Alconbury_feb_13

VILLAGER The

Issue 11 - February 2013

and Town

FRYour co E py E

Life

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

Inside this issue...

Charity Focus

Wood Green, The Animals Charity

Plus

Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword

Tips

to help you REDUCE your electricity

1 8,000 copies covering Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and surrounding areas

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

VILLAGER and Town

Issue 11 - February 2013

In this Issue

F You coRE r py E

The

Life

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

4

Inside this issue...

Reduce Your

Charity Focus

Wood Green, The Animals Charity

Plus

Electricity Bill

Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword

Tips

to help you REDUCE your electricity

8

1 8,000 copies covering Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and surrounding areas

Woodgreen

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257

Exciting Half Term Activities

Christa@villagermag.com

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Additional Editorial

Prize Crossword

Lee Bestall, Alex Brown

£25 could be yours!

Tony Larkins and Solange Hando

Charity Searches for New Recruits......................................6

Front Cover Photo:

Your Family’s Past................................................................... 10

Schmaelterphoto

Use Them or Lose Them....................................................... 15 Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

A Frosty Rerception............................................................... 18 Seasonal Delights................................................................... 21

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd

Puzzle Page............................................................................... 24 What’s On.................................................................................. 26

24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

8,000 copies delivered free of charge

Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

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,

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.

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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Reduce your Electricity Bills

Are you paying too much?

Are you paying too much for your electricity bill?

Firstly: Compare, compare, compare. There is always a supplier that has a better pricing structure for your individual needs.

The best and easiest way to compare all of the prices is to use a comparison website. However one important point to note: when you find what you consider is the best deal for you DON’T go direct to the supplier, but instead link through to the supplier via the comparison site. By doing this you will probably get a cash back deal and therefore earn some money!

If the comparison site that you use does not have this offer, look at another one.

Key comparison sites • Energyhelpline.com • Simplyswitch.co.uk • Moneysupermarket.com • Uswitch.com Secondly: once you have grabbed yourself the best bargain on the market so far as the prices that you will pay for your electricity, you need

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to consider what you can do to keep your bills down.

Keeping your Electricty Bills down • Make sure that your home is properly insulated – the better your insulation the more electricity you will save. There are various government grants available to help you with this.

• Replace your light bulbs with energy saving bulbs and switch off lights and electricity when you do not need them and only turn the heating on when necessary.

• Pay by monthly direct debit – many suppliers will give you a discount for paying like this • Take regular meter readings. If you don’t do this your supplier will estimate your usage until they next take a reading and this may cost you more.

• Unplug your electrical appliances when not in use For more information visit consumer champion and legal expert Dean Dunham’s website www.youandyourrights.com

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5

Charity searches for new recruits

in Huntingdon

People in Huntingdon and the surrounding areas are being urged to help Alzheimer’s Society to support people living with dementia.

The charity is looking for volunteers to help in a number of areas including organising a local fundraising event, helping out in a local office, supporting someone living with dementia or helping to raise awareness across the county.

In Cambridgeshire there are already thought to be 7,544 people with dementia. By 2021, that number is likely to reach 10,685, a dramatic increase of 37%.

Kevin Bowyer, Peterborough and Huntingdon Support Services Manager for Alzheimer’s Society, says “With rising numbers of people with dementia in Cambs it’s vital that Alzheimer’s Society continues to support people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We

rely on volunteers to continue our vital work.

“You don’t need any experience to get involved and there is no age limit. As long as you are committed and enthusiastic then you’re the perfect candidate! Volunteering can be great fun and it’s also an opportunity to pick up some new skills, with training provided.”

The charity is holding an Open Day to provide further awareness of dementia and the supportive work of the charity on Friday 1st March at the Maple Centre in Huntingdon from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. At this event, the charity is looking to fill a number of other roles, including organising a local fundraising event, helping out in a local office, supporting someone living with dementia or helping to raise awareness across the county.

For further details, please contact Yvonne Walton on 01733-893853 or (m) 07766058767.

