VILLAGER The
Issue 6 - September 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 The
Issue 6 - September 2012
6
and Town Life
Kimbolton School History
£25
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Bringing local business to local people in Alconbury, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur Yo EE and surrounding villages. y
Simpson & Partners
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Kimbolton
Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com
Prize Crossword
Additional Editorial Solange Hando, Sarah Davey, Pippa Greenwood, Tony Larkins and Fiona McLeman Front Cover Photo: Kimbolton School - Provided by www.davepickettphotographer.co.uk Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com
VILLAGER The
and Town Life
Disclaimer
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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.
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Harvest Time..................................................................................................4 70th Anniversary of Pathfinder Squadron..........................................9 Positive Parenting..................................................................................... 10 Oases and Kasbahs................................................................................... 15 Holistic Hands............................................................................................. 17 Be Clear On Cancer................................................................................... 18 It’s Your Life.................................................................................................. 21 I’m OK... so why plan?............................................................................... 23 The Evil Weevil............................................................................................ 26 Lawn Care..................................................................................................... 27 Wordsearch.................................................................................................. 28 Fun Quiz........................................................................................................ 28 Rural Ramblings......................................................................................... 29 Children’s Page........................................................................................... 31 Kimbolton School Pool............................................................................ 32 Puzzle Page.................................................................................................. 36 Seasonal Delights...................................................................................... 38 Superfast Broadband............................................................................... 40 Alconbury Weald....................................................................................... 45 Geology of Huntingdonshire................................................................ 46 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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Harvest Time
By Sarah Davey
Take a look at a modern harvest festival and you’ll no doubt see many ‘urban’ offerings of pre-packed cakes and tins of sweet corn. It’s so easy to pop down to the supermarket these days we forget that until relatively recently in this country, people’s lives depended upon the success or failure of their crops. Harvest festivals were a way to say thank you for a good harvest while trying to guarantee the fortune of the next one. Saxon farmers offered the first cut sheaf of corn to the gods of fertility in order to please them and ensure they were kind the following year. The last sheaf was used to make a Kern baby; a doll, dressed in white and trimmed with coloured ribbons to represent spring. Most peasants were tenant farmers who farmed for a landowner. Harvest time meant weeks of back-breaking work, so it became a tradition for the landowner to host a harvest supper as a thank you to the whole community once the harvest was brought home safely. There was no set date, but the celebrations generally took place around the time of the full Moon, known as the Harvest Moon. Harvest festivals are closely associated with the church, but actually date back to Pagan times. It was 1843 before the Church became involved. The Reverend Robert Hawker invited members of his parish to a service of harvest thanksgiving at his Cornish church. The practice spread rapidly and led to the custom of decorating churches with harvest produce. The story of John Barleycorn You may never have heard of him, but John Barleycorn is a character in a medieval folksong. He represents barley, the most important cereal crop of the harvest, and also the alcoholic beverages beer and whisky which were made from it. In the song John Barleycorn suffers attacks, indignities and death which correspond to the various stages of the harvest such as reaping and malting. It begins… 4
There was three kings into the east, Three kings both great and high, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn should die. They took a plough and plouh’d him down, Put clods upon his head, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn was dead. The song has many verses and poor old John Barleycorn suffers dreadfully throughout, particularly when he’s ground between the milling stones! But the story has a neat twist as our hero, who’s finally turned to alcohol, wreaks his revenge on everyone who drank him so merrily, and they suffer for their sins the following morning with gargantuan hangovers! It is a mark of how important the harvest was that there are more versions of this song than any other in the English language!
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KIMBOLTON SCHOOL
HISTORY
The origins of Kimbolton School are lost in the mists of time. Although it was once thought to have been founded in 1600 by two local tradesmen, Henry Balye and William Dawson, more recent evidence suggests that the School already existed when Katherine of Aragon died at Kimbolton Castle in 1536. The early Kimbolton School was very different from the present one. As a grammar school, in small buildings in the churchyard, it provided local boys with a thorough knowledge of Latin grammar. The Master maintained order with the aid of a ‘birchen rod’, and Latin and English dictionaries for communal use were kept chained to his desk. After some three centuries as a thriving grammar school, by the mid-19th Century the School was in decline. In an attempt to boost numbers, in 1847 the school became an ‘Agricultural and Grammar School’, with new subjects such as land surveying and farm accounts, aimed at attracting the sons of local farmers. By 1866, the School still had only 23 pupils, including 3 boarders, and an Inspector criticised its cramped conditions and lack of a playground. In response, the Governors decided to move to a new site. The School in the churchyard closed in 1874, re-opening three years later in impressive new buildings at the western edge of the village, now the Preparatory School. Even then, numbers were slow to increase, and it was not until the appointment of William Ingram as Headmaster in 1913 that the School’s fortunes began to revive. Ingram worked zealously, cycling around to local primary schools to encourage them to send their most able boys to Kimbolton. Within four years numbers had doubled, reaching
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100 in 1917. Additional boarding accommodation was provided in High Street properties, including Kimbolton House and White House, still the two boarding houses. The School’s profile was further raised by distinguished visiting sports coaches, including Olympic gold medallist Harold Abrahams, Arsenal captain Tom Parker, and renowned batsman Sir Jack Hobbs. By the time of Ingram’s retirement in 1947, the School, which by then had Direct Grant status, urgently needed larger buildings. The Governors and new Headmaster Cyril Lewis negotiated the purchase of Kimbolton Castle from the Duke of Manchester for £12,500, and in September 1950 the first lessons took place in the State Rooms. The School became fully independent in 1976, and in that year also the first girl pupils were admitted. Over the succeeding years, an extensive building programme, the restoration of the Castle and the purchase of additional sports’ fields have created facilities equal to those of almost any school in the country. In the words of the School motto, Spes durat avorum, ‘the hope of our ancestors lives on’.
