Villager Alconbury Aug 12

VILLAGER The

Issue 5 - August 2012

and Town Life

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

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In this Issue

VILLAGER

Issue 5 - August 2012

The

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and Town Life

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Samuel Pepys School

By Mandy Green

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

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Hinchinbrooke House

Advertising Sales

By T. R. Wheeley

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

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Prize Crossword

Additional Editorial Alex Brown, Mandy Green,

£25 could be yours!

Sarah Davey, Pippa Greenwood, Tony Larkins and Fiona McLeman

Transition Trouble.................................................................................4 RAF Wyton Band Salutes Olympic Flame......................................8

Front Cover Photo: Hinchingbrooke House Thanks to T. R. Wheeley

Summer Savings................................................................................. 13 Make A Time Capsule........................................................................ 17 Be Hot to Trot This Summer............................................................ 19 It’s Fine, I’m his Common Law Wife.............................................. 20

Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

NHS - It’s Your Problem..................................................................... 23 Rural Ramblings.................................................................................. 28

Publishers

Children’s Page.................................................................................... 30

Villager Publications Ltd

Seasonal Delights............................................................................... 33

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.

Puzzle Page........................................................................................... 36 Fun Quiz................................................................................................. 47 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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Transition Trouble?

By Alex Brown

A new school can be tough. Read our guide and help your child make the change with confidence Some children find it easy to start at a new school.

They are good at making friends and can adapt to new routines and surroundings. For others, it can be a traumatic experience as they struggle to settle in. It can also be a difficult time for parents, who may not know how to help.

Most children will start a new school at some time – whether it’s because the family moves house, the child has been bullied, or simply as they move up through the education system. Fortunately, there are lots of ways that parents can support children through these changes. Here are some suggestions: • Make sure you attend the open days offered by the new school. This is a good way to familiarise yourselves with the teachers, other children in the class and the layout of the buildings.

• Carefully read the information provided by the school. Make a note of key dates and get to know procedures before term starts.

• Children are likely to be experiencing a mixture of feelings – they’re excited about the changes ahead, but also anxious about how they’ll cope. Encourage them to talk about their fears and suggest solutions. If you can’t solve their problem instantly, talk about ways that you can find an answer.

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• If your child isn’t moving schools with a close friend, try to identify at least one child they will recognise. Arrange to meet up in the holidays so the children get to know each other. Encourage your child to join a lunchtime or after-school club to meet children in other classes who share their interests.

• Keep praising your child for how well they are coping with this big change. If they are feeling confident, they will find it easier to deal with new situations.

• If your child is starting a new school in the middle of term, perhaps after a bad experience, reassure them that this is a fresh start. Keep calm and positive and your child will pick up on this.

• After the long summer holiday, it can be difficult to get back into the school routine. In the week before they return, start getting up early again and re-establish a regular bedtime.

• Be prepared: have a trial run of the route to school and get together uniform, bags and stationery supplies well in advance.

• A few wobbles are always to be expected when a child starts a new school, but if problems persist for more than a few weeks or seem more serious, arrange to speak to your child’s teacher. They would always prefer you to come to them early if you are worried.

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Samuel Pepys School

BY MANDY GREEn - HEADTEACHER Samuel Pepys School is an Area Special School and a Specialist School for Cognition and Learning. As such, we offer a full range of opportunities for children and students with special needs aged from 2 – 19 years. Many of our children and young people have complex or profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Often these students are largely dependent on adults for communication, self-care and mobility.

We are a school committed to life long learning and we believe that education for our students includes not only the subjects of the national curriculum but most importantly communication and life skills.

We aim therefore, to teach the students the skills necessary for self-care and living that others may take for granted. We want our students to become successful members of the wider community. .

We are a very happy school where children enjoy their learning experiences.

We concentrate on providing for individual needs so that all students can be encouraged to reach their full potential. Thus physiotherapy happens alongside numeracy; music therapy and science; hydrotherapy aswell as communication or play therapy aswell as ICT. For some achievement may mean using a switch independently to indicate a need and for others it may be gaining an accredited qualification in an area of skill. All achievements are celebrated with equal pleasure.

Students come to us from a wide geographical

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area and most are transported to and from school by taxis or mini-buses.

Some children join us at the start of their educational careers and some transfer from mainstream schools at a variety of ages.

We value enormously the support from our local community which enables us to enrich the core curriculum and meet the very diverse needs of our children. Local people will often see us out and about on our minibus heading to TESCOs to shop for a cooking lesson, to horticulture college or to visit local facilities in the town. Funded, as all schools by the Local authority , we are dependent upon the generosity of caring folk who offer much appreciated donations that enables us to provide specialist facilities. Our current project is to refurbish and develop our sensory garden and if anyone is interested in making a donation please contact the school on Tel. 01480 375012.

