Cambs jan 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 69 - January 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

The History of the Bicycle

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Contents The Kitchen Magician

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From Eynesbury to Eynesbury....................................................4 The History of the Bicycle...........................................................6 Christmas Presents - Your Rights!.............................................10 Golden Years - Memories of 50 Years Ago.................................13 It’s A Kind of Magic...................................................................14 The Best January Ever..............................................................16 Winter Sales.............................................................................18 Fun Quiz...................................................................................21 East Anglian Windows and Doors.............................................22 Being Mindful..........................................................................25 Will You, Will You Not?..............................................................26 Family Matters.........................................................................29 Spring Clean Your Finances.......................................................31

VILLAGER The

Issue 69 - January 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

The History of the Bicycle

Sell New

Bespoke New Homes Agency

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

20,000 copies delivered to Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne,

Godmanchester, The Hemingfords, Eaton Socon, Bourn, Grantchester and all surrounding villages every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Sell New...................................................................................32 The Truly Green Garden............................................................34 Wordsearch..............................................................................37 Cromwell Vets..........................................................................39 Rolls Royce Wraith....................................................................41 Seasonal Delights.....................................................................42 Huntingdon Romantics............................................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Timetable..........................50 Prize Crossword........................................................................54 In The Groove...........................................................................56 What’s On.................................................................................58 Book Review............................................................................62

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East Anglian Doors and Windows

20,000 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, Eaton Socon, Bourn, Grantchester, 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)

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Nooshin Hassan, Centre for Complementary Health, Leeds Day Solicitors, Fiona McLeman, Tony Larkins, Pippa Greenwood, Cromwell Vets, James Baggott, Louise Addison and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 - nigel@villagermag.com Photography -Terry Rug, Heidi Hodgson, Emma Porter,

Biggleswade History Society, Cathy Yeulet and Catherine Rose

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

From Eynesbury to Eynesbury

By Peter Ibbett

The colourful Women’s Institute sign on Eynesbury Green reminds passer-by of its heritage stretching back to the Roman era. Few passer-by’s know that there is a second Eynesbury over in Australia. The ‘net’ provided details of how one Eynesbury family moved from the poverty of early Victorian Rural England to pastures new on the other side of the planet.

‘Now considered Victoria’s newest township, Eynesbury was named after a town in the United Kingdom (north of London) where Simon Staughton was born (1797). Mr Staughton moved with his family to Australia in 1841 and settled on 101,000 acres which was subsequently subdivided in 1852.’

Mt Tebbutt in his 1978 book on St Neots retold a story of how Mr Staughton sold his cows to another local, Mr Bull thus enabling the local gossips to come up with the phrase ‘all Staughton’s cows have become Bulls!’

The township of Melton was created from the 30,600 acre subdivision. When Mr Staughton died in 1863 his four sons and one daughter inherited his holdings of 70,400 acres. In 1870 the property was divided into four lots: Exford; Nerowie; Staughton Vale and Eynesbury. The Eynesbury Homestead, which was built in 1872 has been restored and is heritage listed.

Rather like our local Eynesbury, residents are not far from a:- Wedding reception centre (Eynesbury Homestead); 18 hole golf course & Sporting facilities!

The Barford Pocket Park down by the banks of the Great Ouse where our Bronze Age ancestors roamed has its own collection of wildlife rather different to those ‘down-under:-Eynesbury is home to one of Victoria’s largest remaining Grey

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Box Forests. The forest is part of the entrance to the township and contains native flora and fauna including the endangered Migratory Swift Parrot, the Diamond Firetail, the Native Barking Owl. Covering 288 hectares and bordered by Kelly`s backyard which has native grassland reserve, the Grey Box Forest is also home to the threatened tree species; Buloke, the Brown Tree Creeper (a bird of state significance), as well as hundreds of kangaroos, emus, Blue Wrens and Speckled Warblers. Next time you pass by Eynesbury Green think of the Australian Outback and one family who knew the Green as their home and ended up owning a chunk of a continent half a planet away!