Activities include:

Hands On behind the scenes tours

Wood Green

Tuesday 12 February 10.00am – 12.00pm or 1.00pm – 3.00pm Godmanchester Centre

£4 per person, suitable for 5 year olds and over.*

Drop in family Hands On

Friday 15 February, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Godmanchester Learning Centre £4 per child, drop in session.

Go guinea pig workshop

Wednesday 20 Feb, 7.00pm – 9.30pm, Godmanchester Centre £20 per person, open to 11 and overs.*

Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet and Gift Shop Children’s play area Children’s ‘hands on’ events Open 7 days a week, 10.00am – 4.00pm FRee entry

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NeW! Family fun session at Heydon Thursday 21 February, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Heydon Centre

Suitable for toddlers up to 7 year olds. £4 per child.*

SQUeAK!

Saturday 23rd February, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Godmanchester Centre A fun family day celebrating all pets small and furry! FREE!

Godmanchester Centre (HQ) King’s Bush Farm London Road Godmanchester Cambridgeshire PE29 2NH

Heydon Centre

Highway Cottage Heydon Hertfordshire SG8 8PN

For further information on these events contact the Hands On Team Call: 0844 248 8181 Or email: handson@woodgreen.org.uk

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

*Booking essential.

Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the Registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, Registered Charity No. 298348.

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WOODGREEn

OFFER EXCITING HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

This half term Wood Green, The Animals Charity will be offering families exciting behind the scenes tours, workshops and drop in sessions at its Godmanchester and Heydon Centres.

Find out about some of the exciting events taking place and find out how you can get involved.

February 12th – morning and afternoon family fun workshops.

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. £4 per person and suitable for 5 year olds and over. Booking essential as places limited.

February 15th 10.00am – 12.00pm drop in family hands on fun Join our Hands On Team at our Godmanchester Centre for drop in pet toy making activities suitable for all ages from toddlers upwards. Plus have fun with animal story time and meet some of our small animals looking for new homes. £4 per child, drop in session so no need to book.

21st February 10.00am – 12.00pm NEW! Family fun session Come along to our first ever family fun indoor session at our Heydon Centre and get hands on with the Education Team. Lots of fun, messy, making activities

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creating items to take home for your pets PLUS guinea pig story time at 11am with live, friendly guinea pigs! Suitable for toddlers up to 7 year olds. £4 per child, booking essential as spaces limited.

21st February 1.00pm – 3.00pm behind the scenes animal care workshop Join our Hands On Team this February half term for a behind the scenes workshop at our Heydon Centre full of extra surprises! Find out more about how we look after our cats, rabbits and guinea pigs and how they love to have friends. Visit our vet surgery, get

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hands on becoming a vet nurse and meet some of our lovely animals looking for new homes. Plus make fun toys to take home for your pets and help us find homes for our animals looking for loving new families.

Suitable for 5 years and over. £4 per person, booking essential as spaces limited.

To book a place on any of the events, please call 0844 248 8181 or email education@woodgreen.org.uk If you have a child’s birthday coming up soon then look out for our Animal Carer Experience Days this summer at the Charity’s Cambridgeshire Centre in Godmanchester. They make fantastic presents for animal enthusiasts who can become an animal carer for day – www.woodgreen.org.uk

woodgreen Godmanchester Centre

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

Heydon Centre

Highway Cottage, Heydon, Herts SG8 8PN

www.woodgreen.org.uk

Wood Green’s vision is of a world where all pets are well cared for in loving homes for life.

We aim to achieve this vision by providing the best possible care for animals in need, promoting good animal welfare and responsible pet ownership by providing support, guidance and education to members of the public and setting standards of animal welfare in the UK and beyond.

Every year we find secure, loving new homes for around 5,500 animals. As well as rehoming cats and dogs, we rehome many other animals including rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, chickens and goats.

Fast facts at Wood Green in 2012 1. The cats ate 101,470 pouches of cat food in a year.