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RAF WYTON BAND

SALUTE OLYMPIC FLAME The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band played to a crowd of thousands in the town centre of Huntingdon on Sunday, 8th July as the Olympic Torch Relay passed through.

The RAF Wyton Band, made up of Armed Forces, MOD Civil Servants and civilian volunteers from RAF Wyton and the surrounding area, played to an enthusiastic crowd who had lined the High Street to witness the rare opportunity of seeing the Olympic Torch being carried through their town. The band entertained the crowd with a rousing array of music which catered for all ages and tastes.

One of 15 Torch bearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame through St Ives and Huntingdon, Reg Whittaker (91) of Warboys took centre stage.

A former RAF man, Reg said: “I was selected after my son put me forward for it. It’s a privilege to be able to take part in the event.”

Passing through the High Street just before 9 am, the Olympic Flame was saluted by the RAF Wyton Band with their rendition of Chariots of Fire. The music, written by Vangelis, was especially written for the 1981 British film Chariots of Fire which tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics.

Olympic Torch passing in front of the RAF Band

Bandmaster Graham Sheldon conducting the RAF Wyton Band.

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RAF Wyton Band entertain the crowd at St Benedicts Court.

Olympic Torch hand-over in front of the RAF Wyton Band.

Mrs Sally Rees from Brampton, who retired from the RAF last year after 22 years service, said, “My children and I had a wonderful time. The band were brilliant, and to see two of the torch bearers do a hand-over in front of them as they played Chariots of Fire just added to the occasion. My children even got to hold the Olympic Torch.”

Bandmaster Mr Graham Sheldon said, “It was a great honour for the band to be asked to take part in the day’s celebrations. We always get a great reception in Huntingdon and it made the long hours of practice all the more worthwhile.

Adapting a piece of music like Chariots of Fire which was originally composed for synthesizer was quite tricky but I think our version went down well with the crowd.”

Not to be outdone by the overwhelming response from around the rest of the country, Huntingdon Town Council ensured there was a packed programme which included a children’s fun run and the opportunity to wave through a long distance charity cycling event. With the noise of the crowds and the band to accompany them, the day was a great success.

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summer savings

By Sarah Davey

Oh the long glorious days of August. If you’re like me, all you really want to do is stretch out on a rug in the garden with a good book, host the odd barbecue and enjoy any sunshine summer deigns to throw our way. So you might think it odd that I’m now going to ask you to turn your thoughts to winter for a few minutes. I do have your best financial interests at heart though, and in these difficult economic times, that’s got to be worth a few minutes of anyone’s time…right?

The long days of summer are not just lazy for us; they are also a quiet time for lots of tradesmen.

Think about it; as soon as the temperature drops in mid October, people will begin to think about cold snaps and central heating. They’ll probably arrange for their boiler to be serviced...along with everyone else.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to get ahead of the game and have your boiler serviced whilst there isn’t a queue? If your boiler is more than fifteen years old it probably needs to be replaced and you may well be able to negotiate a nice discount at this time of year.

While you’re at it, if you have an open fire or a solid fuel range, order fuel now, in bulk, while you can take advantage of lower summer prices.

Summer is also a good time to organise a chimney sweep. There aren’t too many about and they tend to be swamped in the autumn as people think about using their fireplace again.

Energy costs continue to rise week on week, so why not use this summer to improve your cavity wall and loft insulation. Most energy providers offer a free home survey and advise where you could save money. Think about it now and you’ll have plenty of time to organise improvements before the first frosts. Kerching!

Other businesses with a quiet period Summer is traditionally a quiet time for financial advisers and companies specialising in investments. Perhaps you could benefit from a financial makeover.

It might sound odd, but this time of year is also quiet for train and coach travel, so you might be able to pick up a bargain ticket or two.

Summer has always been a quiet time for politics, so now is a great time to tackle your MP about any local issues which are bothering you.

And finally, if any of your electrical goods have seen better days, now is the best time to check out your local high street for a great deal on an upgrade.

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Hinchingbrooke House

By T.R.Wheeley

(Teacher of History)

Hinchingbrooke, now home to Hinchingbrooke sixth form.

Hinchingbrooke House was constructed around the remains of a Benedictine nunnery, with some of its walls dating from as early as the 12th century. The Priory of St. James was moved to Hinchingbrooke from Eltisely around 1200. The layout of the House still echoes its monastic origins and the Library occupies the footprint of a Norman church that was at the heart of the nunnery until its dissolution in 1536.