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History

The History of the Bicycle

By Catherine Rose

Dan Albone

The city of Cambridge has long been renowned for its bicycles, and with the excitement of the Tour de France last summer, cycling as a sport is rapidly increasing in popularity. What’s more, one of cycling’s most famous inventors was born in Bedfordshire. Catherine Rose takes a look at the history of the mechanical two-wheeler.

Despite the existence of a 600-year-old drawing from the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci showing a two-wheeled contraption, the first bicycle is said to have been invented by a German, Baron Karl von Drais. Nicknamed the Draisine, it was patented in 1818. It is believed that he had the idea when that

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year’s crop failure led to the widespread death of horses and consequently, a transport shortage.

His invention consisted of a two-wheeled wooden vehicle that was propelled by the rider’s legs and he test rode it from Manheim, covering eight miles in under an hour. Renamed the velocipede by the French (the modern French word for bicycle is ‘velo’) and the hobby or dandy horse in England, over the ensuing years, the model was refined.

Then in 1839 a Scottish blacksmith, Kirkpatrick MacMillan invented a treadle driven version with rods that connected the treadles on the front wheel to crank pins on the back. The oldest existing pedal-driven bicycle is a similar design that was made by Gavin Dalzell, a cooper from Lanarkshire, who may have copied MacMillan.

But it was in the 1860s that Frenchman Pierre Lallement, a mechanic, invented the Boneshaker which had pedals attached to a rotary crank mechanism on the front wheel. It was patented in 1866 and the patent sold to the Michaux family.

It became very popular in England and there is one on display in the Science Museum. It is said to weigh the same as a fridge and was notoriously uncomfortable to ride.

Once again this model was improved upon, most notably by James Starley in 1858 who is described as the father of the British bicycle industry. Solid rubber strips were cemented to the wheels for increased suspension and comfort, the saddle was moved forward to improve weight distribution

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and the handlebars widened and became higher.

A ladies’ side saddle version also became available (although it must have been very difficult to ride!)

The first cycle race was held in Paris in 1868 with an Englishman, James Moore, being the winner.

That same year, the Phantom cycle became available. It was hinged in the middle to aid steering and was the first to use metal wire instead of wood for the spokes.

Another Frenchman, Eugene Mayer is credited with inventing the high bicycle, the most famous of which is the Penny Farthing, in 1869. The large front wheel had the effect of increasing the bicycle’s speed and minimized road shocks but it was very difficult to mount and dangerous to drive.

In reaction to this, the first ‘safety bicycles’ were invented in the 1870s. These were deliberately made to be low to the ground. The Shergold Safety bicycle is believed to be the oldest surviving vehicle with a chain driven rear wheel. This was closely followed by the Bicyclette designed by H.J. Lawson who registered the term ‘safety cycle’.

Rover was one of the main manufacturers of the safety bicycle bringing out a version in 1885 with direct steering and rear chain drive that is very similar to our bicycle design of today.

In 1884, Hilman, Herbert & Cooper brought out the Kangaroo, a gear and chain-driven bicycle that that was the first bicycle to be ridden for 100 miles. During this era, tandems, tricycles and even

quadracycles were brought out as the bicycle craze exploded.

Four years later, John Boyd Dunlop, a Belfast vet, invented what the revolutionary pneumatic tyres with an inner tube, which he first made for his son’s tricycle. These quickly took over from solid tyres and by 1892 practically all bicycles had them.

One of the most famous cycle inventors is Dan Albone, affectionately known locally as ‘Smiling Dan’, who was born in 1860 and grew up in Biggleswade. For his ninth birthday, he was given a Boneshaker which began a love affair with mechanical transport. Four years later, he had already built his own version of the Penny Farthing complete with suspension and was using it to win local races. When he left school, he became an apprentice at Thomas Course & Son in Hitchin Street, learning to be a millwright and engineer.

