Villager Magazine

VILLAGER The

Issue 2 - May 2012

and Town Life

ÂŁ25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing local business to local people in Alconbury, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and surrounding villages.

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In this Issue

VILLAGER

Issue 2 - May 2012

The

and Town Life

11

Competition Page

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Great Prize Up For Grabs

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Bringing local business to local people in Alconbury, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and surrounding villages.

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Robinsons

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com

Of Kimbolton

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Prize Crossword

Additional Editorial

£25 could be yours!

ProLawn, Tony Larkins and Fiona McLeman

Huntingdon Racecourse.....................................................................4 Kimbolton Country Fayre...................................................................6

Front Cover Photo:

Local Company Donates Furniture.................................................9

Brett Critchley

Starting a Family................................................................................. 12 Arbitration............................................................................................. 14

Design and Artwork

Lawn Care.............................................................................................. 18

Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

Kimbolton History.............................................................................. 22 Puzzle Page........................................................................................... 24

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

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.

You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com 8,000 copies delivered free of charge to all homes in the following areas: Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Alconbury Weston, Barham, Broughton, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Catworth, Coppingford, Covington, Easton, Ellington, Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Hargrave, Keysoe, Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Melchbourne, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, Riseley, Shelton, Spaldwick, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean, Upton, Woolley, Yelden.

(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.)

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HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE

enjoy a great day at the races

Huntingdon Racecourse is one of the fourteen racecourses that forms part of Jockey Club Racecourses, and all business profits, whether from race meetings or other business are reinvested in the sport.

Huntingdon has provided an almost unbroken supply of sporting entertainment ever since John Goodliff and his friends sat down in the nearby George for their first ever committee meeting hundreds of years ago.

In November 1985 her Royal Highness Elizabeth the Queen Mother said about Huntingdon celebrating its Centenary, “I offer my congratulations and greetings to all those who are involved in its affairs, and I send my best wishes for the future success and prosperity of the Racecourse in the years ahead”.

The course has continued to progress within the sport, and over time our fixtures have increased to the current 17 Jump race meetings we are home to, spanning 9 months of the year. Here at Huntingdon Racecourse we are an intimate racing venue with an atmosphere all of our own, voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia by the Racegoers Club. The course is less than five minutes from the pretty market town of Huntingdon set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, easily accessible by most major routes making it popular with racegoers far and wide.

The extensive sponsorship and hospitality options available make Huntingdon Racecourse a valuable and unique option for businesses as well as our professional Conferencing and Events Facilities. Our Peterborough Chase Restaurant offers great dining boasting trackside and parade

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ring views, and a lovely base for a day’s racing.

The popularity of our Bank Holiday Family Fun Days and Sunday fixtures see many racegoers and families coming along to enjoy a great day of racing and a vast array of free children’s entertainment. A day out at the races is an all round experience which everyone should have the chance to experience! We offer some fantastic advance admission offers for a great value day out, and also offer discounts to students, and also senior citizens-by taking a Jubilee Membership with us.

From enjoying a great day at the races, to promoting your business or rewarding staff and treating clients, Huntingdon Racecourse can offer various different opportunities. To speak to a friendly member of the team, please call 01480 453373, or visit our website at www.huntingdonracecourse.co.uk Tickets can be booked online or through our booking hotline on 0844 579 3007.

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Could there be more in your life?

We have a shortage of foster carers.

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To fin d The visi out m Gra t us o nch at re T Gra he M est er n e on chest adow Fair 12 er s 10a th & CB3 9N m - 13t 5pm h Ma D da y ily Tel: 0808 1680 180 www.alliancefostercare.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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kimbolton Country fayre

SUNDAY 15TH JULY AT KIMBOLTON CASTLE All Profits go to National and Local Childrens Charities On Sunday 15th July 2012 will be the annual Kimbolton Country Fayre and once again, will be held in the beautiful 60-acre grounds of Kimbolton Castle; the last place of confinement for Queen Catherine of Aragon, wife of Henry VIII. This will be our 21st anniversary and to mark this milestone event, we have searched far and wide to bring amazing new attractions for you to see and participate in.

Have you every heard of, or perhaps seen, Flyin Ryan? Well, the event could be categorised as sheer madness but we can assure you that it will be a nail-biting experience. You may ponder this, but will see their display in the main arena.

Also new this year is Millers Ark Pet Zoo which has many animals not only to see but stroke or ‘cuddle’.

Of course we still have our favourites such as the Pacesetter dog display team (a firm favourite with the children) and Lord John Robartes Regiment of Foote. Back this year too by request, after several years’ absence, is the Punch and Judy Show.