By this time Henry VIII was determined to dissolve the Catholic Church in England, thus allowing him to divorce his Queen, Catherine of Aragon. When Hinchingbrooke had been visited a year earlier, the King’s commissioner had found its prioress dying and only three nuns in residence. Thus, the nunnery was suppressed without any recorded opposition, its value being judged at a little over £17.

Within two years Hinchingbrooke was granted to Sir Richard Cromwell, along with Ramsey Abbey. Sir Richard was the nephew of the King’s chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, and was himself a good friend of the King. He and his heirs proceeded to use Ramsey

Abbey as a quarry, and it is thought that much of the rebuilding work at Hinchingbrooke was carried out using masonry brought from there. The magnificent medieval gatehouse at Hinchingbrooke was moved to its current location from Ramsey Abbey in the 1540s. Other Tudor features remain visible still, including the redbrick kitchen wing, as well as the remains of a large wall painting depicting knights in combat.

After Sir Richard’s death in 1545, the estate passed to Sir Henry Cromwell, better known as ‘the Golden Knight’. He acquired the nickname due to his habit of regularly throwing gold coins from his carriage.

Sir Henry played host to Elizabeth I at least twice, once in 1564 and again in 1586. The Queen’s first visit proved to be somewhat embarrassing for Sir Henry due to the performance of a satirical play by the scholars of Cambridge University about Elizabeth’s religious policy. It so enraged the Queen that she ordered all the lights extinguished and sent them back to Cambridge in the dark!

Nonetheless, her visit was commemorated in 1602

The Apostle Courtyard is still the main entrance into the House.

The North Front

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by Sir Henry’s son, Sir Oliver, who constructed Hinchingbrooke’s iconic Great Bow Window surmounted with the royal arms of Elizabeth I. Sir Oliver’s attempts to seek patronage at the court of James I began well, with the new King staying at Hinchingbrooke on his way south to claim the English throne in 1603. Returning nearly every year of his reign to enjoy the local hunting, it seemed that Sir Oliver’s position as an advisor to the King’s son, Prince Henry, would serve him well. Alas, shortly after visiting Hinchingbrooke in 1612, Prince Henry died of typhoid and with him died Sir Oliver’s hopes for advancement. Years of hosting royalty left the family coffers empty and by 1627, Sir Oliver was forced to sell Hinchingbrooke to Sir Sydney Montagu of Barnwell. Little did Sir Oliver realise that it would be his nephew and namesake, Oliver Cromwell, who would rise to lead the nation as Lord Protector.

The Montagu family, who were granted the earldom of Sandwich in 1660, remained in possession of Hinchingbrooke until they left the House in 1962.

Shortly after moving to Hinchingbrooke the family was split by the English Civil War, with Edward Montagu distinguishing himself as a parliamentary commander in defiance of his royalist father, Sir Sydney. Despite later supporting Oliver Cromwell, Edward played a key role in the Restoration of Charles II, for which he was made Earl of Sandwich.

Samuel Pepys, cousin and secretary to Edward, recorded much of the rebuilding work carried out at that time in his famous diary.

The following century, John Montagu, the fourth Earl, played a key role in reforming the Navy as First Lord of the Admiralty. He also found time to invent the popular snack that has taken his name – though this owes more to the long hours spent at the Admiralty than to hours at the gaming table. Many eighteenth-century gothic features date from the time of the fourth Earl, including the magnificent painted glass that still decorates the windows in the Library.

The House was badly damaged by fire in 1830, but thankfully, a lack of funds and the family’s attachment to the House ensured that it was modified rather than completely rebuilt. In the twentieth century the eight Earl opened the House to wounded officers of the First World War, and the Red Cross completely occupied the building during World War Two. The

The Great Bow Window family left the House in 1962 when Victor Montagu decided to move to Mapperton in Dorset, which he served as MP. The County Council purchased the estate, and in 1970 the House became the Sixth Form centre of the newly renamed Hinchingbrooke School – the comprehensive successor to Huntingdon Grammar School. The survival of the building owed much to educationalists like Ian Currey, Guy Fisher, John Wakelin and Mary Stuart, all of whom saw that Hinchingbrooke had a future as a site of learning and so saved it from demolition. Now with 400 sixth formers on the roll, and nearly 2000 pupils in total, Hinchingbrooke School remains the proud guardian of this remarkable building.