By 1880, he had founded his own company in Biggleswade, the Ivel Cycle Works where he produced racing bikes – the Ivel Light Roadster and the Ivel Racer. He became known internationally, attracting custom from all over the world. When James Starley exhibited his Rover safety bicycle at the Stanley show, Albone took the design and adapted it, producing his own Ivel Safety Cycle which went on to beat world cycling distance records.

He was to win many more cycle races, including two in Northampton (in 1885 and 1887) and in 1885 he founded a local cycling club. He even invented a bicycle child carrier. Unfortunately, there was a downturn in the economy in 1893, and Albone’s cycling business was forced into liquidation. However, he carried on producing motor cars and tractors and his name has gone down in history as a pioneering inventor of mechanical and motor vehicles.

Bicycles continued to evolve over the 20th century and today they are multi-geared, hi-tech and lightweight. Although the advent and popularity of the motor car meant that there was a significant drop in the number of bicycles being used to get around from the 1950s onwards, today, a resurgence in cycling interest coupled with the opening of new cycle routes mean that hopefully, Cambridge will not be the only city to be populated with bicycles in the future.

Photography: Biggleswade History Society

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Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Christmas Presents

Your Rights!

At this time of year with the sherry flowing and the credit card making a frequent appearance, I always think it’s worth reminding ourselves of what we are and are not entitled to as consumers when it comes to Christmas presents.

The first thing to consider is the returns policy of any company your purchase from. Many consumers wrongly believe they have the right to return non-faulty goods to a retailer and that they are duty bound to give you a refund. Although many companies have their own ‘goodwill’ returns policies, consumer law does not provide for this. Therefore if you are purchasing a present for someone and are worried that they may want to change it, or in the case of clothing, that it may be the wrong size, always ask the retailer what they will allow after you’ve left with the goods. If you want clarification, ask to see their official returns policy. To save on embarrassment, NEVER buy clothes as a present from a company that does not accept non-faulty returns.

Please also bear in mind that even if the company DOES allow non-faulty returns, the present must be returned in re-saleable condition. Tearing of packaging, removal of tags etc can render a product non-returnable so remember this when you’re excitedly tearing open those packages on Christmas day.

Christmas presents purchased online have different rules that are worth bearing in mind. Consumers who purchase goods online are protected by ‘Distance Selling Regulations’. This entitles the buyer to return the goods within the first 14 days whether they are faulty or not. Check the postage rules in the terms and conditions for the company though as many companies will expect you to pay the cost of postage when returning non faulty goods.

What about if the Christmas present you’ve been bought IS faulty? Well it’s worth remembering that the sales of goods act remains the same, whether it’s Christmas or not. Therefore any product purchased must: a) Be fit for purpose, b) Be of reasonable quality, c) Last for a reasonable amount of time.

The key to returning faulty products is not to delay. For the first 4 weeks after purchase buyers are entitled to return faulty goods and obtain a full refund. However, after this period of time, the retailer has greater rights. After 4 weeks, the retailer has to offer either: a) A repair of the product, b) An exchange, c) A refund Many people come to my radio show frustrated that they cannot get their money back on a 5 week old faulty item they’ve purchased. It’s with great reluctance I have to break the bad news to them that the retailer is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to repair goods when they are this old.

It’s also worth remembering that there is no such thing as a 12 month cut off for a customer’s rights. Although a manufacturer’s guarantee may expire after 12 months, you are still well within your rights to return faulty goods for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time depending on how much you’ve spent on the goods in the first place.

The final piece of advice I would offer is KEEP the receipt. Where nonfaulty goods are concerned, without a receipt, companies are under no obligation to accept returns. With faulty goods, you will still have to prove the purchase which may be possible with a credit card bill or bank statement, but with a cash purchase will be impossible. Don’t risk it, just put the receipts for those presents in a safe place.

