VILLAGER The
Issue 12 - March 2013
and Town
FRYour co E py E
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue...
Wildlife Travel Discover A New World
Food For Thought Your Restaurant Bill Rights
Plus
Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword 1 8,000 copies covering Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and surrounding areas
2
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
VILLAGER The
and Town
Issue 12 - March 2013
In this Issue
F You coRE r py E
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
8 Gallery 1066
Inside this issue...
Wildlife Travel
Danielle O’Connor Akiyama
Discover A New World
Food For Thought Your Restaurant Bill Rights
Plus
22
Your chance to WIN £25 in our prize crossword 1 8,000 copies covering Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and surrounding areas
Wildlife Wanderings
Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257
Wildlife Travel
Christa@villagermag.com
28
Additional Editorial Dean Dunham, Pippa Greenwood Tony Larkins, Christin Donnelly
Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!
and Solange Hando
Food for Thought.......................................................................4
Front Cover Photo:
Gourmet French Food.......................................................... 10
Jenifoto406
Retirement - Friend or Foe.................................................. 15 Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460
Seed Sowing on the Cheap................................................ 19 The Kimbolton Country Fayre............................................ 20
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.)
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
3
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your rights ON restaurant bills VAT must be included in meal prices displayed outside or in a restaurant, but they don’t have to be included on the menu. When you get your bill, it may show a breakdown of how much VAT you are being charged. If a percentage charge for service is said to be included in the meal price, you are entitled to reduce the bill if the service has been poor. You are entitled to reduce it by the amount shown to be the service charge. If it is not specified, anything up to 15% would be acceptable. Food needs to be of a good standard. If the problem is the quality of the food rather than the service and it is so poor as to be a breach of contract, again you are entitled to reduce the bill or refuse to pay. However, if you are going to do this you need to tell the waiter at the time the food is served or when you first taste it. The restaurant is entitled to have the opportunity of putting good the problem. If you do not like making a fuss or you are with a party and do not want to upset the atmosphere, you can always pay ‘under protest’ and write on the back of the bill that you are doing so. This gives you the chance of claiming against the restaurant at a later date. This is usually only worth it if you are with a big party. It is a criminal offence on your part to go into a restaurant and order a meal with the intention of not paying for it. Restaurants often wrongly believe this means you have to pay for a meal whatever the circumstances. This is not the case. So long as you have a genuine reason for not paying and you leave your name and address, you have not acted in any way dishonestly. The law provides that you should be given a
4
chance to check the prices before you get to your table, as well as having a menu at the table. They must make clear, or show as prominently as the food prices, any minimum charge or service charge. If these charges aren’t there and on your menu and you were not otherwise told, you can refuse to pay. They are not part of your contract. If they are displayed you must pay them unless they are unreasonable for the standard of the restaurant. If the restaurant fails with any of these obligations it runs the risk of a prosecution by Trading Standards. You can threaten to report the restaurant if you are in an argument. Most restaurants will not wish to run this risk, but frankly there are a few examples of prosecutions beings successfully taken. Trading Standards Officers claim they are too overworked with other problems to deal with this type of prosecution. Some restaurants will automatically ask you to add a gratuity when you pay by credit card. Some continue to do this even though they have already charged a service charge within the bill. This may suggest that the service charge was not going to the waiting staff at all and you may want to ask the manager if this is the case. If extra amounts are added afterwards this will be ‘unauthorised debit’ and you should refuse to pay. You should check your statements carefully and keep the copy of the signed slip at least until the amount appears on your statement. You can then have evidence to put to the credit card company if a dispute arises. For more information visit consumer champion and legal expert Dean Dunham’s website www. youandyourrights.com
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
5
6
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
EE T r FR ENh Badge EVwith Rut
APPRENTICESHIPS You’re Hired! Could you be an apprentice?dger…
Join us on Thursday 14 March for a special event celebrating Apprenticeship Week 2013 featuring Lord Sugar’s very own ‘The Apprentice’ finalist Ruth Badger…
