Alcon sept 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - September 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Discover the Dangers of

Sitting Comfortably Win a Meal for Two at Jordan’s Mill 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

ur Yo EE y FRcop

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Contents

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - September 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Discover the Dangers of

Sitting Comfortably Win a Meal for Two at Jordan’s Mill Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

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

r

u E Ey FRcop

Yo

Lovely Lawns..........................................................26 Animal Queries.......................................................28 Astronomy - Out of this World Hobby.....................31 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes.....................................32 Children’s Page.......................................................35 Puzzle Page............................................................36 What’s On...............................................................38 Prize Crossword......................................................42 Book Review..........................................................47

The WI

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The WI - As relevant today as in 1915.......................4 Buying a New Set of Wheels.....................................9 Tibet - On the World’s Highest Railway...................10 Win a Meal for Two at Jordan’s Mill.........................12 Sitting Comfortably................................................14 What You Need to Know About Premium Bonds....17 A Farm Holiday in East Devon.................................18 Major Pension Change Opportunity.......................20 The Future is Important..........................................21 Divorce - The Real Danger of Doing it Yourself........22

Astronomy

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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 - Anna Bradley-Dorman, Solange Hando, Alison Runham, Tim Saunders, Tony Larkins, RSPCA, Veronica Leone, Abby Smith, Pippa Greenwood, Kate McLelland, Katherine Sorrell and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Scott - 01767 261122 scott@villagermag.com Photography - Famveldman and Darren Harbar Photography

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.

Design and - Design Tel 07762please 969460 call 01767 261122 To advertise in Artwork The Villager and9Townlife

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History

The WI

Huntingdon & Peterborough Federation WI Members at the East of England Show during the 1970’s

As relevant today as in 1915 Throughout villages and towns in this area groups of women meet in local Women’s Institutes (WI) to make new friends, learn new skills and make a difference on matters that are important to them.

However, these small groups of women are part of a national organisation that is celebrating its centenary. The WI is the largest women’s group in the country with over 212,000 members - more than any of the three main political parties. Over the years the WI has managed to be both part of the establishment, and, at the same time, a deeply revolutionary organisation campaigning on issues from equal pay to climate change, from gaps in the midwifery workforce to the plight of the honey bee.

The WI has built the reputation of a practical and ambitious organisation that doesn’t shy away from tricky issues. Trying to condense the history of the

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By Anna Bradley-Dorman

WI is not easy but I hope I have managed to give an insight into this remarkable organisation.

The Early Years The WI originally started in Canada in the 19th century holding its first UK meeting on 16th September 1915, in Anglesey, Wales. It was and still is non-party-political, non-religious and open to women of all ages and classes - including royalty.

Canadian Madge Watt was appointed to set up WIs across the UK during the WWI to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help to increase the nation’s food supply. On October 16th 1917 the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) was formed, when the annual subscription was set at two shillings giving everyone an equal say in this truly democratic organisation. Remember the WI was set up before women had the vote so then, as now, any member could stand for office or propose a resolution on which to campaign.

Many of the early members were some of the gutsiest women in the country, including academics, suffragettes, and social activists who realised that women working together were able to effect

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Campaigning for Equal pay in the 1940’s change. One of these women was Mrs Margaret Winteringham who was elected as Member of Parliament for Louth in 1921. She was the first English born female MP and only the second woman to take up her seat.

In 1919 ‘Home and Country’, the original monthly NFWI magazine, was first published. This was succeeded by ‘WI Life’ in 2007 which is delivered to every member as part of their subscription. This magazine continues to be the main communication between NFWI and its members alongside the organisations growing number of Facebook and Twitter followers.

Jam and Jerusalem During WWI the Board of Agriculture allocated sugar to WIs for fruit preserving for communal use.

Once again, in WWII, the NFWI was invited by the Ministry of Agriculture to organise a Co-operative Fruit Preservation Scheme. Between 1940 and 1945 more than 5,300 tons of fruit were preserved making use of nearly 12 million pounds of fruit, which might otherwise have been wasted.

Jerusalem was first sung at the Annual General Meeting in 1924, starting a tradition that continues to this day. Previously Jerusalem had been used by the National Union of Suffrage Societies in the 1918 celebrations of women’s enfranchisement and many of the leaders of the NFWI had also been part of the struggle to win the vote for women. By singing Jerusalem the WI acknowledged its links with the wider women’s movement and affirmed its commitment to improving the conditions of rural life.

The Denman Connection Mention the word Denman to WI members and their immediate thoughts will be of the WI College in Oxfordshire, the home of WI learning, where hundreds of different craft, cookery and lifestyle courses are run for members and non-members alike. The WI Cookery School is also based in the grounds and boasts a vast range of courses. Over a period of three years, in the 1940’s, every WI was invited to raise £10 and in 1946 Denman was bought. At this time of rationing curtains were made from bleached black-out curtains and Federations

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offered to equip the bedrooms. The college was named Denman College to honour Lady Denman who was the first National Chairman and, at the outbreak of the Second World War, she was also invited by the Minister of Agriculture to become the Director of the Women’s Land Army.

A Force to be Reckoned With The WI has a long history of campaigning, changing things for the better by exerting their individual and collective influence. It has brought a series of controversial issues into the public domain and forced changes in legislation and government policy.

For example in the early 1990s the NFWI was one of the founding members of the Fairtrade Foundation and in 1986 was one of the first organisations to talk about AIDS. In 1975 the WI began lobbying the government to set up breast screening clinics and as early as 1964 members were debating the dangers of smoking in public places. In 1954 a campaign led to the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy group and a resolution calling for ‘equal pay for equal work’ was passed in1943.

WI Leisure Activities – Competitive or Just for Fun? From competitions, writing, photography, cookery, gardening, floral art, craft and drama to walking, dancing and circus skills WI members have tried them all. Did you know the WI is credited with bringing Zumba to the UK? Craft is treasured by the WI as making an artefact tells and records stories as well as protecting heritage and traditional skills. Craft brings together communities, generations and cultures and it can also be the perfect medium to discuss issues that affect women. However, the most inspiring thing about craft is its democracy; everyone can make something.

So as you can see the WI has something for everyone so why not give it a go? Not all WIs are the same so if the first WI you visit doesn’t suit you try another one or even set up your own!

To find out more about the WI or find a WI near you visit www.thewi.org.uk

Members of Huntingdon & Peterborough Federation attending the Royal Garden Party held to celebrate the WI Centenary on 2nd June 2015

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Three Counties Radio

Buying a New

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Set of Wheels

Mobile phones, internet connections and cars are the three products I receive the most calls about on my consumer radio show. Today I’d like to help you avoid problems with the latter – cars! Buying a good, reliable car, rather than a nightmare vehicle that will eat into your wallet is a good way to start.