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

Golden Years Memories of 50 years ago

Early in the New Year of 1965, Winston Churchill had suffered a stroke. He never regained consciousness and died on January 24th, aged 90; and though it seems sacrilegious, it’s true that he had rarely been as much loved during his lifetime as he was after his death. Hated by miners as the Liberal Home Secretary who sent troops to Tonypandy to put down a strike in 1910; blamed (wrongly) for the Gallipoli disaster in World War I and (rightly) for the even greater disaster of the return to the gold standard in 1925; a truculent Imperialist dinosaur in the 1930s; distrusted by the masses in 1945; old, sick, and in the way in 1955 – Churchill had known more brickbats than bouquets.

But not on the 30th January 1965, the day of his funeral. Then he was every downed airman, every drowned seaman, every tankman burnt alive, every Tommy blown to Hell, every exhausted ARP man, landgirl, munitions worker... and miner. He was their suffering and their victory.

In the three days his body lay in state in St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, 321,360 people filed past the catafalque. The gun-carriage that bore him, pulled by 108 naval ratings with the Earl Marshal at their head, took an hour to make the 2½ miles up Whitehall and along the Strand, Fleet Street, and Ludgate Hill to St Paul’s, every inch of the way thronged by silent mourners who had waited hours in their tens of thousands in the freezing cold. At the cathedral steps his wartime comrades Attlee, Eden, MacMillan, Ismay, Slim, Alexander, Portal, and Mountbatten escorted the coffin inside where the leaders of 122 nations sang To Be A Pilgrim, The Battle Hymn of the Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Republic, Fight The Good Fight and Oh God Our Help. And then the short voyage on the launch Havengore from Tower Hill to Festival Pier, the monstrous dockside cranes each bowing in turn as it passed. And finally the private train and the family burial at Bladon, Oxfordshire, where at last his widow Clemmie and his children Randolph, Mary and Sarah had their chance at tears.

This was how a nation grieved then: not in hysterical outbursts, but bound together by protocol, by formality, by seemliness; as rigidly drilled as a platoon on a parade-ground and thus united in deed as well as thought. For everyone who lined the route or watched on television, the grief and the memories were personal; and yet they were as one.

• How fitting it was that Churchill should choose Bladon, the parish church of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace, as his burial-place. “In my beginning is my end. In my end is my beginning,” wrote TS Eliot in The Four Quartets; and Eliot had died aged 76 at home in Kensington only 20 days before Churchill. Both were members of the Order of Merit; both had won Nobel Prizes for literature.

Eliot, though, was cremated privately at Golders Green, and his ashes were buried at East Coker in Somerset. But he has his slab at Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, and Churchill’s statue is in Parliament Square not 200 yards away, so you can pay your respects to both in one visit, if you’ve a mind.

• Happy 50th birthdays to Vinnie Jones (5th), Joely Richardson (9th), Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (14th), James Nesbitt (15th), and Heather Small (20th). Cake and botox to you all!

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The Kitchen Magician

It’s a Kind of Magic

By Catherine Rose

Situated next to the free car park on The Conservatory Village, Little Paxton, Michael Hearn, owner of The Kitchen Magician has been waving his magic wand for 12 years, supplying and fitting kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

In fact, it would seem that The Kitchen Magician can produce anything out of the hat and to any budget in no time at all. Catherine Rose paid the showroom a visit and was suitably impressed.

If you are looking for a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or all three, you could do no better than visit The Kitchen Magician as you will be thoroughly spoilt for choice. For example, Michael can supply over 4,000 kitchen doors from top companies like Crown Imperial, Burbridge, B.A. Doors and Uform/Kitchen Story. He can also supply a huge range of work surfaces including Formica, timber, Corion, granite and solid surfacing.

“We do everything” says Michael “from supply and fit to supply only. And we will sell to anyone both customers and trade. For example, if a trader needs a bespoke kitchen, we will make it to their customer’s requirements, just as we will for our own customers. If you’re a customer and looking to have a lot of work done, we are a one-stop

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shop. We make it easy and we do go the extra mile. I like to think of us as a multi-talented company.”