Don’t delay – book your place online TODAY www.bedford.ac.uk/register ‘Apprenticeships – You’re Hired!’ – event planner… When: Thursday 14 March 2013 Where: Shuttleworth College, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, SG18 9DX 5.00pm-6.00pm: Arrival and an exclusive networking opportunity with local employers 6.00pm-7.30pm: Main talk and presentation by Ruth Badger 7.30pm-8.00pm: A chance to chat to Bedford College’s Apprenticeship’s teamand guest speaker 8.00pm: Event finishes Need directions? Visit www.bedford.ac.uk/travel for maps and more. For more information contact the Apprenticeship Team:
www.bedford.ac.uk/apprenticeships 01234 291000 * info@bedford.ac.uk
Bedford College Cauldwell Street Bedford MK42 9AH
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
7
Gallery 1066
Danielle O’Connor Akiyama
One of the world’s leading modern impressionist artists Danielle O’Connor Akiyama is flying in from Canada to visit this stylish gallery on March 17th launching her latest collection ‘Illumination’ at a champagne reception. This latest collection is typical in the vibrancy of palette and the loose formal structure certainly recalls Danielle’s celebrated floral, and yet we see her moving into a radiant new world of abstract interpretation. An uninhibited vigour and freedom of style combines with a luminous hand finished glaze to give these magnificent canvases an unprecedented impact and international appeal. Danielle’s style is loose and impressionistic,
8
however she has always believed in the importance of each and every brush stroke. In order to gain a greater understanding and technical skill she studied sumi-e, Japanese brush painting. Her distinctive fusion of eastern and western artistry has led to her works being highly prized by art collectors from both sides of the Pacific. Hayley Norman, Gallery Owner commented ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome Danielle to the gallery this year, it is a very exciting time in the art world and people are opening their eyes not only to the investment opportunities available but also to the transformation quality art can make in the home and workplace. We are working with over 70 acclaimed artists and the demand for their work has spiralled since opening and we are thrilled that we are now recognized as a major player which helps us to welcome these acclaimed artists to the gallery. This event is open all weekend to the public and we welcome people to come to the gallery to enjoy a fine art experience.’ To find out more please contact either Hayley or Sophie at the Gallery on 01462 622233 or email info@gallery1066fineart.com. To view their range of artists please visit www.gallery1066fineart.com
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
9
GOURMET FRENCH FOOD
www.gourmetfrenchfood.co.uk The concept of Gourmet French Food came to us after visiting France and the Burgundy area for a number of years. Everyone has heard of wine from Burgundy, which is readily available in the UK, but it has always surprised us how hard it is to obtain any of the excellent food from the area. So, we decided to start importing French food mainly from artisan producers in the Burgundy region, an area which is of course famed for its gastronomic excellence. We started in December last year offering hampers for Christmas and more recently hampers for Valentine’s Day. This month we are offering a hamper for Mothering Sunday. All the products that we sell have been especially selected by ourselves and we are constantly trying new products. However, only the very best are made available to buy from our website, either individually or as part of our hampers. Our aim is to offer different types of food from typical French food, such as Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourgignon and Confit de Canard, to the more unusual such as the range of chocolate confitures offered in our Mothers Day hamper. Some of the products that we currently or will soon offer include: Mustard – Burgundy is of course famous for Dijon mustard. Our mustard comes from the nearby wine town of Beaune, and is made by Edmond Fallot. Many unusual flavours of mustard are available, such as cassis, honey and balsamic vinegar, walnut and gingerbread spices. Honey – our honey is made by the small artisan producer Daniel Blanc, from Rouvray, a small village in the centre of Burgundy. His products include Sarrasin, a strong set honey from the blossom of buckwheat, and Sapin, a dark honey from the honeydew of pine trees. Confiture – our confiture, or jam, is made by Dominque Laforce of Marmelure et Confitade, from the medieval town of Semur en Auxois. Domique’s products all have high fruit content (most are in excess of 50%) and include traditional types such as blackcurrant and strawberry, as well as more
10
unusual flavours such as lychee with orange juice and pear with walnuts. In addition to the themed hampers mentioned above, we also offer you the facility to build your own hamper from the individual items that we offer, ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. As a special offer, readers of The Villager who order a hamper from us by Mothers Day will receive a free gift of a traditional Burgundy honey cake. For more details, please see our website www. gourmetfrenchfood.co.uk
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Self Employed Contract As Agreed £4500 - £5500 Per Annum Hours - Fortnightly visits to undertake works as per specific maintenance specification. Location - Belle Isle, Brampton, Huntingdon
®
safelocaltrades.com Recommended & Appro ed
Duration - Permanent contract for 12 months, applicant required to be self-employed and have own equipment, together with Public Liability Insurance and Health and Safety Policy. Contract may extend after 12 month period.