The first important thing you must understand is that unless you buy a car from a proper retailer, you have no comeback if the car develops a fault. The minute you drive a new car away from a private seller, you’re on your own if it breaks down. I therefore always suggest buying cars from good, reputable garages, and if you can stretch to it, main dealers. They, generally (and I use that word with caution - some are awful!), offer the best after sales service.

Secondly, you must do your research. Use the internet to find the most suitable car for you. Look at reliability scores, running costs and insurance. Don’t rush into purchasing a car you know nothing about on the forecourt, just because you think you’ll look good in it. Find something that’s the right size, has a good reputation for reliability and isn’t going to cost the earth to run.

The third thing you must do is to buy LOCALLY. Please don’t make the mistake that so many people make these days. They go to a search website, enter the car of their dreams, find that the only independent garage that has one available in the colour they like is 300 miles away and travel up by train to buy it. If you have a problem with that vehicle it will be YOUR responsibility to get it back to them to repair. That’s going to be a very expensive journey on a recovery vehicle all the way to Manchester! Use the internet to research garages and the people that run them.

Fourthly, if you don’t know anything about cars, then for goodness sake, take someone with you who does! A friendly mechanic is best. If you don’t know anyone who is an expert, then I would strongly advise having an independent check on the vehicle by an organisation such as the RAC. It may cost a couple of hundred quid, but it’s worth every penny if it prevents you from buying a complete lemon.

A car is normally the second most expensive thing you purchase after a house, I lose track of the number of people who spend £15,000+ on something they know and understand absolutely nothing about and then wonder why they have problems.

Please remember that when you find a car that you like, DO NOT PUT A DEPOSIT DOWN UNLESS YOU REALLY INTEND TO BUY IT. When you agree to pay a deposit, you normally enter into a legally binding contract to purchase the product. If you change your mind, you not only risk losing the deposit, you could be forced by the garage to take the car and pay the full amount owing on it. Salesmen and women often suggest the deposit in a relaxed manner. Don’t be fooled, when you change your mind, the relaxed manner will probably fly right out of the window.

Never pay the full amount requested for a vehicle. The garage will price a vehicle up with some room for negotiation. If you pay the price on the windscreen, you’re probably paying over the odds. Remember car salesmen and women are employed partly because of their ability to get as much money out of you as possible and make the company as much profit. Bear this in mind at all times when agreeing a price to pay. If you’re hopeless at doing a deal, then take someone with you who is good at it!

Finally, if you follow all of my advice and you STILL have a problem with it or the garage, then you can contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do my best to try and help 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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9

Travel

By Solange Hando

Tibet - On the world’s highest railway The Qinghai Express offers neither nostalgia nor five star luxury but it is the highest railway in the world, with stunning views of the Tibetan plateau.

There are a number of departure points in China, including the tourist hot spot of Xian where the Express sets off for Lhasa on a 34 hour breathtaking joFigures are staggering: a total of 681 bridges, 1,966 culverts plus countless tunnels, most amazing Fenghuoshan, at over 4,900 metres, the highest in the world on permafrost. The Tangulla pass marks the highest point along the line, 5,072 metres. But how do you breathe at such high altitude? No problem, the train is pressurised, just like an aircraft cabin, with individual oxygen outlets if you need a little extra. That means windows don’t open and on the rare stops along the route, you are only allowed out for a few minutes. Add an onboard clinic, and you can sit back and relax.

The journey begins through China, past mountains and gorges looming in the mist and ghost-like villages popping straight out of the earth. There are tunnels and the occasional landslide, cleared in minutes, and before you know it, it’s time for lunch: mysterious delicacies from the trolley or fullyblown chopstick treats from the dining car, with à la carte, waiter service and wine from the Great Wall of China. By late afternoon, the altitude reads 2,961 metres, in Mandarin, Tibetan and English.

The first snow-capped mountains appear in the distance and there are salt lakes and prayer flags which begin to feel like Tibet. Later, when everyone is asleep, cocooned in duvets, the train will pass the Kulun mountains where, hopefully, the earthquake monitors have done their job.

Dawn brings a thick layer of snow across the plateau where Himalayan antelopes and black hairy yaks look as frozen as the landscape. At the Tibetan border, a guard stands to attention but there’s no welcome sign and the train does not stop. Later, the snow recedes to reveal mineral-rich slopes, red, ochre and gold glistening above frozen rivers. Wild geese fly overhead, nomad tents flap in the wind and glinting electric pylons march across the wilderness on their way to Lhasa. Sometimes a dust storm sweeps across the land while dummy policemen keep watch along a road, deserted but for a single car approaching a Buddhist gate.

Here, on the Tibetan plateau, the railroad has been built on permafrost, and in the most vulnerable spots the track is carried on long curving viaducts high above the ground. At night, temperatures can drop to -30°C but inside the train, no one would know.

Breakfast, lunch, endless cups of tea, bags of raisins and crisps which pop like balloons, munching and drinking eventually give way to playing cards or walking up and down the corridors to chat or take pictures. There are few westerners about but plenty of locals, amused, intrigued, always friendly. There’s time to doze, read and gaze at the view.

Suddenly, a flutter of excitement passes through the train. There are willows and poplars along the river, green patches of land and, at last, the majestic triple-arched bridge which hails the entrance to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. Back in Xian, the train set off at 6.44 on Wednesday; it is now Thursday, 16.44. On the roof of the world, the Qinghai Express is on time.

Train to Tibet, view from the window, 1st sign of life on the plateau

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N O I T I T E P M O C Not just a run of the Mill day out!

If you haven’t visited Jordans Mill in rural Bedfordshire before, you’re missing out on a hidden gem.

This unique food heritage attraction includes a lovingly transformed flour mill, stunning gardens, and a café with a terrace overlooking the river Ivel.

The Mill, home to the Jordans family for 150 years, provides a fascinating insight into the history of milling and food production in Bedfordshire. The friendly tour guides, who are all volunteers, bring history to life with tales of the Jordan family’s journey from farming and milling to cereals.

Visitors on the guided tours can also see parts of the machinery in operation to experience the sights and sounds of life in the mill.

The stunning Mill Gardens are unique food and flower gardens where crops, vegetables and fruit are grown in an ornamental setting alongside wild flowers and cultivated garden plants. The Gardens are sympathetic to Bedfordshire’s market gardening heritage growing rare varieties of salad, potatoes and onions.

Then you can relax in the Riverside Café, enjoying delicious food and drinks with the talented chefs

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creating restaurant-quality seasonal dishes and a tempting range of cakes and scones. All of the food is, where possible, locally sourced with some of the fruits and vegetables grown in the gardens used in dishes served in the café.

And to tempt you even more, this month in the Villager, we’re offering readers the chance to win a meal for two at Jordans Mill.

Simply answer the following question: on which river is Jordans Mill situated?

