VILLAGER The
Issue 52 - August 2013
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Covering: Buckden • Brampton • Cambourne • Godmanchester The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas
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VILLAGER The
In this Issue
Issue 52 - August 2013
and Town
Life
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LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Willow and Bats At Little Paxton
Covering: Buckden • Brampton • Cambourne • Godmanchester The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas
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Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Tony Larkins, Peter Ibbett, Fiona McLeman, Christine Donnelly, Susan Brookes-Morris, Julia Faulks, Katherine Sorrell and James Baggott Front Cover Photo: Pangfolio Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com
VILLAGER The
and Town Life
Disclaimer
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.
Wildlife Wanderings By Christine Donnelly
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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!
Avoiding The Empty Nest...........................................................................................9 Summer Days Out...................................................................................................... 10 Bedfordshire Walking Festival................................................................................ 12 Summer Family Fun Events..................................................................................... 14 Beat The BBQ Bugs..................................................................................................... 16 New Debt Advice Service........................................................................................ 19 SafeLocalTrades.com Fundraising........................................................................ 21 Speakability Huntingdonshire............................................................................... 23 E-Petitions..................................................................................................................... 24 Holiday Spending....................................................................................................... 26 (Un)Marital Bliss or Blissful Ignorance................................................................. 29 Volunteer Drivers Rerquired................................................................................... 30 From Acorns................................................................................................................. 31 Kimbolton School Pool Timetable........................................................................ 32 Drought Stress............................................................................................................. 35 Flower of the Month.................................................................................................. 37 Children’s Page............................................................................................................ 39 Jaguar F-Type............................................................................................................... 40 Fun Quiz......................................................................................................................... 43 Seasonal Delights....................................................................................................... 44 Golden Temple of Amritsar..................................................................................... 46 Puzzle Page................................................................................................................... 48 Using Neutral Colours............................................................................................... 50 A Better Reception..................................................................................................... 53 What’s On...................................................................................................................... 58 Spice Up Your Life....................................................................................................... 61 Brickhill Book Bug Reviews..................................................................................... 62
16,000 copies delivered free of charge to all homes 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)
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Willows and Cricket Bats
at Little Paxton
A touch of real summer brings back memories of seemingly endless hot August days when English cricketers felt the extra heat of the Australians in their quest for that little urn of Victorian ashes. Little Paxton’s County Sport’s works was an essential stop just off the A1 for passing local and international cricket teams. Mr A Trimmings set up willow plantations at Little Paxton, including its small islands, before going to India and developing a profitable sports goods company using his skills as a master craftsman. On returning to Little Paxton he bought an area off Mill Lane (now Boardman Close) and built himself a bungalow and started the Entirement Sports works in the 1930’s which became County Sports by 1940. Mr Trimmings gave the following opinion on the best cricket bats:- ‘A first quality bat is of a whiteness with the grain running in flawless lines. Len Hutton started this fashion because he liked a lightweight bat. He always chose one of 2lbs 2ozs and you had to be a real master to handle a bat as light as that.’ The family had a retreat built on one of the Osier islands and would punt from Windmill cottage upstream to the little chalet with its tennis courts. Here visiting Australian Teams were taken over to the island to enjoy hospitality next to the gentle
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currents of the Great Ouse. Bats were exported to every cricketing country in the world. Ernest Trimmings carried on the business and a visitor one day was surprised to see a cheap lathe in use and was met with the response “A machine can’t tell if a piece of wood’s not right. A bloke with a hand shave will leave that part, or shave that part off and leave the other part”. The little factory continued to be a leading manufacturer into the 70’s when they were taken over by an Australian company and the site eventually was turned over to housing. When you hear tales of the great matches of the 40’s to 70’s, under cloudless skies and with a gentle breeze of John Arlott’s commentary flowing from the transistor radio, remember that the bats that scored the runs were more likely than not to have come from willows grown by the banks of the Great Ouse and made by the craftsmen of Little Paxton. Further information about the County Sport works and the Trimmings family can be found in David Broad’s 1989 ‘History of Little Paxton’ available from the St Neots Museum. Please let pjibbett@aol.com know of any more information or recollections about the cricket bat era at Little Paxton.
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WILDLIFE WANDERINGS
WILDLIFE TRAVEL, BY CHRISTINE DONNELLY It will soon be late summer but there is still plenty of wildlife to see as the warm days and nights bring to life many of our local habitats, with butterflies, moths, dragonflies and numerous other insects on the wing and mammals looking after their young. Our local bats had their babies earlier in the summer and the ‘pups’ now look like miniature versions of the adults. Whilst the mothers are out feeding, the young sometimes wander out of the roost and, as they cannot yet fly, this is when you might find one on the ground or on a building. They are too young to fend for themselves so contact the Bat Conservation Trust for advice: www.bats.org.uk or phone 0845 1300 228. The Wildlife Trust monitors bats on many local nature reserves and also holds ‘batty’ events. On International Bat Night, Saturday 24th of August, you can join them at Cambourne, Grafham Water or Woodwalton Fen from 8.15 pm as part of their Big Wetlands Bat Walks, to try out a bat detector and hear the amazing sounds that fill the summer nights. More info on www.wildlifebcn.org/ wetland-bats and booking essential on 01954 713519 or email ecologygroups@wildlifebcn.org.
Soprano pipistrelle bat Now the weather has improved after a cold start, moth numbers are finally up and in our local area alone, as well as several day-flying moths, there are hundreds of species that can be seen flying at night. Relatively few are a nuisance to man (in vegetable plots and your wardrobe for instance) and many play a very beneficial role, some as pollinators of flowers, and of course as food for animals such as birds and bats. Hawkmoths are large and often distinctly marked so look out for these in particular, not only feeding on flowers but resting on walls and doors.
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Small elephant hawkmoth Whilst we are heading towards autumn, the temperate areas of the southern hemisphere are now looking forward to spring. In parts of South Africa, Chile and Australia, the spring flowers can be spectacular providing there has been enough winter rain. Late August sees the start of the flowering in South Africa, particularly in Namaqualand which forms part of the famous ‘Cape Flower Kingdom’. Many of our favourite garden flowers come from this area including ‘daisies’ such as gazanas, pelargoniums, red hot pokers and huge numbers of bulbs including gladioli. Western Australia starts to flower just a little later so September is an ideal month to visit. In Chile, due to the extreme length of the country, from almost the tropics to the Antarctic, spring can last months but October is a good month to visit the Atacama Desert in the north.
Gazania, South Africa For wildlife holidays, including wild flower holidays to these countries any many in Europe, contact Wildlife Travel at Cambourne who run trips supporting conservation worldwide. 01954 713575 or check www.wildlife-travel.co.uk or their blog on wildlifetravelling.blogspot.co.uk. For more information on local wildlife contact the Wildlife Trust www.wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500. Christine Donnelly
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Avoiding the Empty Nest
By Susan Brookes-Morris Many of us will drop our child off at university for the first time this year. Or maybe they’re moving to another part of the country...or world. Along with the justifiable pride and excitement we feel at their achievement a few negative emotions will undoubtedly creep in: sadness, loss, fear and anxiety. We’ll wonder how our baby grew up so quickly and worry about how they will cope with being away from home, and how we will cope with their absence. These feelings are sometimes called ‘Empty Nest Syndrome.’ Statistics show that some parents find this time so difficult that they become depressed, and marriages may even break down as a result of the change. You should share any concerns, ideally with your partner if you have one as they may also be experiencing mixed emotions. Or you could speak to a close friend, or seek support from a counselling service. Sometimes just hearing someone else say that your reaction is perfectly normal and talking things through really helps. When a child leaves home we may have more than half of our life left to live. It’s a perfect time to take stock and create a wish list of things to do or try. Focussing attention on these will help manage the transition to a new lifestyle more
easily and highlight the opportunities it brings. It can be good to put more energy into nurturing a relationship. Find new activities to share together; take time to sit and talk, or to do the things you used to love to do before children came along. Find a hobby or sport to fill the extra time. Perhaps something you’ve longed to do but felt family commitments prevented, be that yoga, fishing or painting. You could even follow your child’s lead and study something new. This could be taking language or woodwork lessons at the local college, or enrolling on an Open University course, taking a professional qualification or undertaking a degree yourself. If you’ve let your career stall whilst bringing up the children now may be the chance to re -ignite it. Or you could use your increased time and energies to start a new business, or volunteer. When we look for the positive in a situation it opens up a whole new range of opportunities which will help us shine as an individuals, build our confidence and increase our sense of wellbeing - exactly the same things in fact that we wish for our children embarking on their new life at university.