Hinchingbrooke House is open to the public for tours on Sunday afternoons during the summer months from 2-5pm, and the newly updated history of the House is now available from the school. All enquiries: communications@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk

Hinchingbrooke House

Hinchingbrooke House, Brampton Road, Huntingdon PE29 3BN Tel: (+44) 01480 375700 Fax: (+44) 01480 375699 communications@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk www.hinchingbrookeschool.net To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Make a Time Capsule

By sarah davey

A fun summer holiday project to do with the children is to make a family time capsule, where photos and other mementos are stored away for years then opened again on an agreed date.

Decide how long you want to store your capsule.

It might be for a set number of years or until a specific date or anniversary.

Decide where to put it. Burial may not be the best option because of the likelihood of damage or loss.

If you do decide to bury it you’ll need your capsule to be airtight and waterproof. Special capsules can be purchased for this.

Above ground options can include the attic or the garage. You can even buy hollow polyurethane rocks to disguise the capsule and allow you to leave it outdoors.

Everyone in the family should contribute something. Items can include: newspapers, fashion magazines, photos, drawings, toys, It’s nice to get everyone to write something about what it’s like to live in 2012 and what special events have taken

place in their life.

The contents should be sealed inside plastic bags and it’s a good idea to include some desiccant gel bags to absorb any moisture. Don’t include anything which might perish (rubber, wool, wood, or anything edible).

When it’s filled hide it out of sight. Make a note of where it is in case you move. Also make a note at the end of each calendar year to remind you where it is and when to open it.

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Be Hot to Trot this summer

with our AUGUST Offers Throughout the month of August we are offering a GelFX Manicure and Sienna X Spray Tan for only £40 (a saving of 27%!).

Our GelFX Manicure consists of a File and Shape, cuticle tidy and application of GelFX, a longer lasting, chip resistant Gel Nail Lacquer. Choose your colour from our wide range for that special event or just to have great looking nails!

Sienna X Spray Tan is one of the top selling Spray Tans on the market and we can’t recommend it enough. It gives you a natural, tailor made skin that lasts up to 7 days with reasonable care, as per your therapists advice. Have one for that special night, pre holiday glow or just to give you that extra confidence boost!

Also during August why not try having ‘Aromatherapy Massage ‘ and receive 25% discount.

Aromatherapy is an individully tailored treatment with you in mind. The treatment starts with a consultation to blend the correct oils. This helps to ease various physical and psychological conditions you may be experiencing. Potential benefits of

aromatherapy massage include; Relief of Tension and stress, help aid deep relaxation, improve lymphatic system, increase energy levels and uplift mood and spirit. Please be advised a consulatation prior to treatment is necessary for health and safety reasons, as a GP note may be required for some medical conditions For these and other great treatments contact Holistic Hands on 01480 869404 to come and experience the tranquility and serenity our wellbeing centre has to offer. Also find us on Facebook under Holistic Hands Wellbeing Centre and keep up to date with all our special offers! If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact us at info@holistic-hands-online. com by providing your name and email address.

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It’s fine, I’m his common law wife

I’ve got rights against him, haven’t I? Many couples live together sharing their finances under the same roof and under the mistaken assumption that they own a share of the house and that they have rights if they separate. But in short, there is no such thing as the common law wife. An unmarried couple who live together do not have the same rights if the relationship ends as they might do on divorce if they were married. For example, on divorce, spouses have the right to ask for pension sharing orders as well as other arrangements with pensions. An unmarried couple have no rights to ask for a share of pension. Also, a spouse has the right to ask for spousal maintenance. An unmarried couple have no such rights.

If a couple own property together, they will each have rights in respect of that property, provided it is jointly owned. There may be an argument as to whether the equity should be divided equally or in other shares. If the

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property is in one of the couple’s sole name, the other may have no rights at all even if they have been paying towards the household expenses. To make matters more complicated it might be possible to claim that the non owning party has acquired some rights over the property if they can prove that they have contributed to the house and that the property was intended to be held jointly either by things that were said or done or promised or inferred.

It gets more complicated if the couple have children. It is possible to bring a financial claim against the other party on behalf of the children. The claim might be for child maintenance, either through the Child Support Agency and possibly the Court. It is also possible to apply to the Court for money to help meet children’s costs, such as school fees or child care expenses. At worse, the court could order that a property is provided to the parent with care of the children, which will probably be returned to the other parent when the children are grown up.

If you are thinking of moving in with someone, why not take advice to find out what rights you do or don’t have and to see if it would be a good idea to draw up an agreement about who is going to pay for what and what will happen if the relationship ends. If you are already living with someone it’s not too late to find out where you stand and whether there are things you might want to do to protect your position.

And if you are already separated, it may be a legal minefield but sensible legal advice can help you get out of the mess amicably with your ex.