Send your answer with your name, address and telephone number to: Jordan’s Mill Competition, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Jordans Mill is open from 9am until 5pm Sunday-Wednesday and until 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit www.jordansmill.com or call 01767 603940.

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13

Health

Sitting Comfortably?

It Could Be Killing You

Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Even if you exercise regularly, too much sitting could significantly shorten your life.

With employment and entertainment becoming ever more sedentary, sitting down for hours is the norm for many of us.

But in the last decade, research has increasingly proved that prolonged sitting is a health risk in itself, regardless of how much or how little exercise we do, and can cause irreversible damage.

Disturbing Research A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2008 estimated that for every hour we sit watching TV after the age of 25, our life expectancy decreases by 21.8 minutes, while a 2012 study in the Lancet estimated that inactivity causes 9% of premature deaths. So how does sitting shorten life expectancy?

Recent studies showed a 147% increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events (incidents causing heart muscle damage) and a 112% increase in diabetes risk amongst those spending longest sitting, compared to those who sat least. Inactivity is known to increase breast and colon cancer risk too - and unsurprisingly, obesity. James Levine, Director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative, has said he believes sitting is more dangerous than smoking. “We are sitting ourselves to death.”

We know prolonged inactivity results in decreased bone density, and evidence now shows it reduces the action of enzymes that maintain healthy cholesterol

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and triglyceride levels. Some experts have suggested the effects of prolonged sitting may partially resemble those of zero gravity, causing the accelerated ageing, bone and muscle loss that occurs in astronauts.

Unfortunately, exercise sessions aren’t a “cure for too much sitting,” explains Professor Marc Hamilton, from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in Men’s Health.

“The average person could never do enough to counteract the effect of hours and hours of chair time.”

Tackling the Problem A moderately active lifestyle which includes housework, walking or gardening is ideal. Take regular active breaks from seated activities like reading and watching TV: mop the floor, take a quick walk, or do a few minutes of ‘step’ (an exercise step isn’t required. Stairs will do).

You could also consider: • Reducing your sitting time by standing on public transport, walking or biking to the station, or getting off the bus earlier.

• Standing or walking while on the phone.

• A standing desk, that converts between sitting and standing, or a unit that converts your normal desk to a standing one.

• A treadmill desk (or attach a bracket or stand to your treadmill).

• Sitting on a yoga ball; your core muscles will be used constantly to retain balance.

• Walking or organising a sporting activity at lunchtime.

• Active Sitting. It won’t replace standing or walking, but makes

sitting healthier. Try raising your heels up and down; contracting your stomach muscles; raising and lower your lower leg from knee height or whole leg from hip height; swivelling your office chair using just your hips; tensing, stretching and bending your arms; rolling your shoulders.

• Using the Pomodoro Technique, described here: http:// pomodorotechnique.com/. This time management technique inserts regular breaks – that’s the time to get active.

So next time you’re about to start something, stop. Does it have to be done sitting down? If not, then don’t sit! Bear in mind, though, that constant standing isn’t ideal either. Experts recommend aiming for a 50/50 split between sitting and activity.

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Woburn Forest Holiday Village

Center Parcs is now recruiting for a number of key roles and have vacancies that fit around your lifestyle.

With flexible working hours available and competitive rates of pay plus superb benefits.

We are looking for enthusiastic team players to join us.

We have an amazing variety of roles, from jobs requiring no previous experience or training to ones that are highly qualified, we have opportunities to suit everyone.

For further details and to apply please visit:

at Center Parcs, we want our people to share in the success their hard work brings, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and a good lifestyle, and make the most of their time with us.

We offer unique benefits such as: • discounted Center Parcs breaks • day visitor passes • Free use of village facilities

www.centerparcs.co.uk

Center Parcs, Woburn Forest Holiday Village, Millbrook, bedford, MK45 2HZ

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EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

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Finance

What you need to know about

NS&I Premium Bonds Premium Bonds were first introduced in 1956 by Harold MacMillan as a way to reduce inflation, and they remain a popular savings choice today.

It is estimated that over £50 billion is held in the Premium Bond ‘pot,’ making them the largest savings product in the UK. Not a ‘standard’ savings option, bonds pay no interest and never expire. They can make you a millionaire though, if you are lucky enough to win one of the two £1 million draws each month.

How do they work?

Bonds up to the value of £50,000 can now be bought following a recent rise in the maximum limit.

At the other end of the scale you can purchase a single bond for £1, with all bonds being entered into a monthly prize draw.

Premium Bond numbers are picked at random

by ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment), and you can check whether you’re a winner via the NS&I website from the third day of each month.

The government funds the prize money by calculating a rate of interest as if the bonds were ‘standard’ government bonds, rather than using money from the sale of new Premium Bonds. You can buy them from a post office, or directly from NS&I by phone or online.

How much can you win?

Winnings range from £25 to the £1 million jackpot, with prizes also including a percentage of £25,000, £50,000 and £100,000 wins each month. Returns average the equivalent of around 1.3% according to Moneywise, who also state that the chance of winning from a single bond are approximately 1 in 26,000.¹ You can be lucky though – the Guardian recently reported a £1 million jackpot winner who held just £400 worth of bonds. For those wanting a reliable income from savings, however, other products would be more suitable if they are willing to forego

Stages

instant access in favour of higher interest rates.

If you bought Premium Bonds in the dim and distant past, it might be worthwhile looking on the NS&I website where there’s an ‘unclaimed prizes’ finder.

Should you choose Premium Bonds over traditional savings accounts?

The problem with Premium Bonds is that because you are not guaranteed a return on your money, the investment could reduce in value over time due to inflation. Other savings accounts, even though their interest rate may be low, offset this issue a little.

If you are a higher rate tax payer, you may find investing in Premium Bonds useful if you have exhausted other tax-free options. People often buy bonds after inheriting money, or when they need to ‘store’ a lump sum temporarily – a deposit on a property or an inheritance, for example.

So in general terms, Premium Bonds should probably not be the first choice for savings – the main attraction for many is the potential chance of a big win.

Government’s wishes for Premium Bonds Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Harriet Baldwin, explained the government’s goals regarding Premium Bonds, “Our long-term plan is all about supporting savers and boosting working people’s financial security at all stages of life..... That’s why we have increased the amount people can invest in premium bonds for the second time in two years.”

Although not suitable for savers looking for a guaranteed regular income, Premium Bonds offer a way to boost a nest egg. They hold a special place in the nation’s heart – along with ERNIE of course. ¹http://www.moneywise.co.uk/banking-saving/savings-accounts-isas/ premium-bonds-what-you-need-to-know http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/may/30/premium-bonds-safesavings-waste-time http://www.nsandi.com/ernie http://www.nsandi.com/do-i-have-any-unclaimed-prizes

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17

Travel

A Farm Holiday in East Devon Hawley Farm in Dalwood is part of the thriving agricultural community in east Devon. Graham and Pamela Perry arrived in 1984 as tenants and then took over the 176-acre farm, merging it with its neighbour that Graham's family had worked since the 1890s.