Not sure who to trust?
Date posted - March Description - Experienced groundsman with qualifications in horticulture or equivalent proven experience. Applicants must have a good understanding of plants and lawns and feel comfortable maintaining a substantial size project. The job involves maintaining the landscaped gardens at Seletar, Kohima, Masirah and Luqa House in Belle Isle, Brampton. Such aspects of maintenance include cutting of grassed areas, weeding to shrub beds generally from 2nd week of March to 3rd week in October, removal of leaves and litter, tidying borders and shrubs, sweeping of hard standing surfaces, sweeping of bin stores. Applicants must be physically qualified or experienced in all aspects.
...see our recommended list, with local feedback
How to apply You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Sarah Williams at Warwick Estates, Unit 9 Astra Centre, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2BN or to sarah.williams@warwickestates.net or on 01279 626 616.
Need a recommendation? WINNER
The award-winning Best New Business Idea 2008 www.safelocaltrades.com is your trusted website for highly recommended and LOCALLY recognised tradesmen in YOUR area – providing peace of mind and an excellent service. All members are CRB checked, vetted and approved, have agreed to abide by a Service Charter and are monitored on an on-going basis. of
Our aim is to protect YOU from cowboy and rogue traders. in association with …
Peterborough Neighbourhood and Home Watch Looking out for the community
Just go to …
www.safelocaltrades.com or phone 0800 014 1832
The safest way to source a local tradesman To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
11
Celebrate Mother’s Day with us. Booking now being taken. See 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
Activities include:
easter egg hunt!
Saturday 30th / Sunday 31st March, 10.00am-3.00pm Godmanchester Centre, Free!
Wood Green
Family behind the scenes tour
Tuesday 2nd April, 10.00am-12.00pm / 1.00pm-3.00pm, Godmanchester Centre Join the Hands On team and go behind the scenes at our Godmanchester site.*
NeW! Drama Day – Hip Hop Bunnies
Monday 8th April, 9.30am-4.00pm, Godmanchester Centre
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
12
Come along to our drama and dance workshop for 7-11 year olds and create a ‘play in a day.’ Parents and carers are invited back at the end to watch the performance! £25 per child.
Family behind the scenes tour
Tuesday 9th April, 10.00am-12.00pm, Godmanchester Centre Join the Hands On team and go behind the scenes at our Godmanchester site.*
Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or email: info@woodgreen.org.uk
For further information on these events contact the Hands On Team King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Call: 0844 248 8181 Or email: Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH handson@woodgreen.org.uk *Minimum age 5 years. £5 per person.
Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the Registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, Registered Charity No. 298348.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
YB028_MDay_Villager Ad 194 x131 mm_Layout 1 01/02/2013 15:56 Page 1
Mother’s Day Spa For that memorable day out together choose a Y Spa package from £39 ...
The gift of all gifts, Y Spa vouchers and gift cards ...
Guests must be over 18
sublime
0333 7007 667
yspa@wybostonlakes.co.uk facebook.com/yspauk @yspauk www.yspa.co.uk Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AL
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
13
Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association Over 30 years experience A gentle but specific form of manipulation. Treating the cause of the problem ..... so often the answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care
01480 436435
10% discount on initial visit www.brampton-chiropracticclinic.co.uk BUPA and PPP registered Also at: Manor Lodge, Barham Road, Buckworth PE28 5AQ Tel 01480 891539
Absolutely ... Positively ... NO pressure to sell! We give you FREE VALUATIONS .... YOU DECIDE !
WE PAY
CASH Cambridge Coins and Jewellery Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Tokens, Postcards.
Anything GOLD any SILVER....even broken jewellery!
Buying and selling old Coins, Military Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and bullion ...as well as Jewellery.
52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite “The Codfather”) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm
t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk 14
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Retirement
Friend or Foe?
