Concessions £3 Step back in time to discover the people and places that shaped the town. The new monthly walk will reveal how the town got its name, why a local man assassinated the country’s Prime Minister, where the first people lived in our area and how the town became world famous in the 1930s. Walk lasts approximately 80 minutes. Come along to the Museum for 7pm and pay on the day or telephone/ email to book. Tel: 01480 214163 Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk 17 June Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.20-9.30pm WI HQ, 6a Walden Rd, Huntingdon, PE29 3AZ Non-members £1 donation “The Battle of Waterloo” with Paul Chamberlain.

Talk on a subject related to family history research and a bookstall or help desk.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

19 June Pride Doors open 7.30pm, film starts 8pm Screen St Ives, Corn Exchange, St Ives 120mins Cert 15. Pride wittily tells the story of an unusual episode in the 1984 Miner’s Strike. A group of gay Londoners travel to a mining village in Wales to show their support. Thus begins the remarkable story of two seemingly alien communities who form an unexpectedly positive partnership.

Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 20 June Sawtry Village Academy MAD Day! Sawtry Village Academy A chance for members of the local community and college staff to “Make A Difference”. We are looking for willing volunteers to work some magic on the Geography and Tech areas of the college. If you can attend our next MAD event please email to: pete.evens@sawtrycc.org.uk 27 June Quiz Evening 6.30pm for 7pm The Sacred Heart Church Hall, Needingworth Rd, St Ives Tickets £10, Children under 12 £5 including two course supper. Teams of up to 8 people. Bring your own drinks. Fundraising event for the people of the Holy Land. Tel: Tickets Kathy Bishop 01480 214524 27 June Summer Concert The Priory Centre, St Neots Joint Summer Concert with St Neots Choral Society and St Neots Sinfonia. Tickets £10, Concessions £8 ‘Last Night of the Proms’ . Tickets are available in advance or on the door. Tel: 01480 392322 (for tickets) Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 27 & 28 June Hemingford Abbots Flower Festival 12 noon-6pm Day programme £7.50, Weekend programme £12 Over 20 open gardens, of all shapes and sizes.

Proceeds towards the conservation and repair of St Margaret’s Church. Tel: Erika Brown 01480 465138 www.flowerfestival.hemingford-abbots.org.uk/ 28 June Huntingdonshire Music School 2-4pm The George Hotel, Huntingdon HUMS Big Band, Senior Concert Band, Folk Group, Sax Ensemble and Flute Group. Tel: 07595 279349 Email: rebecca-norman@huntingdon.ac.uk

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Crossword Solution for The Villager May Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mr Keating from Letchworth

May’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Well ventilated (4) 3 Keeps you dry (8) 9 Hauled (7) 10 Brawl (5) 11 Mixtures (12) 13 Paper handkerchief (6) 15 Small stoat (6) 17 Books of words (12) 20 Not outer (5) 21 Bishopric (7) 22 Bulge (8) 23 Beers (4) Down 1 Fearlessness (8) 4 12:00pm (6)



2 Kingdom (5) 5 Used for cold storage (12) 6 Folk tales (7)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

12th June 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

7 Opposed to (4) 8 Agrarian (12) 12 Shines (8) 14 Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7) 16 Barrier (6) 18 Perfect (5) 19 Assists (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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Prevent crimes before they happen

DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR EXISTING DOUBLE GLAZING

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Russell Grant’s

Horoscopes

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

The Full Moon on 2nd forces you to stop what you’re doing and come to a friend’s rescue.

You’ll be brimming with energy throughout the first half of June. Take this opportunity to get more exercise. The New Moon on 16th is suffused with romance.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

The Full Moon on 2nd prompts you to question certain career choices. Fortunately, a rewarding job that allows you to work from home is on the horizon. Your artistic talent will generate lots more income during the second half of June.

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

The Full Moon on 2nd forces you to put your foot down with demanding people. Take this opportunity to go on holiday or buy yourself some luxuries.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

The Full Moon on 2nd makes family life stressful. Your relatives aren’t happy with certain choices you’ve made. You’ll realise a career ambition at mid-month, causing everyone to envy and admire you.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

Travel plans will be cancelled in early June thanks to a stressful Full Moon. Breathe deep and know the Universe has bigger and better plans for you.

The Full Moon on 2nd piles more work on your plate. Family proves wonderfully understanding and will do their best to make life easier in early June. A platonic relationship could turn into a passionate romance during the closing days of June.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

The early days of June bring an end to a source of unearned income. Pooling your resources will help you overcome this temporary shortfall. The New Moon on 16th is ideal for landing a good job.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

Opportunities related to art, fashion, cosmetics and entertainment are strongly featured. The New Moon on 16th allows you to pay off a long- standing debt.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

The Full Moon on 2nd marks the final phase of an intimate relationship. June is a great time to show off your expertise while updating your skill set. Taking a class will prove enjoyable.

The Full Moon on 2nd finds you facing off with a pushy partner. Look for good deals on holiday packages on 8th. The New Moon on 16th is perfect for signing a contract or embarking on a serious romance.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

The Full Moon on 2nd reveals a health problem. Ask friends for doctor recommendations. It may be necessary to cancel some holiday plans. Don’t despair. You’ll be able to reschedule a much nicer trip later in the season.

The Full Moon on 2nd brings an embarrassing secret to light. People will seek your professional advice during the first half of June, which is gratifying. If you’re not in a relationship, you will meet someone special.

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RICHARD KENYON MASTER THATCHER

Of Bluntisham, Cambridge

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Books

Book Review

Pet Services

Kamikaze: To Die For the Emperor

By Peter C. Smith RRP 19.99 Hardback ISBN: 9781781593134

Historian and author Peter C. Smith who lives in the village of Riseley near Bedford, is one of Britain’s most accomplished military and aviation authors. He has now published a book on the fascinating but disturbing subject of the Kamikaze tradition in Japanese culture.

‘Kamikaze: To Die for the Emperor’ explores the philosophy of an ‘honourable death’ and the manner in which this was achieved by scores of Japanese pilots under order during the Second World War. Tracing its history right back to the original Divine Wind that saved Japan from invaders in ancient history, Smith explores the subsequent resurrection of the cult of the warrior in the late nineteenth century. He then follows this tradition through to the Second World War, describing the many Kamikaze suicide attacks carried out by the Emperor’s pilots against Allied Naval vessels in the closing stages of the Pacific campaign.

In a balanced historical account, Smith demonstrates how these pilots were at the mercy of an overriding cultural tradition that demanded death over defeat or capture. Despite often being under-trained and ill-prepared psychologically for the sacrifices they were about to make, they were nonetheless expected to make them. Smith provides a detailed look at the heartbreak of the pilot’s families and the men themselves, the notes they left and the effects on others.

‘Kamikaze: To Die for the Emperor’ is published

by Pen & Sword Books Ltd

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