Cambs apr 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 60 - April 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies

Testing Times SATS explained

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords and all surrounding villages every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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Contents Further your Career

19

The Last Resting Place of Mary Hicks................................4 Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies........................................6 Would you like and Cashback Today?................................8 Bank Holidays................................................................10 Competition Time...........................................................12 Steve Oldham Golf Academy..........................................15 Istanbul..........................................................................17 Take the Opportunity to further your Career...................19 Hair Today......................................................................21 The Long and the Short of Curtains................................22 Cruise Select Cruise and Travel Show..............................25 When Best Friends Fall Out............................................26 Wordsearch....................................................................26 Pilates... Is it a Man’s Game?...........................................28 Testing Times.................................................................30

VILLAGER The

Issue 60 - April 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies

Testing Times SATS explained

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords and all surrounding villages every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

News from Fiona McLeman Family Law.........................33 Spend Now, Save Later...................................................34 Lasting Power of Attorney..............................................36 What Keeps You Awake At Night?...................................39 P&R Bathrooms..............................................................40 Plant of the Month.........................................................45 Lawn Care......................................................................46 Animal Queries...............................................................48 Children’s Page...............................................................51 Detroit Motor Show Stars...............................................53 Social Problems..............................................................54 Wired for Sound.............................................................57 Fun Quiz.........................................................................57 Street Sports Sessions....................................................58 Seasonal Delights...........................................................60 What’s On.......................................................................62 Pet Projects....................................................................65 Chocolate & Eggs............................................................66 Puzzle Page....................................................................68 Beer of the Month..........................................................71 Prize Crossword..............................................................72 The Call to Collect...........................................................74 Patient Choice Dispensed With.......................................76 Book Review..................................................................78 Classifeds.......................................................................79

15,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Park, Brampton, Buckden, Offord Cluny, Offord D’arcy, Godmanchester, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey, Cambourne, Chawston, Croxton, Duloe, Graveley, Great Paxton, Hail Weston, Honeydon, Little Barford, Little Paxton, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling.

(Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Huntingdon, St Neots, Eaton Ford, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury)

Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Susan Brookes-Morris, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Ted Bruning, Solange Hando, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Kate McLelland, Louise Addison, Centre for Complementary Health, Fiona McLeman, Alex Albrighton, Alison Runham, Leeds Day Solicitors, Tony Larkins, Gareth Arscott, RSPCA Beds North Branch, ProLawn, James Baggott, Alison Runman Bartlett Tree Experts and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost - - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Kostiantyn Schastnyi Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

History

The last resting place of Mary Hicks

By Peter Ibbett

“I have heard that the memorial to Mary Hicks is in Godmanchester Church”. Mary was the wife of the Rev Hicks who tended his little flock in the quiet Bedfordshire village of Wrestlingworth. She had died, a widow, in March 1805 seven months before Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar. My route round the Ouse Valley parish of Godmanchester, recently fortified by the Environment Agency against excessive flood waters, took me to the church to fulfil my little mission. Like some of the old barges that plied their trade behind plodding horses on the nearby river, it is of a broad beam built to plough its way through the turbulence of the great spiritual oceans of life.

Outside its door was a sight that is, thankfully, becoming more common in our local churches.

It was a board that stated that the church was open.

Whatever your views on the great matters of life you should take the time to appreciate buildings that have survived great swathes of our island history.

I found Mary high up on a tablet at the back of the church. Robet Hicks, Gent, Surgeon and 4

Apothecary died in 1825 leaving property to support the Free Grammar School in the Borough he had served for 37 years. Mary shares the tablet with Robert’s wife, also called Mary who died in 1862.

To our eyes the neatly whitewashed church seems timeless but is mainly the product of Victorian restoration in the early 1850’s.

Reminiscences by Frederick Bird (born in 1837) described this work and throws some light on the final resting place of Mary. ‘After taking up the stone pavement .. a honeycomb of vaults was discovered .. the Church was literally standing on a charnel house.’ The vaults were reverently converted into graves and only in one or two cases where surviving family had rights of sepulture, were they retained. The last interment in a church vault took place in 1862 with Mrs Mary Hicks whose right to the family vault had been preserved to her by an order by the Home Secretary in 1852.’ Mr Bird recalled that Mary was a ‘lady of the olden times, short, stately and well proportioned, and was kind to the poor and possessed a great deal of medical skill’. She, no doubt, would be pleased that the family name continues today in the Charles Hicks Medical Centre in Huntingdon.

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Time of Year

Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Eggs have been used as symbols at festivals since before the time of Jesus, but are now particularly synonymous with Easter and the story of the resurrection. Eggs are said to represent new life, and for Christians when they are cracked open, they stand for the empty tomb following Jesus’ rising. Eggs are also considered special, because although they do not seem alive they have life within them - especially in springtime when chicks hatch out.

In previous times people gave gifts of eggs carved from wood or precious stones. It is only in the last 100 years or so that sweet eggs have been eaten. The size and range of chocolate eggs available seems to increase every year. The tallest chocolate egg was 10.39 metres tall and made in Italy in 2011. It weighed 7.2 kilograms and was 9.6 metres at its widest point!

It is not known exactly who first created the story of the Easter Bunny, but it seems to have its origins in Germany. It was first mentioned in German texts in the 16th Century. In the 1700’s German immigrants told stories when they went to America of egg- laying rabbits, and they encouraged children to use caps and bonnets to make nests which the Easter bunny would fill with coloured eggs - if they’d been good. The first edible Easter bunnies appeared in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar. The symbol of the rabbit was probably chosen because of its associations with fertility and spring. It is believed that Eostre, the Anglo Saxon God of Spring, had a hare as a companion.

In addition to having Easter Egg Hunts to search for the eggs left by the Bunny, another common Easter activity is egg rolling. This is 6

done using real hard boiled eggs, and time is usually spent decorating them beforehand.

In years gone by the eggs were dyed using onion skin, today’s painting process is much easier. In the UK egg rolling is generally done by rolling eggs down a hill, and the winner is the one whose egg rolls further or survives the most rolls. In the early nineteenth century in Northern Ireland, egg rolling was described as ‘trindling’ or ‘trundling.’ Another traditional game involves holding your egg in the palm of the hand and banging against your opponent’s egg. The loser is the one whose egg breaks first.

In the USA one of the most well known events is held on the White House Lawn, and involves parents and children pushing eggs along through the grass with wooden spoons.

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NEW MOBILITY CENTRE Now Open in Huntingdon

at Unit 5A, Cirrus Court, Glebe Road, off St Peters Road, PE29 7DL We are near Huntingdon TESCO supermarket

• Brand new showroom and mobility assessment centre • Huge range of mobility aids to try before you buy • Free home surveys, demonstrations and delivery • Free parking outside our showroom • Competitive prices with high quality products & service • Expert advice on mobility, lifting, moving and handling products • Local company you can trust • Full manufacturer’s warranty on all products • Occupational therapy assessments available with appointments • Servicing and repairs • Please visit us and our friendly staff will provide you with professional caring advice.

www.angliahealthcaremobility.co.uk Email : sales@angliahealthcare.co.uk Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm & Saturday 10am-4pm

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

• Scooters From £595 • Wheelchairs from £100 • Rise and recline chairs from £550 • Reclining beds from £695 • Rollators from £70 • Stairlifts from £1,395 We also supply a huge range of other mobility products including: • Daily Living aids • Kitchen Aids • Toileting Aids • Wheelchair Customisations • Powered wheelchairs • Bathlifts • Ramps • Footwear (Cosyfeet) • Wheelchair lifts • Hoists • Steplifts • Stairlifts

Tel 08450 18 11 18

7

Three Counties Radio

Would you like any cashback today?

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

The internet has of course brought some unwanted problems, but it has also brought some incredible benefits to us consumers. One of those benefits is the creation of ‘Cashback’ websites. Gosh I love them! In fact, I frequently bore people senseless telling them about the importance of logging on and saving ££££ on your purchases.

If you haven’t come across the likes of ‘Quidco’ or ‘TopCashback’ before, let me explain how they work: Cashback websites pay you a cash fee when purchasing goods or services via their website. The amount of cashback is generally a percentage of the total you spend with the retailer.

They tend to make their fee from the companies that they suggest on their site. Many of these are well known high street branches, some are lesser known retailers.

They normally transfer the cashback you’ve earned directly into your bank account as soon as they receive it. So it’s a win win for the consumer.

They also provide voucher codes for thousands of retailers so you can gain discounts at the online checkout.

All you have to do is: 1. Register with one or more cashback site.

2. When you decide you want to make an online purchase of a product or service, log into the cashback site, search the cashback rates available and follow the link to the company’s website.

3. Make the purchase, and wait for the cashback to arrive in your bank account (it normally takes at least a few weeks and should be tracked automatically).

Let me give you a couple of examples (chosen at random at the time of writing): It’s time to renew your car insurance. You get some online quotes and find that Tesco Insurance is offering you the best deal. You could of course just take out a policy with them directly on their website. That would be fairly silly though, because by going to Tesco Insurance via a cashback website, you would receive a cashback lump sum payment of £75 after completing the purchase. By going to them directly, you would have missed out on a £75 saving.

You need a new washing machine. You find one you like at Currys. Again, you could just purchase it directly on the Currys website, but by going via a cashback website like Quidco or TopCashBack, you would stand to make 2% cashback on the total purchase price. That would be £8 back on a £400 washing machine.

Better than a slap round the face with a wet fish eh?!

You can make additional money by referring your friends and relatives to the sites as well.

I always say that you don’t get anything in this world for free. So how do the companies that offer the cashback benefit from this? Well, they gain because you’re more likely to buy from the retailers that are listed with those cashback sites.

The important thing is to remember to use the site. Whichever online purchase you need to make: flights, insurance, electrical goods, perfume, clothes, wine or groceries, always go via a cashback website and start saving. I always remember and since I started using cashback websites 2 years ago and have already made £237.38. So go get yourself some free cashback!

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

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History

Bank Holidays

By Ted Bruning

I don’t know – you wait for weeks and weeks for a day off work and then four come along all at once.

And I blame the Pope.

He is, after all, the man who decides the date of Easter. This year it’s on 20 April – which is almost as late as it can be and means that we have four Bank Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Spring Bank Holiday – except in Scotland – and the May Bank Holiday) within the space of six weeks. So if you like your precious days off well spread out, you might ask the Pope: why is Easter so late this year?

And he’ll tell you the following: “The date is calculated thuswise. The ancient Jewish feast of Pesach or Passover, for reasons best known to ancient Jewish people, falls on the full moon on or immediately after the vernal equinox.

The Last Supper was held on Passover, or so it says in the New Testament; the Crucifixion took place on the following Friday; so ipso facto the Resurrection – which is why we have Easter – was on the first Sunday after the full moon that followed the vernal equinox. Which this year happens to be on 20 April.

Geddit?” Got it.

But the dates of public holidays have always been contentious, with various people having various reasons for wanting them shifted. Some don’t want them at all: patriots to the bone they may be, but many industrialists really didn’t like the Government awarding us extra hols for the Royal Wedding in 2011 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. “Two days’ lost production!” they wailed.