Around 120 cattle, including Holstein Fresians, are still milked twice a day. We enjoy a tour where Harriett (4) helps connect a cow up to the milking equipment. The farm sells its milk to Wiseman's Dairies which collects it every other day to be pasteurised.

Three calves are born during our stay. Farmers have to be on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year which is why a family concern is important. It looks an idyllic existence but today's farmers have to be very business savvy.

Graham, Pamela and their son Winston are all passionate about farming tradition. When the blackthorn blossom disappears for example, Pamela knows it is time to sheer the sheep. The wool is used for many things including insulation and soundproofing. During our stay, 70 lambs are prepared for sale. “Our lamb can be purchased in the local Tesco� says Graham.

Five years ago the family converted their Grade II listed stone barn into two luxury holiday cottages: the Cider Press and the Wagon House. It's a great location because this blissful countryside is easily accessible from the A35.

We stay in the Wagon House which provides extremely comfortable accommodation for the four

of us. With its large expanse of glass at the front over both floors, it is light inside and provides views from the large open plan kitchen/diner and sitting room to the private courtyard. It ranks among the best self-catering holiday cottages we have stayed in.

The local newspaper reports a recent hedge-laying competition. I didn't even know such things existed but Graham and Pamela explain there is an art to growing the hedgerows that this part of east Devon is known for.

Days out include nearby Colyton where we board the Seaton Tram - a unique narrow gauge electric tramway on a three-mile line from Seaton via Colyford. It travels through the wetlands and nature reserves of the wonderful Axe Estuary.

We are also curious to visit popular Salcombe that has stunning views across the bay and historic narrow streets lined with characterful properties and a thriving art scene.

Just under two hours away we find The Big Sheep at Bideford that hosts sheep races and has plenty for children.

We had heard that Croyde had to be seen too and the approach along the coast is magnificent, narrow roads adding to the character of this surfers' paradise.

Escot House at Ottery St Mary is a good way to end our trip with its falconry experience, red squirrels, otters and peacocks. Our daughters enjoy the woodland playground but this is a must for older children who can take part in bush craft skills, arts and crafts and toasting marshmallows on the camp fire.

By Tim Saunders www.travelwriter.biz 18

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Beacon Wealth

Major Pension Change Opportunity The budget of 8th July 2015 changed the rules on how much can be paid into a pension. Prior to this date individuals could change a pension period to allow far more to be paid in; you will now not be able to do this, as all pensions from 8th July 2015 will have an assumed input end date of 5th April each year.

To compensate however, most individuals will have up to an additional ÂŁ40k allowance as a one off. If you want to maximise your contribution speak to your independent advisor as soon as possible, it may even be possible to use three allowances this tax year (just make sure they fully understand pensions).

On a separate note, I was concerned by what I saw at a recent Country Fayre. There was an advert and stall mentioning Pensions freedom and purporting to offer good fund growth at low to

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

moderate risk. The investments are unregulated with no guarantees of returning your money, either in a timely manner or at all, and you have no comeback.

Please be wary before making any investment and enquire as to whether there is cover from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Our Portfolio performance remains exceptional, but it is through daily tradable funds, without cost or penalty on withdrawal and we are FSCS protected. Good returns can be obtained with active management.

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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The Future is

Jeffrey Mills Veronica Leone Head of Will and Probate Department

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

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

This is often when we look back, thinking how simple it all was, or could have been, and is also often said by those who are left with no, or an outdated Will from a loved one. Isn’t hindsight a wonderful thing?

Whilst it may not seem a nice thought initially, knowing what will happen puts your mind at rest, and helps ease the stress for those close to you at an already difficult time. Clearly there will be actions beyond your control that will cause a variance, be that, for example, your family and relationships, but this is why regular revision of your Will is crucial.

How many times have you been told, or even said to others, “you can do anything you put your mind to”. The reality of life’s experiences is that

sometimes you need to think ‘outside the box’ to achieve it, or receive a little help from someone close.

You may not be able to or want to help as much as you could now, but knowing that when you are gone you have secured someone else’s future and eradicated the stress that comes from not having a will, could be one of the best presents you leave.

It is a mistake to assume that your next of kin will inherit your estate (or an equal share) if you do not have a Will.

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

For something as important as what you leave behind and how, it pays to use the skills of an experienced Solicitor.

You should always seek legal advice from a Solicitor. Jeffrey Mills Solicitors are a firm with family values and a fresh approach.

If you have a question, e-mail: v.leone@jefrreymills.co.uk

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Family Law

Divorce

the real danger of doing it yourself By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk It is an unfortunate fact of modern society that many marriages end in divorce. Following separation, most couples are driven by their emotions and worry about the cost of instructing solicitors to help them. An increasing number choose to manage divorce proceedings themselves which can cause complications along the way – and that simple act of cost-cutting can actually cost them dearly in the long run.

Lawyers train for years to learn the legal process, understand how to negotiate a settlement and learn all the different ways of reaching a solution.

Those choosing a so called ‘DIY divorce’ where they deal with everything without the help of a qualified lawyer can face many pitfalls along the way.

For a start, the divorce forms themselves can be complicated and if not completed correctly can be rejected by the courts, causing delay, additional stress and higher costs.

Divorce DIY-not When thinking about divorce, it is a common misconception that “divorce proceedings” include bringing an end to a marriage, dealing with the arrangements for the children and separating the financial ties they have with their former spouse.

This is not entirely true. Whilst a divorce brings a legal end to the marriage itself and does mean that either party is free to remarry if they wish, it does not bring an automatic end to any financial obligations they have to each other and does not include any legal arrangements for the children.

Unless these things are sorted out it could result in financial claims being brought by one party against the other some time after the divorce has concluded. So that Lottery win or family inheritance received in a few years’ time could be eroded by an ex if you have not properly finalised the finances, for instance by agreeing a Consent Order (or Clean Break Order). These orders must be approved by the court to become legally

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enforceable. A lawyer will tell you about them and help you draw one up (there is no standard form to fill out). Those flying solo may not know about them until it is too late.

Another point to consider in any divorce is what happens if one party remarries before financial matters are resolved. If the respondent to divorce proceedings remarries, this brings about an automatic ban from him or her asking the court to deal with financial matters. It does not, however, ban the spouse who started the divorce proceedings from still applying to the court for financial matters to be considered. This could have a huge impact on the former spouse but also on their new husband or wife. Again, DIY-ers may miss this point.

There are many pitfalls in a DIY divorce and it is always better to seek legal advice to ensure that all matters are fully concluded and to give you peace of mind that your divorce really does end all ties you have with your former spouse. A DIY divorce may seem an attractive, cheaper option but in the end it could cost a lot more.