Spike Milligan once said; “All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy”. Of course money can’t guarantee you happiness, but a recent survey by Prudential on retiree’s debts showed 56% have money on credit cards, 43% still have a mortgage, 21% have bank loans and 19% have overdrafts. Clearly it is not ideal to be retiring with debts, but with some people into their 2nd or 3rd relationship by, getting married later, having children later, getting divorced or simply being forced to retire earlier than planned, there are many traditional reasons for debts in later life. The latest reason appears to be through fund-raising for children and grandchildren wishing to purchase their first home, although regular meetings with an independent adviser could help you both to plan for future objectives and goals, as well as for potential catastrophes. We have clients who we have advised for 20 years that exceeded their retirement goals, much of which was achieved by knowing what was required as a commitment, which funds to invest in, and when to switch them. This means having an appropriately qualified adviser (i.e. above diploma) review all of your policies, investments and savings accounts. In January, Beacon was declared top Financial Adviser for the East of England by Citywire, probably the UK’s
Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director / IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
top ratings agency. This award acknowledges Beacon’s recognition of the importance of qualifications, fund performance and financial strengths. Rather like any profession, clients require good levels of service from highly qualified staff, in a company that has longevity, and reliance on a team, rather than an individual. So let’s look at a simple example. If you want a mortgage, you don’t just go to the local bank, you compare rates through a specialist mortgage adviser. They find the best rate, cost and type of mortgage; they then review the rates during the term when the fixed rate ends. Beacon’s mortgage department do as many re-mortgages as mortgages. Many switch their Cash ISA’s for better rates, but far fewer people change their pensions and investments. For example, with funds over the last year in the same sector (mixed 20%-60% equity) producing returns from +16.6% to -9%, it pays to at least consider the options. So, next time you think about how you will cope in retirement, why not arrange a meeting with a suitable adviser? The first meeting is often free, so you can see, without obligation, if they can add value to your situation and who knows, you may end up with the chance Spike Milligan wanted. If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
15
16
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
17
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
18
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Seed Sowing on the Cheap
GARDENING
If you want your garden full of colour, interest, perfume and perhaps even tasty crops, there’s no doubt that the least expensive way to do it is to raise your plants from seed. But what can be done to ensure the results in the garden are just as impressive? Start with a little self-restraint. It’s all too easy to buy enough seed to fill a tennis court when you have an average-sized garden. Make a list of what you actually need and put a limit on how many unplanned purchases you’ll allow yourself. Think about sharing. Each packet of seed often contains tens or even hundreds of seeds, so why not agree to swap a few with friends and relatives. This will not only save you money, but will also maximise the range of plants you can grow without increasing your outlay. Don’t be tempted to sow too many seeds at one time. By sowing little and often you’ll maximise flower time of annual flowers and cropping time for vegetables and herbs. It also means that if the conditions are not right for germination on one occasion, all is not lost. You may not need to buy what you want. Collect seed from your garden or from gardens of friends and neighbours, making sure that the plants are healthy and that they’re ready and ripe or they won’t germinate. Seeds labelled as ‘F1’ will produce flowers whose seeds will not ‘come true’, meaning that the offspring will not be the same as the original plant and will often be less productive. Try to harvest the seed when the plants and the weather are dry, remove any bits of plant debris and allow them to dry off naturally, not becoming too warm or cold. If you
can’t sow the seeds immediately, make sure you store them, well labelled, in a cool, dry place. A small heated or even un-heated propagator can help you reliably raise a far wider range of plants from seed. Choose one which is sturdily built and has proper ventilation in the clear plastic lid, otherwise seedlings may die on hot days. We stock some of the lovely UK-made Stewart propagators at www.pippagreenwood.com. Seeds do best if not sown too closely, and by sowing thinly you’ll also save yourself time and money. Wider spacing makes for less thinning out but if you do have to thin out a bit, remember that most seedlings will perform well if looked after properly. Many herbaceous perennials can successfully be divided into several new plants. Indeed most herbaceous plants do better when occasionally divided as the plant does not become so congested and you can dispose of the grotty bits and plant the good sections into fresh soil. Many plants are also easily propagated from cuttings, and over the next few weeks, you could get some great cuttings from summer favourites such as fuchsias for virtually no cost at all. They’ll be flowering later this year too. Visit www.pippagreenwood.com and sign up for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ where you can choose from a fantastic selection of vegetables for planting AND receive an email each week telling you all you need to know to ensure great results – from just £29. You can also sign up for Pippa’s newsletter and receive a free ebook on organic gardening, and buy Nemaslug and other garden products.