“That’ll cost us a bomb!” On the other hand the retailers of beer and bunting were over the moon.

Bank Holidays, you’d think, would be fairly firmly fixed. Not a bit of it. Until 1834 the Bank of England used to observe all 33 Roman Catholic Holy Days of Obligation. “This is daft!” said the directors eventually, and cut it to four – Good Friday, May Day, All Saints (1 November), and Christmas Day. But come on, that wasn’t enough. So in 1871 the Bank Holidays Act added Easter Monday, Whit Monday (the seventh Monday after Easter), the first Monday in August (instead of All Saints), and Boxing Day. And for nearly a century that seemed to suit. We all went on charabanc excursions to the seaside or (if posh) had long weekends in the country or just stayed home and sorted the garden, and until 1965 we were very happy. That year, the August Bank Holiday was moved to the end of the month.

In 1971 Whit Monday, the last moveable feast apart from Easter, was fixed as the last Monday in May. In 1975 Harold Wilson made New Year’s Day a Bank Holiday in England and Wales (it already was one in Scotland); and in 1978 Jim Callaghan, dyed in the wool leftie that he was (!) made May Day – which had been left out of the 1871 Act – official.

Now the tinkerers are out in force again. Some want national Saints’ days – St David’s Day and St Piran’s Day (is Cornwall a nation? You decide) in March, St George’s Day in April, St Andrew’s Day in November – to be made official holidays. There’s also a move to scrap one or other of the May Bank Holidays and move it to October to mark Trafalgar Day. Someone even proposed a Margaret Thatcher Day…I’ll say no more!

Pope Francis seems happy about the forthcoming bank holidays.

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Therapy

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Competition

Competition Time Solve this easy quiz and win a copy of ‘Wildlife through the Year’ signed by the author.

Find the answer to each of these 7 questions, then take the initial letter(s) from each answer and put them in the stated order to make a 9-letter word.

1 & 6. This bird sings in late winter and early spring, often from the topmost twigs of a tall tree and has the nickname ‘Storm Cock’ because it often sings even on very windy days.

2.

This native plant is a climber, often seen on trees and walls, and has greenand-yellow flowers in late autumn and black-coloured berries in winter.

3 & 7. Despite its name, this low-growing native plant with purple or pinkish flowers is unrelated to 2, but is related to Catmint and Selfheal.

4.

Voted Britain’s National Bird, it is here throughout the year and is featured on many Christmas cards.

5.

Britain’s only venomous snake, sometimes called the Viper.

6.

See 1.

7.

See 3.

8.

In George Ellis’s rhyme, this month is said to be ‘Breezy‘, following ‘Droppy’ and preceding ‘Sneezy.’

9.

The song of this scarce bird is said to resemble a distant two-stroke engine, it is camouflaged to look like a piece of wood and has lots of strange nicknames, such as ‘Goatsucker’ and ‘Flying Toad.’

The 9-letter word is a natural phenomenon. What is it?

Send your answer by post to Wildlife Competition, The Villager Magazine, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP or by e-mail to nigel@villagermag.com The closing date is 18th April 2014. The winner will be the sender of the first correct answer selected at random by the Editor on the closing date.

(If you don’t win, you can buy a copy for £9.95 from your local bookshop (quote ISBN 978-1-291-66252-8) or for £9.95 + £1.80 p&p from Wildlife book, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ.) To12 advertise in The Villager and Town Life please callPlease 01767mention 261122 The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 12

Buggy fit NEW in April Relax your body, restore your spirits and replenish your energy after a hard day or week at the office.

Our superb facilities include a fully equipped, air-conditioned Fitness suite, fitness studio, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa.

Join us in April and receive a full month free plus 10% off any beauty treatment.

Also try before you buy, with this voucher you will receive 7 days free trial. www.waterside-leisure.co.uk

The Lounge restaurant offers stunning views in a relaxed atmosphere.

Superb New Menu to launch in April.

With this voucher you will receive a complimentary glass of wine with our Wednesday Carvery.

For all booking details and for more information contact 01480 810355

This unique Personal Fit studio delivers state of the art personal training to all.

Our small group personal training sessions are aimed for those wanting weight/fat loss, conditioning, strength building, getting ready for those summer bodies.

With this voucher ‘Try before you buy’ Get a 7 day free trail, join within 7 days and you will also 1 month FREE. www.pesonal-fit.co.uk

For all these offers and for any more information, please contact Vikki 01480 810355/07561 108267 vikki.morgan@waterside-leisure.co.uk Terms and conditions will apply

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Local News

Steve Oldham Golf Academy Cromwell Driving Range

The Steve Oldham Golf Academy, is now sited at the Cromwell Driving Range, formally known as the Cromwell Golf Centre. The Academy now offers a PGA & EGTf pro, who works with all types of golfers in improving their game or getting them started. The driving range is a 21 bay range, with floodlights, where you can either purchase tokens or pay by coins using there coin ball machine. We also have a superb par 3 course for beginners or even club golfers of a higher standard, if they want to work on there short game.

As part of the academy’s drive to get more people taking up the game of golf, we are working with the Get Into Golf campaign, where we will be holding coaching group days for beginners to come and to come and have a go and see how

enjoyable golf is whilst getting some quality coaching to at affordable prices. These sessions will be held in May and June this year, and if you are interested please visit or ring the pro for more information.

The Academy, driving range and par 3 are all open all year round. There is also a small shop, which offers refreshments, so why not come and visit us whether it’s to practice on your swing or bring the family up for a golf try session - we have clubs that you can hire out too. We also pride ourselves on our coaching techniques and specialise in teaching players to level of improvement, so why not visit our Range and Academy and meet the pros and see how they can help you improve We hope to see you very soon at the new Golf Academy.

Abbotsley Golf range

and par 3

NOW OPEN AND AND MANNED UNDER NEW DIRECTION 7 DAYS A WEEK Driving range open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday 7.30am to 6pm during winter months Cromwell centre, Potton Road, Abbotsley, Cambridgeshire PE19 6XN

FREE 30 MIN

VIDEO LESSON WITH THIS VOUCHER (excluding golf balls minimum £5)

Faculties at range centre Par 3 9 holes Foot golf Golf academy, lessons for all golfers with golf pro Steve phone or Call in to book 01474 408900 or 07456-036572 email pro@steveoldhamgolf.co.uk Find Us On Facebook Steve Oldham’s Golf Academy

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20/01/2014 15:38

15

T

astes

Spring of

Our chefs have created a 9 course tasting menu celebrating the best of spring produce. Join us on 26th April for one night only.

Grilled English Asparagus crispy quail egg, air dried ham

Marinated Scallop

Ceviche, yuzu dressing, apple, soy, cucumber, radish, lime, sesame

Little Paxton pigeon Jerusalem artichoke, morels, red kale, balsamic, game jus

Halibut Leek, potato and pancetta, palourde clams, cider, samphire & chive

Slow-cooked Woodview lamb

Rump & confit belly, braised potato terrine, carrot, swede & kale, lamb jus

Truffled Cornish Brie Quince, Bedfordshire honey

Rhubarb; Dunton yoghurt panna cotta, poached, purée, ice cream, cinder toffee, mint

Blood orange Sponge, chocolate textures, marmalade, sorbet

Cinnamon Doughnut Tea & Coffee

£65 per person – Booking & £15 deposit required Seated at 7.30

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Market Square, Potton, Beds, SG19 2QZ 01767 260221 | www.coachhousepotton.co.uk Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Travel

Istanbul

By Solange Hando

Poised on the old Silk Road, Istanbul is a glistening city of palaces and mosques, sparkling fountains, leafy squares and breezy waterways. The legendary Bosphorus flows through the heart of town, linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and marking the boundary between Europe and Asia. On the western side, the inlet of the Golden Horn heads down to the tip of the peninsula and an amazing treasure trove of cultural highlights.

Named Byzantium, then Constantinople and later Istanbul, the city prospered during the Eastern Roman and Ottoman empires, with a brief interlude of Venetian rule. All left a colourful legacy but the top attraction remains the Topkapi Palace built in 1453. Perched above the confluence of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, it offers one of the most glorious panoramas in Istanbul and fine museums displaying all sorts of exhibits, including the dazzling Imperial Treasure and its 86 carat Spoonmaker’s diamond.

After such opulence, the Blue Mosque welcomes you like a breath of fresh air with a vast arcaded courtyard and cascading domes framed by slender minarets. The lofty prayer hall oozes peace and simplicity, flooded in natural light as the sun filters through 260 stained glass windows, lighting up some of the 20,000 blue tiles which give the mosque its name. It stands on the edge of Sultanahmet Square, once a Roman Hippodrome holding up to 100,000 spectators. Wild beasts and chariots have long gone but today the square is graced by a pretty gazebo-style fountain and obelisks and columns rising through the greenery.

At the other end is Hagia Sophia, the world’s largest cathedral for 1000 years, later converted into a mosque and now a dark cavernous museum. The

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Chora Monastery went through a similar fate but the finely restored mosaics and frescoes are well worth a detour, just steps away from the lovely Ottoman houses climbing up the hillside with overhanging upper floors and bright façades.

Meanwhile down town, the legendary Grand Bazaar claims over 4000 shops jostling cheek by jowl in a grid of over 60 streets. It’s one of the world’s largest covered markets, a dizzying place where the air smells of spices and apple tea, water pipes bubble in every corner and locals and visitors bargain for amber beads, gilded icons, copperware, embroidered slippers, leather, antiques, carpets or mother of pearl. It’s a city within a city with its own marble fountains, cafés, hammam and mosques.

Shopping over, it’s good to stroll through the streets where more wonders await, here a shrine, there remains of the Roman aqueduct, the iconic doubledecked Galata bridge, packed with fishermen, the secluded tea gardens, the parks blooming with tulips and roses or the cool waterside promenade with superb views of the city’s skyline and by clear weather, the idyllic Princes’ Islands in the distance.

But the ultimate treat is sailing on the Bosphorus lined with myriad historical buildings. There are summer palaces and pavilions, fragrant gardens and villas in pastel colours, now a Venetian scene, now an Arabian dream or a 21st century call as an ocean liner approaches the gleaming suspension bridge.

Cargo vessels, galleons, luxury yachts, fishing boats, ferries, it’s a busy channel yet totally enchanting.

The old fortress still guards the narrowest point while scenic bays and seafood restaurants beckon along the shores. When night falls over the strait and lights twinkle all around, Istanbul is one of the most magical cities on earth.

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Could you foster a child?

The most important ingredient in fostering is YOU You can apply to be a foster carer regardless of your marital or residential status. What you will need is a spare room and the time and energy to invest in a child or young person.

NFA is recruiting foster carers in the Cambridgeshire area.

Contact us:

Visit:

www.nfa.co.uk Call:

0845 200 4040 18

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Education

Take the opportunity

to further your career!

Huntingdonshire Regional College offers a wide range of part-time professional courses that will help you gain new skills to further your career or retrain to start a completely new career. They offer courses at a variety of different levels, from Level 1 up to Higher National Diplomas, to allow you to learn from the beginning and go right up to higher education study.