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Summer Days Out
By Susan Brookes-Morris Here are a few ideas for some great days out this Summer Why not try something a bit daring at one of the UK’s outdoor adventure centres? Award winning Go Ape! Courses have sprung up all round Britain. They are high wire forest courses containing rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides up to 40 feet in the trees. Other outdoor pursuit centres offer the chance to try out water sports, abseiling, climbing, quad biking and many more activities. If you are looking for adrenaline of a different kind, you could visit a theme park. Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Thorpe Park are some of the largest and best known, but there are many others. Try to do some research before you go, to check that the park you are planning to go to has suitable rides for your party. Height restrictions often apply, and some focus on gentler rides for younger children, whilst others major on scary thrill rides. Some have other attractions in addition to the rides and have links with popular brands, such as Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park and Legoland offering rainy day guarantees. Or you could take a trip to one of Britain’s castles. Some are presented in a very simple traditional manner, whilst others include animated wax
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work displays and regular events involving jesters, jousting and an opportunity to try your hand at swordsmanship. A visit to a castle can provide the opportunity to learn about history, and many will enjoy the now popular audio guides that are often provided. Some like Alnwick Castle have more recent history to thank for increased popularity. This glorious medieval castle has been the setting for many great films, including Harry Potter. Perhaps some animal magic would make your day more enjoyable. Britain has lots of great zoos where you can see a huge variety of animals and get an insight into the importance of conservation. Longleat and The West Midlands Safari Park are also long established favourites and offer the opportunity to drive past animals in larger more natural settings. There are lots of farm attractions too where you can feed the animals, hold chicks and lambs, as well as learning about farming. Monkey Forest at Trentham is one of the UK’s newer animal attractions. Others which have a focus on one type of animal include falconry centres, the donkey sanctuary, sealife centres and butterfly farms. See: http://www.visitbritain.com for lots more ideas.
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BEDFORDSHIRE
WALKING FESTIVAL The fifth Bedfordshire Walking Festival takes place from 7th to 15th September and promises to better than ever. The festival is going from strength to strength and attracts interest from near and far. Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers and supported by The National Trust, RSPB, The Greensand Trust, Bedford Borough Parks and Countryside Teams, Central Bedfordshire Rights of Way Team Members, Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, Bedford/ Bletchley Rail Users Association, Long Distance Walkers Association, Nordic walking, Bedford Creative Arts, Walks for Health and Sandy Town Council with its recently achieved “Walkers Are Welcome” status. The festival offers an ideal opportunity to explore and get to know Bedfordshire. From the rural “wolds” like countryside in the north to the wooded greensand ridge across the middle to the chalk hills in the south. Interesting villages, delightful views, and mostly easy walking on generally well maintained paths the nine day festival is an opportunity to get out into the countryside with a group and knowledgeable leaders or simply “Go on holiday in Bedfordshire”. Unless stated ALL WALKS ARE FREE just turn up. The full programme is available on the web-site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. What’s New for 2013 ? More walks for walkers.... Half day walks up to 7 miles and all day walks up to 22 miles. More Interest Walks......... Varying in length from 2 hours to half a day. These informative walks are led by knowledgeable and interesting leaders
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and range from spotting wildlife to Two centuries of industrial history from Bricks to Robots. Visit a private Garden Railway. Take a ride on a Boat named John Bunyan or join us going Castle to Castle and if you dare participate in the Friday 13th walk. Special walks...... A dog walk... Yes dogs have to bring their owners. A Mum’s & Toddler walk where toddlers have to bring their Mum’s, Nani’s or Grandmum’s and or their male equivalents. You could try Nordic walking with taster sessions in Bedford and Ampthill followed by a short walk. Family Walks with Children in mind... Whether its looking and listening to Bats or spotting wildlife along the river, treasure hunting with a GPS, or a nature walk at Rushmere the festival has a number of walks specially for the family including self guided walks with street art or join a procession. More walks accessible by Public Transport.... Via London Midland, Marston Vale Line, First Capital Connect, Stagecoach and Grant Palmer. RU4 The Challenge.... May not be new but becoming increasingly popular is the 40 mile two day challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path taking place over the weekend of 14th &15th September. Booking is essential. As more and more people are doing the walk and raising money for charity could this be the challenge for you ? Programmes are available in hard copy from Tourist information Centres, Libraries and many other places. Programmes can be viewed and downloaded from the festival web site www. bedswalkfest.co.uk. or viewed on www.bedslocal.co.uk, For more information or to book RU4THE CHALLENGE Email: organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk
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SUMMER FAMILY FUN EVENTS
HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL During the school summer holidays, the Sport and Active Lifestyles team at Huntingdonshire District Council is running family fun events as part of the DASH project (Delivering Activity and Sport in Huntingdonshire). These activities are a chance for all the family to take part in games and challenges whilst having fun together. They are free of charge and no booking is required so you can just turn up at any of the six events between 6pm and 8pm and have fun with family and friends! The events will be held at: • Huntingdon Riverside Park, 1 August 2013 • Warner Park, St Ives, 5 August 2013 • St Neots Riverside Park, 15 August 2013 • Queens Park, Yaxley, 19 August 2013 • Wyton on the Hill, 29 August 2013 • One Leisure Ramsey, 2 September 2013 Activities will include rounders, volleyball, races and play equipment for the younger participants. Councillor Robin Howe, whose executive responsibilities include Sport and Active
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Lifestyles, said: “This is a great opportunity for families to take part in sports activities together. A wide range of fun games will be provided for people of all ages to get them involved and active.” For more information, pick up a Summer Fun brochure from any One Leisure site or local library or visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/dash If you have any questions or queries please contact Lee Smith, DASH Project Officer on 01480 388858 or e-mail lee.smith@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
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Bedfordshire
Steam & Country Fayre 13th, 14th & 15th September 2013 Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade (SAT NAV SG18 9DX)
MANY GREAT ATTRACTIONS Steam, Tractors & Heavy Horses Working Demonstrations Steam Ploughing Miniature Steam Fairground Organs Flying Displays Working Crafts
Trade & Market Stalls Craft & Food Halls Working Dog Demonstrations Vintage Vehicles Old Time Fairground Morris Dancing Licensed Bar and Refreshments
Included FREE ADMISSION to The Shuttleworth Collection, Bird of Prey Centre and Swiss Garden Sat & Sun Adult
£12.00
Sat & Sun Children (5-16 years) Fri All ages
£5.00 £10.00
Coach Parties Welcome - please contact us
FREE CAR PARKING Gates Open 9am
Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society www.bseps.org.uk
Admission Prices
Caravan & Camping Area
Chartity no 291744
Contact for Booking Form
3 DAY EVENT
All Enquiries & Advanced Bookings to: Paul Worbey, Park Farm, Henlow, Beds. SG16 6DF Tel/Fax: 01462 851711 Mobile: 07850 195622 Email: show@bseps.org.uk
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Beat the BBQ bugs
by Julia Faulks
If reports are to be believed summer 2013 will not be quite the washout we experienced last year, which means it’s finally time to dust off our barbecues. Here’s how to make sure you don’t fall victim to food poisoning while dining al fresco… Once the person manning the BBQ has a bottle of beer in one hand and a fly swat in the other it can be all too easy to become complacent while trying to please hungry guests. When it comes to cooking outdoors and maintaining good food hygiene, it’s important to remember a few basic rules to keep those bugs away - and we’re not just talking about flies and midges. Warm weather is the perfect breeding ground for bugs such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter to grow, which can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches. It’s even more important to be careful of food contamination if you’re pregnant, young, elderly, or have a chronic illness. If you’re worried about how well the food is cooking, then there’s nothing wrong with bringing your own meat to cook indoors first, to avoid it altogether, or stick to the safer food options instead. Cooking raw meat safely When we cook raw meat on a BBQ it can be hard to tell if it’s actually cooked properly - charred may be tasty, but that doesn’t mean it’s well done. There’s also a risk to your health if you spread germs from raw meat onto food that is ready to eat. It’s also worth remembering that just because chicken is hot on the outside, it doesn’t mean it’s safe, so make sure it’s not pink, the juices run clear and it’s steaming hot all the way through. BBQ fans also need to be careful when it comes to food bugs in side dishes. Coleslaw, mayonnaise and rice dishes are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and are just as much of a risk when it comes to causing food poisoning. Follow these top 10 BBQ safety rules: 1. Wash your hands before you start cooking or preparing food and thoroughly after handling raw meat. 2. Cook meat first in the oven then put it on the BBQ to add to the flavour. 3. Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.