As our Country Fayre is one of the largest in the area. you will find it packed with such of variety of entertainment. From the 800 classic cars which will be accompanied by their owners, over 80 stall holders, secondary ring events, big band

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music, dancing, carousel rides, to mention a few.

The event seems to have a life of its own and attracts regular attendees who make the journey to Kimbolton every year.

As you would expect at such an event, the catering is important too. There will be both Beer and Tea Marquees available, serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and sandwiches in separate covered seated areas. Also, there is a wide selection of other food stalls including a hog roast, burger bar, fish and chips and superior quality ice cream available throughout the day.

For our finale, we have once again booked the Battle of Britain Lancaster Bomber. It did several incredibly low fly-pasts last year, just skirting the top of the Castle!

The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle and The Sporting Bears Motor Club are joint organisers of this fayre and every year we endeavour to create a wonderful day out for the whole family.

There is a huge amount of commitment from our members in time and energy and every year when it is all over and we have collected all the rubbish, we say “thank goodness for that”, and start considering how we can do better next year; at the same time remembering that the money we collected does make a difference to many children’s lives, through the charities we support.

For more details, our web site is www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com

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SpringFair RSPB The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL

19-20 MAY 10am – 5pm •

•

•

Food Plants & horticulture Crafts and gifts and much more

•

Telephone: 01767 680541 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

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HIDE

FREE ENTRY

Local Company donates furniture

to Upwood Pre-School & Primary Strata Panels UK, based on Warboys Airfield Industrial Estate, has donated classroom and office furniture to Upwood pre-school and small to tall classrooms at Upwood Primary.

Angie Dean, Manager of Upwood small to tall commented on their good fortune: ‘We have waited a long time for the new classrooms but sadly when they are arrived there was no budget for the furniture. We were delighted to be approached by Carl Jenkin, a parent of the school, with the offer of bespoke MDF furniture manufactured to our requirements.’

The made to measure furniture includes desks, cupboards and shelving.

Carl Jenkin, MD of Strata Panels said; ‘both of my children have benefitted from this fantastic school, I am very pleased to be in a position to give something back. The beauty of this

product is that we can manufacture each piece to individual designs and sizes. The sturdy units are made from 18mm thick melamine faced MDF panels, they could even be multi coloured if required.’

Strata Panels consider themselves something of a local well kept secret. The Company name indicates that they merely cut panels but actually they are manufacturers established for over 30 years. Customers have the benefit of cutting out the middle man, buying standard or bespoke furniture direct from the manufacturer. Strata Panels UK produces everything from retail displays to contract furniture.

The Strata team can be contacted on 01487 825040 www.stratapanels.co.uk.

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THE MERMAID ELLINGTON 01480 891450 BED AND BREAKFAST Lunch Served 7 Days Dinner Served 6 Evening (Not Sunday Evening) Home Cooked Food With Local Produce Sunday Roasts Quality Real Ales Wide Range of Wines ‘Takeaway’ Food Menu ‘Takeaway’ Draught Beers

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COMPETITION • COMPETITION WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR REVIVAL CLUB NIGHT IN HUNTINGDON Just answer the following question to be in with a chance of winning.

What decade is most famous Disco music? a) 70’s b) 80’s c) 90’s Please send your entries to the address below by Friday 18th May 2012.

One Leisure Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

COMPETITION • COMPETITION To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Starting a Family

BEACON FINANCIAL

Starting a family is an exciting time in your life as well as a little scary with all the new responsibilities thrust upon you.

Most worry about the financial implications around starting a family, but if you waited before you are financially ready you would probably never start.

There are however a few areas you should consider.

Life Cover It’s easy to think you’ve got everything covered, but would your family be able to cope financially if you had to stop working?

Even if you don’t work and have no income to lose, imagine the cost of having to employ someone to carry out the tasks that you do every day. Starting a protection plan is a precaution you can take to cover yourself for that unforeseen situation.

We have recently discovered a free life cover for new parents, with a child under 6months. Both parents can apply for the cover worth £10,000 each. This cover lasts for the 1st year of your child’s life, and is a great way to ease any pressure you may experience if

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

the worst should happen. Clearly £10,000 will not be enough but it’s free and can be increased for as little as £5 a month.

To receive £10,000 free life cover simply email me or my team and we can send you a simply form to fill in.

Evaluating Pension/s & Investments Throughout life (not just when starting a family) you need to make sure that your pension/s and investments are working hard for you and are in the best place depending on your situation.

If your situation has changed since your last review, i.e. starting a family, looking to retire, (or your money is not being managed monthly) then you need to make sure that your plan/s reflects this change and you can access your money when you need to, without incurring penalties.

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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London’s top weight loss clinic comes to St Neots...