Their training takes place in professional working environments such as workshops and salons that are fully equipped with industry standard equipment, furthermore, their expert tutors have extensive industry experience and knowledge to ensure you achieve your qualification goals and ambitions.

Huntingdonshire Regional College understands the importance of balancing your study with work, family and other commitments, that’s why they run their courses at a variety of different times throughout the day, including during working hours, in the evening and even through distance learning.

The College has achieved record success rates, alongside a growing reputation with business and

training in the workplace, showing that they are fast becoming an exceptional place to study.

If you are aged 24 or over and starting a Level 3 course, or higher, on or after the 31st August 2014, you may be entitled to a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to help you pay the tuition fees and you won’t have to pay anything back until your annual income is over £21k.

For further information please call 01480 379106 or visit www.huntingdon.ac.uk Part-time college courses. Your opportunity to succeed!

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

19

Business gone a bit slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com 20

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Health & beauty

Hair Today‌

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

The desire to remove excess or dark hair usually begins in adolescence, and many women and men remain intent upon having smooth, hairless skin. Whether it is hair on the face, armpits, legs, back, bikini line, or other body parts, there are many options available to remove unwanted hair, but few to get rid of it permanently.

The old standby shaving is the quickest but most temporary form of hair removal. Shaving cuts off hair at the surface and new growth may appear thicker and darker because the new hair shaft has a blunt tip instead of a tapered one.

Before shaving, apply a moisturiser such as water, shaving cream, soap or hair conditioner to help the razor glide more easily.

Plucking pulls the hair out of its follicle and when done repeatedly may damage it, thus preventing further growth. Plucking is painful, so only suitable for small areas such as the eyebrows or odd facial hair. Variations are: threading, a traditional Indian method of plucking hair by twisting strings (good for eyebrows), and epilators, equipment which plucks out hairs en masse – good for larger areas such as legs and arms.

Depilatory creams use a chemical called thioglycolate mixed with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide to dissolve hair. Cream is applied for between 3 and15 minutes and the resulting jelly-like substance is then wiped or washed off. Depilatory creams can burn if left on for too long and may also cause an allergic reaction.

Waxing is great for treating areas both large and small. Wax is warmed and spread in the direction of the hair growth and when cool is pulled off quickly in the opposite direction, pulling the hairs out of the follicle. Waxing can be done at home or in the salon, but care should be taken not to get burnt. It can also be messy and painful.

Electrolysis is one of the permanent methods of hair removal and should be done professionally.

A fine needle is inserted into each individual hair follicle and an electric current applied to burn the hair root, preventing it from producing more hair. Each session may take only 20-30 minutes, Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

but a full course of treatment could take 12-18 months.

Laser hair removal is not permanent but does have longlasting results. It requires multiple treatments, and works by laser beams or light pulses destroying the hair root and retarding the re-growth of new hair. It can be expensive and painful and works best for light skinned people with dark hair.

Home kits are available for purchase.

You should choose a method or combination of methods that works best for you depending on cost, time available, skin type, and the desired hairfree area.

21

Home Interiors

The Long and the Short of Curtains

By Kate McLelland

A well-designed set of curtains can complement your architecture, provide a starting point for an interior design scheme and, in general, give your room a sophisticated feel. But choosing curtains can be confusing. Katherine Sorrell explains all.

Headings and hangings The way in which a curtain hangs is determined by its heading, often created by a tape which is sewn onto the back of the curtain and pulled to form gathers, pleats or a variety of other styles.

Some headings are only suitable for certain weights of fabric and sizes of curtain. For a less formal look, however, there are plenty of alternatives. Tab- and tie-tops are often found on ready-made curtains, though they can be fiddly to draw. Curtains can also be hung from a deep hem which is simply slid over a pole, from large eyelets punched in the top, from clips (magnetic ones are easy to use) or even just from hooks.

Poles, tracks, wires and rods The most straightforward way to hang curtains is from a pole, ideal for short, straight runs. Poles might be fixed or extending, made from wood, wrought iron, steel, brass, bamboo, acrylic or glass in various diameters (for various weights of curtain), and are usually circular in profile, though reeded and

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fluted styles are also available.

Designed to be on show, they require a certain amount of clearance above and below to look right (if space is limited, a ceiling-mounted track is probably a better option).

To finish off the pole at either end, and also to prevent the curtains sliding off, there’s the option of a plain cap or a pair of finials. If you choose very distinctive finials, ensure that they co-ordinate with the overall style of window treatment and the decoration of the room.

On narrow windows or dormers, portiere (or swing-arm) rods are an alternative to fixed poles, while for a modern effect you could use tension wire, fixed taut within the window opening.

A more subtle effect can be achieved by using a track rather than a pole; this is usually a better option for bay windows, too, as they can be bent around to fit. Tracks may be made from plastic (inexpensive) or metal (better-looking) and be mounted either on the wall or the ceiling above the window.

Window disguises Curtains will cover tracks but only, of course, when they’re closed. When open, if you can’t stand the look of a bare track, you’ll need either a pelmet or a valance, usually about one-sixth of the depth of the curtain and slightly wider than the track. Hung high above the window, they can also make it seem taller; the opposite if hung low.

Pelmets, normally made from wood or medium

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density fibreboard, can either be painted or covered in a fabric to match or co-ordinate with your curtains. Opt either for a simple rectangle or a fancy shape that complements the architecture of the room. A valance is a set of ruffles made entirely from fabric and attached to a track, pelmet board or rail.

Length and width To let maximum light into the room, fit a pole or track that overhangs far enough each side to allow the curtains to be drawn right away from the window. Very full, thick curtains need more ‘stack back’ space than light, thin ones. If there is space on one side only, fit a single curtain. Floorlength curtains are more fashionable than silllength these days, though shorter curtains can be practical when radiators or window seats are in the way, or in stairways or kitchens. In-between lengths can look odd, unless specifically designed to disguise awkward window proportions.

Fabric Curtains can be made of practically any fabric, from cotton and linen to velvet, silk or wool. As well as the conventional fabrics, consider unusual ones such as tweed, fleece, mohair or denim, or perhaps a sari, a length of vintage embroidery or a lovely chintz quilt. The heavier the fabric, the better it will hold a fold, though very heavy fabrics will be too bulky for smaller windows. Very light fabrics will look floppy unless supported by a lining. Bear in mind, too, that a large window will require metres of weighty fabric; check that your track or pole can support it.

Lining Lining is recommended for all curtains except sheers, as it helps fabric hang neatly and protects it from fading, dirt and condensation. It is usually made from a tightly woven fabric (cotton or polycotton) that resists shrinkage and creasing, and is often white or cream, though coloured linings are also available.

Thermal linings are coated on one side to reflect heat back into the room, and can be almost as effective as double glazing when they are closed. Blackout lining has the same properties, but also blocks out light and, to a certain extent, noise. Inter-lining, as its name suggests, is sewn between the fabric and the lining to improve drape, body and heat retention. It’s worth knowing that linings can shrink at a different rate to curtains when washed, so either have them detachable or prepare to have the whole lot drycleaned.

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23

Acupuncture FOR WELL-BEING

Judy obtained her Licentiate in Acupuncture, and B.A (Hons) degree in Traditional Acupuncture, from the College of Traditional Acupuncture, Warwickshire. Judy is a passionate believer in the positive benefits, on both physical and emotional levels, that may be obtained from receiving acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. Judy has been trained as a classical Five Element Acupuncturist; treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feelings of wellbeing. You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves. Judy continues to pursue her belief in excellence of care for her patients in her role as a dedicated acupuncture practitioner, and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Please contact Judy for a free 20 minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.

Jazzercise got me back in my dress size. It fuels my mind and spirit while toning every inch of my body.

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Travel

Cruise Select Cruise & Travel Show

2nd March 2014

The 2nd March saw Cruise Select’s Annual Cruise & Travel show at the Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre.

What made this Show, courtesy of Cruise Select in Bedford, different from all the other travel shows? It was a smaller version of the big London events, far more intimate and personal thus allowing visitors to gain exactly the expert information they needed.

A host of presentations ran throughout the day and most were fully booked. They ranged from the UK’s foremost cruise journalist Jane Archer to Great Rail Journeys. Celebrity Cruises to local ladies boutique owner Anne Furbank, with each one providing extremely informative advice.

The exhibitors were all ‘hands on deck’ and armed with brochures and knowledge they offered advice and inspiration to both the seasoned and novice traveller. The Cruise Select team were also noticeable throughout the day answering questions and booking holidays with many guests taking advantage of the exclusive show offers.

The feedback from the 500 visitors who attended has been excellent. Dave who travelled from Kent is quoted as saying “I’m not normally a fan of shows.

I usually take a quick look around before heading home but this was altogether more civilised than those big city events. I will be back next year“ Cruise Select were once again raising money for their nominated charity Keech Hospice Care and held a raffle with over 45 prizes including a 1st prize of a Royal Caribbean short break cruise plus $200 spending money. Members of staff from Keech Hospice attended on the day and were delighted to confirm that £1225 was raised.

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25

Children

When Best Friends Fall Out

By Louise Addison

Falling out with a friend is hard for most children.

As parents we can’t protect them from all life’s ups and downs but we can help them through it.

Much as we might like to we can’t take their hurt or confusion away but we can hug, talk to and reassure them. Resist the temptation to say, ‘Well I never liked him anyway. I’m glad he’s not your friend any more,’ even if it’s true! You may feel justifiably angry, but try to keep that from your child. Let them process it in their own way.

Let your child talk about the issue. They may have been instrumental in the break-up of the friendship and it’s good to discuss this. Don’t apportion blame though; children are not always developmentally ready to accept that they may have played a part. Talking about treating others as we might want to be treated is a good strategy.

Also don’t be afraid of sharing stories from your own childhood. It can help them to realise that bad things happen and people learn and move on.

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Keep an eye open for new friendship opportunities, at school and at any out-of-school clubs they attend. Work on helping them build and strengthen new friendships in a healthy way.

This is especially useful if your child has up to now favoured one friend over all others. Having a wider social network can help cushion them against future fall-outs.

If your child continues to be really sad about the loss of the friendship for an extended period of time then you may need to ask for external help. His teacher is a good place to start, or your GP. Fall-outs happen to just about everybody at one time or another. Helping your child through one will hopefully teach them a bit about life and strengthen your relationship with them too.

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Our award winning magazines offer a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to offer incredible prices along with a second-to-none service, professional advert design and a team just waiting to help you.

With over 15,500 copies being delivered door to door every month can your business wait any longer to be in The Villager?

Advertising in The Villager and Town Life could not be easier, for further information or to book your advertising space please call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com or visit our website www.villagermag.com

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27

Complementary Health

Pilates...

Is it a man’s game?

There is more to Pilates than developing “strong abs” or “core strength”. Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle-strength, flexibility, posture and improve overall wellbeing.

“Pilates is a perfect exercise for all ages and abilities” explains Jane Morris, owner of the Centre for Complementary Health. “Plus don’t forget for both sexes too, we are often asked whether men can attend and it’s a definite yes as it was actually created by a man – Joseph Pilates” adds Jane.