For advice on divorce or any family law issue contact Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation. Call 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk.

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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

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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.

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• Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings small packs and large bales

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Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

Lovely Lawns Almost every garden has a lawn, and there is a lot you can do to keep it in good condition. Don’t wait until spring but get to work now with some autumn lawn care to keep your lawn looking healthy and green.

Large weeds in small lawns are best removed by hand, perhaps using a sturdy old kitchen knife – perfect for removing dandelions, small clumps of daisies and other weeds missed by the mower.

You should also take a look at the level of moss in the lawn: when green and luxuriant it can look quite attractive, but once it dies out the lawn will look really awful. On the whole, moss in lawns is encouraged by compaction, poor drainage of the soil and lawn surface and by excessive shading, perhaps by nearby trees or herbaceous plants in adjacent borders. It is worth doing anything you can to alleviate these problems, and for shading you should prune back shrubs which overhang the lawn or have trees professionally crown thinned or lifted, so that more light gets through to the lawn.

Herbaceous plants are easily dealt with by using bamboo canes and string to ease them up and away from the grass.

Compaction is relatively easy to deal with, and in small areas where the problem is not too bad, you can use a normal garden fork. Drive this into the lawn every 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 in) and ease it back and forth slightly to enlarge the holes created by the tines of the fork. This creates some drainage channels, which will also improve aeration. On very heavy sites or where compaction is bad, use a hollow tine aerator. These can be bought as attachments for some lawnmowers, or you can buy or hire a dedicated machine or piece of equipment. A hollow tine aerator removes cylinders of turf and the soil beneath, thus

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producing a better effect than using a garden fork.

Once aerated, brush a sandy top dressing mixture into all the holes, using a mixture of sieved garden soil and horticultural sand, perhaps mixed with a small quantity of sieved leaf mould. The top dressing ensures that the holes are kept open to allow better drainage and aeration over a longer period.

Use a proprietary moss killer if moss is really out of control, applied exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions; you should make sure that the moss is killed off completely before you attempt to rake it out. Raking out can be combined with scarifying, where you use a spring tined rake to aggressively rake the surface of the lawn, so that dead moss, thatch (the accumulated bits of dead grass and other lawn debris) and any other surface debris are removed. Once done, you will find that the lawn looks a lot worse than it did when you started, as it will look thinner and more moth-eaten. However, scarifying helps to ensure that the grasses receive plenty of air and allows for better re-growth; have faith, the situation will improve.

If you still have bare areas once you have improved the texture of the soil and fixed drainage problems, then re-seed or over-seed using a suitable grassseed mixture. To improve germination and speed of growth, pin a piece of horticultural fleece or Enviromesh over the newly sown area. This will help keep it warmer and prevent birds from stealing the grass seed.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for vegetable plants, Nemaslug, mesh and fleece, Speed Hoes, Speed Weeders, SoftTie, pop-up crop covers , copper tape and lots more besides.

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Plant Hire 3 ton and 13 ton operated excavator hire Can be fitted with hydraulic grab Low loader hire available for transport of excavators increasing accessibility and reducing costs Groundworks, Landscaping, Demolition Waterscapes, Ditching, Drainage Sand Blasting Fencing, Timber Decking, Tree Surgery Fully insured and qualified.

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Pets

Animal Queries Dear RSPCA vet, We have just got two gorgeous black kittens – a brother (Stanley) and sister (Molly). I don’t like the idea of neutering them at all, so could I just have one neutered and not the other?

Vito, Oakley

Dear Vito, I’m afraid that both kittens will need to be neutered – but it’s really not something to worry about: in fact there are many advantages! Kittens and cats wander far from home so un-neutered cats have a huge impact on your entire neighbourhood.

To protect Molly from getting pregnant, she will need to go the vet to have a simple operation called spaying (also known as ‘fixing’, ‘neutering’ or ‘being done’).

I’m not sure how old she is now, but when Molly is about four months old, she will start to attract the attention of tomcats who will want to have sex with her.

This is why it’s important to have her spayed before she is four months old to protect her from

getting pregnant while she is still a kitten herself.

You may have heard that it’s good for cats to have a litter of kittens before they are spayed – but this isn’t true. Once she has been spayed Molly will be able to do all the things cats enjoy doing, like going outdoors, climbing trees and playing.

Stanley will also need to have a simple operation, called ‘the snip’. This can stop him from spraying in your house to mark his territory, which can be very smelly, and getting nasty injuries from fights.

He will also be less likely to wander off and get run over, as cats that are snipped tend to stay closer to home.

Having Stanley snipped will protect him from a nasty disease called FIV – which is the same as HIV in people, but for cats. It is spread through cat bites, often between males fighting over a female – but can’t be caught by people.

Neutering your beloved kittens really is straightforward and is the best option for everyone. Once an appointment has been made, you will need to drop them off at the vets, and pick them up again later that same day.

The operation is very simple and involves an anaesthetic. Once they are back at home, Stanley and Molly will need to stay in for a short time – your vet will advise – but they will soon be fit and well again.

Animal charities, such as the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch, struggle to cope with the unmanageable number of cats and kittens being abandoned and neglected in Bedfordshire each year. By neutering Stanley and Molly – you will become part of the solution, not part of the problem – so thank you!

ANIMAL QUERIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk 28

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Hobbies

Astronomy

A hobby that’s (literally) out of this world

By Kate McLelland

The spectacular appearance of the Perseid Shower, every year in high summer, is an event that demonstrates just how exciting watching the night sky can be.

The Perseid Shower is a stream of space dust and particles that flows behind the rather unromantically named Swift-Tuttle comet, forming a glittering procession of meteors. Make the effort to get up early to watch this natural light show and you’ll have a good introduction to astronomy.

Studying the stars and planets can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, whether you are a beginner, observing with the naked eye, or a tech-lover equipped with a substantial telescope and accessories such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera for capturing those night-sky panoramas.

First steps As an amateur astronomer you’ll need to become thoroughly familiar with the night sky: understanding how it changes, not just throughout the hours of a single night, but season by season, and even when viewed from different latitudes.

Most beginners will be tempted to buy a telescope, but remember if you live in an urban area where there is light pollution it’s unlikely you will get a clear view of the night sky, however powerful your telescope may be. The size and quality of the lens is important, but be warned: many of the instruments sold by non-specialist shops are simply not up to the job.

The views of space you can expect with a standard telescope may not match the stunning shots taken from space (without the blurring effect of the earth’s atmosphere), but with a little effort you should be able to see the rich detail on the Moon’s surface, the rings of Saturn and the planet Jupiter’s surface contours, together with its four larger moons. Once

you become more familiar with the night sky you may also be able to locate and view distant galaxies and star clusters.