Rather than relying on your will power alone to lose weight, why not visit our newly opened private weight loss clinic located just off the High Street in St Neots.

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Weight Medics, 40B High Street St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1JA Tel: 01480 367 179

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Arbitration - new kid on the block

Fiona McLeman Family Law Most couples going through a divorce manage to agree a settlement away from Court. A very small percentage of cases have to ask the Court to make a determination for them. There are many ways this can be achieved. Collaborative law, Mediation, and round the table negotiations are various ways in which couples can come to an agreement about their long term arrangements without having to involve the family court. And now Arbitration is another tool that can be used.

Collaborative law involves a couple and their lawyers getting together for a series of meetings, when issues such as the future ownership of the home, maintenance or pension sharing can be discussed in an amicable way. It is not an easy option however. It requires a good deal of commitment and common purpose. Those who have managed to sort matters out under the collaborative model report that as well as being more cost effective than court, it also helps them have a better understanding of the other party, and that they learn to communicate better, which is especially important if there are children.

Mediation involves a couple attending a series of meetings with a mediator, but without their lawyer present at the meeting. Typically, a lawyer will continue to support each party during the process to ensure that all avenues are being considered in a structured way.

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Arbitration was set up in 2012 and is designed to help couples resolve their issues quickly and cost effectively. Divorcing couples agree to appoint their own arbitrator who will hear issues about their case before making a decision, by which the couple are bound. The advantage of arbitration is that a settlement can be achieved in a less formal atmosphere such as court, reduce delays and minimise costs.

Alternative dispute resolution models should work out less costly than court proceedings in terms of legal fees. Many couples also speak of the emotional ‘saving’ as typically a case is resolved more speedily and with significantly less acrimony than a lengthy and hostile court room battle.

For more information visit www.ccflg.co.uk www. resolution.org.uk www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk and www.ifla.org.uk

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If you want to make a difference to peoples lives - look no further.

We are a provider that cares

We provide care when our service users need it.

We encourage independence and an individual approach for the elderly, disabled, infirm and those receiving palliative care.

If you would like a career in care, please contact Lesley on the number below.

Driver and own transport essential 01480 223190 www.homecare-solutions.com

If you run your own business, are currently selfemployed or have a tax return to complete, you may be paying too much tax.

We are offering a FREE meeting to discuss this further.You have nothing to lose by finding out how much you could be saving.

Call Richard McMorran on 01480 470755 or email stneots@rjmcmorran.co.uk Offices with ample parking in Eaton Socon and Godmanchester Visit our website at www.rjmcmorran.co.uk

Dedicated support for clients in relationship breakdown:

• • • • •

Separation Financial Settlements Change of Name Prenuptial Agreements Mediation

• • • • •

Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law

Fiona McLeman Family Law is accredited by Resolution and the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a Specialist in Family Law. For a free initial consultation contact Fiona:

fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk, 07894095775, www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Regus House, 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne CB23 6DP

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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LAWN CARE

FOR MAY

Mowing - Mow at least once a week now. Make sure mower has been serviced and blade replaced or sharpened.

Weed Control - Once the weeds and grass are actively growing a selective herbicide to kill broad leaved weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover within the grass can be applied.

Wetting Agent - A wetting agent will help your lawn utilize any irrigation or rainfall more efficiently by drawing it in to the soil. We will apply this free of charge with the weed control and liquid feed.

Patio/Driveway Weed Control - Weeds can look unsightly at this time of year in patios and driveways. We can spray a total weed killer to kill them and keep weed free for up to 6 months.

Actions required in Spring • Mow Lawn At Least Once Per Week.

• Apply Spring Fertiliser To Produce Vibrant Green Lawn

• Spray Weeds In Lawn With Selective Herbicide + Additional Wetting Agent • Spray Drive/Path/Patios With Total Herbicide To Keep Weed Free For Summer Call Deborah or Richard : 01480 812393 e-mail - info@prolawncare.co.uk

Reader Offer Book up for a Weed Control Treatment and we’ll include a Liquid Wetting Agent FREE OF CHARGE. This will help get water down in to the soil (Existing customers will receive this too).

If you need Free Lawn Care Advice ask the Lawn Ranger on www.prolawncare.co.uk/askranger.asp

Unique Landscape We specialise in

Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more

Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401 e:sales@uniquelandscape.co.uk

www.uniquelandscapes-huntingdon.co.uk

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SMA WArdrobeS, transform your home with sliding door wardrobes and matching bedroom furniture > Floor to ceiling storage > Large range of styles - modern and traditional > Made to Measure > Fully guaranteed > Affordable fitted wardrobes "Fantastic job, brilliant service. You have exceeded my expectations. Thank you."