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4. Keep plates or raw meat separate to cooked food. 5. Make sure the coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking – this means that they are hot enough to cook on. If they are still flickering then it’s not quite ready. 6. Don’t cook meat from frozen – make sure it’s properly thawed beforehand. 7. Turn the meat regularly and move it around the BBQ to make sure it cooks evenly. 8. Don’t add sauces or marinades to cooked food if it’s already been mixed with raw meat. 9. You can eat steaks and joints of beef or lamb (not cooked in the middle) as long as the outside has been properly cooked, but this does not include food made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers. 10. Make sure that salads, dips, desserts, deli meats, sandwiches and cooked rice are not kept out of the fridge for any more than a couple of hours. Instead, keep them cool, covered, and out of the sun.
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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance). Please phone or email for details
07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com
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NEW DEBT ADVICE SERVICE
TO OPEN IN HUNTINGDON A new money and debt advice service is to open in October to cover the Huntingdon and Godmanchester area. It will be launched by Jonathan Djanogly MP in an opening event on 11th October at Huntingdon Community Church. Huntingdon Area Money Advice (HAMA) is being run by volunteers from local Christian churches and will provide free budgeting and debt advice. Having its Centre in Huntingdon Community Church, it will also offer counselling on the Oxmoor in the Maple Centre and in Godmanchester at the Baptist Church. A charity in its own right, HAMA will be part of Community Money Advice, a national charity which enables churches and other organisations to start and operate a fully supported and regulated debt advice service. Colin Weaver, Chair of the HAMA Trustees, said that he hopes HAMA will be able to work
alongside existing debt advice providers, such as the Rural CAB, to meet the increasing demands generated by the current economic climate. “As Christians we have a passion for meeting people’s needs”, Colin said, “and through HAMA we hope to offer hope in these days of financial challenges”. For further information see HAMA’s website at: www.huntsmoneyadvice.co.uk, telephone: 01480 418866 or e-mail: help@huntsmoneyadvice.co.uk.
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RUN, SKYDIVE OR FIREWALK
FOR AGE UK PETERBOROUGH Each year, Peterborough-based award winning safelocaltrades.com organise events to help raise much-needed funds for Age UK Peterborough. This year they have three events; a Skydive on 7th September, a Firewalk on 19th September and the Great Eastern Run on Sunday 13th October.
Organiser Eileen Le Voi says “we would like to get as many people as possible involved, so if you are interested in taking part in any of the above, please see www.safelocaltrades.com/ about/age-uk/fundraising-2013 or email eileen@ safelocaltrades.com
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25% OFF
FULL HEAD OF HIGHLIGHTS WITH A FULL PRICE CUT & FINISH Valid until September 8th 2013 Please mention offer at time of booking and bring advert to appointment to redeem.
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Speakability
Huntingdonshire Did you know that there are 250,000 people in the UK suffering from aphasia (lack of speech) after a stroke, head injury or as a result of various neurological problems such as Parkinsons, Muscular Dystrophy, ME, MND or MS? In Huntingdonshire you may know a family member, neighbour, friend or just someone you encounter in a shop or at the pub. This social disability is not well understood and not well known to those not directly involved. This was why the late Diana Law set up the national charity known as Action for Dysphasic Adults in 1979, and since 2000 called Speakability. She had herself suffered a stroke and on discharge from hospital realised there was no further help after her brief speech therapy. A stroke in the left side of the brain will affect the speech centre as well as the right side of the body, so you can be left struggling with paralysis while you cannot express yourself as you used to. You cannot tell people what your problems are, you cannot ask for help, you may have lost the ability to write if you were right-handed. Many people recover so well that apart from a slight hesitation in the speech you would not detect a problem; but many are left with a significant difficulty which affects how you conduct your life and your relationships. As with all disabilities, it is difficult to come to terms with what has happened and the life-long after-effects, let alone to face up to living with these problems and the social awkwardness they bring with them. It is hard to assess the extent of the brain damage and whether comprehension is also compromised. In many people it is not but they know that others do not understand what they are trying to convey. This is frustrating and potentially embarrassing but other methods of communication can be used - drawing, writing if possible, use of special aids such as the Fast Talk or Medical Passport booklets that the national charity can supply. The listener needs to wait patiently, not interrupting and not putting words in mouths!
Speakability Huntingdonshire is a self-help social group, affiliated to the national charity, and able to provide a relaxed environment to which sufferers and carers can come to enjoy a few hours of good company with those who understand fully what the problems are. Our “home� is the Medway Centre in Huntingdon where we meet on the second Tuesday of the month 1.45pm-3.45pm. We may have a speaker or entertainment or we may just have a quiet afternoon of games, quizzes and conversation. Refreshments are always served. Every third month we go out for lunch together at a local venue, pub or restaurant. We cover all of Huntingdonshire, members presently coming from Ramsey, St Ives, Huntingdon, St Neots, Earith, Hail Weston, Sawtry and the Alconburys and even out of area from Riseley and Spalding. We are relaxed and informal and anyone may refer a new member to us - doctors, nurses, speech and language therapists, social workers, the Stroke Association, Carers Teams, friends, neighbours, families and individuals. We would also like to hear from potential volunteers to help arrange our afternoons and outings. No special training is required - just an interest in people! For further information about Speakability Huntingdonshire please telephone me on 01480 891977. Anna Bratby Secretary, Speakability Huntingdonshire
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E-PETITIONS
YOUR WAY TO HAVE A SAY Huntingdonshire District Council is committed to hearing the public’s views on matters which are important to them, and recognises that submitting petitions is one way in which local people can raise concerns. The Council has an electronic facility which enables petitions to be submitted online via the internet. Local residents, charities and campaign groups can use the online petition service to set up and sign petitions about the issues that matter to them the most, and have them automatically sent to the Council.