2. We prepared 26,645 kongs for the dogs in a year.

3. Our field animals got through 364 bales of hay.

4. Our Sandy Charity Shop celebrated its 10th birthday.

5. We featured in 1,005 news articles.

6. Ely Service celebrated its 25th year 7. We cleaned out 394,200 cat litter trays 8. 47 guinea pigs were born at our Godmanchester Centre 9. Our small animals ate 1,095 cabbages last year 10. 3,100 people attended our All About Animal Fun Day 11. 6,242 people joined us on Facebook and 2,415 on Twitter 12. 40 people raised £7,273.23 walking on fire 13. 17,745 people watched our fireworks films 14. Ned was our longest canine resident spending 5 dog years (over 260 days) at Wood Green 15. Our dedicated animal volunteers donated 34,203 hours of their time 16. The 33 metre wind turbine which has been a landmark at the Charity since 1990 was dismantled and replaced with one twice its height 17. We received 51,443 donations 18. 1,117 people donated to Rita’s appeal 19. We microchipped 2,600 dogs 20. Our Education Team have worked with over 33,000 young people and families teaching responsible pet ownership.

21. Our Outreach Team have microchipped, flead, wormed and neutered 8,000 animals in the community since 2009.

22. Income from our 5 charity shops has increased by 24%

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Taking a trip

TO YOUR FAMILY’s PAST When Elaine Thomas booked a week’s holiday in a remote cottage in Yorkshire, she had no idea that she was about to solve a mystery.

After several years spent researching her family history, Elaine - who lives in Kent - had discovered that her ancestors were land-owning farmers from the Richmond district of Yorkshire. She was eager to see where they had lived and died so she chose a pretty cottage in the hamlet of Easby as an ideal base from which to explore the area.

Elaine had focused her research on a branch of the Dixon family, tracing the line back to the year 1695, and she was now intent on filling any gaps in her knowledge. She had been unable to find out where her great, great, great grandparents were buried but thanks to an extraordinary coincidence she discovered the answer lay only a short stroll away. A book left out on display in the village church gave the exact location of their graves in the churchyard.

Elaine will never know what – or who - led to this uncanny revelation but she believes that luck and instinct can play a pivotal role in family research.

Her interest in the subject began as a child, when her grandmother told her stories about relatives.

“Once grandma died, I found I was the only person in the family with that knowledge. I wanted to know more, so I sent off for my grandma’s birth certificate. Although I’m not very good with the internet I looked up www.ancestry.co.uk and signed up for two weeks’ free trial.”

Elaine was determined to follow the female line of her family although she knew it would be difficult because the surnames would not be consistent. Unable to progress beyond her great, great grandmother Mary, she worked on a hunch

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inspired by the census.

“One of her children had the Christian name ‘Dixon’ and I thought that was unusual,” says Elaine. “I’d read in a magazine that mothers often christened children with their maiden names so the name would stay in the family.”

When she entered ‘Mary Dixon’ into an online search, she was rewarded with information that enabled her to trace her roots back to the 17th century.

Elaine’s top tips for starting your own research are to talk to older members of your family and write down every detail, then start to work backwards by requesting copies of birth, marriage and death certificates from the appropriate local records offices.

Valuable information can be obtained from ancestry search magazines and websites such as www.ancestry.co.uk and www.findagrave.com.

She has also found the staff at records offices particularly helpful.

The message boards of online networks such as www.curiousfox.com can be useful but Elaine warns that where the search concerns a common surname, names should be double checked against the census or other official records in order to ensure that the person in question belongs to the right family.

Tracking down family records can be challenging, but for Elaine it has opened up a wealth of new opportunities.

“If I hadn’t done this I would never have used a computer. I’ve also found that my interest in ancestry has given me wider interest in history.

I can honestly say it has opened up a whole new life for me.”

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us Bookings being taken now See our website for sample menu Kids 10 and under eat free!

Weekdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm Check out website for details

Beverley & Will have taken over The Three Compasses, Upper Dean.

Will is American and brings an American flair to a traditional pub.