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
19
The kimbolton country fayre
sunday 14th july 2013 2013 – Predicted hottest summer yet… With the 2012 summer a ‘one-off’ disappointing wash-out in the history of the Fayre. From our perspective, it was the children’s charities that suffered because, of course, we were not able to donate the money which we would have raised from holding The Country Fayre. However, from other fund raising events held by The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle, our nominated charities were given something – albeit, not as much as we would have liked. It wasn’t just the cancellation of last year’s Kimbolton Country Fayre (due to the venue being completely water logged), I think many of us had other plans thwarted by the dreadful weather of 2012. On a brighter note, the Rotary and Sporting Bears Motor Clubs’ committee, with their optimistic enthusiasm, are pleased to let you
20
know that they already have advanced plans in place for this year’s Fayre. Once again, it will be held in the beautiful grounds of Kimbolton Castle and the date for your diary is Sunday 14 July. In the meantime, why not have a look at our website www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com for all the latest updates on the Fayre.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
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
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
21
WILDLIFE WANDERINGS
Christine Donnelly - Wildlife Travel
Fieldfare, one of our ‘winter’ thrushes
Oxslip at Hardwick Wood
At any time of year, there is always plenty of wildlife to be seen in our local area. The woods, fields, river valleys, and even the towns, are home to many different types of animals and plants. Towards the end of winter it is still possible to see some of the birds that visit the UK in the colder months. This winter you may have seen flocks of redwings and fieldfares (both related to ‘our’ song thrush that lives here all year) and also of the exotic looking Bohemian waxwings which have a distinctive crest and eye-catching colours. In the snowy weather many birds normally seen out on the Washes and in other more remote areas took shelter in some of the local grassy areas. Did you see the lovely group of snipe on a green patch not far from Morrisons at Cambourne whilst doing your weekly shop in January? March sees the start of the main flowering
time for several beautiful woodland flowers including wood anemones, primroses and violets. You can also see oxlips, relatives of primroses that are found in a few woods on the ‘western plateau’ of Cambridgeshire, an area of higher land formed by clayey deposits from the ice ages. Before the leaves appear is a good time to look for woodpeckers on the trunks and thicker branches of trees. The great spotted woodpecker is a black and white bird with a flash of red on the head. It is usually just seen in woods or nearby gardens and its display is a distinctive hammering, whereas the green woodpecker can often be seen on grassy ground looking for ants. Listen out for its laughing call. Further afield, March and April are the best months for seeing orchids and many other spring flowers in the Mediterranean area of Europe. If you take an early holiday to any of the islands, look out for the wild daffodils, gladioli, grape hyacinths, anemones and irises that can often be seen growing in fields or at the sides of paths. Gardeners will recognise many of them although different areas often have their own local species. You may be surprised that there are hundreds of species of wild orchid that grow in Europe, in places as diverse as the cold expanses of the north to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Good islands for early orchids include Cyprus, Crete, Lesvos, Rhodes and Sardinia.
22
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
One of the signs that summer is approaching in many areas of Europe, although sadly no longer in England, is the arrival of white storks, which often nest on chimneys, roofs and even telegraph poles. You may see them early in the spring feeding up in wetlands along the coasts after their flight north from Africa. Amongst other wildlife you may see, there are many different lizards that live on walls and rocks and, if you are lucky, you may even see a wild tortoise in the sand dunes at the back of the beach or crawling through the drier, shrubby areas. For the more adventurous, our late winter is a good time to take a trip to see wildlife in the tropics, although some areas are better than others depending on when they have their wet or dry season and the type of wildlife you want to see. A tour around Costa Rica is an ideal introduction to the wildlife of rain forests, cloud forests and dry tropical forests. Macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, monkeys, crocodiles, anteaters and amazing butterflies live in the many nature reserves that protect much of the land in this small county in Central America.