Councillor Tom Sanderson, Executive Councillor for Strategic Economic Development and Legal said: “The main advantage of the system is its simplicity and convenience. Petitionors are able to reach out to a wider audience than ever before. The Council wants to find out about the matters which affect the local community and e-petitions are a way that this can be achieved.” Any individual wishing to submit an electronic petition should visit the Council’s website at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
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ONLY £219 ONLY £246 ONLY £269 ONLY £241 ONLY £405 ONLY £355 ONLY £414 ONLY £263 ONLY £491 ONLY £395 ONLY £247 ONLY £164 ONLY £455
THUR 1 AUGUST SAT 3 AUGUST SUN 4 AUGUST TUE 6 AUGUST WED 7 AUGUST SUN 11 AUGUST TUE 13 AUGUST WED 14 AUGUST THUR 15 AUGUST SUN 18 AUGUST TUE 20 AUGUST WED 21 AUGUST THUR 22 AUGUST SAT 24 AUGUST SUN 25 AUGUST MON 26 AUGUST WED 28 AUGUST FRI 30 AUGUST SUN 1 SEPTEMBER MON 2 SEPTEMBER SAT 7 SEPTEMBER SAT 21 SEPTEMBER
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & WARWICK HENLEY-ON-THAMES & HORSEDRAWN CANAL BOAT TRIP HUNSTANTON OLYMPIC LEGACY TOUR INC. CABLE CAR & CARVERY MEAL BURGHLEY HOUSE & STAMFORD SOUTHWOLD & ALDEBURGH KEW GARDENS BURY ST EDMUNDS MARKET & LAVENHAM WHIPSNADE ZOO GREAT YARMOUTH KENSINGTON PALACE BOUNDARY MILLS SHOPPING & BELTON HOUSE INC. LUNCH CLACTON AIR SHOW KENT COASTAL TOUR SKEGNESS PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHSEA LONDON ZOO OLYMPIC LEGACY TOUR INC. CABLE CAR & CARVERY MEAL BRIGHTON HIGHCLERE CASTLE (DOWNTON ABBEY) ABINGTON TO OXFORD BOAT TRIP & SHOPPING/SIGHTSEEING BUCKINGHAM PALACE STATE ROOMS TOUR
PLUS MANY MORE DESTINATIONS. RING FOR YOUR FREE COLOUR BROCHURE. EXECUTIVE COACHES FOR PRIVATE HIRE & EXTENDED TOURS
HIGHBURY FIELDS, GT.GRANSDEN, SANDY, BEDS. SG19 3AR TEL: 01767 677395 OR 677923 www.saffordscoaches.co.uk 24
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E FRE al i n t i In tatio l u s n Co Piecing together the life you want
I’m not perfect. There I said it. But have you ever felt that there are areas in your life holding you back from living to the full? Relationships, financial struggles, bereavement... just a few of the hurdles that can feel too high to jump. If you would like to break things down and lower a hurdle or two call Angie for a chat. Angie Dickinson Dip. Coaching & Mentoring International 07710185427
Acupuncture
Judy Lenton B.A. (Hons) Lic,Ac. MBAcC
located at
Headz Up 65 High Street Brampton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 4TQ
Traditional acupuncture for health &
telephone
wellbeing
01480 229029
mobile
07557 282617
info@judylentonacupuncture.co.uk or visit
www.judylentonacupuncture.co.uk
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 20minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.
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25
Holiday spending
making your money go further Affording a family holiday isn’t easy in these cashstrapped times. According to recent research by the Office for National Statistics, nearly a third of Britons don’t have the money to afford a weeklong break. So, if you’ve managed to stretch your finances and save up for a holiday this summer, you want to make sure your hard-earned cash goes as far as possible. After all, you want your money to be spent on creating memorable moments rather than paying out for avoidable charges: Think ahead Don’t buy your currency at the airport or you’ll be stung with poor rates and big commission fees. A Which? investigation looking at rates on changing £500 in 10 places across the country found a difference of 13 euros. That could easily buy you a lunchtime menu du jour or a couple of Tequila Sunrises. The best idea is to order your money online in advance. You usually have to exchange a minimum of £100 to avoid delivery fees, but that’s a lot less than you’d need on your family holiday anyway. ICE, Travelex, the Post Office and The Currency Club consistently have good rates and you can order and pick up at the airport. If you’re changing a small amount, the high street can still be a good option. Try the Post Office or M&S for 0% deals. Card or cash? If you’re just nipping out of the country for a long weekend, you might like to rely on hard cash alone but most people don’t want to carry wads of money around with them. That’s where plastic comes in. But it’s important to make sure you have the right card otherwise you could be hit with hefty withdrawal and transaction fees. Pre-paid cards can help you to budget more effectively as you load them with money before you go. There are various types available, so make sure you choose one that doesn’t charge you fees to load, spend or withdraw cash. ICE and My Travel Cash often have extra incentives like free Hi-Life diner cards or cashback on purchases too. If you’d rather take a debit or credit card, then check the charges with your bank before you travel. It might pay you to switch. Spend on most credit cards and you face an exchange or commission fee on transactions you make
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abroad, usually around three per cent of your purchase. The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is widely recommended as it doesn’t charge for overseas use and you can withdraw up to £500 a day without incurring ATM charges. Remember that for debit cards, most banks charge a foreign exchange fee of around three per cent, just like credit cards. Then, add on withdrawal fees of around two per cent and extra charges every time you use your card and you could soon end up spending a small fortune. When in Rome… Do what the locals do and eat out at lunch time rather than going to a restaurant for dinner. You can usually enjoy a three-course meal, including local wine for a snip. Shop in the local markets, rather than supermarkets designed for tourists, and you’ll pick up fresh produce at bargain prices. And, if you’re planning any excursions during your trip, whether that’s a day out at a waterpark or a visit to the zoo, then search for web vouchers before you go. Once you arrive, pick up free leaflets and newspapers to find money-off coupons. With a bit of forward planning, you can make sure your euros, dollars or lira go the extra mile.
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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.
For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.
Absolutely ... Positively ... NO pressure to sell! We give you FREE VALUATIONS .... YOU DECIDE !
WE PAY
CASH Cambridge Coins and Jewellery Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Tokens, Postcards.
Anything GOLD any SILVER....even broken jewellery!
Buying and selling old Coins, Military Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and bullion ...as well as Jewellery.
52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite “The Codfather”) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm
t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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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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(Un)marital BLISS
or blissful ignorance?
The latest release from the Office of National Statistics shows that the trend for babies to be born outside of a marriage or a civil partnership continues for the 40th year. In 2012 47.5% of babies were born outside a marriage or civil partnership, compared with 40.6% in 2002. If the ONS statistics carry on their current course, in three years by 2016, more than 50% of babies that year will be born outside of marriage or a civil partnership. This ties in with trends we see of an increasing number of clients seeking advice on relationship breakdown, but who are not married. But there are important differences between the way spouses are treated on relationship breakdown and unmarried couples. • Cohabitees have no rights to ask for spousal maintenance, or any other kind of long term periodical financial support for themselves in their own right. If there are dependent children they do have the same rights to child maintenance as someone who is married with children. A spouse can ask for spousal maintenance to be paid, whether or not they have dependent children. • Cohabitees have no legal right on separation to seek a share of their partner’s pension. Spouses can ask for a pension to be shared on divorce. • Cohabitees have no legal right to claim against other property or assets owned by their
partner, unless they can demonstrate that they have acquired an interest in the property, which can be both costly and time consuming. In divorce cases, all assets whether held jointly or in one party’s sole name are taken into account in order to reach a fair settlement on divorce. Our best advice? Don’t carry on in blissful ignorance. If you are thinking of living with someone and or having children with them but choosing not to get married, or if you live with someone and are wondering where you stand, obtain specialist legal advice at an early stage. We won’t tell you how to lead your life but we can give you our promise that we will point you in the right direction about what to think about, advise on pitfalls and how they can be avoided, as well as how you could best manage your arrangements.