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Bedfordshire
Steam & Country Fayre 14th, 15th & 16th September 2012 Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade (SAT NAV SG18 9DX)
MANY GREAT ATTRACTIONS Steam, Tractors & Heavy Horses Working Demonstrations Steam Ploughing Miniature Steam Fairground Organs Flying Displays Working Crafts
Trade & Market Stalls Craft & Food Halls Working Dog Demonstrations Vintage Vehicles Old Time Fairground Morris Dancing Licensed Bar and Refreshments
Included FREE ADMISSION to The Shuttleworth Collection, Bird of Prey Centre and Swiss Garden Sat & Sun Adult
£5.00
Fri All ages
£8.00
Coach Parties Welcome - please contact us
FREE CAR PARKING
Caravan & Camping Area
Chartity no 291744
Contact for Booking Form
3 DAY EVENT
All Enquiries & Advanced Bookings to: Paul Worbey, Park Farm, Henlow, Beds. SG16 6DF Tel/Fax: 01462 851711 Mobile: 07850 195622 Email: show@bseps.org.uk
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£10.00
Sat & Sun Children (5-16 years)
Gates Open 9am
Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society www.bseps.org.uk
Admission Prices
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70th ANNIVERSARY
OF THE PATHFINDER SQUADRON
Over the weekend of the 18 and 19 August, members of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) famous Pathfinder Force descended on Huntingdon to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Pathfinder Squadrons. The Pathfinder Force was formed on 15 August 1942 under 8 Group, commanded by the then Wing Commander Don Bennett. Its Headquarters were based at RAF Wyton, with 3 other local airfields at Gravely, Oakington and Warboys being used for the same operations. Their role was to lead the main bomber force and accurately mark enemy targets en route. The Pathfinder Squadrons operated from 1942 to 1945, and despite suffering heavy losses made an invaluable contribution to the Allied war effort and played a key role in the liberation of Europe. On Saturday 18 August, 11 Pathfinders and 15 of their guests went to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, accompanied by cadets from London University Air Squadron and officers from RAF Wyton. They were met by the museum’s public relations manager, Esther Blaine, and after a quick interview and photo call by a Lancaster bomber, the Pathfinders were given a few hours to look around the amazing facility and enjoy the weather. On the Sunday, 28 Pathfinders and 82 of their friends and family attended a commemorative Church Service at RAF Wyton. The moving Sermon was delivered by Reverend the Canon Doctor Michael Wadsworth and spoke of the courage of the men flying the target marking missions and the heartbreak of the people left behind. During the Service, members of the Pathfinder Force and Sergeant Jean Matthews, from Pathfinder Headquarters, were awarded their Armed Forces Veterans Badges by Colonel
Bert Campbell from 405 (Pathfinder) Squadron from the Royal Canadian Air Force. Number 405 (Pathfinder) Squadron was set up on 23 April 1941 and was the only Canadian Pathfinder Squadron’ After the Church service all attendees were invited to lunch, where they received a speech from Group Captain Steve Thornber, Director of the Defence Geospatial Intelligence Fusion Centre, based at Brampton Camp. He reassured the veterans that their legacy would remain a part of the Station’s future and said it was an honour to be in their presence. The reply from the Pathfinders came from former Flight Lieutenant, Colin Bell DFC, who spoke of his time as a pilot during World War II, as well as thanking the Station for their efforts to make the day so special. The final part of the day saw the Pathfinders and their guests taken to RAF Wyton’s airfield where a flypast from a Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took place. The buses got there just in time to see the aircraft fly over the airfield and land at RAF Wyton for the first time in 20 years. All spectators including the Pathfinders, many of whom are in their 80’s and 90’s, then got an opportunity to climb onboard the aircraft and speak to the crew before the Lancaster returned to RAF Conningsby. Flight Lieutenant Ray Davies hadn’t been onboard a Lancaster since he flew one during World War II and it crash landed. He said; ‘I’m a little nervous to go onboard the aircraft, because last time I was inside a Lancaster I had to exit through the nose (of the aircraft).’ Flight Lieutenant Doug Cannings said; ‘I’ve had a spectacular day and the Lancaster landing at Wyton was the extra icing on the icing of the cake.’