Butterfly in Costa Rica
A ‘butterfly’ orchid, Sardinia If you would like to see more local wildlife, join one of the local events run by The Wildlife Trust. Our local Trust covers the counties of Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and has its main office at The Manor House in Cambourne. It has several local nature reserves, nearly all accessible to the public and with free entry, where you can take a casual walk anytime or join one of the guided visits. The Wildlife Trust also has local groups in Huntingdon, Cambridge and Cambourne who organise monthly talks or walks which anyone can attend. Membership of the Wildlife Trust enables you to support conservation and provides you with newsletters, magazines and information on local wildlife and events for all the family including children’s WATCH groups. Details can be found at www.wildlifebcn.org or on 01954 713500. If you would like to join a guided trip to enjoy wildlife, look at those offered by Wildlife Travel, which was set up by The Wildlife Trusts 25 years ago to support conservation by organising wildlife watching holidays in the UK and worldwide. They are based at the Trust’s offices in Cambourne. Details of holidays are on www.wildlifebcn.org/wildlife-travel or on 01954 713575.
Wildlife Travel Tel: 01954 713575 Website: www.wildlifebcn.org/wildlife-travel To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
23
CODEWORD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
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.
24
Please Life when when responding responding to toadverts adverts Please mention mention The Villager and Town Life
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 INCLUDING THE BAS You deserve the best that AND VAT of your money can buy! The conservatory designed choice individually home! r by GSN to suit you
,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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
25
what’S ON?
IN MARCH
1 March Double Indemnity 8pm Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 Screen St Ives. (1944) Sultry Barbara Stanwyk lures naive insurance agent Fred MacMurray into a very dodgy deal that hinges on the death of her much older husband. Edward G. Robinson plays the claims adjustor who thinks he’s on to a suspicious case. Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 2 March 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. For more details visit http://www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com 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. 2 March Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors A talk by Kevin Hughes on ‘Gardening with bulbs’. Kevin is a nurseryman and will be bringing plants for sale at the meeting. He is an accomplished speaker who lectures too many HPS groups. All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 2 March Scouts Fundraising Gig 7.30pm Priory Park Infant School, Almond Road, St Neots £5, Concessions £3 1st St Neots Scouts Fundraising Gig for Charity featuring Medication Time, Jasmine Rodgers and The Mark Gamble Band. Licensed Bar. Tel: Tony 01480 477430 for tickets 4 March Night Sky Observing Evening 7.30-9.30pm Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton St Neots Astronomy Association. There will be several 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. David Roberts 01480 212960 david@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk 5 & 19 March Cromwell Video Camera Club 7pm for 7.30pm start Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey Meetings held first and third Tuesday of the month. 5 March - AGM including election of Officers and Committee plus a show of films. 19 March Daphne Brown gives a talk on dirty water plus showing a film on the subject of dirty water. General public welcome to come along for 7.30pm. Please give a donation towards clean water. If you own a camcorder and like to make films come along, you will be most welcome.
26
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 6 March Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Speaker Joe Sharman makes a return visit to talk about Hellebores and share his expert plant knowledge. Joe is an acknowledged plant collector and runs Monksilver nursery in Cottenham. A very seasonal talk. Plants will be for sale. 9 & 10 March Craft Fair 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Whatever the weather, you can visit the indoor arena and sample and buy from our wide range of arts, craft and gift stalls where you might find anything from jewellery, handicrafts, hand-made cards, photography, candles, aromatherapy products, through to ceramics and wood turning. Web: www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/ 10 March Pamper & Indulgence Evening Wyboston, Chawston & Colesden Village Hall An opportunity to relax and enjoy mini treatments. Tel: Mrs Susie Woodman 01234 376098 to book a table or treatments Email: mail@wybostonvillagehall.com Web: www.wybostonvillagehall.com 13 March All About Bats 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 Antony Mould from the Cambridgeshire Bat Group. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk 15 March An Evening of Mediumship with Bill Parkins Doors open 6.45pm, starts 7.30pm (no entrance after 7.25pm) Wyboston, Chawston & Colesden Village Hall Entrance £4.50 including refreshments Email: mail@wybostonvillagehall.com Web: www.wybostonvillagehall.com 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. Dine on 7 delicious pork courses. All funds raised will go to NSPCC. Tel: 01223 338024 email: catering@corpus.cam.ac.uk 16 March Musical Evening Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester 7.30pm £4 including wine and nibbles A musical evening with Jennifer Thompson and Friends.