The Three Compasses now features; » Real ales with regular guest ales » Selection of quality wines » Takeaway food available TUE – SAT » Takeaway wine and beer service » Top up your mobile phone » Functions catered for » Meeting area

Don’t forget about our Pub Quiz on the first Tuesday of every month starting at 8:30pm

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Spaldwick Out of School Club Level 2 or equivalent Playworker Job type: Part Time (maternity cover)

Responsible to: Spaldwick Out of School Club Manager Location: Spaldwick Salary: Dependent on qualification and experience Closing date: 22nd February 2013 This is an exciting opportunity, for a Level 2 Playworker or equivalent, to join our existing team as an Out Of School Club Assistant from February 2013 until December 2013. The successful candidate will work as an effective member of Spaldwck Out of School Club team delivering a flexible, high quality, education and care centred service that meets the need of the young children, aged 4-12 years and their families.

The Out Of School Club runs 5 days a week 3pm to 6pm term time. We also offer a holiday club 8.30am to 6pm - all half terms, all Easter Holidays, all teacher training days, 4 weeks in the summer and 1 week at Christmas. There is also the possible opportunity of more holiday club hours.

12.5+ hours per week over 5 days (term time) and flexible hours during holiday club.

In line with the local safeguarding Children’s Board guidelines the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.

For more information please call Gemma Chapman on 07758 364502 or email: sclub_sclark@yahoo.co.uk Spaldwick Out Of School Club, Playtimes Building, Ferriman Road, Spaldwick, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0TQ

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Use Them

OR LOSE THEM Previously, I have written about changes affecting Financial Advisers from 31st December 2012.

Already, these changes have seen 8 of the 10 largest IFA companies in the UK reclassified as ‘restricted’.

The Financial Services Authority has brought in the new rules to assist the general public.

If you require truly independent advice, ask the adviser their status first and don’t be swayed by their excuses, sorry I mean reasons if they say they are ‘restricted’ The New Year is now in full swing. Christmas is already a fading memory and resolutions have been made and probably already broken. The Tax Year end is now the focus for last minute planning on pensions, ISA’s and tax reliefs/ allowances. Most of those allowances are a question of ‘use them or lose them’, so don’t delay.

Investment growth has been predicted to be around 8% next year, but as the Ancient Chinese philosopher LAO TZU said “Those who have knowledge, do not predict. Those who predict, do not have knowledge”.

So, whilst we are not in a position to predict our

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

investment performance, we do have a plan and methodology to continue to outperform the industry benchmarks.

What was very pleasing in 2012, was that our ethical portfolios actually outperformed our traditional portfolios. Returns ranged from 13.4% for the lowest risk ethical portfolio to 16.58% for the highest risk, compared to our traditional portfolios returns of 6.93% (lowest risk) to 15.00% (highest risk). Over the same period, the FTSE100 returned 5.82% and normal bank savings rates were around 3%. This is encouraging.

Why not review your savings and investments this year? Talk to your adviser and perhaps ask them about their ethical range.

IMPORTANT: Don’t forget to use up your allowances for Pensions, ISA’s, Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax. 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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Garden View

A frosty reception As we progress through the year our thoughts are drawn to spring. The days are gradually getting longer, though it’s hardly noticeable because the temperatures are still very cold.

People think of February as ‘nearly spring’ but in fact it can be a much colder month than December or January at times.

That said, the cold weather is just the stimulus some bulbs need in order for them to burst into bloom. Take the snowdrop for example: this tiny flower with its delicate head looks its best this month, especially when planted in large drifts. Galanthus (snowdrops) naturalise and spread quite rapidly when happy, and over 5-10 years will form the most beautiful carpet of white.

Try and visit an open garden this month and you’ll see what I mean. Choose a clear day when the sky is an intense blue. Take a waterproof rug to lie down on and see the world from the woodland floor, just like a snowdrop would. It’s a beautiful place to be (and to take photographs from). If it’s not frozen solid, the earthy smell of the humus rich soil is wonderful and there will often be a layer of crunchy leaves still remaining from autumn, partially decomposed which add to the aroma.

When you get up close and personal with plants in this way it really gives you a chance to appreciate their beauty. Lift up the little nodding head and see the loveliness within.