Learning about astronomy There are many online sources of information, books and software packages to help you get to grips with this vast subject: a list of publications is available from the Royal Astronomical Society’s website (www.ras.org.uk).

If you want to make a serious study of astronomy, there are a number of distance learning courses available. The Open University offers a certificate in “Astronomy and Planetary Science”, which provides a basic introduction that can be studied in separate modules: see the OU website at www.open.ac.uk for more information and costs. Alternatively Liverpool John Moores University offers short courses for under £200 (see www.astronomy.ac.uk).

Joining the astro community Astronomy is fun, but it can be even more enjoyable when you link up with others.

The British Astronomical Association has supported amateur astrologers since 1890 and on their website (www.britastro.org) you can chat to other enthusiasts via BAA’s online forums or find out about meetings and events taking place all over the country.

Astronomy Clubs UK (www.astronomyclubs.co.uk) is also a fantastic resource where you can search for a local club, find blogs and podcasts or search out places to visit.

Whether you’re interested in how the universe was formed, the movements of the planets or the prospect of meeting an alien life form, astronomy is a fascinating and far-ranging topic. It’s a hobby that’s literally out of this world, and there’s no better place to start than in your own (suitably dark) back yard.

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Russell Grant’s

Horoscopes

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Finances will be tight at the beginning of September, so budget accordingly. Be realistic about what you want and need. Fortunately, your best friend or lover will get an unexpected opportunity to earn big money on the 8th. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th is ideal for an intimate encounter. If you’re in love, plan a surprise getaway for your amour. Are you single? You will soon embark on a relationship with someone who exudes excitement and mystery. Be selective about the company you keep during the second half of September. You don’t want a trouble maker to compromise your professional reputation. A very attractive newcomer will flirt like mad with you on the 23rd. It’s nice to know your sex appeal continues to work at full power. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th prompts you to end your association with an organisation. Now the leadership of this group has changed, you’re no longer interested in belonging to it.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th Be realistic about your expectations of a romantic partner in early September. Becoming a little more independent will take a whole load of pressure off your partner. Are you single? A friendship could turn into a passionate affair. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th brings surprising news about an engagement, marriage, or business alliance. This partnership will benefit you in unexpected ways. Beware of promising more than you can deliver on the 17th, or your professional reputation will suffer. Your sensual side will be very strong during the second half of September. This is a great time to indulge your love of good food, tactile fabrics, heady aromas, beautiful music and vibrant colours. Practice moderation at a party or professional gathering on the 26th. Practicing moderation will protect your reputation. The Lunar Eclipse marks the end of a source of income, forcing you to make last minute adjustments to your budget. You might have to cancel an expensive order.

ARIES March 21st - April 20th You need to be a lot more realistic about work deadlines at the beginning of September. A seemingly simple job will take much longer than you think. Fortunately, you will get plenty of help and inspiration from a creative colleague. If you hit a snag, ask for their assistance. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th helps you find relief for a nagging health problem. By changing the way you eat and exercise, you’ll feel years younger. Listen to a medical professional who has years of experience. It will be necessary to accommodate a business or romantic partner’s ever changing schedule at mid-month. Be as flexible as you can and try not to get frustrated with last minute changes. This whole disrupting scenario will soon pass. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th will tempt you to radically alter your appearance. Don’t, or you will be sorry. This is not the time to go for a radical makeover or extreme image update.

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TAURUS April 21st - May 21st Building a nest with your amour will be your first priority in early September. The two of you may decide to cohabitate, get married, or move to a bigger place. It will be easy to find exactly the space you need to thrive as a couple. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th is perfect for launching a creative project, showing off your art work, or taking a romantic risk. Your partner’s resources won’t be as plentiful during the second half of the month and you’ll be expected to pick up the slack. Put your heads together to devise a budget that reflects both of your financial priorities. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to capitulate to a big bureaucracy. You won’t be able to fight the authorities at this time. Giving in gracefully will save time, money and aggravation. Don’t let pride stop you putting an end to this nightmarish situation.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Money for a house payment or tuition will arrive in early September. Resist the urge to squander these resources on something that will afford short term pleasure. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th is perfect for finding a beautiful living arrangement. If you want to buy a place, explore an area that is known for its natural beauty. You’ll have to be extremely practical regarding work at midmonth. There won’t be much money in the budget for extravagant projects. You’ll also have to put in longer hours at the office. Your relationship with your best friend, lover, or business partner will take on a serious tone during the second half of the month. Don’t be surprised if you have to take over some of your friend’s responsibilities. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th marks the sudden end of a friendship or group association. You simply can’t afford to connect yourself with people who are involved in under the counter activities.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd The opening days of September will be confusing. You aren’t sure of where you should be heading. It feels like you’re trying to find your way out of a blender. Instead of forcing yourself to make a decision, take a few deep breaths and let events unfold on their own. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th will bring enlightening information. You may decide to take a class, move to a nearby town, or sign a contract with a powerful executive.

Work will become more stable during the second half of the month. It will be much easier to follow a predictable schedule. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings an abrupt end to a public role. Although you will be sad to lose this position, this turn of events is a blessing in disguise.

Spend the lion’s share of your time on domestic pursuits as September turns to October.

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Russell Grant’s

Horoscopes

LEO July 24th - August 23rd It’s important to be realistic about finances in the early days of September. Buying everyone lunch and covering friends’ expenses will put you in jeopardy. Keep careful track of everything you spend.

Putting yourself on a budget is strongly advised. Good news about a fitness regime will arrive on or around the 8th. It’s a relief to know you can move forward with plans. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th attracts a new source of income. Put this extra money in a savings, retirement, or college fund. The second half of September will prove quite busy. Running errands, answering messages and filing paperwork will take up a great deal of time. Fortunately, you’re up for the challenge. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to part ways with someone who has offensive beliefs. You can’t afford to be connected with such a troubled individual. Take steps to protect your reputation as October approaches.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd Things will be a little tense between you and a lover at the beginning of September. Try a little tenderness.

Try not to get too upset with your partner’s dreamy ways.

Not everyone can be as practical as you. The two of you are a great team because you balance each other. Remember this the next time you get upset. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th is ideal for branching into unfamiliar territory. Whether you get a new job, change your look, or take up a creative hobby, you will get an enthusiastic reception. Keep careful track of your receipts during the second half of the month, as you will have to return some defective merchandise. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings an abrupt end to a source of unearned income. This will be a secret relief, as it allows you to break free of an oppressive relative or business partner.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd It will be virtually impossible to get help from colleagues in the beginning of September. Instead of beating your head against a brick wall, just resign yourself to doing all the labour yourself. Make sure your boss knows about the situation, so they will be apprised of how valuable you are to the organisation. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th will allow you strike an arrangement where you can work from home. If you already have your own business, you may decide to move to a more central location or hire an assistant. Consider hiring an older professional who won’t require a lot of supervision. Your amour will have a delightful surprise in the second half of September.