16 March Quiz Night 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Offord Village Hall, Offord Cluny £5 per person Popular Quiz night. Teams up to 6 in number. Nibbles are supplied but most teams bring a picnic and their own drink and glasses. Raffle. Tel: Alan Griffiths 01480 811126 tickets and information Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to for adverts
what’S ON? IN MARCH
19 March Location Location 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Flower Club. Sandra Meakin will be presenting ‘Location Location. Visitors welcome - admission £6. 21 March An Evening of Easter Music 7.30pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton With the singers of Tapestry. Refreshments. 22 February ‘Weave and Waffle’ drop-in day 3pm-5pm 7 Coulson Way, Alconbury, PE28 4WU £15 per person 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 in the company of other people with a 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. Booking advisable. Tel: Linda Parkhouse 01480 896866 for further information or to book 23 March “Cheap as Chips” Dog & Cat Microchipping Day Dogs 10am-1pm, Cats 1pm-3pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester £5 minimum donation Can you afford to lose your beloved friend? Having your pet microchipped greatly increases the chance of them being reunited with you in the event of them getting lost or stolen. Cash payments only. Not applicable to litters of puppies or kittens being sold on by breeders. Minimum age for chipping 8 weeks.
Good Friday 29 March Children’s Easter Workshop 10.30am-12 noon St James Church, Little Paxton Organised by the Churches of Diddington & The Paxtons. Fun for children up to 11 years of age. Children under school age must be accompanied by an adult. Tel: Annette Reed 01480 211048 for information 29, 30, 31 March & 1 April Easter Hunt Trail 10am-3pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Trail sheet £2. Admission £4 per vehicle Follow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a crème egg to collect when you finish! Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 31 March & 1 April St Ives Antiques Fair 10am-4pm 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. Ample free parking, wheelchair access, hot and cold drinks and snacks. Tel: 01480 896866 for further information
23 March Buckden Gardeners Spring Show 3pm Buckden Village Hall Adults 50p, children free All children attending will be given a FREE sunflower plant complete with growing instructions. Exhibit your home grown spring flowers including your favourite daffodils, or turn your hand to baking, craft, wine making or photography. Teas raffle and some plants for sale. Full details including schedules are on their website. Tel: Pam 01480 811680 or Lesley 01480 351547 Web: www.buckdengardeners.info 24 March Craft Fair 11.30am-4.30pm Hemingford Pavilion, Manor Road, Hemingford Grey Free admission In aid of Help for Heroes. Tel: Ruth 01480 464266 Email: johnruth@talktalk.net 26 March Hemingford Grey Flower Club 10am Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey £3 including refreshment Flower arranging demonstration by Anne Bell. All welcome.
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
27
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 March 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 - Mr T Hopton from Gamlingay and 2nd prize - Lisa Brown from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Outermost (7) 5 Six sided objects (5) 8 Turn (5) 9 Woman’s holdall (7) 10 Media notice (13) 11 Relaxed (6) 12 Idiotic (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Not quietest (7) 19 Very angry (5) 20 Perfume (5) 21 Meals (7) Down 1 Additional (5) 2 Robbers (7) 3 Amusement (13) 4 Racial group (6) 5 Deep thought (13) 6 Religious text (5) 7 Seen (7) 11 Hugs (7) 13 Not public (7) 14 Commented (6) 16 Small rodent (5) 17 Requirements (5)
28
Pleasemention mentionThe TheVillager Villagerand andTown TownLife Life when responding adverts Please when responding toto adverts
AromaClean offer a friendly, reliable & honest domestic cleaning service tailored to your needs Police Checked & Fully Insured
Taking care of all your home cleaning...
01234 708939 07792 369102 Please call for more details Sue@aromaclean.org.uk PART-TIME CLEANING
STAFF REQUIRED Must be conscientious & reliable
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
29
Garden Services
Kim Walker
• Patios • Block Paving • Decking • Shed Bases • Fencing • Ponds & Water • Turfing Features Complete Garden Service • Driveways
Landscaping
30 years experience in both private & commercial enterprises
Office:
01480 214 664
www.kimwalkerlandscaping.co.uk
Business gone a bit slow? Let us help! Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com
O C R E ATING D R & R Local Decorator New to the area
Internal & External Work Undertaken Wallpapering Roof Maintenance Gutters Cleaned/Repaired/Replaced
Reliable, reasonable rates References from Serving Policeman, GP and Local Businesess
Tel: 01480 891961 Mob: 07971 337581 email r.bates01@btinternet.com 30
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
31