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On behalf of the Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle and Sporting Bears Motor Club our sincere thanks for supporting our annual event every July. However, this year you will no doubt be aware that we had to cancel our Fayre. This decision was made as a direct result of the extraordinary weather conditions we have had over the past few weeks. After inspecting the Castle grounds we found that many locations were completely water logged and there was standing water across the main access routes – it would have rendered the venue into a quagmire.

Undaunted, we will shortly be planning next year’s Fayre, scheduled for Sunday 14th July 2013 and will look forward to seeing you again then.

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

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NHS

It’s Your Problem The NHS is believed to be the third largest employer in the world, with about one million employees.

This puts it behind only the Indian Railway Company and the Chinese Red Army and explains why it consumes £114bn a year in resources or 8% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), second only to welfare.

It also explains why it has lots of managers, thus making it difficult to effect change.

This is the start of the problem.

In 1965, 13% of the UK population were over 65 and over the following 37 years this only increased to 16%.

However, due to the Baby Boomer generation, it is expected that in 20 years’ time, this figure will have increased to 23%. It is also expected that the ratio between those working and those over 65 will have reduced from 3.7 to 1 to 2.5 to 1. This will significantly add to the problem.

When the NHS was launched, the cost of running it was expected to get cheaper over time, rather like the cost of a new TV. However, this has not been the case, as new drugs and procedures have been developed and costs have spiralled upwards – again

Tony Larkins CFP APFS Group Managing Director / IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner Beacon Financial Limited & Beacon Wealth Management Limited

adding to the problem.

So in summary, we will have more people requiring more expensive health care and less taxpayers trying to fund it.

Something serious needs to happen.

Whether we like it or not, it is probable that in future, people will be forced to pay something towards the cost of the health care they receive. This extra cost will be in addition to increasing living expenses. As it is estimated that two thirds of an individual’s life time healthcare costs occur after age 65, this means we will need to make even greater provision for retirement income – so don’t delay.

If your retirement plans are not on track to meet your requirements, contact us or your financial adviser.

Alternatively, think of how the Government could address the problem and contact your local MP. 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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Your Plants Don’t Want a ‘Holiday’

by pippa greenwood If you’re going on holiday shortly, don’t forget that your garden and plants will appreciate some TLC before you leave. An hour or two spent sorting out your plants can not only help to keep them going whilst you’re sunning yourself elsewhere, but also help to make your house look less abandoned in your absence. So before you grab a suitcase, make sure you spend some time in the garden.

I’m certainly not a lawn buff, but whether your lawn is your priority, or like me it’s more of a patch of grass than a bowling green, sort it out before you go. Give it a thorough mowing, cutting it as short as you dare but without ‘scalping’ it by cutting too low. Next take a pair of lawn edging shears, a halfmoon edger or simply a sharp spade and neaten all the edges, including those next to flower beds.

The effect of edging lasts far longer than mowing and will not only stop the lawn moving into the flower beds, but also make the grass appear more recently maintained.

Make sure that all plants, especially those in containers and those forming fruit whilst you’re away, are given a good feed before you go. Liquid feeds usually have the speediest response, but if you’re taking a long trip, controlled release fertiliser granules will last for longer. If you use a dry or granular feed, make sure that you water it in well unless it’s just about to rain.

It really is worth persuading a friend, relative or neighbour to pop in to your garden and do the odd bit of watering. Make sure to suggest that they pick the sweet-peas, harvest some veg and so forth, then you’ll both benefit.

A good, thorough watering of the garden will mean that plants in open ground should be unharmed by hot weather for a good while. Plants in pots and tubs are totally reliant on you if there is not much rain, so make these your priority, and tell your plant-sitter where all the containers are, especially those out of sight.

Many plants cease flowering if faded flowers are left on them and allowed to start to form seeds.

This means it’s extra important to remove every faded bloom before you leave. If you’re off for more than a week, I suggest ‘dead heading’ not only the faded flowers, but also those which are just starting to fade. A sharp pair of scissors or just your finger and thumb should do the trick.

Hanging baskets are invariably in the hottest, sunniest pots in the garden and with their roots

up in the air they are especially prone to drought.

Unless you have a really reliable watering helper lined up, it’s best to carefully lower hanging baskets and stand each one on its own pot in a shady spot where it will dry out less quickly.

Planters and patio pots lose moisture very readily especially if the weather is hot, windy or, worse, a combination of both. By carefully grouping the pots together in one place you’ll not only make it easier for your holiday helper to find them all, but will also create shade around the roots of the pots, so reducing the risk of drought and heat damage.