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Positive parenting
helps your child to feel secure and loved David Cameron’s recent launch of vouchers for parenting classes has highlighted how difficult it can be to parent well. There can often be situations - such as your young child screaming in a heap on the supermarket floor - when you feel that you have no control over their behaviour, but giving in to their demands doesn’t seem to improve things. However, dealing positively with bad behaviour in a calm, consistent way will help your child as they test you and push the boundaries. Praising good behaviour You’re probably aware of how often you tell your child off, but are you aware of how often you praise them? Parental praise is a big motivator for young children - it makes them feel happy, loved and secure and will raise their self-esteem. Little things like telling them they brushed their teeth really well, or put away their toys without being asked, are all positive affirmations which make them realise you are noticing them.
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Keeping positive When your child is misbehaving it can sometimes feel easier to give in to their demands for peace and quiet rather than stick to your guns. But every time you change your mind, you are telling your child that if they are persistent enough they will eventually win. Stay calm and before you say ‘no’, give yourself a few seconds to think your way round the situation that is positive for both of you. For instance, if your child starts playing up in a shop, say that if they behave now, you will do something fun later, or give them a treat. If they carry on misbehaving, warn them of the consequence and if it continues, take calm action, for instance taking away a privilege. For small children, any consequence must happen within a couple of hours to be effective (for instance, missing a TV programme) as otherwise they won’t remember what it was related to. Be consistent: if they play up in the supermarket every time, make sure there is always a consequence. Tackling trigger points There are often certain points in the day which can cause problems - and if you are aware of these in advance, it will be much easier to deal with them. Going out: If you know your child needs time to adjust after a nap or likes to choose their own clothes before going to nursery, make sure you factor in enough time. If they are indecisive, give a choice of two things and ask which one they would prefer. Meal times: Again, make sure your child has plenty of time to eat a meal and is not rushed. If they’re given foods they don’t like, offer an incentive to at least try it - and praise them when they do. Use this time to bond by sitting and chatting about their day. Bedtimes: Bath and bedtime is a lovely part of the day, but can sometimes be fraught. Chat about your child’s day and praise their good behaviour. Star charts for going to bed without a fight work well - with a small treat every few days for doing well. Don’t leave it a whole week as this is too long for young children. The more positive interaction you have with your child, not only praising, but giving them firm boundaries for behaviour, really will help you to form a close, positive relationship.
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WORLD’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING In aid of Macmillan Cancer Support FRIDAY, 10TH SEPTEMBER 2012 10.00 A.M. TO 1.00 P.M
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It’s a ‘Fresh’ team
at Simpson and Partners, Kimbolton At a time when less successful agents are having to reduce fees – alongside their advertised and marketing spend – Simpson and Partner’s are investing in new media with national reach and have recently been awarded prestigious membership to The Guild of Professional Estate Agents with a high profile ‘London Exhibition’ being held in their Park Lane offices on Monday 24th September, to widen catchment areas and guarantee maximum exposure for your property. Given the current market condition, this is key in achieving the best price, quickly. From distinctive Sales Boards to separate sections on their Website, Press Adverts and Window Displays, Simpson and Partners, Kimbolton will use their ‘Fresh’ approach to announce your property’s arrival onto the market and highlight its individual strengths.