If you are inspired by these wonderful scenes, now is the perfect time to buy and plant snowdrops, so why not add some to a tub, or plant a swathe by the front door? That way even when it’s icy outside you’ll be welcoming guests with a less frosty reception.

Other jobs to do this month include: Cutting down – I’m not talking about the post Christmas calorie intake, but about the herbaceous perennials. Chop them down now, as far as you can go so that the new shoots will be free to grow next month.

Hedge your bets – overgrown evergreen hedges can be cut at the end of the month. Do 18

one side this year and one in a couple of years time. It will look pretty awful until it re grows (in about 2 years) but it will be worth the wait.

Compost all the waste you create in the garden, but remember to chop it up well.

Consider investing in a shredder if you create a lot of bulky waste. You’ll be impressed with the quality of compost you can produce.

Use last year’s compost to lay on the top of the soil around shrubs and roses (known as mulch) Until next time, Happy gardening, Lee

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The Smart choice for body repairs

body shop Vehicle repairs * Express * Alloy wheel refurbishment Same day repair * Free estimates Insurance*claims * *

Call us now on: 01480 407969 / 07734 145062 9 Chester Road, Colmworth Business Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs PE19 8YT

web: www.getsmartexpress.co.uk / email: info@getsmartexpress.co.uk

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Huntingdon Farmers’ Market Seasonal Fayre

Fortnightly on Fridays Market Square, Huntingdon 8am - 2pm

February 8th & 22nd March 8th & 22nd Plus Saturday 30th March April 5th & 19th 6

Fresh, Local Produce

Email: farmersmarkets@huntingdonshire.gov.uk Tel: 01480 388388 Website: www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/markets @huntsfarmersmkt

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Huntingdon Farmers Market

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

SATAY VEGETABLE SKEWERS WITH SPRING ONION NOODLES If you are short on time but still want a flavoursome supper then try these delicious vegetable kebabs with a lovely spicy peanut sauce. For non-veggie kebabs replace the aubergine with cubes of lean pork or chicken fillet and cook for 15-20 minutes until the meat is cooked through and lightly charred.

Serves 4 Ready in 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 100g crunchy peanut butter 25g creamed coconut, chopped 1/2 tsp chilli powder 1 garlic clove peeled and crushed 4 tbsp soy sauce 3 small peppers (red, green and yellow), deseeded and cut into 2.5cm pieces 4 thick slices of aubergine 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into slim wedges 3 tbsp sesame oil 4 nests fine egg noodles 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced

1 Place the peanut butter, coconut, chilli powder and garlic in a small pan with 180ml water. Heat gently, stirring all the time, for 2-3 minutes until the coconut has dissolved and the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in half the soy sauce.

Thin down with a little more water to get a pouring consistency, if necessary.

2 Par-boil the peppers in a pan of boiling water for 2 minutes, drain well and pat dry with kitchen paper. Cut the aubergine slices into quarters. Thread the peppers and aubergine onto 8 pre-soaked wooden skewers with the onion wedges.

3 Preheat a cast-iron griddle pan until almost smoking. Whisk 2 tbsp of the oil and

remaining soy sauce together and brush all over the vegetable kebabs. Cook the kebabs on the hot griddle pan for 6-8 minutes, turning frequently until tender and lightly charred.

4 Meanwhile, cook the noodles in a large pan of boiling water for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain well and toss together with the rest of the sesame oil and the spring onions. Serve the kebabs on the noodles and drizzle over the satay sauce.

Tip If you don’t have a griddle pan cook the kebabs under a pre-heated grill or use a heavy-based shallow frying pan and add a little oil.

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CODEWORD

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play It’s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

Use your logic to solve the puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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

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what’S ON?

IN FEBRUARY

1 February A Separation 8pm Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 Screen St Ives. (Iran, 2011, directed by Asghar Farhadi, 123mins) A modern Iranian couple on the verge of separation face a daunting set of challenges that test their resilience to the utmost. How will they support their young daughter’s schooling while looking after an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s? The first Iranian film to win the Best Foreign Language Oscar, plus many other prestigious prizes, A Separation is a tense, powerful, must-see movie.

Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 2 February Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. For more details visit http://www. saintscrafters.blogspot.com 2 February Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Michael Warren on ‘Through the year with a horticultural photographer’. Michael has photographed plants and gardens around the world for over 40 years. All welcome – small charge applies.

Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 3 February Giant Indoor Car Boot Sale 7am traders, 9am-1pm buyers Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester £6 pitch fee and tables for hire for £3 Giant indoor car boot sale. Pre book only.

Tel: For further information 01480 832812 4 February Night Sky Observing Evening 7.30-9.30pm Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton St Neots Astronomy Association. There will be several members with telescopes set up looking at various Constellations, Planets and other Celestial Objects.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned veteran we have something to offer you.

We are a small but friendly club that is always looking to welcome new members. The Association meets the first Monday of every month (second if Bank Holiday).

David Roberts 01480 212960 david@snaa.co.uk 6 February National Trust Gardens 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Visitors £2 Little Paxton Gardening Club talk on National Trust Gardens

by Roger Skipper. Visitors welcome. Annual membership is £5 plus £1 per meeting. Visitors welcome.

Tel: Jane Hill 01480 218805

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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 10 February A Celebration of Marriage 3pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton The annual service open to any couples thinking about marriage, who want to celebrate marriage or anybody who thinks marriage is a good thing. Wedding music, hymns and readings. Followed by refreshments.

13 February Rocking Along the Norfolk Coast: Rock pools, reefs and cliffs 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton Suggested donation Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50 Wildlife Trust – Huntingdonshire Local Group is pleased to welcome Dr Frances Dipper, a Marine Biologist. Frances has always loved the sea, in spite of being brought up on a farm in deepest Warwickshire. Whilst she is an author, lecturer and marine consultant, she is a marine naturalist at heart and has been studying and lecturing on marine life for nearly 40 years. Anyone interested in wildlife is most welcome to attend. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk 15 February ‘Weave and Waffle’ drop-in day 3pm-5pm 7 Coulson Way, Alconbury, PE28 4WU £5 per person Weaving’s becoming trendy again! Have you always fancied having a go at weaving but don’t have a loom or perhaps you have a loom but don’t know what to do with it? Would you like to come and try your hand at weaving on a rigid heddle loom in the company of other friendly, likeminded people with a little gentle tuition, lots of chat, tea and biscuits and with some fabulous hand-knitting yarns on hand so you can explore this ancient crafts tradition in a relaxed and fun environment. Bring your own loom with you if you have one. Booking advisable.

Tel: Linda Parkhouse 01480 896866 for further information or to book 16 February All People Rich & Poor 10.30am-4pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton A history show taking us back over the centuries and showing us what life was like for people from all walks of life. Exhibits from St Neots Museum. Refreshments, second hand bookstall, etc..

17 February Wedding Fair 11am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Everything all under one roof from bridal wear to cake makers to handmade stationary and photography, the Wood Green Wedding fair will have all you need to help plan your special day. We will also be exhibiting our very own Reception room and Garden Pavilion.

Web: www.woodgreen.og.uk

19 February A Curl and a Twist 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Flower Club. Lisa Haworth will be presenting ‘A Curl and a Twist’. Visitors welcome - admission £6 including light refreshments.

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what’S ON? IN FEBRUARY

20 February The Hunts Cyclist Battalions 7.30-9pm WI Headquarters, Walden Road, Huntingdon Huntingdonshire Family History Society presents Martyn Smith talking about The Hunts Cyclist Battalions. Nonmembers welcome – £1 donation at the door appreciated.

Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 Email: secretary@huntsfhs.org.uk Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 20-23 February Dick Whittington Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton It’s Kimbolton Pantomime time! Tickets available from Watson Electrics, High Street, Kimbolton.

Tel: 01933 623986 22 February Quiz Night 7pm for 7.30pm St Ives Corn Exchange Tickets £5 per person Maximum 8 per team. Bring your own picnic and drinks.