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Anstee Gorst
Volunteer drivers
Chartered Certified Accountants
urgently required
Can you spare 1-2 hours per month? Do you enjoy meeting and helping people within your local community? If so, Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind would be very keen to hear from you. The Society has over 600 members who are either blind or partially sighted. We provide door-to-door transport for our members to their monthly club meeting in your area and are looking for volunteers to join our team of drivers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver please contact Erika Brown on 01480 453438 or email erika@huntsblind.co.uk. All volunteers are subject to a DBS check. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. We look forward to hearing from you.
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- 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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From Acorns
BY TONY LARKINS
In July I made one of my biggest business commitments, but it is really a natural progression. We have moved from our office in Kimbolton High Street (where we started twelve years ago) to the Old Chapel in Kimbolton which we have renovated into purposely designed offices. Twelve years ago we started with just four of us. Today we are a team of twenty and have considerably outgrown our office space. Our progress has been designed from day one via a business plan that is constantly reviewed, amended and shared with all who participate in our growth. So why do I mention this just as we move into a building three times as big, and look to expand our team further? Well, because Beacon’s approach is the same as an individual’s approach to their finances. Last month I wrote about the ‘Number’ – the amount of capital and income we require. Working out where you are and where you want to be is important in order to work out the route. Other factors can lead to the number changing, but your goals and objectives remain. Sometimes we need to take a risk and when we do it needs to be as calculated as possible. When the drivers of the Mallard steam train set the speed record at 125.8 mph on a track designed for trains
Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director / IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
to do 65 mph they took a calculated risk. Moving Beacon, growing the team and expanding our services is a big commitment, but with our dedicated team, this becomes a natural progression. It does not matter how old you are. It is never too late to plan, be it for investment growth, preservation or tax mitigation. Being disciplined enough to plan, frees the mind. As Lord Thomas Dewar said “Discipline is most effective when selfimposed. Everyone needs to know what they want and why. Minds are like parachutes – they only work when they are open.” Almost anything is possible, so open your mind and work out what you want and how to get it. This is a process we often help our clients with. I hope the above will be like the little acorn that is planted in your mind, watered and fed with information and will turn into that mighty Oak of a plan. For me it was easier, because as well as being a chartered (APFS) and certified financial planner (CFP), I am a former accountant and qualified life coach. If you want help with this exercise, speak with a financial planner who practices what they preach. If you have a financial question, e-mail:tlarkins@ beaconwealth.co.uk
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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE
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
Appointed dealers for:
Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.
Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY
01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm
Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!
Local family business
Treatments include
▪ Fertiliser applications ▪ Moss and weed treatments ▪ Scarification and aeration
Lawn Renovations
▪ Re-seeding, overseeding ▪ Turf laying
Free lawn analysis
Treatments from £15 pay as you go
01480 367 006 www.brilliantlawns.co.uk
Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn
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Drought Stress Drought can have many long-term detrimental effects on landscape plants. Lack of water greatly reduces the plant’s ability to manufacture food, which weakens the tree and limits future growth. Moisture stress also increases the tree’s susceptibility to harmful insect and disease pests that would not ordinarily attack healthy plants. Long-term drought eventually leads to branch dieback and tree decline. Consequently, concern has been raised by many professionals involve with tree care regarding the potential effects of the drought periods. Drought Recovery Programs have been developed to help offset the effects of long term drought damage and consists of: Irrigation, Mulching, Soil and Nutrient Management, Pruning, Pest and Disease Management Irrigation: Thoroughly watering landscape plants during the late summer and autumn months, before the onset of winter, is critical. Water stress inhibits the manufacture of key plant growth regulators that control dormancy Mulching: Mulching trees and shrubs with organic materials, such as wood or bark chips, provides many plant health benefits. Mulch conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, insulates soil to reduce winter injury and improves the physical condition of soil. Soils and Nutrient Management: Plants weakened by moisture stress and nutrient deficiencies should be fertilised in autumn or spring following the drought when soils are re-wetted by rainfall. Pest and Disease Management: Moisture stressed plants are more susceptible to insect borers, bark beetles as well as root, stem and foliage diseases. Mites are a particular concern on conifers spruce and hemlock. Bartlett’s Pest and Disease Management Programme ensures early detection and treatment of pest problems before significant injury to the plant occurs.
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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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Unique Landscape
& Driveways We specialise in
Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more
Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401
www.uniquedrivewaylandscapes.com
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Flower of the Month (August)
Ligularia Dentata ‘Desdemona’ August is always a strange month, lots of the summer flowers are on the wane but quickly replaced by the late summer stars. Bursting into flower we have Lobelia cardinalis throwing up its flowering spires in vivid red, and another spiky beauty, Campanual trachelium (Nettle-Leaved Bellflower). It produces a mop of pas-tel-blue, starry, open bell-shaped flowers on 3-4 foot robust stems. But our choice for this month is Ligularia dentata and in particular the garden variety, ‘Desdemona’. In spring, large, rounded leathery leaves grow to a height of about 2 feet. They are dark green with a maroon-chocolate colour underneath. Tall spikes of yellow daisy-like flowers follow from August to September. It is fully hardy and will produce a plant with a diameter of 4 feet in just a year or two Plant in mid-shade and moist soil. Although it will survive the hot weather we are currently experiencing, it loves to be drenched in water and a good soaking
will replenish its leaves and stems. We use it to underplant taller shrubs and the large leaves provide weed suppressing levels of shade. One word of warning, the slugs and snails love it, more than the hostas. So watch out! We love the striking foliage. It is not too big for the average garden, and the flowers provide a striking contrast to the foliage. This plant deserves to be better known and is our “Plant of the Month”. Gareth Arscott – www.buckdenperennialplants. webs.com
WOOD GREEN... Pet activity days Friday 2 & 9 August, 9.30am – 3.30pm Godmanchester Centre £40 per child including goody bag & certificate Join the Hands On team for a fun filled day and leave the grown ups at home! Suitable for 7 - 11 year olds, participants will spend the day getting hands on preparing feeds, visiting behind the scenes, meeting staff in different job roles and having a go at dog training. Booking essential.
Dance and drama day – hip hop bunnies! Wednesday 28 August, 9.30am – 4pm Godmanchester Centre £25 per child In our action packed dance and drama day 7 - 11 year olds can leave grown ups at home and find out all about rabbit care through learning playscript lines, rehearsing dance moves, preparing costumes and props and preparing for an end of day performance! Booking essential.
To book for all events call the Hands On team on 0844 248 8181 or email for further information handson@woodgreen.org.uk
Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s play area Children’s ‘hands on’ events Open 7 days a week 10.00am – 4.00pm Free entry
Call: 0844 248 8181 King’s Bush Farm, Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk London Road, Godmanchester, Or Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH Registered Charity No. 298348.
Tox 93h advertise in The Villager WGAS Villager 131w Cambs 7.13.indd 1
The Animals Charity
and Townlife please call 01767 261122
37 25/6/13 12:52:48
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.