There are many health benefits to Pilates including: • Improved posture • Increased co-ordination and flexibility • Reduced low back pain • Increased strength and fitness • Long-term management of conditions • Reduced stress • Decreased neck and joint pain Vicky Leschallas, Pilates Instructor at the Centre reveals “For men in particular it can increase their flexibility, as the structure of their body is tighter and Pilates can make a big difference by increasing motion of the joints. It also provides functional strength to often neglected muscles

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and ones that are not trained in other forms of exercise. This means that it is a great exercise to prevent injury; Ryan Giggs of Manchester United is an example of a professional athlete prolonging his career by using Pilates in his exercise program. Finally, don’t forget the feel good factor as a Pilates work out releases stress relieving chemicals into the body to give you a natural high”.

If you would like more information or to join a Pilates class please contact the Centre on 01480 455221 or email info@centreforcomphealth.com.

Quote “The Villager” for our great Pilates offer – 10%* off a 6 week course!

Terms and conditions of offer: Valid for 1 person for 1 course of 6 weeks Must be used over 6 consecutive weeks More info: Website: www.CentreForCompHealth.com Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com Phone: 01480 455221

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MOTHERS DAY AT ABBOTSLEY Sunday 30th March 2014 Come and treat your mother to a wonderful 3 course meal prepared here at Abbotsley Golf Hotel from 12 noon.

Adults £23.95 Children £18.00 To Book a table please call 01480 474000 or email hotelbookings@abbotsley.com

18 HOLES AVAILABLE FROM £20 Abbotsley Golf Hotel, Potton Road, St Neots PE19 6XN, 01480 474000 www.abbotsley.com

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29

Education

Testing times

What exactly are SATs and how can you help your child through them?

As May approaches, many will feel the increased tension in English primary schools: SATs are on the horizon.

Officially called National Curriculum assessments, the purpose of the tests is to monitor pupils’ progress, inform their next school of their level of attainment, and provide information on how schools are performing.

When they were originally introduced, testing took place at the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3: in Years 2, 6 and 9 respectively.

Tests in Year 9 were scrapped in 2008 (however the Chief Inspector of Schools has recently stated that he would like them to be reintroduced).

In Year 2 (age 6/7), children are assessed in reading, writing, speaking and listening, maths and science. The tasks and tests are carried out when the school chooses. All the work is marked by the teacher and the children may not even notice anything out of the ordinary. Children are given ‘Levels’ in each area but the results are not published.

In Year 6 (age 10/11), the tests cover English reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling, and maths (including mental arithmetic). These tests are more formal and are taken in mid-May. They last under 5.5 hours in total and children will receive their results in July. The school’s overall results form part of the information used to

30

collate the school league tables published by the Department for Education.

So how can you help your child to prepare?

Some schools may give children extra homework, practice tests or offer coaching. If your child is worried about a particular task, talk to their teacher as they should be able to offer reassurance and support.

Read regularly with and to your child. As you do, talk about what you are reading and make sure they understand the meaning behind the words.

Ask, for example, Why did he do that? How is she feeling now?

Try some mental maths problems in spare moments. Ask quick-fire multiplication questions, or challenge them to work out how much change you will receive when out shopping. Time is a concept that children often find tricky. Can they work out how long you will have to wait for the bus, or when a 45-minute TV programme will finish?

The most important thing is to try and minimise any stress children are feeling and encourage them to just do the best they can. The aim of the SATs is simply to see how much they have learned and, if they panic, they are more likely to make mistakes.

Good luck!

By Alex Albrighton

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Shires Mobile Footcare ...because feet matter

Treatment of common foot disorders in the comfort of your own home Professional treatment includes: • Callus reduction • Corn removal • Toe nail trimming • Fungal/thickened toe nail treatment • Cracked heel reduction • Athletes foot treatment

For further enquiries call Sam on:

01480 819 453 M. 07715 085 131 T.

Samantha Craig BA Hons, SAC Dip FHPT, SAC Dip FHPP, MRFHP

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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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Family Law

Fiona McLeman Tel: 07894 095775 www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk

News from Fiona McLeman Family Law Fiona McLeman Family Law is coming up to its third anniversary on 12 April 2014 and how time has flown. In that time Fiona McLeman has operated as a sole practitioner. It has been a very special 3 years, and the business has developed and grown in that period. In order to meet the growing demands on the business, Fiona has decided to take one small but very important step in a new direction.

With effect from Monday 17 March 2014, specialist family law solicitor Christina Hale will be joining the firm as an Associate Solicitor.

Christina comes from a team of family lawyers at a law firm in Cambridge and specialises in divorce and family law. She is a member of the family lawyer’s group, Resolution, and sits on the Committee of the Cambridge and West Suffolk Resolution group. She is also a committee member of Cambridge and Ely Contact Centre.

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Despite this important change, the firm will continue to apply its philosophy of providing the best legal services at a more affordable rate applying our core values at all times • Children first • Client centric.

• Conscientious about costs.

• Encourage compromise and resolution.

Both lawyers in the firm set their rates lower than contemporaries and the business will continue to operate in a way to ensure that all levels of service are the very best that can be provided for clients at a more affordable rate.

Contact Fiona on fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk or Christina at christina@fmfamilylaw.co.uk for more information about how we can help you.

33

Finance

Spend Now, Save Later

By Alison Runham, www.alison.runham.co.uk These days, we’re all being urged to return to ‘make do and mend’; to reduce, reuse and recycle because it’s economical and ‘green’. But sometimes this can be false economy – and false ecology, too. Some things may be worth replacing or investing in.

Cars Ever hung on too long to a car that’s eventually cost more in total repairs than it did to buy?

Buying a new (or even relatively new!) car is expensive, but in the long run it may save you money – depending on what car you buy.

ECONOMY: A new car should be more fuel efficient, saving you money on petrol or diesel costs. Treat it well and it shouldn’t need major maintenance for years, plus a brand new car won’t need an MOT until it’s three years old.

ECOLOGY: Greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions mean newer cars tend to be greener.

Boilers Once again, we can hang on to boilers too long and they can be expensive to repair, particularly if you need to call someone out overnight or during a holiday. Maintenance contracts aren’t always cheap either.

ECONOMY: Boilers account for around 55% of your energy costs; replacing your old one with an A-rated condensing boiler and modern heating controls will ensure your home and water are warm when needed but aren’t wasting energy when not, and could save you up to £305 a year on energy bills.

ECOLOGY: A new boiler will reduce your energy use and carbon dioxide emissions.

Water softeners About 60% of UK households have hard water that can damage and lessen the efficiency of appliances and heating systems; just 1.6mm of scale build-up can cause a 12% loss in heating efficiency. Shower heads, toilets, taps, pipes, radiators, boilers, kettles, dishwashers and washing machines will all need more frequent repair and replacement, not to mention the cost of limescale removers for appliances, sinks and toilets, and the greater quantities of detergent,

34

shampoo, shower gel, washing-up liquid and toilet cleaner required.

ECONOMY: British Water estimates that a water softener could save the average 4-person household around £200 a year.

ECOLOGY: Softened water can remove existing scale deposits over time in heating systems.

Fewer chemicals and less energy are used, and appliances will need less frequent repair or replacement.

Solar Panels The government’s FIT (feed-in-tariff ) scheme offers 20 years of guaranteed, tax-free, index-linked payments to households that produce their own electricity from renewable technologies. To make the biggest saving, use as many appliances as possible in the daytime when generating your own power.

ECONOMY: You’re paid for every kilowatt of energy you create, and every kilowatt you don’t use, which feeds back into the National Grid; and of course the bills from your supplier will drop dramatically too (solar panels create about two thirds of the energy necessary for a family of four). On average, installation costs around £7000 and you may need to replace the inverter, which links the panels to your domestic supply, once every 20 years. It takes around 10-12 years to get back the cost of installation. Bear in mind that the FIT has dropped dramatically over the past few years, but then installation costs are dropping too.

ECOLOGY: Your household will be producing renewable energy and none will be wasted, as it’s fed back into the Grid when unused.

Always research any major purchase to ensure you get the best deal for you.

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35

Leeds Day Solicitors

Lasting Power of Attorney Leeds Day Solicitors

If you own a small business, either alone or jointly with others, you need to consider what would happen if you were to die or become incapacitated. In such circumstances, who would run your business for you? Would you want your business, or your interest in it, to be sold or passed to a member of your family?

To enable someone else to make decisions about your property and financial affairs while you are mentally incapacitated, you need to make a Lasting Power of Attorney. The power would authorise your attorney or attorneys to make decisions for you, and if you wished, you could appoint one person to make decisions about your business and another to make decisions about your personal affairs.

In the event of your death, a different set of issues would need to be considered. If you are a sole trader, you might wish to appoint someone to manage your business. You might also want to provide for the business to pass to one or more members of your family who work in it or have some interest in it. Furthermore, under the general law, your executors would only have the power to run the business for the purpose of selling it, so if you wanted them to manage the business until your children were old enough to manage it for themselves, you would need to give your executors the

power to do so. All these matters can only be dealt with in your will, and if appropriate, you should consider amending your existing will or making a new one. (If you wish to amend your will, you will need to make a codicil; you cannot simply write the amendments on to your existing will.)

If you own shares in a limited company, you will need to find out whether there are any restrictions on what you can do with those shares. Subject to that, you can leave your shares to whoever you wish. You can also give someone, whether a member of your family or a business colleague, the option of buying your shares at their market value. However, in each case, you will need to consider the implications if, for example, you give one of the other shareholders a majority holding.

When you make your Will, you will also need to consider whether some tax planning would be appropriate. Businesses and interests in businesses are often exempt from inheritance tax and can be a useful vehicle for tax planning.

If you would be interested in discussing wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney or tax planning with a member of our private client team, please contact us on 0844 5672222 or by e-mail at wills@leedsday.co.uk.

www.leedsday.co.uk Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 36

Our offices: St. Ives 11 Station Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5BH T: 01480 464600

St. Neots 1A South Street, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2BW T: 01480 474661

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37

Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

- Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies - Self assessment tax returns - Cash Flow Forecasting - Vat, Payroll & Bookkeeping - Business Start Up Free Initial Consultation Phone: Antoinette Gorst ACCA or Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

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Beacon Wealth

What Keeps You Awake At Night?

By Tony Larkins

Isn’t it strange that we can go to bed feeling tired, after perhaps watching television or reading a book, but just as we lie there our mind starts to think about a problem we have, be that the children, health or money.

It is only when we relax and stop thinking about what we are doing that our subconscious comes to the fore.

We lay there analysing the problem, looking at it in different ways, and sometimes we even come up with a solution.

In the morning we have either totally forgotten about the problem, which has now been pushed to the back of our minds, or realise the solution actually does not work when you apply conscious logic. If your problem ever involves money, a good financial planner should be consulted.

At the moment we are seeing a large number of individuals with low return cash ISAs who want to switch into an equity ISA with potential for double digit growth. We are also seeing individuals concerned about pension income, who still have their money in a with-profit fund, usually growing at less than 2% p.a - a fifth of stock market growth. Other than the usual year end rush for ISAs and pensions, tax is becoming an issue for high earners with good pensions.