Try to position more drought tolerant patio plants such as pelargoniums, towards the outer edge of the group, and more drought prone plants towards the cooler centre of the group.

Make sure that your garden sheds and other storage areas are properly secured so that there’s less chance that any light-fingered guests will burgle your belongings. It’s worth giving the padlock keys to a neighbour, just in case there is anything in the shed that might be needed in your absence.

Ladders, mattocks, spades and other gardening items that could be used to break into your house (or the shed) should be removed completely, or locked away out of sight so that they don’t encourage burglary.

Finally check that plants are healthy and that any new outbreaks of pests or diseases are treated or dealt with before you go - leave a handful of whitefly in your greenhouse, or a few greenfly on your roses, and there may well be a full-scale disaster zone when you return!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and order your ‘Winter Thru’ Spring’ Vegetable Collection. Orders close soon. Whilst there, visit the new products area for a great selection of products including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, biological pest controls and lots more!

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Rural Ramblings BY GEOFF WHARTON

War Zone?

There is little more upsetting than to find the feathery remains of a part-eaten beautiful bird such as a male bullfinch discarded and left to blow away in the wind. To see and hear the panic and screams of a bird being attacked by a predator is not for the squeamish. The food chain can be a gory business when seen closeup in high-definition on the TV and even more so when experienced in real life.

The process of getting food by predators, is slightly less disturbing when it is appreciated that it is done for survival, but when the killing is gratuitous, as is the case by well-fed domestic animals such as cats, it is only reasonable to try to reduce the carnage. Attaching bells or attempting to impose a night -time curfew as suggested by some wild-life protectors, may not have the desired effect, but at least the problem is now being discussed.

It was interesting to hear about the use of birds of prey to discourage pigeons and other lowly specimens disrupting prestigious events such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament and especially the outrage shown when it was discovered that the falcon had been stolen! Fortunately this hard – working and honourable hawk has now been returned to his rightful owner and can continue his good work of scaring off the hordes of distracting doves. I had previously heard that birds of prey had been successfully used to keep airport runways clear of other birds (which can cause disaster if they are allowed to be sucked into the intake of jet engines), but this is the first sporting event I have heard of being managed in this way.

I was also intrigued to see the Norwich Cathedral webcam showing continuous coverage of a family of three peregrine falcon chicks. A platform had been carefully fitted two hundred and fifty feet above the ground and filled with gravel to provide ideal conditions for the two hard-working parents to rear their young. Many thanks for all the efforts for this successful project. The sights of parents 28

returning to their offspring with various birdy food parcels and carefully feeding them with tiny morsels, was incredibly touching (little thought of course being given to the hapless victims as their bodies were shredded and eaten!)

Of course the birds themselves don’t have any hang-ups about the killing and eating of other animals. That is the way they survive. That is how they have evolved. That is how they live. They have wonderful adaptive features which allow them to be very efficient in how they obtain their food. They can be merciless killers but, at the same time, can be caring and protective parents. Predators survive by killing other animals and this can seem cruel when viewed through well-fed eyes. We can become disturbed at the scene of such killing and it is tempting to intervene to protect the victim.

Should we always leave well alone?

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified.

General and specialist garden work: Jungle clearing, Pruning, Hedge and grass cutting, Regular maintenance, Licensed waste disposal.

Full public liability cover.

Geoff Wharton - BSC honours Hort.Science Email:geoffwharton@hotmail.com

Tel: 01767 261727

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Wood Green Open 7 days a week 10.00am – 4.00pm FrEE entry

Animal Fun Day Sunday 16th September 10.00am – 4.00pm £2 adults

A great family day, enjoying have-a-go dog agility, pet toy making, novelty dog shows, bouncy castle, shopping opportunities and much more, dogs welcome.

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

Behind the scenes tours 14th, 21st & 28th August Booking is essential 1.00pm – 3.00pm £4 per person

Join our Hands On team for a behind the scenes workshop at our Godmanchester Centre. Find out more about dog, cat, small animal and field animal care, make fun pet toys and feed some of our animals tasty treats. Suitable for ages 5+.

Please visit our website or call us for more information about any of our events at the Godmanchester and Heydon Centres.

King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, registered Charity No. 298348.

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

HOME-MADE BURGERS - all you need to know

It’s the barbecue season and nothing tastes better than delicious home-made char-grilled burgers. Follow these top tips for great burgers.

• Always choose good quality premium minced steak for the best flavour but pick one that has some fat in it – don’t buy extra lean mince as the burgers will dry out too much during cooking. Try asking your local butcher to mince some rump or chuck steak with about 20% fat content. For four quarter pounder burgers you’ll need 500g mince.