30%
To find out more call us today
01767 681805 76 London Road, Sandy Beds. SG19 1DZ e: info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk w: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk
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Jaguar F-Type
by James Baggott Renault’s mad electric car turns heads everywhere it goes, but what’s it like to live with? Let me make some formal introductions to our newest long-term test fleet member – the Renault Twizy. This full EV can do around 60 miles on a charge, which takes about four hours and costs less than £1. It’ll do 50mph, doors are optional extras and it looks like a turbo-charged mobility scooter. I’ve been driving the bonkers Renault for a month now, to and from the office, which is about two miles away, and I absolutely love it. There is no other car available anywhere in the world that attracts so much attention yet costs so little. Starting at £7k, and with a monthly rental charge for the batteries (which facilitates replacement if they go wrong) that starts from £45 a month, it’s an absolute magnet for attention. I’m not sure people would be so excited about a Leaf or Zoe – because it’s the Twizy’s mad looks that really has people interested. I still can’t quite believe that Renault built it. I’m sure glad they did, though. So, what’s it like to live with? Well, surprisingly easy. I can commute for 10 days before I need to run a cable out of our office window and charge it up. The plug is in the front and only reaches about three metres so it’s a bit of a faff to recharge. It
involves security guard bothering extension cables and a dry day, but in a month I’ve only had to do it three times. Inside, space is best described as cosy. For the driver it’s not too bad, although the seat could do with the ability to tilt the back-rest. The passenger, who sits pillion style behind the driver, is a little more cramped and in wet weather becomes a bit damp. The Twizy doesn’t come with doors or windows, although we do have both. Renault sent a man to fit some windows for us a week after the car arrived. These are made from plastic with metal edges that slot into two brackets on the doors, a bit like putting up a tent. To be honest I prefer the Twizy without them. On the road it’s great fun. It’s comfortably quick enough to keep up with town traffic, it handles well and although the suspension crashes a little, it’s bearable. Our car has a retro-fit Bluetooth system fitted with two speakers in the roof. The scissor style doors look seriously smart when you throw them open, and the fact you can get out either side has meant I can park within inches of my colleagues’ drivers side doors, so they have to climb in the passenger side. I don’t think that joke will ever grow old – for me at least. I think part of my love for the Twizy comes from being a biker. It has some of the fun of being out in the open, but you don’t get wet and there’s no time wasted putting on a load of protective equipment. I have another 6 months to look forward to in the Twizy and I’m already seriously considering buying one at the end. Model: Renault Twizy Colour Price: £8,810 as tested Engine: Asynchronous electric motor Power: 17bhp Max speed: 50mph 0-28mph: 6.1s MPG: N/A Emissions: Zero Costs this month: 99p (cloth to wipe the seats when it rains) James Baggott is managing director of BlackballMedia.co.uk, an automotive services specilaist
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CODERED
Engine Diagnostics
Engine Managements Faults Cleared SERVICE ENGINE SOON
ABS
Service lights turned off & more!! Contact Simon on: m: 07741 498 305 T: 01767 448 721 Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1TA To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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15% DISCOUNT ON ALL WORK CARRIED OUT OVER ÂŁ50 WITH THIS ADVERT
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web: www.getsmartexpress.co.uk / email: info@getsmartexpress.co.uk
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Fun Quiz - Title Characters 1. What word from the NATO phonetic alphabet is also the first name of the title character from the novel Frankenstein? 2. Which title characters “danced by the light of the moon” at the end of a famous poem? 3. The title character in which 2004 film at one point asks for a White Russian with no vodka, no ice and no Kahlúa? 4. Who provided the voice of the title character in the Disney film Dumbo? 5. First published in a book by the Brothers Grimm, in which fairy tale does a queen have to guess the name of the title character within three days to be allowed to keep her child? 6. The local Reverend in the TV show The Simpsons has the same surname as the title character from a BBC TV show that ran from 1986 to 1994. What is it? 7. In Shakespeare’s famous play, what was the name of The Merchant Of Venice? 8. In which 1970s TV series did the title characters travel in a twodoor Ford Torino that was nicknamed the “striped tomato”? 9. In the Beatrix Potter novel The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, what type of animal was the title character? 10. In which 1960s film does the title character fly to a fictional European region called Vulgaria? 1. Victor 2. The Owl and the Pussycat 3. Catwoman (taking out these ingredients, she is left with a glass of milk) 4. No-one (Dumbo doesn’t speak) 5. Rumpelstiltskin 6. Lovejoy 7. Antonio 8. Starsky and Hutch 9. A hedgehog 10. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Before
After
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43
Peach Melba Shortcakes
SAGE AND PANCETTA ROAST CHICKEN These shortcakes are perfect for a speedy summer dessert. They take just minutes to make and bake and can be filled with whatever seasonal fruit you have to hand. Here they are filled with a rich and sweet mascarpone cream with juicy peaches and fresh raspberries but a simple dollop of extra thick cream and some sliced strawberries will be just as impressive. INGREDIENTS 175g self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder 75g butter, chilled and diced 55g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 1 large egg, beaten 1 tbsp milk FOR THE FILLING 125g mascarpone cheese 2 tbsp icing sugar 6 tbsp single cream 175g fresh raspberries 2 ripe peaches, stoned and sliced Serves: 8 Ready in: 35 minutes, plus cooling 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
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2 Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the diced butter and rub into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar then add the beaten egg and milk and mix to a soft dough. 3 Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface and roll out to a 1cm thickness. Using an 8cm round cookie cutter stamp out 8 rounds, gently re-rolling the trimmings as necessary. Place on the prepared baking sheet, prick the top of each round lightly with a fork then sprinkle with a little caster sugar. 4 Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until risen and pale golden. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 5 To make the filling, beat the mascarpone cheese with the icing sugar and cream until smooth. Push half the raspberries through a fine-holed sieve to make a puree. 6 Slice each shortcake in half horizontally and top the bottom halves with the cream mixture, peach slices and remaining raspberries. Drizzle over the raspberry puree and top with remaining shortcake halves. Tip - The shortcakes can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Fill with the cream and fruit 1-2 hours before serving.
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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12
Contemporary and traditional kitchens...
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For a friendly and professional service contact Ryan: 01480 861928 / 07725 216978 lifelongkitchens@mail.com www.lifelongkitchens.co.uk
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Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free
Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com
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parent company est. 1998
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The Golden Temple of Amritsar
India
Sparkling gold leaf, glistening water, cloisters, domes and shrines, the Golden Temple is as stunning as the Taj Mahal but it is no mere mausoleum. Set in Amritsar, in north-west India, ‘Harmandir Sahib’ is a living place, beautifully mirrored in a sacred lake, a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Sikhs though everyone is welcome, regardless of creed. Step through the gate and the temple takes your breath away, rising at the far end of a marble pathway followed by myriads of pilgrims from dawn to dusk. Women in colourful saris, gurus in bright blue turbans, young men with orange headscarves symbolising the Sikh flag, barefoot visitors, it’s a hive of activity yet an oasis of peace at the heart of town, just a few miles from the Pakistan border. Some meditate at the water’s edge, others sprinkle rose petals around the holy trees, men take a ritual bath in the designated area, holding on to dangling chains for safety. Then all make their way along the causeway to the inner sanctum, quietly joining the queues clutching prayer books. Beyond the silver gates, the holy scriptures are read aloud throughout the day before being returned ceremoniously at night to the safety of the Akal Takhat. Holy men had gathered on this spot long before Guru Nanak founded Sikhism around 1499 but Amritsar, the ‘pool of nectar’ which gave the town its name, was later extended and a temple was built on land donated by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Centuries later, the upper floors were covered in gold leaf by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ‘Lion of Punjab’ and founder of the
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Sikh Empire. But despite a troubled past at times, Sikhism remains true to the gurus’ teachings, a way of life based on worship, equality between all human beings and volunteering in the service of others, three principles which shine in Amritsar as brightly as the dazzling layers of gold leaf. Here, in the world’s largest communal kitchen, up to 100,000 visitors a day receive free meals prepared by volunteers. Chopping, cooking, serving or cleaning, everyone can help, though there is no pressure, and in the dining hall, people of all castes, men, women and children, sit together to eat in silence. Beggar or Head of State, all are equal and even the great Akbar pushed aside the rich rugs laid out for him to sit on the floor like everyone else. Food is donated and volunteers may be visitors or locals happy to give a few hours of their time, the latter often on a daily basis. Outside, the midday sun blazes down on the steps, the shrines, the lake, a flock of parakeets screeches high up in the sky while half way along the path, volunteers hand out cold water to the never ending flow of pilgrims. Many come to celebrate a special occasion, birthday, wedding or the birth of a child, hoping for auspicious times, but festivals draw the largest crowds, be it a Guru’s birthday, Diwali or the anniversary of the Holy Book. There are prayers and prostrations, tinsel garlands and marigolds and when the sun sets, the Golden Temple comes into its own, garlanded in festive lights, resplendent in the moonlight.