The Government reduction to the size of a pension fund and how much can be paid in each year, is

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

expected to result in up to 60,000 paying more tax than they need to. However, based on our enquiries and client profiles, I expect the number to be much higher.

Fortune magazine (Source: 17/03/2014) said “see the world not for what is it, but for what it could be.”

If a higher return, less tax and a structured investment plan would help you, then seek advice from a good financial planner. As I have said before, look for CFP or APFS after their name and ask if they are certified or chartered; either should be okay.

If you have strong beliefs in ethical investing then ask what experience the adviser has. Our ethical portfolios are proving very positive.

If we have concerns over our health we speak to a doctor, if it is our children, we speak to them, so why is it so difficult to talk about your finances to an adviser/ planner? We provide impartial, independent advice, and things are seldom as bad as you think.

Don’t we all deserve a good nights sleep and an uncluttered subconscious mind? – Sleep tight.

You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS). If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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39

New Year, New Displays, Same Outstanding Service…

As we welcome in the New Year with joy and positivity, Paul Kynoch of P&R Bathrooms in Bedford, welcomes in not only his customers, but his brand new bathroom ranges with the same love and affection.

Let me tell you, I have yet to walk into a bathroom showroom and have my words quite literally taken from my very being, that is until, I hit upon P&R Bathrooms in Lurke Street.

From the moment I arrived, I was consumed with a vast array of stunning and quite frankly impressive displays, all glistening and inviting me to have a good look.

The sheer size of this showroom spun me into an excited frenzy, but how on earth could I possibly choose the bathroom of my dreams with such a selection on offer.

Well that’s when I met Paul, and any turmoil I had gathered, simply washed away the moment he started speaking.

Having never chosen, paid for, installed and finally tiled my own bathroom before, I can’t help admitting I felt a little nervous about the whole 2

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scenario, but with Paul at the helm, he made me understand that with P&R Bathrooms, they take pride in offering a step by step service, whereby they can literally hold your hand from the outset and guide you through the process.

Paul explained that they are unique in their approach to their work, they employ their own team of highly experienced installers, plumbers, carpenters and tilers for customers that require their services, thus creating a trusted and reliable bond between all parties.

In fact, a very useful service P&R offer to their clientele is to provide them with a digital drawing of their potential new bathroom. This was perfect for me as it gave me a clearer vision as to what I really wanted. You could even change the colour of the tiles and the floor to really set the scene. All I had to do was provide them with my bathroom measurements and bam; there it was in front of me.

Paul went on to enlighten me that their main supplier was Villeroy & Boch, an established company offering quality products with an array of price tags to suit all pockets, music to my ears.

I described the foresight I had for my new

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bathroom, but mentioned as it was a relatively small space I needed storage, however pipes prevented me from having furniture in it.

I must of felt comfortable with Paul at this point, as I then went on to say how much I would also like one of those “floating sink thingy’s” you see in posh hotels. I was waiting for the smirk or the “Can you elaborate Madam” but no, he got me, he got exactly what I meant and waltzed me over to this striking “floating sink thingy” After getting a grip on my sheer excitement and love for this thing of beauty, Paul went on to explain that if storage is an issue due to pipework, they can install your bathroom by countersinking the pipes, pressure testing them and fitting new built in vanity units or some kind of panelling, creating instant storage.

Paul suggested I have a wander around the 50 or 60 odd displays he currently has in the showroom and just give him a shout when I need some help. He told me that he has some new displays in for 2014 with some elegantly stylish models on show, and boy he wasn’t wrong.

“The Cabritz” a stunning new Philip Stark freestanding tap and super slim line shower head standing over a curvaceous bath. I had only ever witnessed baths of this nature in 5 star hotels; I

didn’t think it was possible to buy such beauty at your local Bathroom Showroom and of course have them fit it as well.

As I continued my journey down aisle after aisle of such varied stock, my head was turned by the most stunning walk in shower. A colossal piece of glass stood proud at the front with sturdy silver fixings glinting in the light. A first class shower head rained down onto the sublime tiled floor, whilst a unique heated curly towel holder hung proud on the wall.

An hour later I had finally made my choice with the help of my new digital drawing and of course P&R Bathroom’s expert advice.

I didn’t even have to shop around for tiles or accessories as P&R have everything you could possibly want in store, and with the new ranges and displays they have for 2014, it’s certainly worth a visit, even if you’ve been before.

I just want to shout from the rooftops about this bathroom company, because they truly are a cut above the rest, an unparalleled showroom with staff and bathroom suites to match.

You can find P&R Bathrooms at: 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ. Tel: 0845 4348401

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Massaria of London Plane (Splanchnonema platani) Massaria (Splanchnonema platani) is a fungal disease that infects branches of London Plane trees (Platanus x hispanica), a commonly used tree in urban landscaping.

This fungus is considered to be a weak pathogen, and only capable of causing minor damage. However, since 2010 Massaria has become a more serious problem as Massaria poses a high public health risk, with the potential for branch drop as disease progression causes weakness in the upper surface of branches Massaria causes a long strip of pink or brown cankers on the upper side of lateral branches that darken over time as the fungus sporulates. The cankers always distinctively tapers to a point.

This can lead to branch failure as the wood cambium degrades and subsequent branch attachment weakened.

There is no eradicating treatment for Massaria. Management relies heavily on cultural control which consists of checking for and removal of infected branches before they become a serious hazard. Across Europe, aerial inspections and necessary pre-emptive branch removal of trees are carried out three times a year.

Monitoring soil moisture status to ensure drought symptoms do not develop, irrigation, and soil management (alleviate compaction, mulch) improve tree vitality and would therefore reduce the rate of Massaria spread along the branch.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673.

Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK

Bartlett Tree Experts A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Careand Service since 1907 A Complete Comprehensive Tree Care Service Since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal Hedge Cutting | Stump Grinding Woodland Management | Disease & Inseact Control For a free quote please contact your local arborist Tim Brown

01234 354 673 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com 42

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NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE?

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SAW GARDEN SERVICES

‘At The Cutting Edge’

Providing Fencing, Decking Lawn & Hedge Services • All types of Fencing & Gates supplied & erected • Decking installed/repaired • Turfing & Lawn Seeding • Hedge Cutting • Fully Licensed Waste Carrier • Full Liability Insurance

Call for a FREE estimate:

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 Personal customer service, collection and delivery available.  Assessment of individual requirements.  Full after sales backup and parts service.  NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw.  Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service.  Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu

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01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

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In the Garden

PLANT OF THE month

Viola riviniana ‘Rosea’ - By Gareth Arscott www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com Just a short mention regarding the competition in last month’s “In The Garden”. There was a terrific response. Packs of seeds will be sent out to those people who emailed in. The seeds were kindly provided courtesy of Distinctive Seeds, who have provided another allocation for 20 more packs for anyone who would like them. As before just email us at buckdenperennialplants@outlook.com and tell us what plants you would like to see featured this year, in the forthcoming “Plant of the Month” articles.

The rain has stopped, the sun is shining but beware late frosts!

Our garden is bursting into life and pride of place are our violets. We have 15 different species and variants but this month our “Plant of The Month” is Viola riviniana ‘Rosea’ . Many people grow purple and white violets but this is truly pink. A beautiful

variation, on the Common Dog Violet.

February or March sees the Early Dog Violets (Viola reichenbachiana) flower but Viola riviniana appears later in April, an easy way to tell them apart.

Like many violets, it likes a little shade, a little moisture, think of the edge of a wood or the side of a ditch or bank. It will self-seed each year producing seedlings that are faithful to the original colour and is fully hardy.

A wonderful plant if you can find it.

Now is the time to get on top of the weeding!

Try us for £10

£5 we’ll give

SUPPORTING PARTNER OF SPORT RELIEF

to

Say HELLO to a Beautiful Lawn and we’ll Donate £5 to SPORT RELIEF! With our usual prices from as little as £15* per quarter, or £5 per month for providing a great service, is it any wonder that 40% of our new customers come to us through recommendation. Call us today and we‘ll be happy to carry out a free analysis of your lawn, with no obligation. And if you do decide to use our service, we’ll donate £5 to Sport Relief.

* Try Us for a £10, £5 goes to Sports Relief is for new customers with lawns no bigger than 60m2 - for larger lawns a discount will be given.

This promotion runs between 14th February and 30th Jun 2014.

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)

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Gardening

Lawn Care For April

• Mow Lawn At Least Once Per Week • Apply Spring Fertiliser To Produce Vibrant Green Lawn • Spray Weeds In Lawn With Selective Herbicide • Spray Drive/Path/Patios With Total Herbicide To Keep Weed Free For Summer Ask the Lawn Ranger for advice (we promise he will reply within 24 hours) www.prolawncare.co.uk/ask-the-lawnranger Call Deborah, Nikki, Simon or Richard on 01480 812393 “for that lawn you’ve longed for…….”

Reader Offer Book up for a Weed Control Treatment and we’ll apply the Spring Fertiliser FREE OF CHARGE.” (existing Customers will receive an additional treatment free of charge too)

SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.

Block Paving, Pathways, Patios Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments Ponds and Pools Also Re-sanding and Sealing Local Company

01480 217899/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

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47

Pets

ANIMAL QUERIES

RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch Dear RSPCA vet, Sadly, one of our pet rabbits died recently. His sister, Molly, seems to be missing him and she is only just over one year old. Should we leave her on her own or get another rabbit to keep her company?

Lydia, Colmworth Dear Lydia, I’m very sorry that you’ve lost your pet, but very pleased that you’re thinking responsibly about Molly’s needs – even at this sad time.

Rabbits can develop abnormal behaviours and may suffer if left alone, and with nothing to do, for long periods. Rabbits need companionship and should be kept with at least one other friendly rabbit, unless advised otherwise by a vet. A good combination is a neutered male and neutered female.

Introducing rabbits to each other can be a tricky business. You can’t just dump a new rabbit in an existing rabbit’s territory. Initially keep them separately and take things slowly. By swapping the bedding, you can ensure that both rabbits begin to become accustomed to the smell of each other.

Letting them meet through a barrier of some kind also helps.

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When you do finally introduce them, expect some aggressive behavior – this should reduce with time. When kept together, rabbits naturally form a ‘pecking order’. Ideally, introduce the rabbits, under supervision, in a space new to both of them.

Always provide plenty of places to go to get away from companions if they want to. Also provide enough resources (eg shelter/food/water/hiding places) for every rabbit at all times.

Rabbits should always be neutered. As well as reducing unwanted offspring (and animal charities are already full of unwanted rabbits), neutering reduces the likelihood of fighting in both sexes.

As well as helping re-home an unwanted animal, an advantage of getting a rescue rabbit from somewhere like the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is that they will help with the introductions – or you can adopt a bonded pair.

Rabbit Awareness Week is 10-18 May 2014 – the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch will be running lots of activities that you will find useful.

Wishing you, and Molly, the very best!