You might go away on holiday quite suddenly. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to let go of some unrealistic expectations about your best friend. You either need to break up or make up.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd You’ll be able to negotiate a much better deal than you are initially offered in early September.

Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer during this fateful time. Resist the urge to tell a secret on the 9th, or you will have serious problems with a relative. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th puts you in contact with some influential executives. Be sure to have a supply of business cards on hand, as these bigwigs will have a beneficial effect on your career. You’ll have fewer personal responsibilities in the second half of September, which comes as a relief. Take this opportunity to schedule a short break. It will be easier to get people to return your phone calls on the 25th, thanks to bureaucratic restraints being lifted. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings a health matter to your attention. You’ll no longer be able to eat certain foods or engage in certain kinds of exercise.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st You’ll be asked to take the helm of an important group in the beginning of September. If you manage this project well, you will be given even better assignments later on. A flirtatious conversation on the 8th gives you a sexy glow. It’s nice to know you have the power to melt hearts and turn heads. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th results in a fantastic job offer. Not only will this position increase your prestige, but it will also pay extremely well.

Be realistic about how this new job will affect your home life, especially when you discuss the details with family on the 17th. Your personal responsibilities will dramatically increase during the second half of September. Prepare to spend more time at the office. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to take a more realistic approach to a budding romance. It’s important for you to have an intellectual rapport with the one you love.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th Your willpower is extremely strong in early September. Take this opportunity to break a bad habit or establish a healthy one. You definitely don’t have to justify your new way of life to an inquisitive colleague. You don’t have to defend yourself to relative strangers. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th is perfect for scheduling an overseas trip. Visiting an ancient city will uplift and inspire you. Working in solitude proves enjoyable during the second half of September. It’s easier to focus on your duties without constant interruptions. You’ll be able to assert your authority more effectively on the 25th, when a chaotic situation demands your attention. People who used to challenge your assertions will gladly take direction from you when panic sets in. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th marks the end of an emotional domestic drama. At long last, you’ll be able to retain control of your surroundings. If this means moving to a new place, so be it.

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Word Ladder

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

L E A F

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

T W I G

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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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n O s ’ t Wha In September

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

1 September Pond Dipping & Minibeast Hunting 11am-3pm £1 per child Hinchingbrooke Country Park Join Rangers and volunteers to see what little creatures are living in the pond and the meadow. Full equipment provided. Children must be accompanied. Tel: 01480 388666 2 September Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Guests £2 Sue Stephenson will talk about Wild Flowers, Meadows and Hardy plants. Refreshments provided. All welcome - please come along.

3 September Ouse Washes People and Places 1.30-3pm Huntingdon Library Free admission Mike Petty explores the people and communities who live alongside the Old and New Bedford Rivers. Places are limited; please see library staff or call to reserve a free ticket.

Tel: 0345 045 5225 3, 10, 17 & 24 September 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 4-6 September Eleventh Annual Beer and Cider Festival Fri 6-11pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun noon-10.30pm Toft People’s Hall Free entry Toft Social Club. Only £2.40 pint! Thirteen real ales; mostly from brewers in a 25 mile radius, and three ‘real’ local ciders. Gluten free beer and food available. Live music Saturday and Sunday evenings. Tel: 01223 263359 Web: www.toftsocialclub.org.uk

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4, 11, 18 & 25 September 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 5 September Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church, St Ives Free admission Handmade art and craft stalls and tombola.

5 September Keysoe Village Show Entries open to all. Schedules with entry forms, are now available from various outlets in the vicinity of Keysoe or telephone 01234 378878 for more information.

5 September The Alabama Hayriders 12pm The Chequers, Wrestlingworth Wrestlingworth Goodwill Day to raise money for local causes. Come and listen to the reunited legendary swing band of the 60s and 70s. Tel: 01462 701779 for further details 5 & 6 September Cambridgeshire Antiques Fair Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Online Adults & Concessions £4, On the door Adults & Concessions £5, Under 16 free Around 200 stands, the fair has earned the enviable reputation for being one of the largest events of its type in the region, with an army of regular visitors frequenting the fair. A wide range of antiques and collectables available.

5-18 September Big Autumn Book Sale Huntingdon Library Hundreds of ex-library and second hand books for sale. Tel: 0345 045 5225

5, 12, 19 & 26 September Parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 5k timed run.

Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate 5, 12, 19 & 26 September Outdoors Yoga 9am Wimpole Estate £8 Tel: Rebecca Agouropoulos 07740 067186 Email: becxster79@hotmail.com 6 September Walking with Comberton Ramblers Walking is an excellent form of exercise as well as making new friends. Cambridgeshire is an ideal area for walking with relatively few hills.

Comberton Ramblers walk Sunday mornings – between 5-6.5 miles. New walkers are welcome to join us with up to 2 free walks, and if you enjoy our walks we request that you become a member. Autumn 2015 walk programme starts on 6 September.

Tel: Stella: 01954 210049 Email stella.ramblers@hotmail.com Web: www.combertonramblers.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 September 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.

7, 14, 21 & 28 September 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 as we take turns to dance with each other. May-Sept is at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Godmanchester and Sept-May is at Little Stukeley Village Hall.

Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com Tel: Mr Hedley Goodman 01733 350185 hedley@goodman2.plus.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In September 9 September Pat’s Pole to Pole 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton Admission £2.50, Accompanied children free An illustrated talk entitled ‘Pat’s Pole to Pole’ by Pat Doody, who is Chairman of the Huntingdonshire Local Group. Pat has a particular interest in coastal ecology and is also an accomplished photographer. He has recently been on an epic trip to Antarctica, returning via many of the Atlantic Islands. Pat will tell us about all the wonderful wildlife he has seen on this trip and also on a previous trip to Svalbard. Tel: Tim 01480 457795 9 September Flower arranging classes for Beginners 1-3pm Tesco Community Space Fortnightly class. Tel: Lyn 01480 731009 9 September Flower arranging classes for Beginners 7.30-9.30pm Methodist Church, Berkley Street, Eynesbury Fortnightly class. Tel: Lyn 01480 731009 10 September Kimbolton Medical Centre Patients Participation Group 7pm The forum will be focusing on Mental Health and Wellbeing.

13 September Cambridgeshire Baby & Toddler Show 10am-4pm, last entry 3pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Early bird tickets £2.50, On the door £3.50, Under 16 free Over 100 businesses running stalls and offering free activities covering every aspect of pregnancy to pre-school. Goodie bags for the first 500 advance ticket holders (one per family). Please note only cash accepted on the door. Web: www.yourlocalbabyshow.co.uk/

16 September Carers Coffee Club 2.30-4pm The White Horse, High Street, Tilbrook Are you caring for a loved one with a memory loss? Then come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in a similar situation. Our informal group meets on every third Wednesday of the month. No need to book, just turn up. Hope to see you there.

Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 for further details Email: kimpigfarmer@tiscali.co.uk 18 September A Royal Affair Doors open 7.30pm, film starts 8pm Screen St Ives, Corn Exchange, St Ives Directed by Nikolaj Arcel (Denmark), 2012.

135mins Cert 15. An illicit love affair between a queen and her physician, an increasingly unstable king and a burgeoning revolution in 18th century Denmark make this an immensely gripping film. The sumptuous costumes, real-life characters and palatial settings are a joy to behold as the turbulent story unfolds.

Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 19 September Huntingdonshire Music School Big Band 1940s Concert 11am-11.45am, 12.30-1.15pm Huntingdon Library Free admission Everybody welcome. Please come along and join in the fun! Tel: 0345 045 5225 19 September “Taste & See Festival” 12-5pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Free admission Come along to this event celebrating parish life and find out what Little Paxton Church can offer you.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

20 September Family & Animal Fun Day 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Wood Green Annual Animal Fun Day inviting all families, as well as those who have rehomed an animal from them, to join the activities at the Godmanchester centre. Highlights will include a Land Train, inflatables, appearances from our Doc McStuffin look-a-like, farmer’s market and craft fair. Tel: 0844 248 8181 Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk Web: www.woodgreen.org.uk 23 September-2 December The Self-Portrait 10-11.30pm Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey Course fee £48.00 Hemingfords’ WEA Course. The Self-Portrait: a study of the many types of self-portrait and what they mean to us, artists’ paintings, personal diaries, fictional autobiography, poetry and houses as self-portraits. Tutor is Fiona Lucraft. Ten one and a half hour sessions.

Tel: Maureen Rolfe 01480 463493 24 September St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 AGM and suggestions of topics for open meetings and places to visit for next year.

Competition is One Vase of Cut Flowers.

28 September The Friendly Invasion - the USAAF in East Anglia 1942-1945 2-4pm Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey Free admission. Hemingfords’ WEA inaugural lecture, open to all. The arrival of the first US airmen in the UK following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, their cultural impact and the legacy of their presence. Speaker will be Ian McLachlan, aviation historian.

Tel: John Rolfe 01480 463493

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• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am – 5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement

Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT info@cromwellstoves.co.uk 01480 812281 | 07786 854946

G.B.BUILDERS NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing

Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

www.cromwellstoves.co.uk 40

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Augusts Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Eve Thompson from Brampton

Easy

Fair Fabrics Ad_Layout 1 11/05/2015 10:46 Page 1

Hard

FAIR FABRICS & INTERIORS Take the stress out of life, relax, and let us come to you!

• Curtains • Upholstery Fabrics • Wallpapers • Curtain Poles • Lighting • Furniture • Design Advice Mobile Showroom to your door!

Please call for free help and advice Emma Lewsley on 07939 150217 or 01480 890026 www.fairfabrics.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Look sulky (4) 3 Trader (8) 9 Saved (7) 10 Tacks (5) 11 Concerns numbers (12) 14 Not working (3) 16 One hundred centimetres (5) 17 Glimpse (3) 18 Recognition (12) 21 Solitary (5) 22 Alleviate (7) 23 Poured onto salad (8) 24 In addition (4) 1 Found in Egypt (8) 2 Distressed (5) 4 Finish (3) 5 Substantial (12)

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

18th September 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



Down

6 E.g. dogs and cats (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Self-service stores (12) 12 Loft (5) 13 Twists and turns (8) 15 Condemn (7) 19 Perfect (5) 20 Hairless (4) 22 Move quickly (3)

Name: Tel: Address:

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FLOORED

By Ian

Plumbing & Heating Specialists

Boiler ● Servicing ● Repair ● Replacement Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean Free visits to estimate or advise.

● General Plumbing ● Heating ● Bathrooms

Best prices and quality with a friendly service.

Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308

We accept debit and credit cards

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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AJC Window Cleaning Traditional and Reach & Wash System Domestic and Commercial Services

DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR EXISTING DOUBLE GLAZING

All Repairs Carried Out On UPVC, Aluminium Or Timber Windows and Doors, Including: Glass Misted Up Or Broken, Handles Or Hinges, Door or Window Locks, Cat Flaps, Letter Plates and Door Panels Fitted.

Conservatories also repaired/cleaned.

Gutter Cleaning

Free Quotes Tel: 07897 338 167

Email: ajcwindowcleaning@live.com

www.ajcwindowcleaning.co.uk

all No Ct u O e Charg

Tel: 01480 462948 Mobile: 07973 682562

Email: cst.dgrepairs@googlemail.com www.cstupvcrepair.co.uk

RICHARD KENYON MASTER THATCHER

Of Bluntisham, Cambridge

T: 01487 843377 M: 07873 549872 E: richardkenyon_1@hotmail.com Richard Kenyon 1/2 page advert.indd 46

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Books

Book Review

By Bruce Edwards

Pet Services

The Angel and the Cad Geraldine Roberts

Macmillan h/b £20 ISBN: 978-1-4472-8349-2 First published - June 18th 2015 First glance at this very well-presented volume might suggest that it is an up-market historical novel, and the sub-title ‘Love, loss and scandal in Regency England’ won’t alter the view. However, once immersed and you’ve read the introduction, all will be revealed. Catherine is to be envied. She’s rich, comes from an aristocratic family, has a sweet temperament and an appearance to cause most gentlemen to swoon. So, she must be - and is - the Angel. The Cad - and this is the hinge on which the main structure of the true story turns - is the man she falls in love with. He exploits every aspect to his own advantage. You’d have thought he’d be happy with such a delightful creature, but no, he beds every susceptible woman in sight..

Catherine forgives him much, tries her hardest for reconciliation for the sake of her three children; alas to no avail and eventually sees her lovely Wanstead mansion demolished to help pay off his debts. Poor girl; she lives in an age when women seeking divorce are up against the law, which doesn’t allow mothers custody of their children either. This is a very enticingly written and well researched account with some interesting revelations so, even if factual books aren’t your thing, be brave, for you won’t regret the read.

Riveting stuff.

Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894

Use your local removal company

Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

Light Haulage & Removals House & Office Removals Collections/Deliveries Free Quotes Luton Tail-lift Van Covering all of the UK Fully Insured Service No Extra Charge for Evenings/Weekends

Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.”

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Call Trevor

Tel: 07782 359050 Email: trevor_trs@yahoo.co.uk

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Getting the balance right for a faster sale Price your home too high and it will take longer to sell.

Too low and you’ll lose money. We won’t flatter you with an over-inflated valuation or sell you short.

not all estate agents are the same..

Contact us today on 01480 860600, or visit www.simpsonandpartners.co.uk