Simpson and Partners investment is proven to generate viewings, gain the best offers and achieve a swift sale. That’s why they remain one of Kimbolton’s leading Estate Agents. So when it comes to gaining maximum return on your investment, Simpson and Partners are the team who will deliver. Tim, Sarah and Sally have between them over thirty years Estate Agency experience and are passionate about property and delivering excellent customer service. You are guaranteed an extremely personable team and can rest assured you are in the hands of first class experienced and knowledgeable property experts. “The enthusiasm and professionalism that the new Simpson and Partners Kimbolton team bring to the area is a breath of fresh air. I strongly recommend anyone who is currently looking to sell or let their property or are considering coming to the market to call the team on 01480 860600 or pop into the office where I guarantee you will not be disappointed.” Andrew Simpson, Managing Director. 12
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Oases and Kasbahs - Morocco
by solange hando
Deep in southern Morocco, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs is a fabled land where ancient forts of mud and straw mingle their reflections in the sparkling waters of the river Dadès. Balancing on the rocks, sprinkled like sandcastles from village to village, they take on the colours of the earth, red, mauve, ochre and gold. Rainstorms and floods have long threatened their walls but they still stand, like proud sentinels from the past. In this tortured land shaped by earthquakes, the hills are bare, baked dry, but along the river are almond groves, luminous patches of young wheat and mud houses with zigzag patterns on their walls and ornate grills on their windows. Pink roses bloom in a secluded grove and in the little town of El Kelaa M’Gouna, every shop sells rose water and scented lotion. There, women cover their faces as you approach but their veils are fringed with silver trinkets. Where the roads from the valleys meet at over 3000 feet, Ouarzazate greets you with the most illustrious kasbah, once home of a wealthy lord. Inside, a forbidding maze of dark alcoves and latticed windows recalls centuries of history while storks rattle their beaks on the battlements. Follow the road and you could dine pasha-style in Tifoultout kasbah, gaze at turrets and wall tattoos in Taourirt or explore the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou where the fragrance of mint tea lingers in the air and locals speak of Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile and other epics filmed on the spot. Suddenly, the desert wind rages through the
streets, shaking the fig and pomegranate trees. Shops close their doors and the boys fishing in the river look at the sky and pack up their gear. It’s time to escape and climb to the spectacular Ait Saouen pass in the Anti-Atlas before tackling the steep descent to the Draa valley, stopping now and then to allow an iguana to crawl across the tarmac. To many visitors who come this far, Draa is the loveliest of the oases on the kasbah trail. Green palms, red earth, blue sky, it unfolds like a tapestry along a river draped in oleander. Adobe villages and kasbahs grow out of the land in a jumble of tapering towers and passageways, courtyards and crenellations. Men in white djellabas sit under the trees, putting the world to rights, and goats and chickens roam unconcerned while in the shrine of Tamegroute, pilgrims consult holy books written on gazelle skin. After the long drive south, Zagora rises like a mirage in the hazy heat, a bustling little place with a vast palmery, as lush as velvet, and camels offering rides along the river. Bunches of dates glow like gold in trees and in the late afternoon light, the lonely Zagora hill takes on a magical purple shade. Only the brave venture to M’Hamid at end of the road where toffee-coloured houses are almost buried in the sand. No more oases, no more kasbahs, only giant dunes encroaching on the land, wave upon wave, the domain of scorpions and snakes and lonely caravans on their way to Timbuktu, 52 days across the desert.
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HOLISTIC HANDS
WELLBEING CENTRE I’ve been recommended to give Microdermabrasion a try, what does it involve and how will it help my skin? Microdermabrasion is a process that involves cleansing the skin in preparation for the intense exfoliation that is provided by the micro crystals as they remove the skins outer layer, while the handset uses a vacuum to sweep up the crystals and dead skin cells. Your skin will look firmer and more youthful due to the stimulated production of collagen and elastin, whilst visible fine lines, pigmentation and minor scarring will be decreased. It is a quick, painless and non-invasive treatment and can be used to treat ageing, sun damaged skin, skin affected by acne, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Jade Evans is available for treatments Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – Evening appointments are also available. I thought that Osteopaths only treated back problems, but somebody told me that they can
treat other parts of the body too. Is this true? Yes! Osteopaths can treat any part of the body, from head to foot. They can treat a wide range of medical conditions and injuries from work, recreation and sports related activities. Osteopaths recognise conditions that need a medical referral. Common conditions that can be treated include Arthritis, joint pain including hips, knees, ankles, feet, elbows and wrists, muscle tension/tension headaches, RSI, frozen shoulder and Sciatica. Yvonne Evens Registered Osteopath is available for treatments Mondays and Wednesdays. Evening appointments are also available.