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

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WOOD GREEN Easter Treasure Trail The trail will run from 18th April (Good Friday) to 21st April (Easter Monday). 10.00am – 4.00pm Easter Sunday (20th) – Free kids roast with every adult roast purchased for £6.95 Captain Jack Rabbit has been shipwrecked at Wood Green. Follow the clues around the centre to help find Captain Jack Rabbit’s treasure.

Field Good Friday!

18th April 2014, 11.00am – 3.00pm. Free entry Come along to our very first Field Good Friday event and learn all about our field animals at Wood Green.

Try your hand at chicken agility Make feeding toys for our field animals Meet the Pygmy goats from ‘CBBCs Pet School 2’ Learn all about our horses and ask the experts Find out more about the goat and chickens and feed them some tasty treats Hobby horse racing Children’s activities Easter egg painting competition Wool spinning lessons A fun family day celebrating our fabulous field animals.

Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s play area

For our full calendar of events and opening times for all our centres please visit our website

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

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

The Animals Charity Registered Charity No. 298348.

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A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. ur o y f f o Excellent links to s onth’ 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

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No previous experience needed

For further information contact: St Neots Town Council Tel: 01480 388911 or email: mail@stneots-tc.gov.uk Entry form and conditions overleaf

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Wash Xpress Adverts:Wash Xpress Advert - 131x93mm 15/01/2014 15:34 Page 1

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Motoring

Detroit Motor Show Stars

James Baggott reports on the big new car debuts breaking cover in Motor City It’s one of the most iconic car shows in the motoring calendar, and this year the stars were out in full force in Detroit.

As the covers came off the cars in Motor City, we were treated to some key new model introductions and not just from the home American brands.

The Europeans, Japanese and Koreans were all out in full force too with some stellar debuts of key cars for the UK market. Here’s our pick of the new models.

Mercedes C Class - This is big news for one of the most competitive sectors in the UK market. Meet Mercedes’ new C Class, a car that’ll take the fight to its bitter rival, and better selling, BMW 3 Series. Merc has worked wonders in the cabin – the quality is stunning and will make German rivals sit up and take notice. The manufacturer says this is their ‘most agile and efficient car ever’ and will be a ‘new benchmark’ in the segment. We’ll have to wait and see about that – but there’s little doubt they’ve got the looks spot on.

Toyota FT-1 - This bonkers crazy concept was created by Toyota’s sandal wearing Californian design team – but don’t fear, it’s no hippy machine.

The FT-1 stands for ‘Future Toyota’ and while it is said to be a spiritual successor to the iconic Supra and 2000GT it’s really designed to show the maker’s future design direction. There’s no word on what’s under the bonnet at present, but rumour has it it’s likely to be a traditional combustion engine with high output.

BMW M4 / M3 - Nothing gets car fans excited quite like an M-badged BMW and Detroit had not one, but two of them. The M4 is the new name in the line-up – the coupe version of the performance car. There’s a new M3, now a saloon only, and both share a new six-cylinder turbo-charged unit for the first time.

BMW says emissions and fuel economy are 25 per cent better, though, so don’t mourn the V8’s death for too long. The new 2 Series Coupe was shown off in Detroit too – but it stole little of the limelight…

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge - If the Q50 is up-andcoming Infiniti’s answer to the 3 Series and C Class, then this is the AMG or M-badged rival. Draped in carbon fibre and drawing inspiration from the Red Bull F1 team hook-up, the Eau Rouge concept – named after Spa’s all-or-nothing corner – is believed to get a 500bhp powerplant if it ever gets the goahead.

Porsche 911 Targa - It’s a name synonymous with Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

the 911 and has accounted for 13 per cent of all sales of the legendary model – and now it’s back. The looks won’t appeal to everyone, but the crazy roof mechanism on the 911 Targa will make grown men weak at the knees. The rear glass dome hinges back for the roof panel to slot underneath in a beautiful fashion. We’re just not quite sure why you’d want one over a convertible.

VW Golf R - If you thought the Golf GTI was good, wait until you see this! With a 296bhp turbo-charged engine, four-wheel drive and a 0-60mph time of less than five seconds it’s the fastest Golf on sale. Due in showrooms in the Spring it’s likely to cost a fraction under £30,000. Quad exhausts and new front and rear bumpers mark the R out.

Audi Allroad Shooting Break - Believe it or not, this is the strongest indication yet of what the next TT will look like. Don’t worry, it’s not going to be an estate (well, not yet anyway), but the design cues shown off on this concept will feature heavily on the next TT. The Shooting Break concept is powered by the firm’s e-tron hybrid transmission that boasts 650Nm of torque and 400bhp – easily enough to see it hit 60mph in 4.6 seconds!

Mini John Cooper Works Concept - With more vents than an office air-conditioning system and brushed aluminium bodywork, this Mini won’t be for everyone. It’s little more than a design study at present, with few details about powerplant or performance, but it does give Mini fans an idea what the next hot Mini will look like.

Volvo XC Coupe - The Swedish firm is on a bit of a roll with its concepts at the moment. This is the second of three design studies from the firm and, like the Concept Coupe we saw at Frankfurt last year, it’s an absolute stunner. The firm says it hints at the look of the much-anticipated replacement for the XC90 – and that the production car will retain its seven-seat versatility that isn’t present on this concept.

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Technology

Social Problems

By Louise Addison

There is a joke doing the rounds which goes: The best thing about being a teen in the 1980s is that we made all our big mistakes before the internet was invented! There is much truth in that.

When your teen tweets or posts a picture to Instagram, he or she probably doesn’t think about how it might affect her tomorrow, let alone how it might affect her chances of getting a job. The hard truth is, that what we send into cyberspace can be difficult to erase.

There have been some recent news stories about young people losing jobs, or not even getting an interview, based solely on what someone from the company has seen on MySpace or Facebook.

Many employers now use social media profiling to screen potential employees. Vetting a candidate’s social media profiles can give employers an insight into someone’s personality, character or work ethic.

If your teen’s profile is not set to ‘private’ it will be accessible to a potential employer and their content found through search engines like Google.

This is true for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It may be unfair and discriminatory but it happens, and even fairly innocuous material might be judged harshly by someone who doesn’t know the person involved.

You can help by getting involved in your child’s social media presence. Become familiar with the tools they use, and offer advice to save them from making mistakes which may be difficult to correct. The good news is that you can help your teen clean up their social media sites before they get ready to apply for joTake an afternoon to go

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through each social media profile and delete any inappropriate photos or comments. There are some software products which can help, like SimpleWash, though these generally don’t apply to photos.

So does this mean you should stop your teen from using any social media? Most experts say that this isn’t necessary. In fact a well-handled social media profile can be very beneficial. It allows young people to connect with those in the industry they’re trying to break into. By engaging with other professionals they can show that they’re both serious and knowledgeable.

Top Tips for Teens • Keep just one social media profile where you post personal information.

• Make sure main profile photos and cover photos are conservative.

• If something is even slightly questionable, do not post it publicly.

• Be careful what you ‘like’ or comment on. If the person posting has a public profile your comment will be visible too.

• Make your public image one you’d be happy to show to anyone, even your great granny.

• Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know, or if you must, then put them on a ‘restricted’ list, but remember that privacy filters on social networking sites are subject to change and are not fail-safe. Check filters regularly.

• The top tip to take away from the experts is to keep your profile private!

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GDC HEATING

Plumbing, Gas and Oil Heating Engineers

36 Rookery Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AX

Tel: 01480 215821 01582 867152 www.gdcheating.com Email: enquiries@gdcheating.com Boiler Repairs/Servicing/Installation Full Heating Installations Efficiency Upgrades Bathroom Design and Installation Specialist Powercleaning Service 30 Years in Business

Reg No. 112425

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55

CD

Garage Door Problems?

Garage Doors All leading Makes of Doors Supplied, Fitted & Repaired Manual & Automatic Over 20 Years Experience

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Technology

Wired for Sound

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

Earphones are small and cheap and fit conveniently into a bag or pocket - great if you are on the move - but they can be uncomfortable, are prone to fall out, and may not provide the best sound reproduction. If it is comfort and sound quality you’re after, headphones are the answer!

The most common headphones have a connecting band that goes over the head, but if you like to jog or wear a hat or glasses, a behind-the-neck pair might be better – plus they won’t mess up your hair or irritate ear piercings!

Full sized headphones offer better sound quality – particularly bass reproduction – along with options such as wireless or Bluetooth. They also exert less pressure on the ear drum which means you can safely listen for longer.

Headphones come open-backed or closed. Closed headphones cover the entire ear and are great

for sound isolation, but they can get really hot.

Open-backed headphones rest over the ear and allow noise in and out - useful if worn in an office or during outdoor activities where you need to keep aware of your environment.

Select models with a larger frequency range and match their impedance (measured in ohms) with that of the audio equipment for best sound quality. But above all, use your ears! If the headphones sound OK to you, buy them – even if they are cheaper!

Fun Quiz - Connections 1. What connects the pop groups Duran Duran, McFly and Travis?

2. What connects cards, lies and wolves?

3. Lordi, Alexander Rybak, Niamh Kavanagh and Nicole have each had just one UK top 40 hit single. What connects these singles?

4. What connects King George VI, Porky Pig and Albert Arkwright?

5. What connects the words “old”, “ink”, “range” and “lack”?

6. What connects Singapore, Zanzibar, Morocco, Utopia, Rio, Bali and Hong Kong?

7. What connects Gordon Brown, Lord Nelson, Nick Griffin and Sammy Davis, Jr.?

8. What did the companies Gillette, Accenture and TAG Heuer all do in 2009 following the acts of a famous sports star?

9. What connects Michaela Quinn, Martin Ellingham and John Finlay?

10. What connects the following times?... 12:48 am, 5:20 am, 12:01 pm and 5:54 pm?

1. They are all named after film characters (from Barbarella, Back To The Future and Paris, Texas) 2. They can all come in a pack 3. They all won the Eurovision Song Contest 4. They all spoke with a stutter (note: Albert Arkwright is Ronnie Barker’s character in Open All Hours) 5. Add a letter to the start of them can turn them into colours (gold, pink, orange and black) 6. They can all be prefixed by “Road To” to give the titles of a series of films (starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour) 7. They are/were all blind in one eye 8. They dropped Tiger Woods from advertising campaigns 9. They are all fictional doctors (better known as Dr. Quinn, Doc Martin and Dr. Finlay) 10. They are the times of day when the shipping forecast is broadcast

Before

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After

57

Local News

Street Sports Sessions Huntingdonshire District Council

Sports sessions aimed at encouraging teenagers and young adults to get involved in regular sports participation have started again, and are being held across the district. Street Sports are informal sessions that have been organised

by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles team, in partnership with the Office of Children and Young People, as part of the Sport England funded DASH phase II (Delivering Activity and Sport in Huntingdonshire) project.