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Using neutral colours
BY KATHERINE SORRELL With an almost infinite range of colours from pure white to earthy tones of grey and beige, neutrals are timelessly fashionable. Experts agree that you should always paint walls a neutral colour. Unless a potential buyer shares your exact taste, they will be put off by rooms painted in vibrant colours. But what if you’re building or renovating a home that you plan to stay in? Aren’t neutrals just a little boring? Only when you get it wrong. A well-planned neutral scheme is good-looking yet understated, harmonious, calm and inviting. Neutrals work well in both old and new houses, small or large spaces and are brilliant at providing cohesion between rooms. Let’s start with white. Rooms painted pure white can appear bigger and brighter, thanks to the way the colour reflects light around. A clean white wall is a great background for vibrant paintings, for the coloured spines of books, or simply for a jug of flowers. On the other hand, though, white can appear cold, stark and unwelcoming, especially when a room is north- or east-facing and doesn’t have the benefit of direct sunlight. A white with an added touch of yellow or pink can warm up such a space. White can also look odd in period homes. Slightly muddier off-whites are often a better choice for an old cottage, Georgian terrace or a barn conversion. The lesson is to use pure white with care. Beyond white, neutrals vary in hue from cream to sand, through beige to stone. How do you choose? The best advice is to eliminate neutrals that you
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don’t like and those that won’t suit the architecture of your house or colours of your furniture. Next, paint at least two coats on a large piece of white card, or better still, on several pieces of card, and stick them on every wall around the room. Observe the colours at different times of day and with your lights both on and off. Having chosen your favourite colour, avoid using it everywhere. Even the nicest neutral can be boring if used indiscriminately. Be careful, however, when combining neutrals: another big mistake is to use different hues that are all of the same tone (slightly different colours but the same degree of lightness or darkness). The solution to both these problems is to take a colour chart and go up or down (dark to light) within the same colour family, rather than working across from colour to colour. Use darker tones for woodwork, with lighter ones for walls or, if you have features such as cornices and dadoes, you may wish to vary the wall tones with lighter ones above and darker ones below the divisions. You can also use different neutrals to provide a gentle visual link from room to room. Finally, bear in mind that the plainer the colours, the more important texture becomes, so choose your finishes with as much care as you do your colours. The shinier the finish, the paler the colour will appear, so you may need to compensate by choosing a slightly darker shade. The results should be stylish and easy to live with, as well as adding value to your property. Now who said neutrals were boring?
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A better reception
upgrades that can feed your high-tech TV TV’s been around for a long time and we’re all familiar with the standard roof aerial’s coaxial cable. But what happens when an old-style aerial isn’t enough? It might be because your Freeview reception isn’t up to scratch, or because you want to upgrade to Freesat - or it might be because you have a Smart TV that’s just begging to be connected to your broadband, or because you want to have TVs in multiple rooms. Freeview boxes can be particularly prone to reception problems, especially if they’re the fairly cheap ones you can buy in supermarkets. If the signal isn’t strong enough you’ll encounter picture freezes and the picture degrading into a series of large blocks. Upgrading your aerial to a better one can help address this: the better the signal going in, the better the experience you’re going to get from your TV. Remember too that aerials can benefit more than just your TV: you can also buy dedicated aerials for FM radio and DAB radio. If the signal’s good enough, you can run the aerial to multiple rooms and install extra points without having to install a new aerial. The process is fairly straightforward - your aerial has a box called a splitter, which provides multiple connections for the cables to your new points – but it’s important to use the right cable: cheap cables can suffer from interference and poor signal quality. If in doubt, ask a professional installer. Another popular option is Freesat, which offers all the benefits of satellite TV without the expensive monthly subscriptions. With over 150 channels including six free HD ones it’s a great service, but of course you’ll also need a satellite dish so you can receive it. You’ll need a dedicated Freesat SD or Freesat HD box, too, although if you’re an
ex-Sky customer you should be able to use your existing dish with your new Freesat box. Freesat isn’t the only satellite service you can access. Many European channels are broadcast by satellites, and while many are scrambled plenty aren’t; in most cases, accessing them requires a slightly different kind of satellite dish to the one you’d use for Sky. If you’ve bought a TV in the last few years there’s a very good chance it’s a smart TV with some kind of internet features: even relatively affordable sets such as Finlux’s £269 32F8030-T comes with internet services including BBC iPlayer, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. While some such TVs include wireless network connections, including the Finlux we’ve just mentioned, home wireless networks aren’t usually up to the job of streaming HD TV - especially if other family members are using the same network for their laptops, tablets or smartphones. For best results we’d recommend a wired broadband connection, which connects to your TV via an Ethernet cable - and we’d make the same recommendation for smart Blu-Ray players with internet features as well as games consoles such as PlayStations and Xboxes. The problem for many households is that the TV, games console or smart Blu-Ray player is nowhere near the internet router, and while you can run Ethernet cabling over door frames and around skirting boards to connect your device to the router the results can be rather unsightly. A professional installer can run the cabling and make it invisible, and we think it’s well worth doing: not only will you have the best possible speeds from your internet connection, but you won’t have to look at any unsightly cabling.
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
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what’S ON?
IN AUGUST
29 June-31 August Exhibition - Once Upon A Time... St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Discover the stories that inspired Walt Disney, from Winnie-the-Pooh to Beauty and the Beast. An exhibition about children’s books since the Victorian period, featuring books from our collection, classic books and comics to browse through, a giant junk castle in a forest of trees and a series of fun activities for children, families and anyone who remembers reading as a child. Family activities every Thursday and Friday in August. Let us know your favourite children’s books and lend us some for the exhibition – contact Liz. Tel: 01480 388921 Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 1 & 2 August Daydreams and Nightmares in Clay 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Bring to life the characters from your favourite stories with our air dry clay, happy endings or tragic disasters, create your own characters to take home and paint. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 2 August Les Diaboliques Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 Screen St Ives 1954. Clouzet’s gripping thriller is said to have inspired Hitchcock, come and decide for yourself! Christina (played by Simone Signoret, for many the queen of French cinema) plots revenge on her obnoxious lover - with a little help from his wife Nicole. When the body mysteriously disappears, the women are plunged into a terrifying world of tension, guilt and fear. 50 tickets available – first come, first served. Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 3 August 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 5 August St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton The Story of Star Name by Mark Hurn. This will be a fun informative meeting with visual displays. Everyone welcome. We are a very friendly small club and new members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you. Tel: David Roberts 01480 212960 Email: david@snaa.co.uk Tel: Nick Maudlin 01767 315678 Email: nick@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk
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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Cost £3 Every Tuesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 8 & 9 August Beastly Mask or Beautiful Disguise 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Take your inspiration from our summer exhibition and make a felt and fabric mask of a character you love or loathe. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 10 August St Neots & District Gardening Club Annual Flower Show Little Paxton Village Hall 10 August Roxton Flower Show 3pm Roxton Parish Hall Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers, Flower Arranging, Cakes, Preserves and Craft. Photography and children’s classes. Schedules from Roxton Garden Centre and Roxton Post Office. 11 August There and Back Again 1.30-3pm Wimpole Estate A 3 mile walk passing through woodland and parkland. All walks are free; just turn up on the day and meet outside the stable block. Please wear walking shoes or boots. Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 15 & 16 August Mutant Ninja Turtle Animation 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Make your own plasticine characters and bring them to life with our computer animation software. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 17 August The Orwell Village Festival Gates open 12.00pm002C 12 ‘til 12 entertainment Orwell Recreation Ground Adults £2, Family £5 Activity packed family fun day. Bar serving lager, wine, CamValley Cider & local beers. BBQ and hot pork rolls. Pannier market stalls, Wimpole horses, Dog agility, Children’s Cartoon Character or Super Hero fancy dress competition. Free bouncy castle, Punch & Judy, Magic Show. Great live music throughout the day including Hex / Rose Redd, Life & Soul, Identify Theft and Groove Shack.