Due to expansion we are looking for therapists who are able to offer the following treatments; Reiki Traditional Chinese Medicine Kinesiology Holistic Treatments Semi-Permanent make up
Acupuncture Craniosacral Therapy Homeopathy Hypnotherapy Hypnobirthing
For more information please call
Tel: 01480 869404 Holistic Hands Wellbeing Centre Tilbrook, Cambs, PE28 0JQ
www.holistic-hands-online.com info@holistic-hands-online.com
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BE CLEAR
ON CANCER Have you ever felt that food gets stuck in your throat when eating, or have you or someone you know been suffering from heartburn or indigestion on and off for three weeks or more? If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor straight away. The chances are that it’s nothing serious but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as you can. These symptoms could be signs of stomach cancer or oesophagus cancer. The oesophagus is the long tube (gullet) that carries food from the throat to the stomach. There are almost 700 new cases of these two cancers in Anglia every year and they cause over 500 deaths annually in the region. Both cancers affect men and women, but are more common in men. More than nine out of 10 people who get cancer of the stomach or oesophagus are over 55. So remember – you are not wasting anyone’s time
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by getting your symptoms checked out, so make that trip to your doctor’s surgery. If it’s nothing to worry about, your mind will be put at rest. But if it is cancer of the stomach or oesophagus, early detection makes it easier to treat. Seeing your doctor without delay may save your life. Remember to see your doctor straight away if: • Food ever feels like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow, or • You’ve had heartburn or indigestion on and off for 3 weeks or more
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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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It’s your life
choose your lawyer carefully As fun as the summer holidays can be, having the kids at home 24/7 can be stressful and can exacerbate tensions within the home. Family solicitors tend to report an increase in new client enquiries after family holidays such as in the New Year (after the Christmas holiday) and early September (after the Summer Holiday). But how do you decide which lawyer to represent you if you end up on the path to divorce? The best recommendation is from a friend or family member who has used the solicitor before and is able to give their personal seal of approval. Whether the lawyer is recommended or not, it is a good idea to call the lawyer for an initial chat. If the lawyer is not prepared to take your call at that stage, rethink if you want to be a client of that lawyer? Have a look at their website and see if you like what the lawyer does, and how they say they do it. Hardly any one chooses the first pair of shoes they see, so it’s worth shopping around and meeting a few lawyers before making a
decision. Most family solicitors offer a free initial meeting. Sometimes this can be limited to 30 minutes, or a fixed charge for the first meeting might be made. This is an excellent opportunity to get some practical and sensible advice, as well as meet the lawyer for the first time without the anxiety of being presented with a bill before the real work has got under way. The lawyer should also be able to give you a broad idea at that stage about the work involved and the costs. Prepare for that first meeting by drawing up a list of questions, and perhaps email details of your situation to the lawyer ahead of time so that they can digest and come to the meeting prepared. This will also save valuable time and allow you to use the meeting to focus on the main issues, rather than a fact finding session. www.legal500.com and www. chambersandpartners.co.uk are also widely used directories that survey lawyers nationwide and then rate the lawyer in geographical and specialism sectors. Using these directories is a good opportunity to back up what you have seen before making your final decision as to who to instruct. www.resolution.org.uk is an excellent resource where lots of helpful information about separation and divorce can be found. Resolution is the national body of family lawyers whose aim is to help clients in relationship breakdown in an amicable and constructive way. There is a ‘find a lawyer’ resource, as well as details of those lawyers who are accredited as specialists in their chosen fields.
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I’m OK
SO WHY PLAN Is life going as you had hoped? You have a mortgage and the children have gone to university, you are doing well at work, there is money in the bank and your pension is on track. If the above is true you deserve credit for your achievements and perhaps a quick review by a competent financial adviser to see if any tax efficient or fund performance tweaks can be made. If however you have got where you are more by luck than judgement consider the common theme to the following: - A business owner compares income and expenditure against a budget - A mortgage lender calculates whether you can afford the repayments prior to lending - A holiday abroad can involve booking injections and collecting currency - A long journey by car involves checking oil, water, battery, petrol and maps or satnav - When moving house you keep out the kettle, cups, tea and milk The obvious answer to all these is planning.
Tony Larkins CFP APFS Group Managing Director / IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner Beacon Financial Limited & Beacon Wealth Management Limited
We plan almost everything we do. Even walking the dog involves us deciding what to wear, when and where to go. Most of what we do is done instinctively and can usually be easily corrected. Financial Planning is however not so easily corrected. Many people die without adequate life cover or retire without sufficient funds, both of which can put strain on your loved ones and possibly leaving them out of pocket. The reason could be because you have never seen it as important or think it’s too late. If you sometimes feel your life’s financial journey is like driving to Scotland via the B roads and you think it could be easier, call us or speak to your usual adviser. You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably for this type of planning speak to a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS), not a Certificated or Diploma qualified Financial Adviser. If you have a financial question e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk
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The Evil Weevil
by pippa greenwood The vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is notorious, especially for gardeners who concentrate on pots, and always feature in any gardening poll of ‘top pests’. Both the adults and their grubs do damage, but it’s the innocent looking grubs that give the vine weevil its bad reputation. They’re an immensely successful pest; there are only females and each one is capable of laying about 1,000 eggs during the summer. Now that they’re being controlled successfully commercially, they’re perhaps less of a problem to gardeners than they once were but if you have them in your garden, whether you like it or not, you probably need to get to know them better. How Do You Know You Have Vine Weevils? The adult vine weevil is just under 1cm long, matt black with tiny gingery brown flecks on its wingcases. They’re a classic weevil shape with elbowed antennae and a phenomenal ability to grip on to nearly any surface; a brilliant feature as, despite the wing-cases, these pests cannot fly, so rely on their climbing to access the foliage on which they feed. You’re likely to notice the notches around the leaf margins before you see the weevil itself. They tend to feed in the evening or at night, usually doing most damage on the lower, most accessible leaves. The young stage weevils or grubs are about 1cm long, creamy white in colour and often curled into a ‘C’ shape, with no legs but a gingery brown head. You’re likely to find them in the compost or soil, usually close to the roots or tubers that they’ve been feeding on. They eat the roots, burrow in to tubers and on woody plants may even eat the tissues at the stem base and on larger roots. Unless you’re removing a plant from its pot, or digging one up you’re unlikely to notice the grubs; it is when a plant suddenly starts to wilt or die, or you realise that something is no longer firmly rooted that alarm bells should begin to ring. What Do Vine Weevils Attack? Vine weevils will attack nearly any plant you try to grow, particularly in containers, probably because it’s easier for them to move through compost than garden soil. They’re a greater problem on perennial plants and those with fleshier roots or tubers. Alpines, cyclamen, primulas, fuchsias, hydrangeas, begonias, rhododendrons, euonymus, and strawberries seem to be particularly prone to attack. The adult beetles emerge mostly between March and May, but also at other times in greenhouses. The eggs are tiny and dark brown, each less than
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1mm diameter and are placed close to a suitable host plant. The eggs hatch to produce the creamy coloured grubs which feed and grow until they reach full size. The grubs pupate in the soil or compost where they have been feeding and within the pupae, if you look carefully you can see adult features developing – the antennae, the legs and the wing pads are often clearly visible. The adults then appear, start to feed and lay eggs. What Can You Do? Try to avoid getting vine weevils in the first place. Check plants carefully for foliage damage and check the roots before you introduce anything new to your garden. Buy plants only from reputable sources. Avoid re-using compost in containers as it might contain grubs or eggs, which are impossible to spot. As vine weevils cannot fly, making barriers is relatively easy. Put a ring of non-setting glue around the rim of containers as this should prevent the female from reaching the compost surface to lay her eggs. Similarly a gritty mulch may reduce the number of eggs that are laid and hatch. Try creating miniature moats around the legs of greenhouse staging, by standing each leg in a bowl of water. Vine weevils can’t swim and won’t be able to access the plants provided the staging doesn’t touch the sides of the greenhouse. I’m a fan of the biological nematode controls. They’re available from mail order suppliers (including www.pippagreenwood.com) and some seed catalogues and are applied as a compost or soil drench. To work effectively the area must be kept constantly moist, so that the nematodes can move through the compost to attack the grubs. They enter the grubs’ bodies and produce a bacterial infection which kills them. The nematode controls need to have a soil or compost temperature of 5-21C and you’ll have the best effect if you use them during August and September.
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LAWN CARE
FOR SEPTEMBER
Unique Landscape We specialise in
The Autumn Renovation Programme begins this month; thatch and compaction are two of any lawns major problems and now is the best time to tackle them. Scarification and Over Seeding (Special Offer - 25% off this month) September’s Scarification Remove the thatch, the dead and the weak grass, and open up the surface to allow the lawn to breathe and over seed with a quality grass seed. Autumn Aeration Soil compaction is a frequent cause of turf deterioration and moss invasion; this is the process whereby 10 – 15cm (4-6”) holes are “mechanically punched” in to the lawn allowing air in to the roots of the grass encouraging a more vigorous and greener lawn. Autumn Feed This feed is another important part of any lawn care programme. Our fertiliser is high in Phosphate and Potassium with additional Iron for that dark green look and moss prevention. Actions required in September • Raise cutting height to 1 ½ inches (3.5-4 cm) • Scarify lawn • Aerate lawn and over seed • Combine an Autumn feed with an early moss control Some of the above tasks can be carried out by the lawn owner; other tasks may need some professional intervention.
Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking
Ask for a quote for a Lawn Renovation - 25% off this month For more information about ProLawnCare Ltd services on offer Call Deborah or Richard on 01480 812393 e-mail- info@prolawncare.co.uk Got a Question? Ask the Lawn Ranger www.prolawncare.co.uk/lawnranger.asp
Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service
Lawn Fact: The turf laid for the Olympics will remain a legacy to the games and provide recreational and environmental benefits in London.