All proceeds to Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind.

Tel: 01480 453438 for further details 23 February Roman Food & Paraphernalia 7.30pm for 8pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester Tickets £4 including glass of wine Shirley Walsh of the Porch Museum Committee will give a talk and demonstration entitled Roman food and paraphernalia. Guests will learn about food which was introduced to Britain from Italy, details of a typical Roman kitchen and myths surrounding Italian food. There will be an opportunity for some tasting.

Tel: David Stokes 01480 454277 for details

25 February NSPCC Cambridge Dining Club 12 noon La Mimosa, Thompsons Lane, Cambridge 2 Courses with Coffee £16.50 The speaker is Richard Gant, Head Gardener at Madingley Hall. Tel: Kate Armstrong 01954 719745 Enquiries/Bookings email: cfm.armstrong@gmail.com 28 February Pests & Diseases 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Non-members £2.50 including refreshments and raffle ticket St Neots & District Gardening Club talk by Peter Jackson on Pests and Diseases.

2 March Auction in Buckden Viewing 10-11am, Sale begins promptly at 11am.

Buckden Millennium Community Centre, Buckden In aid of St Mary’s Church Restoration Fund.

16 March Pork Fayre at Flying Visits 7pm Corpus Christi College, Cambridge £70 per head for Canapés, 7 courses and paired wines Flying Visits – with 7 Top Chefs – Pork Fayre. All funds raised will go to NSPCC. Tel: 01223 338024 Enquiries/Bookings email: catering@corpus.cam.ac.uk

FLOORED

By Ian

23 & 24 February St Ives Antiques Fair 10am-4pm The Burgess Hall, Westwood Road, St. Ives Adults £2, Concessions £1.50 Up to 50 expert antiques dealers offering a wide range of antiques, vintage and retro items at affordable prices with something for everyone - yesterday’s heirlooms can become tomorrow’s treasures! Ample free parking, wheelchair access, hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Tel: 01480 896866 24 February Toy & Train Fair 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Tel: 01522 698388

Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean

24 February Peterborough Male Voice Choir & Peterborough Youth Choir Free visits to estimate or advise.

7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Buckden A welcome return for the Peterborough Male Voice Choir, Best prices and quality with a friendly service. this time accompanied by the Peterborough Youth Choir.

They have sung with Lesley Garrett, Bernie Nolan and the crossover Blake Group. They have raised many thousands Enquiries to 01480 475486 of pounds for charity. or (Mobile) 07876 238308 Tickets are available Rev Ron Ingamells or on the door.

Tel: Rev Ron Ingamells 01480 811608 Email: rjingamells@btinternet.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Ty Interiors Prize Crossword

1st Prize £25 Name:

Sponsored by Ty Interiors, The Olde Watermill Shopping Village, Faldo Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4RF

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 15th February 2013.

Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Please enter me into the prize draw to be drawn at end of 3 months for £1000 off a fully fitted kitchen. T&C’s apply. (Please tick) Last Month’s Crossword Winners. Congratulations to: 1st prize - Mrs P Stephens from Cambourne and 2nd prize - Mr Tom Newton from Letchworth For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Hint (4) 3 Contrary (8) 9 Error (7) 10 Frolic (5) 11 Eager (12) 13 Informal (6) 15 Titbit (6) 17 Alphabetical reference books (12) 20 Propose (5) 21 Produces lava (7) 22 Vacations (8) 23 Wagers (4) Down 1 Business (8) 2 Distressed (5) 4 Lyrical (6) 5 From time to time (12) 6 Suggests (7) 7 Acquire (4) 8 Produced (12) 12 Flowers (8) 14 Talented (7) 16 Carry (6) 18 Picture (5) 19 Weapon (4)

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Pleasemention mentionThe TheVillager Villagerand andTown TownLife Life when responding adverts Please when responding toto adverts

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Garden Services

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• Patios • Block Paving • Decking • Shed Bases • Fencing • Ponds & Water • Turfing Features Complete Garden Service • Driveways

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

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