• Mince is fairly bland so you’ll need to add plenty of flavouring. Grated or very finely chopped onion and minced garlic form the basic flavouring but you add whatever dried or fresh herb, spice or seasoning you like. You’ll need to add 5-10ml (1-2tsp) salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper too.

• A handful of fresh breadcrumbs and a little beaten egg will also help to bind the mince together and prevent the burgers from breaking up during cooking. Whizz all the ingredients in a food processor until the

mixture starts holding together or use clean hands to mix as thoroughly as possible.

• Shape the burgers into round flat discs with wetted hands. To get perfectly round shapes press the mixture into a metal pastry cutter.

Don’t over handle the burgers or they will be tough and dry when cooked.

• Ensure that burgers are cooked all the way through and there is no pinkness in the middle. To check this press the burger down with a fish slice – if there are pink juices oozing out then cook for a few more minutes.

• If you want a change from the classic sesame seed bun why not serve the cooked burgers on top of wedges of toasted ciabatta bread spread with a little mustard mayo or pack into warmed and split pitta breads with salad or coleslaw.

• Try a fresh tomato relish instead of ketchup – just peel and finely dice a couple of ripe plum tomatoes and mix with a little olive oil, fresh chopped basil, a pinch of sugar and salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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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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Welcome PRICES

£4

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

All our conservatories are made-to-measure from modern, low maintenance materials so you can be sure that which ever conservatory you choose, it will continue to look as good as new in years to come.

START FROM ONLYD FULLY INSTALLE Your home deserves the best...

E BAS THE INCLUDING You deserve the best that AND VAT of your money can buy!

The conservatory designed choice individually home! r you suit

by GSN to

,999

With over 20 styles of conservatories on display at our head office and 10 models on show at Wilstead we think you will be spoilt for choice!

FREE

TOP QUALITY CERAMIC FLOOR TILES on all conservatory orders placed this month

GOOD SELECTION OF TILES TO CHOOSE FROM

Some ex-display models available from both sites at incredible savings!

Please enquire for details.

GSN

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

CONSERVATORIES

Pertenhall Road (1 mile from Gt Staughton) Gt Staughton, Nr St Neots Cambs PE19 5BE Telephone 01480 860000 Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm Also at: Season’s Garden Centre Wilstead (main Road - A6) Bedford Beds MK45 3HU Telephone 01234 740011 Open Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm Sun 11am to 4pm

Established since 1984

www.gsn.co.uk

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DELIVERY PEOPLE

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

REQUIRED

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Local people for

The Villager or people with transport for additional contract delivery jobs.

Please email Nigel for more details

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

nigel@villagermag.com

parent company est. 1998

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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Part time advertising sales people required for our exciting new special projects.

Experience preferred but not essential.

If you have a bubbly, confident and outgoing personality and want to work hours to suit from home...

please call Nigel or Christa on 01767 261122 Or email nigel@villagermag.com

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Avoca

Mill Lane, Little Paxton, St Neots PE19 6EH

The cherry on the top…

Not only can you own 100% of a new home yet pay just 80% now with a 5% deposit, you can also view our brand new Showhome Plot 18, 4 bedroom home from

£199,996 with Fair Share*

Open daily 10am-5pm

01480 211263

kierhomes.co.uk

*Based on the following purchase price of £249,995 with the Fair Share Scheme you can purchase your new home for just 80% of the full purchase price. A minimum of 5% deposit is required of the full value of the property. The outstanding balance is financed through an ‘equity loan’ funded by Kier Homes, which is interest free for the first 5 years. The outstanding balance is paid back as a percentage of the Open Market Value after 10 years or subsequent re-sale, whichever occurs earliest. Fair Share is available on selected properties only. Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply, please refer to your sales advisor for more details. Prices correct at time of press.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st - Mrs. C Stevens from St Neots 2nd - Ellie Jones from Wrestlingworth

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 17th August 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Cut short (4) 3 Adversary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Board game (5) 11 Very eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Small piece of food (6) 17 Books giving meanings of words (12) 20 Relating to the moon (5) 21 Absence of sound (7) 22 Moving very fast (8) 23 Spheres (4) Down 1 Business (8) 2 Start of (5) 4 Written in rhyme (6) 5 Now and then (12) 6 Protect the eyes (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Small bunches or groups (8) 14 Physics or chemistry (7) 16 Untie (6) 18 Lying within (5) 19 Add to (4)