...and much more
Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401 e:sales@uniquelandscape.co.uk
www.uniquelandscapes-huntingdon.co.uk
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Fun Quiz - Proverbs 1. According to a well known proverb, “good” what “make good neighbours”? 2. Which proverb, which warns someone from the dangers of inquisitiveness, was also the name of a 1980s pop group? 3. The slogan “Good things come to those who wait” was used to advertise which brand of alcoholic drink in the 1990s and 2000s? 4. According to a well known proverb, what “is the mother of invention”? 5. In the Bible, is the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament or the New Testament? 6. Which proverb was the title of the only UK number one hit single by The Tremeloes? 7. Which former U.S. President is credited with popularising the phrase “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”? 8. Which play by William Shakespeare has a title that is also used as a proverb? 9. According to the well known proverb, what can’t you make from a sow’s ear? 10. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is a well known proverb, but with initial letters “A.S.L.T.W.”, which other proverb appears to contradict this? 1. Fences 2. Curiosity Killed The Cat 3. Guinness 4. Necessity 5. The Old Testament 6. Silence Is Golden 7. Harry S. Truman 8. All’s Well That Ends Well 9. A silk purse 10. Actions speak louder than words
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Rural Ramblings BY GEOFF WHARTON
Don’t Get Fooled Again Imagine the horror of waking up in hospital after an operation to find that an extra arm from an unknown stranger had somehow been attached to part of your body. The shock of finding that this had been done was exacerbated the following day when you realised that this was the only limb remaining on your body as your original ones had been removed!! Later you found that this limb was taking control, but you fought back as you developed a secondary growth of replacement arms!! You may think that this scenario is far removed from reality but don’t be too complacent as you may have an example lurking in YOUR back-garden already in the process of spreading it’s spikey tentacles like a malevolent triffid. What on earth am I talking about?? The technical horticultural term given to this situation is suckering, which describes the production of vigorous shoots originating from below ground and originating from the parent plant such as roses and fruit trees. Many years ago some whizz- kid of a gardener thought it would be interesting to see if he/she could take a bud or a short length of stem from a particularly pleasant variety of rose they had and splice it onto a knobbly stem of wild rose. By carefully binding the bud or graft (scion) onto this rootstock, they managed to develop a method of propagation which was much more successful than from cuttings which had a poor rooting percentage. This system produced the same variety of plant, which was not the case when growing from seed. To propagate fruit trees, the same procedure was followed, but this time one from a range of different rootstocks was chosen in order to control how large the tree would grow and how quickly it would start to produce fruit. Everything was great both in the rose and fruit garden, but then the dreaded suckers started to appear. Not a problem if the grower could recognise it and remove it by cutting it below ground from where it originated from the
rootstock (If it was cut above ground it would simply respond by producing more unwanted suckers) However if they were left , they would slowly start to take over from the original plant as they tended to be more vigorous. Suckers from hybrid tea roses tend to produce leaves with seven or more leaflets and have more spines. They will only produce small flowers (dog-roses) Suckers from fruit trees have leaves of different shapes to those of the cultivated variety. It is a good idea to check all of your fruit trees and roses for these unwelcome shoots and spend some time carefully removing them even if this is a bit difficult. Don’t worry about your fruit bushes! They are not propagated by budding or grafting and are grown on their OWN root system and therefore never produce suckers. Phew!
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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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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Avoca
Mill Lane, Little Paxton, St Neots PE19 6EH
Focus on a great deal! 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 Prices 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. Photography of Avoca
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SEASONAL DELIGHTS
LAMB AND AUBERGINE CURRY
This quick curry is so easy to make and much cheaper than a take away. We’ve used lean lamb steaks but you could replace the lamb with pork fillet, chicken or turkey. Serves 4 Ready in 50 minutes INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp sunflower oil 650g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 large aubergine, cut into cubes 2tbsp Rogan Josh curry paste 400g sieved tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish Chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onion, to serve 1 Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large deep frying pan. Add the lamb chunks and fry over a high heat until browned all over. Remove the lamb from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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2 Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the onion and aubergine for 7-8 minutes, stirring all the time until golden. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute then pour in the sieved tomatoes and bring to the boil. 3 Return to the lamb to the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the lamb is tender. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if needed. 3 Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the curry in warmed bowls garnished with coriander and with chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onions. TIP You’ll find jars of curry pastes in most supermarkets and they certainly take all the hassle out of making an authentic tasting curry at home. Rogan josh is a medium-hot paste but for a really mild flavour use a korma paste or go for a vindaloo paste if you prefer a curry with a little more heat.