Theses free sessions are run on a weekly basis, and anyone aged 13 to 19 is welcome. Sports include football, cricket and dodgeball and are led by a fully qualified coach. Sessions will take place at Middleton Road, Yaxley on Tuesdays, 4.15pm to 5.15pm; One Leisure Sawtry on Wednesdays, 4pm to 5pm; and One Leisure St Neots on Thursdays, 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Councillor Robin Howe, whose executive responsibilities include sport and active lifestyles, said: “We have had great success with the Street Sports sessions in the past. The sessions are free and a great opportunity for young people to get involved in a variety of sporting activities.”

For more information visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/dash or contact Johnny Pool, Sports Activator, on 01480 387098.

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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.

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Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308

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Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Chocolate Ripple Cheesecake

This baked cheesecake is a must for chocolate lovers – it has a really rich flavour without being too sweet. It’s perfect to serve as a dessert or sweet treat over the Easter weekend as you can make it in advance. Keep the cooled cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving.

INGREDIENTS 225g digestive biscuits, finely crushed 75g unsalted butter, melted 1 tbsp cocoa powder 200g good quality plain chocolate, broken into pieces 400g soft cheese, such as Philadelphia 100g caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 3 medium eggs, beaten 300ml soured cream Cocoa powder to dust Chocolate sauce, to serve (optional) 1 Mix together the crushed biscuits, melted butter and cocoa powder and press evenly into the base of a well buttered 23cm round springform or deep fluted flan tin. Chill the base in the fridge.

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Serves 10 Ready in 1 ½ hours, plus chilling and cooling

2 Preheat the oven to 170C, 325F, Gas 3. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water then remove from the heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes.

3 In a large bowl beat together the soft cheese, caster sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs then fold in the soured cream. Spoon about half the mixture over the chilled biscuit base.

4 Gently fold the melted chocolate into the remaining mixture (it will be quite thick) and drop spoonfuls of this mixture on top of the vanilla layer.

5 Using the blade of a thin knife gently swirl the chocolate mixture through the vanilla mixture.

Place the tin on a baking sheet and bake for 4555 minutes, until the filling has just set. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake to cool in the oven.

6 Serve the cold cheesecake sliced, lightly dusted with cocoa powder and with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if liked.

TIP - For a chocolate orange version add the zest and juice of ½ orange to the soft cheese mixture instead of the vanilla extract.

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n O s ’ t Wha 12 March-26 April Exhibition: Angela May Smith Wildlife Artist St Neots Museum, 8 New Street, St Neots An exhibition of dramatic animal portraits by local artist, Angela May Smith. Angela uses pastel crayons to translate her striking photographs of wild animals and birds onto paper, creating beautiful and unique works of art. www.angelamaysmith.com.

Tel: Liz Davies, Curator 01480 388921 or 01480 214 163 Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 April Tots, Tea & Chat 10.50am-12 noon St James’ Church, Little Paxton Drop-in session for children and their carers.

2 April Carers Connect Meeting 1-4pm Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, St Ives Carers Connect meetings are about giving carers a stronger voice. There will be speaker from Age UK, Better Health Network, Huntingdon District Council Leisure Team, Healthwatch and The Spinney Surgery. If you would like to find out more about Carers Connect and how you can get involved to give carers a stronger voice, please contact Carers Trust Cambridgeshire. Tel: 01480 499090 Email: care@carerstrustcambridgeshire.org Web: www.carerstrustcambridgeshire.org 2 April Ready or Not 7pm for 7:30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk entitled “Ready or Not - How prepared for war in 1914 was an Infantry Captain with 15 years’ service?” by Steve Warburton based on the experience of Capt. CH Lucas, Royal Berkshire Regiment. Non-members most welcome.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 2 April Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Visitors £2 including refreshments Speaker will be Colin Ward talking about Ferns and Tree Ferns. Plants will be on sale.

5 April Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. For more details visit http://www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com

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5 April Car Boot /Table Top Sale 10am-1pm The Stuart Memorial Hall Tempsford Pitches or Table Tops £5 in advance Come and sell some unwanted gifts /items. Telephone Meryl or just come along on the day.

Tel: Meryl 01767 649873 5 April Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Janet Buist on ‘The wonderful world of Salvias’. Janet is a nursery owner and a member of our group. Plants for sale. All welcome. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 5 April Buckden Gardeners Spring Show 3.00pm Buckden Village Hall Adult admission 50p, Children free Exhibit your home grown spring flowers including your favourite daffodils, or turn your hand to baking, craft, wine making or photography. There are some of the classes for adults and children at our Spring show.

Teas raffle and some plants for sale.

Tel: Pam 01480 811680 or Lesley 01480 351547 Web: www.buckdengardeners.info

5 April RAF Anniversary Concert Doors open 6.45pm, concert starts 7.30pm Pathfinder House Civic Suite Tickets £10, Concessions £8 RAF Anniversary Concert by RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band. Tickets available from: Don Barltrop, 18 Eaton Close, Hartford, Huntingdon Tel 01480 455210 Maureen Wigley, 38 Evans Close, Brampton Tel 01480 383898 Reception Desk, Huntingdon Town Hall.

5 April Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’ 7.30pm Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester Tickets £7, Senior citizens £6, Children free Choirs and singers from the Huntingdon area will be combining in Godmanchester Parish Church to give a concert of music for the season of Lent, with Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’ as the main item in the programme.

The concert will be conducted by the Organist and Choirmaster, Ken Diffey, with Philip Asher (organ), Jennifer Thompson (Soprano), and Tony Burnley (Baritone). Tickets available on the door or in advance by telephone, email or after the Sunday 9.30am service. Tel: Tickets Ken Diffey 01480 458846 Email: diffey@homecall.co.uk

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6, 13, 20 & 27 April Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday - all welcome. Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served.

Tel: 01480 214894 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 8, 15, 22 & 29 April Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 11 April Clairvoyant Evening Doors open 6.45pm Wyboston, Chawston & Colesden Village Hall, Wyboston Admission £4.50 With Lesley Parker and Caroline Tobin (two local Mediums). Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 11 April The Aragon Singers Concert 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Great Paxton Adults £5, Children free The Aragon singers of Buckden will be performing The Faure Requiem and other varied pieces. Refreshments available. Tel: Bob Hacking 01480 219846 12 April Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Doors open 2.30pm - 4.30pm Join us for Miss Frank’s ‘Famous’ Spring Jumble, White Elephant, Bric-A-Brac Sale.

Come and grab a bargain Entrance Fee 25p Any questions/donations please contact Moira 01480 860422/Peter 01480 860689 12 April ‘Shannon Express’ Barbershop Choir 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Buckden This 40 strong fabulous harmony group is a past winner of the national convention of the Barber Shops, BABSS, and has travelled to the USA representing this country. Tickets available from Buckden shops Costcutter, Hunts End and Que Sera.

Tel: Chris and Gina Bylett 01480 812777 for info 13 April Cambridge Gliding Centre Open Day 10am-4pm Gransden Lodge Airfield Come and visit Gransden Lodge Airfield to find out about the sport of gliding. All welcome. Trial flights with our qualified instructors available on a first-come, first-fly basis. Refreshments. The airfield entrance is on the B1046 between Little Gransden & Longstowe, opposite Gransden Lodge Farm.

Web: http://www.glide.co.uk/ for more information 13 April The Aragon Singers Concert 7.30pm Buckden Methodist Church The Aragon Singers of Buckden will be performing The Faure Requiem and other varied pieces. Donations to Church Funds.

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15 April Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission £6, including light refreshments The April meeting will comprise a short AGM, followed by a talk with slides on Wildlife Photography by Derek Henderson. There will also be some of his greetings cards on sale.

16 April Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30-9pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Non-members welcome. ‘Was your ancestor a French prisoner of war’ by Paul Chamberlain.

Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 18 April Children’s Easter Workshop 10.30am-12 noon St James’ Church, Little Paxton Fun for all children. Celebrate the real meaning of Easter. Songs, stories and craft. Pre-school children accompanied by an adult welcome 24 April St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Members £2.00,Non-Members £2.50 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket Meeting with Rodney Gibbs talking about Patio Gardening and Gardening in small. Competition is ‘A decorated egg’.

25 April Annual Plant Sale 10am-noon Keysoe Village Hall Plants, cakes, bric-a-brac and books for sale. Tea and coffee will be available. All proceeds will be used to fund the running of the Keysoe Village Show (6th September). Any donations of items for sale will be gratefully received. Tel: 01234 378878 25 April Table Top Sale 6pm Wyboston, Chawston & Colesden Village Hall, Wyboston Stalls £5 Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 26 April Rainbow of Hope 1.30-4.30pm Alconbury Memorial Hall Table tops and car boot spaces £5 each Book a table top to sell your crafts or advertise your business. Book a car boot to sell your pre-loved items.

Booking is essential due to limited space.

Donations Wanted - can be dropped to 25 Highfield Avenue, Alconbury Weston. Fundraiser in aid of Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Woodlands Cancer Centre. Tel: Helen 01480 896602 Web: www.mynextcharityevent.webs.com Are you a local solo or group performer? Would you like the chance to perform at the Rainbow of Hope fundraiser? If you’re interested, please contact Helen on 01480 896602 or mynextcharityevent@gmail.com

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Technology

Pet Projects Tech for pets

Pet owners are famously free with their cash: nothing’s too expensive for a beloved dog, cat, budgie or Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. It’s taken a while for the technology industry to notice, but now they have and there are all kinds of high-tech gizmos for your furry or feathered friends. Forget automatic pet flaps and anti-bark collars: the new wave of pet tech includes health monitors, cameras and even exercisers.

The star of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show - or its pet division at least - was Voyce, which is essentially a fitness tracker for dogs. It isn’t cheap - it’s around £200 for the collar and another £10 per month - but the pitch is that by monitoring your dog’s activity, breathing, heart rate and calories it’ll give you early warning of any potentially dangerous and expensive health problems. Voyce will go on sale later this year, and it’s entering a market that’s already looking a bit crowded: in addition to Voyce there are pet fitness trackers including Fitbark (around £60) and Whistle (also around £60).

If you think that’s a bit odd, wait until you hear No More Woof: the £50 No More Woof gadget promises to convert doggy brainwaves into human speech. Don’t expect to engage in scintillating conversation with your Shih-Tzu, though: the repertoire is currently limited to “I’m hungry”, “I’m tired”, and “who are you?” The developers say that No More Woof is a work in progress, though, and early sales of the device will enable them to make it smarter, more useful and - we hope - more comfortable. We can’t imagine our own dog putting up with a No More Woof headset for more than a few seconds.

Another way to get an insight into your pet’s life is to shell out for an Eyenimal camera. The Petcam is available for cats and dogs, attaches to your pet’s collar and records whatever he or she sees; you can then transfer the footage to your computer.

Expect to pay around £60.

Some pet gadgets appear to be practical jokes, but the GoDogGo is perfectly serious: its Automatic Ball Thrower is a £99 gadget based on the automated

tennis ball machines that tennis players use in training.

The GoDogGo will happily hurl tennis balls 5 to 10 metres, exercising your dog while you sit back and relax.

Have you ever wished you could take your pet bird for a walk? The people behind the Feather Tether hope you have, because their £12.99 bird harness means your bird can go wherever you are without fear of injury or “the tragedy of flyaways”. The harness comes in five sizes and a range of colours.