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Gessi INTRODUCING

- a new and exciting way to immerse yourself in luxury

Coming soon to Grove Lane’s working display ‘Tremillmetri’

by Gessi – a shower of pure art Only 3mm thick • 2-dimensional • Wall mounted • Rounded or rectangular • Stainless steel mirror finish • Screw-less fitting

CALL 01480 437 445 VISIT THE SHOWROOM Grove Lane Bathrooms, Anglia House (above Anglia Interiors), Stonehill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6ED Open Monday to Saturday – 9am-5pm other times available by appointment

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RHYTHM FESTIVALS 2012 RHYTHM FESTIVAL • RHYTHM FOLK • RHYTHM & BLUES AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – FRIDAY 24 to SUNDAY 26 Mansion House @ Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DX 3 Great Music Festivals for the Price of One

HAWKWIND | THE

FRIDAY

SLACKERS | THE BEAT

EDDIE & THE HOT RODS • 3 BONZOS & A PIANO • MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG + more SATURDAY

BOOKER T | THE DAMNED | ARDAL O’HANLON DENNIS ALCAPONE | KING MOB HANK WANGFORD & THE LOST COWBOYS • CAPTAIN SENSIBLE BAND • THE GROUNDHOGS • HERE & NOW • THE MAGIC TOMBOLINOS • LEATHERAT + more SUNDAY

KEN BOOTHE | JOHN COOPER CLARKE | CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN | DAVID RODIGAN BOOMTOWN RATS • JOHN OTWAY BIG BAND • DELROY WILLIAMS & THE JUNCTION BAND • ATILLA THE STOCKBROKER • KING HAMMOND + more FRIDAY

FRIDAY

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON • LUCY WARD SATURDAY

BUICK 6 • MITCH LADDIE BAND JERRY TREMAINE & THE RISING SONS SATURDAY

PEATBOG FAERIES

DAVID KNOPFLER THE TRAVELLING BAND IAN MCMILLAN ORCHESTRA RICHARD DIGANCE • WISHING WELL SUNDAY

SHOW OF HANDS featuring MIRANDA SYKES

LAU• SCOTT MATTHEWS MOULETTES • KATRIONA GILMORE & JAMIE ROBERTS + more every day!

THE BLUES BAND BIG BOY BLOATER

DAVE KELLY • CHANTEL McGREGOR ROADHOUSE • LUCY ZIRINS SUNDAY

OLI BROWN BAND HAT FITZ & CARA

RHYTHM & BLUES

RHYTHM FOLK

ACOUSTIC STRAWBS WILKO JOHNSON JIM MORAY & BAND GENO WASHINGTON

MICHAEL MESSER 2nd MIND BAND CROSSTOWN LIGHTNIN • CHERRY LEE MEWIS • more every day!

3 festivals offering 3 days of great entertainment on 6 stages plus “fringe” events.

Comedy. Theatre. Madam Miaow’s Culture Lounge. Children’s Entertainment, including Panic Circus, Organised Football & Junior Olympics. Hemlock Morris.

Groovy Movie Picture House. DJ Wheelie-Bag. Real Ales & Ciders. A Wide Choice of Superior Food plus Farmhouse Ice Cream. General Store. Markets. Supervised Campsites. Luxury Loos. Hot Showers. Free Car Parking.

Further details and tickets from:

www.rhythmfestival.com

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Fun Quiz - The Olympic Games 1. Who won eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics to add to the six he won in 2004, breaking the record for having won more career gold medals than any other Olympian?

2. Which country is due to host the 2016 Summer Olympics?

3. After flying from Athens to RNAS Culdrose, in which English county did the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay begin?

4. Which European country holds the record for winning more medals than any other in total at the Winter Olympics?

5. Which famous person declared the 1936 Summer Olympics officially open?

6. In 2007, after claims that his hairstyle looked like the 2012 Olympic logo, which politician said “you can say what you like about my hairstyle, but it’s never caused epilepsy and cost significantly less than £400,000 to design”?

7. Which country’s four man bobsleigh team at the 1988 Winter Olympics was the inspiration for the 1993 film Cool Runnings?

8. The 1980 Summer Olympics held in Moscow were boycotted by a number of nations due to the Soviet Union’s invasion of which country?

9. In 2012, London became the first city to have hosted the Summer Olympics how many times?

10. The title of “world’s greatest athlete” is traditionally associated with the winner of which Olympic event, after King Gustav V of Sweden said “You, sir, are the world’s greatest athlete” to the winner of this event at the Olympics in 1912?

1. Michael Phelps 2. Brazil 3. Cornwall 4. Norway 5. Adolf Hitler 6. Boris Johnson 7. Jamaica’s 8. Afghanistan 9. Three 10. The decathlon

Before

After

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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