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what’S ON? IN AUGUST
17, 18 & 21 August Hamlets, Hahas & Bowling Greens 11.30am-12.30pm Wimpole Estate A 1.2 mile walk learning about Wimpole’s history. All walks are free; just turn up on the day and meet outside the stable block. Please wear walking shoes or boots. Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 18 August Guided Tour of the gardens of Clare College, Cambridge 1pm St Neots & District Gardening Club trip leaving St. Neots at approx. 1pm. Tel: David Usher 01480 476671 18 August Model Railway Open 2-5pm 14 Boardman Close, Little Paxton Free admission, donations welcome St James Church, Little Paxton present A chance to see a Gauge 1 model railway in action. All proceeds to St James’ Church building project (CHUFT). 22 & 23 August Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Discover the original story behind the television series, and make your own crown, helmet, magic wand, and cloak to take home. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 25 August Walking the Boundaries 10.30am-1.30pm Wimpole Estate A 5-6 mile walk visiting the far corners of the estate. All walks are free; just turn up on the day and meet outside the stable block. Please wear walking shoes or boots. Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 25 August Croydon cum Clopton Monthly Village Market 10.30am-1pm High Street, Croydon Free entry Refreshments. Local businesses displaying and selling their produce and products. In support of Croydon Village Hall & All Saints Church. Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 29 & 30 August Conquering Puppet King and Queen 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Make a creepy castle or charming cottage scene and some finger puppet characters to tell your own fantastic tale. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk
30 August The Mikado Gates open 6.30pm, performance 7.30pm Fowlmere Village Hall Adults £15, Child (5-16) £5 Outdoor Theatre performance of by Illyria Theatre Company of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on. Tickets available from Illyria website (booking fee applies) or telephone. Tel: 01763 208516. Web: www.illyria.uk.com 30-31 August & 1 September Teddy Bear Festival St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Adults £2.50, Children under 16 free Bears, Bears, Bears… Do come along and see bears of all shapes and sizes taking part in this fun weekend which includes: Flower Festival (Bears Galore), competitions for adults and children, Teddy Bears Picnic, Raffle, The Bear Shop, Refreshments and much more. There will be a competition on Saturday afternoon for the oldest bear so do bring yours along and join in. All bears welcome. Rushden Town Band will be playing on Saturday afternoon and Hearts Ease dancers will be giving a display on Sunday afternoon. In aid of St Andrew’s Church Charity. 31 August Shepreth Village Hall Market 10am-12.30pm Shepreth Village Hall Free entrance and ample parking at the rear of the hall There will be all the usual fresh produce stalls including Cornish made Pasties baked in Shepreth, “The Village Toy Shop” stall, Vintage jewellery, organic essential oils and many lovely craft stalls. Come along and grab yourself a bargain. Refreshments by Shepreth W.I. Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 1 September Cream Tea 3-5.30pm £5 Haslingfield Dovecote, CB23 1JW A traditional cream tea with freshly baked scones, jam and cream will be served in the informal woodland garden and orchard at the 17th Century circular Dovecote in Haslingfield. In aid of Parkinson’s UK. Tel: 01223 871788 for further details 6-8 September Toft Social Club’s Ninth Annual Beer and Cider Festival Fri 6am-11pm, Sat 12 noon-11pm, Sun 12 noon-10.30pm Free entry Prices held at £2.00 pint! Thirteen real ales; mostly from brewers in a 25 mile radius, and three ‘real’ local ciders. Snacks on sale throughout the event. Meals available early evening on Saturday and at Sunday lunchtime. Live music Saturday and Sunday evenings. Web: www.toftsocialclub.org.uk for up-to-date information and details of our other events
8 September Bourn Windmill Open Day 2-4.30pm Caxton Road Bourn CB23 2SU Adults £5, Children £2.50, Under 5s free In aid of Riding for Disabled Iceni Group. Home-made teas, rafflecall & games. Last windmill tour 4pm. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please 01767 261122 59
Spice up your life!
By Alex Brown
Spices have been around for thousands of years. They were first imported to Europe in the Middle Ages, selling for huge amounts of money and making the merchants who sold them very rich. They are used to colour, flavour and preserve food. Many are thought to have medicinal properties and some are used in traditional and religious ceremonies. There are hundreds of different kinds of spices and they can be seeds, roots, bark or vegetative substances. Most are bought as dried powders. Whole seeds will keep longer, but they need to be ground before use. Chilli peppers can be eaten fresh, or used dry as a powder or flakes. They are used to add heat to curries, chilli con carne, pasta dishes, dips and even chocolate desserts. Generally, the smaller the chilli, the hotter it is. The capsaicin found in chilli gives it its heat and has been said to relieve pain and prevent stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Ginger is another versatile spice. The fresh root is added to many Asian and Indian dishes, and the powder is used to flavour cakes, biscuits and desserts. The spice can decrease nausea and motion sickness, and ease digestive problems. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry powder and mustard their deep yellow colour. It is also used as a dye and food colouring. In India, it is highly
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regarded and is used in wedding ceremonies. Turmeric is from the same family as ginger. Although normally used as a powder, fresh chunks can be used in pickles. Both ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatories and can help people suffering from arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. They are also high in antioxidants that can help protect against disease. Cinnamon is a warming, fragrant spice that is taken from the dried inner bark of a tropical tree. It is used in cakes and desserts and many savoury dishes. Research shows that it may lower blood sugar levels and so can be beneficial for sufferers of Type 2 diabetes. It is also thought to help with toothache and bad breath. Some studies have found that smelling cinnamon can increase alertness and brain function. And finally, the queen of spices. Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice. It was first cultivated in Greece and is derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus. It takes 250,000 stigmas to make just half a kilogram of the spice. Saffron gives food a beautiful yellow-orange colour. It is used in Middle Eastern cookery, rice dishes and also desserts and sweets, including marzipan. It has a long history in traditional medicine, and has been used to treat epilepsy, depression, menstrual disorders and fatigue.
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BRICKHILL
BOOK BUG REVIEWS... The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness When George saves the wounded crane he discovers in his back garden one cold night he doesn’t realise the far-reaching consequences for himself and those close to him. The next day the enigmatic Kumiko walks into his print shop and George falls deeply in love with her. Together they make beautiful – and lucrative – paper art, surprising both George and his family and friends. As Kumiko tells George the stories behind the pictures they make together his life and the lives of those around him are transformed. But as stranger and stranger things begin to happen George’s need to know more about Kumiko becomes overwhelming. Who is she? Why won’t she tell him anything about herself? And why does it matter so much to him? In this modern retelling of an old folk tale, Patrick Ness brings magic and mystery into the everyday life of an ordinary man and asks us if we really need to know everything about the person we love, and if we do, are we prepared for what we might find out? For more information about books and reading, visit the Virtual Library at www.bedford.gov.uk/ libraries. The Book Bug has worked for the library service in Bedfordshire for over 20 years. She lives in Brickhill with far too many books!
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