If you can’t always be with your pet, Petcube might be the answer: it’s a smartphone-powered gadget which contains a wide-angle camera and microphone for streaming high definition video and audio to your iPhone or iPad. There are speakers and a low-intensity laser pointer to transmit your voice and amuse your cat respectively. It’ll cost around £160 when it goes on sale in May. If you don’t have a pet, the iPhone/iPad app also enables you to log into other people’s public Petcubes (with their permission) and annoy their pets instead - and if it’s just the laser pet toy you want, the Frolicat Bolt automatic laser toy is currently £20.01 on Amazon.

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Time of Year

Chocolate and Eggs

By Alison Runman

It’s Easter, the season of eggs and chocolate. But what’s the latest advice about these foods? Do they harm or heal?

Eggs - Research and improved understanding means eggs are no longer a nutritional Big Bad Wolf.

Packed with goodness A medium egg is very low in carbohydrates and supplies over 10% of our daily protein needs. Containing just 66 kcals and 4.6g of fat (only one third saturates), it’s a great source of nutrients often scarce in UK diets; around 20% of us are Vitamin D deficient. Eggs provide a third of daily Vitamin D requirements, around half our required Vitamin B12 and selenium, and Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, folate, biotin, iodine and phosphorous.

What about cholesterol? And salmonella?

Research shows that cholesterol found in eggs and other foods has a negligible effect on our cholesterol levels. Our body makes cholesterol and levels are raised by many factors. Saturated fat was the main suspect until recently, when a fresh look at the evidence cast some doubts.

Regarding salmonella, the Food Standards Agency recommends, for now, that vulnerable groups

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should only eat hard-boiled eggs. However, a massive increase in chicken vaccination has more than halved infection cases. All eggs with the Lion Mark come from vaccinated chickens and all 150,000 tested during the last two years were salmonella free.

Chocolate - Chocolate has been accused of causing acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes, among others. But it’s not necessarily guilty, and may have beneficial effects.

• Acne. There’s no scientific proof that chocolate causes acne; research suggests foods with a high glycaemic load may be guilty.

• Obesity & diabetes. Due to high sugar and fat, overindulgence may show on the scales. However, recent studies show chocolate can lower your insulin resistance (potentially reducing diabetes risk). A study of 1,500 teens showed that those eating 1.5oz of chocolate daily had less body fat and more energy than those eating 0.16oz daily, so some scientists say 1.5 ounces a day may be beneficial (that’s just a square and a half ).

Experts say diabetics can eat chocolate, but should monitor their total carbohydrate intake.

• Cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Many studies

suggest that cocoa has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, improving blood pressure, vascular function and blood flow and reducing clot risk. It may lower cholesterol slightly, but only as part of a low fat diet.

• Stroke. A study involving 44,489 people concluded that chocolate eaters were 22% less likely to suffer a stroke and 46% less likely to die from one.

• Brain function. Chocolate can help preserve the brain’s blood flow and prevent memory decline in older people, and could be important in diseases like Alzheimer’s.

• Mood. Chemicals in chocolate can raise our serotonin levels and affect other receptors in the brain that trigger feelings of well-being.

• Migraine. While chocolate contains chemicals believed to be migraine triggers, recent data shows that some cocoa compounds may be beneficial in migraine treatment.

• Osteoporosis. The bad news: chocolate may contribute to osteoporosis. One study of women aged 70-85 found that daily chocolate consumers had lower bone density and strength.

Proper comparisons haven’t been done between white, milk and dark chocolate, but most beneficial effects come from cocoa content. So choose high cocoa content varieties low in sugar and fat, and eat chocolate in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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Contact Drew Donald, based in Little Paxton Office: 01480 470135 | Mobile: 07787 406011 Email: gasworks14@gmail.com

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Food & Drink

Beer of the Month

by Ted Bruning

Spring is here, spring is here, Life is skittles and life is beer. So sang the great Tom Lehrer. Let’s prove him right.

First, a little mise-en-scène. Doing the weekly shop, I often see bewildered gogglers in the beer aisle, clearly wondering what on earth all this stuff is. Thanks to a misspent middle age, I know. Allow me to share. I promise not to patronise.

Anyway, it’s April. A chancy month – could be hot, could be cold. So to be safe I’ve chosen two beers, one for each eventuality. Both, by pure coincidence, from Marston’s; but I promise, they’re not paying me.

The nice-weather beer is one of the best-known and possibly best-selling best bitters in Britain (“best bitter” being one notch up from session bitter, ie 4-5% alcohol by volume). Pedigree

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(4.5%) is a fairly easy-drinking beer, which is what makes it the ideal choice to welcome the return of better weather. The nose is faintly biscuit; the body is creamy; the palate is – shall we say, not aggressive? The finish is quite short with hints of caramel. Norralorra hop; but the right beer for the first day out in the garden.

The bad-weather beer is Wychwood Hobgoblin: darker, fruitier, richer, and a wee bit stronger at 5.2%. This is the one you pour when you’ve been caught in an April shower. It’s quite rich and even sweetish, which is what you want when April is being the cruellest month. It’s a bit chocolatey too – an Easter egg for Dad? – but there’s a compensating undercurrent of green fruit right the way through.

My final recommendation? Try both.

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Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 Denied (7) 5 Not ours (5) 8 Amazing (9) 9 Spot (3) 10 Nap (5) 12 Replies (7) 13 Nearly (13) 15 Mum’s mother (7) 17 Healed (5) 19 Lodging house (3) 20 Ethereal (9) 22 Dizzy (5) 23 Convent (7)

and send to the address below before

18th April 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:

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Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page

Down 1 Disagreements (5) 2 Supporter (3) 3 Used for cleaning (7) 4 Insistence (13) 5 Sailboat (5) 6 Vests, boxers (9) 7 Fulfil (7) 11 Made clear (9) 13 Fishing (7) 14 Sale by bidding (7) 16 Covered with fine powder (5) 18 Hold up (5) 21 Employ (3)

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs D Taylor from St Neots For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 72

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Hobbies

The Call to Collect

By Kate McLelland

Collecting rare and interesting objects is a great way to spend your leisure time and, with any luck, you may even make a profit when you finally sell your collection on. It’s up to you whether you choose to collect conventional items or whether you start a completely new and original collection of your own.

You will find plenty of bizarre examples online to give you inspiration.

So what should you collect? If you’re short of ideas right now, don’t panic. Just read on and see what appeals to you.

Philately – or stamp collecting – is going through a bit of a crisis at the moment, with only the rarest items attracting the interest of serious buyers.

However with fewer and fewer stamps actually in use these days, there may come a time when the pleasure of collecting stamps is matched by the financial reward it brings.

Fifty years ago children used to be keen collectors, but nowadays young enthusiasts are a rarity. That doesn’t, however, mean that numbers are declining: the Royal Philatelic Society of London claims that its membership has increased recently and there are a number of thriving stamp collecting clubs throughout the UK. Thimbles are available at reasonable prices and they can be easily kept and displayed.

The earliest known thimble dates from the Han Dynasty (206BC - 202AD) in China. In the UK, thimbles made from cast brass were in widespread use by the 14th century.

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Not all thimbles are suitable for sewing. Some, made of early Meissen porcelain or even gold - were given as keepsakes and in the 19th century thimbles were even used to measure spirits.

Coin collecting - or ‘numismatics’ – is one of those hobbies that unites the generations in a shared fascination with the past. We can all identify with handling coins and it’s fascinating to own one that may have rattled in somebody else’s pocket five hundred or even a thousand years ago. An increase in metal detecting means that buried coins are constantly being discovered and traded.

Collectors can join a wider community of enthusiasts who are usually happy to share information and expertise. It is rather overwhelming to choose from the enormous range of coins available so beginners would be well advised to specialise in a single country or historical period.

Thematic collections are also popular – such as coins depicting female monarchs only, or coins that come exclusively from Commonwealth countries.

Wine collecting can be an expensive business, but the rewards are considerable if you invest wisely.

A selection from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wine collection recently sold for £3.5 million at auction, attracting bidders from all over Europe and Asia.

The advice of wine experts is to buy more ‘blue chip’ wine than you would normally drink, and keep the remaining bottles as an investment. If the wine goes up in price, you will make a profit. If it fails to increase in price, you can simply drink the rest.

Collecting is a hobby like no other. There’s real excitement to be had in tracking down that special object, beating off your rivals and bringing it home to enjoy pride of place in your collection. If this article hasn’t already fired you up, here’s hoping you discover your collecting passion soon.

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Local News

Patient Choice Dispensed With

Are you aware that a discriminatory and undemocratic 100 year old law exists which affects between 5-7 million NHS patients living in our rural communities?

This law states that patients living in rural areas in England or Wales, whose GP’s surgery has a dispensary attached, cannot collect their prescribed medicines from it if they live within 1.6km of a dispensing pharmacy.

This is selective against a section of the rural patient population depriving them their right to “patient choice” and goes directly against the policy of “No Decision About Me Without Me” as enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Millions of patients have been disadvantaged and discriminated against because of this rule where some patients within a surgery can use the GP’s dispensary and others cannot.

It allows a dispensing pharmacy to be opened

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in your area and take away your right and the convenience of using the dispensary in your GP surgery. Don’t think you are immune in your area. Be aware that it is being done for profit and not for your benefit.

I have opened an e-petition on the government website in order to have this rule debated in the House of Commons with the aim of having it abolished. We need 100,000 signatures to achieve this.

We need to act now to work towards repealing this nonsensical rule.

Please sign the petition by visiting http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60645 For more information please email Pam Fisher at PPG@LowerStondon.co.uk

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Books

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

The Lives Of Stella Bain Anita Shreve Pub: Little Brown h/b £16.99 With the constant barrage of grim nostalgia emanating from all quarters as the 1914-18 war continues to be brought back to mind, it isn’t surprising that well-placed authors seize on the fervour.

Opening the story in a field hospital in Marne in 1916, we find our Stella, injured, perplexed, and disorientated, but recoverable. In due course she helps nurse the torrent of wounded men, drives ambulances - and suddenly, is faced with the wreck of her former lover from a former existence. The consequences are deeply troubling, with a memory loss and psychological disasters. Chancing her luck back in London she finds - and becomes attached to - a Doctor who is able to treat her. Stella metamorphoses into the real woman, Etna, legally Mrs Van Tassel, an American citizen.

A strange artistic talent brings her a new career - but there’s still Nicodemus, her husband’s child, to be reconciled with his mother after her absence in France and there’s peace to be made with her former lover. How complex can it get? But Shreve’s ability to weave intricate stories in simplistic and conversational fashion is remarkable, and she’s an old hand with this type of plot. Her knack has not deserted her, despite bringing rape, divorce proceedings and the blessings of a new relationship into play. Maybe there’s a strange inevitability about the way the warp and weft of the tale creates a tapestry of light-hearted delight over the darker background but it is one that really works.

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Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established 13 years Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111

Oven Cleaning parent company est. 1998

Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) ..........................................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£50 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) ........................£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ......................................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)...............................£15 Hob ....................................................................................£15 Bulbs ............................................................................... £2.50 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly. 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

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To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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