Mr C, Cambridge

Visit our website or phone for a free colour brochure and price list: www.sma-wardrobes.co.uk, 01480 417415

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KIMBOLTON

HISTORY

Visitors often ask whether Kimbolton is really a town or a village, and their bewilderment is understandable. Most people, on hearing that the population is less than 1500, would automatically regard Kimbolton as a village.

Yet how many villages of that size can boast such a wide and imposing High Street, with such an impressive range of shops and services?

The most likely explanation for Kimbolton’s apparent identity crisis lies in an event which took place more than eight hundred years ago.

In 1200, Geoffrey Fitzpiers, Earl of Essex and Chief Justiciar to King John, was granted the right to hold an annual fair at Kimbolton and a market every Friday. Fitzpiers built himself a new castle and, in all probability, laid out the wide High Street as a market place between the castle and the church. Long narrow plots on either side provided accommodation for craftsmen to live and work, with space behind for vegetable gardens and pig sties. Even the road layout seems to have been changed to ensure that on fair and market days all travellers had to pass through the High Street: hence the dramatic right-angled bends at each end.

On market days, local farmers and traders, joined by itinerant pedlars, would have clustered around the market cross, whose foundations still survive under the road surface towards the western end of the street. Fair days, on the other hand, would attract traders from much further away, selling commodities such as silk, furs and wine for the rich, and ribbons and spices for the poor. Records

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suggest that Kimbolton eventually had as many as five fairs each year, one of which, the Statute Fair, was a hiring fair, where labourers and domestic servants could be hired for the coming year.

Over the centuries, Kimbolton grew and prospered as a market town. The original market cross was replaced by a wooden market hall; new and more imposing frontages were added to many of the High Street properties; and by the mid- 19th century the town had slightly more inhabitants than today. A period of severe agricultural depression in the later years of that century resulted in a rapid decline in Kimbolton’s fortunes. Many inhabitants drifted away in search of employment, the market hall was demolished and by the 1880s the market itself had effectively disappeared.

Now only the Statute or ‘Statty’ Fair survives, on the third Wednesday in September, when the High Street is closed to traffic, and residents from nearby villages flock into Kimbolton to enjoy all the fun of the fair. But the busy High Street, which still draws shoppers from miles around, serves as a reminder of what an important little market town Kimbolton once was.

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CODEWORD

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play It’s simple! 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 puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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

FLOORED

By Ian

Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean Free visits to estimate or advise.

Best prices and quality with a friendly service.

Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308

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KING ELECTRICAL QUALITY ELECTRICIAN Based in Buckden

Highly qualified and experienced in ALL electrical installation work.

Fully approved NICEIC Contractor, Part ‘P’ Domestic Installer. Insurance based warranty.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL. TIDY, PERSONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. Advice, help and estimates FREELY given.

Please contact Chris on

01480 810133 or 07717 172100 cpk-king@supanet.com

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Contrast Painting & Decorating We carry out all aspects of the trade interior & exterior Quality Tradesmen Our work is always to the highest standard.

References available

Tel: Wayne Garner 07890 100573 or Paul Quinlan 07986 376635 24 Wheatsheaf Road, Alconbury Weston

A FAMILY AFFAIR KIMBOLTON CASTLE

The Kimbolton Country Fayre has, without doubt, become the premier fayre in the County providing a full day’s entertainment for all the family. This year, the main charities that we will be supporting are HemiHelp, The Burns Camp, Cancer Research UK, The Samuel Pepys School and The East Anglia Air Ambulance.

The organisers hope you will come along on the 15th July, not only to support our very worthy causes but to have a great family day out too.

For more details, please check our website www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com

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VIP CLUB

Business to Business Associates Ltd www.b-b-a.com sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 18th May 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Sketch (7) 5 Naval map (5) 8 Expel (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Promotional literature (13) 11 Informal (6) 12 Thick-set (6) 15 Used to cool food (13) 18 Conclusions (7) 19 Perfect (5) 20 Sea rising and falling (5) 21 Medicinal syrup (7) Down 1 Musical drama (5) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Worldwide (13) 4 Pertaining to cultural group (6) 5 Deep thinking (13) 6 Saunter (5) 7 Firmly (7) 11 Right (7) 13 Nearest (7) 14 Receptacle (6) 16 Dimmed (5) 17 Bottom of the feet (5)

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

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Plastering

TACKERS N SPREADS

• Plastering • Rendering • Drylining - dot & dabbing • Skim over old Walls • Floor screeding - 25 years experience, reliable tradesman - Competitive prices - clean and tidy - All areas covered Tel Mike :

07900 695 025

Business gone a bit slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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