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Superfast broadband for Grafham
and other Cambridgeshire communities We wonder how many of you living in small villages struggle with a slow or intermittent internet connection as you attempt to stream a TV programme, catch up on work, or watch a Netflix film? Huge swathes of the countryside are affected, but Cambridgeshire County Council is now working to bring superfast broadband (at least 25Mbit/s) to 90% of the county by 2015. It has launched a county-wide survey, which will help to prioritise investment by identifying the villages where there is strongest demand. So, this is your chance! Just fill in the quick survey at http://www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/ to register your interest by entering only your telephone number and postcode. There is no further obligation. With superfast broadband you will be able to: • run your business or work from home without the cost and hassles of commuting • stream movies and TV shows and enjoy the
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very latest entertainment services • support multiple devices, including computers, TVs, tablets, set-top boxes and games consoles • take advantage of new services from business and government, including education and health • ensure that your community doesn’t become a poor digital “backwater” Alastair Brydon & Chris Bulow are broadband champions for Grafham. If you don’t already know your own local champion, get in touch via http://www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk/ or your local district council.
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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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The Villager Prize Crossword
Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st - Paul James from Letchworth 2nd - Mrs. A Wallace from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com
sponsors of
THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD
1st Prize £25 Name:
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 19th September 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
2nd Prize £15
Tel:
Address:
Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Smaller (6) 9 Hair cleanser (7) 10 Spin (5) 11 Freight (5) 12 Advantage (7) 13 Always (11) 18 Tolerant (7) 20 Arrive at (5) 22 Expel (5) 23 Apparent (7) 24 Dismal (6) 25 Floats (6) Down 1 Bug (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Prop up (7) 5 Consumed (5) 6 Accomplished (7) 7 Tell (6) 8 Mixture (11) 14 Exterior (7) 15 Appearance (7) 16 Scatter (6) 17 Phantoms (6) 19 Insert (5) 21 Bypass (5)
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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
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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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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. 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
parent company est. 1998
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ALCONBURY WEALD
PLANNING APPLICATION A planning application for the redevelopment of the former Alconbury Airfield site, to be known as Alconbury Weald, has been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council by the owners of the site, Urban&Civic Ltd who bought the site in 2009. The application is for up to 5000 new houses and 290,000 m2 of office and industrial space to accommodate up to 8000 jobs. It also includes community facilities, schools, sports facilities, shops and open space. Details of the proposals can be seen on the council’s website at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ alconburyweald or viewed at the council’s offices at Pathfinder House, Huntingdon and Huntingdon library. The Council is now inviting residents to comment on the proposals over the summer. Four public ‘dropin’ sessions will be held where people can view the proposals and speak to Council officers. The sessions will be held on: • Wednesday 19 September at Great Stukeley Village Hall, Owl End, PE28 4AQ (2pm – 9pm) • Friday 21 September at Alconbury Memorial Hall, School Lane, PE28 4EQ (2pm – 9pm) • Monday 24 September at Abbots Ripton Village
Hall, The Green, PE28 2PE (2pm – 8pm) • Wednesday 26 September at Little Stukeley Village Hall, Low Road, PE28 4BA (4pm – 7pm) All comments should be made by 9 November 2012 via www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/alconburyweald by email to Paul Mumford at developmentcontrol@ huntingdonshire.gov.uk or by post to Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN. Councillor Jason Ablewhite, Executive Leader of the Council, said: “The future of this strategic site is of huge importance to Huntingdonshire and the wider region. Urban&Civic have opened up a new chapter for the former airfield and this is clearly a pivotal moment and will, hopefully, put behind us the previous unsatisfactory ideas for the site’s future and realise the great potential it offers.” Malcolm Sharp, Managing Director (Communities, Partnerships & Projects), said: “The Council is particularly keen that development of the Alconbury site is considered in the context of our emerging Local Plan. Proper consideration of the proposals through the statutory planning process is required and feedback from members of the public is an important part of this.”
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The Earth That Lies Under Our Feet
The Geology of Huntingdonshire The first meeting in our winter series of talks will be on Wednesday 12th September 2012 and will describe the geology of Huntingdonshire. As usual this will be held at 7.30pm at Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton. Ken Rolfe of the Cambridge Geology Club and Chris Donnelly of the Wildlife Trust will tell us the fascinating story of how our landscape was formed and what the Wildlife Trust is doing to help protect some of our best geological sites. Ken and Chris will describe the geological strata such as the Oxford Clay laid down in the Jurassic period (evidenced by some fantastic fossils), to the more recent gravel deposits from the Anglian Glaciation period, which eventually resulted in today’s gravel pits that are now used for fishing, wildlife or as waste tips. Also related to the Ice Ages are the river terraces resulting from the rise and fall of the sea level.
Everyone is most welcome to attend. Suggested donation: £2.00 members; £2.50 non-members. For more information please visit the website www.wildlifetrusthuntsareagroup.org.uk/ or contact Pat on 01480392706.
Construction
Plasterer
Design Consultancy
Mistletoe Interiors Emma Rees 07885 135478 info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk www.mistletoeinteriors.co.uk
Interior and exterior design consultancy, home staging, soft furnishings, lighting, accessories, paints, wallpaper
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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
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