And “everything” does mean everything, from plumbing and central heating to flooring (laminates, tiles, solid wood etc.) and wall tiling. In fact, from the day you decide you would like a new kitchen, bathroom or fitted bedroom, you can give the whole project over to The Kitchen Magician from design to finish.

The company will supply both ‘off the peg’ and bespoke kitchens. Their bespoke carcasses are made using an 18mmm rigid construction with 2mm PVC edging for strength. Doors range from a modern hi-gloss finish with a hand-painted option, acrylic – including designs that you cannot tell apart from real wood - and of course wood itself.

There is a huge range of styles available and The Kitchen Magician can obtain the most up-to-date looks.

Today’s kitchens can go from the ultra-modern

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‘handle-less’ clean line look that can even feature a pull-out cooker hood, to cottage-style in-frame doors, or traditional units that include beautiful curves to wrap around edges. Worktops - even economical Formica - can be shaped to fit. Many of the doors and drawers feature Blum-motion (soft close) as standard.

Appliances are either free standing or built in, and can be supplied and fitted alongside. NEFF, Bosch and Luce are the main dealers used and Michael can normally sell their appliances even cheaper than the prices listed on the Internet. Sinks and taps comprise the latest by Franke and Blanco amongst others.

What strikes you most about The Kitchen Magician is the sheer range of choice available, not only in kitchens but bathrooms too. “We literally use hundreds of bathroom suppliers” says Michael.

“Companies like Vitra, Brittain, Tavistock, Twyfords and Grower for taps.”

They also have a very good range of wet rooms along with bathrooms for the less abled which feature raised toilet pans that are safer and neater than an add on disability seat. This can be coupled with the latest in waterproof panelling and frameless shower cubicles.

For fitted bedrooms, Michael employs carpenters to make bespoke carcasses to exactly fit your room. The customer then has a choice of 150 vinyl wrap doors in a wide range of colours. Both contemporary and traditional styles are available.

Michael describes the showroom, which is actually larger than it first appears, as only “the tip of the iceberg”. And he always uses the smallest unit examples so that people can get the best idea of

how a range will fit in their homes.

Having such a huge choice, The Kitchen Magician can come up with a solution to suit every budget, from the top bespoke designs all the way through to our more economical line, but with the added bonus of being able to swap things around to suit you.

Turnaround is surprisingly fast. “I can get an ‘off the peg’ kitchen in a few days, stock willing” says Michael. He tells me about one of their latest new kitchens called Pronto which has a 48 hour delivery time. “The Pronto system is a ‘handle-less’ design and has no screws so it’s very easy to assemble – ideal for the complete DIY novice.”

So what’s in the pipeline? “As from the New Year, we will be doing our own range of kitchens to compete with the big high street names like B&Q, Homebase and Wickes - ideal for the DIY’er. What you have to remember is that when one of these companies offers a customer 50% discount, it’s misleading as they have started with a high mark up. So we can still undercut them by providing good quality products with a quick turnaround.”

Those who want their kitchen or bathrooms fitted can be secure in the knowledge that The Kitchen Magician only uses tried and trusted subcontractors who Michael has worked with for years. He says: “When I walk away from a job, I make sure the customer is satisfied and they know they can phone if there was a problem.”

And to prove it, The Kitchen Magician has just been registered with ‘Which Trusted Traders’.

To experience some of the magic yourself, visit The Kitchen Magician showroom which is open Monday to Friday, from 10am until 5pm and Saturday from 9am until 3pm. Out of hours times are available by appointment.

The Kitchen Magician, The Conservatory Village, A1 South, The Great North Road, Little Paxton PE19 6EN www.thekitchenmagician.co.uk Tel: 01480 477200 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Well Being

The Best January

Ever

By Nooshin Hassan

Well, here we are – ‘another year over, and a new one just begun’ (so the song goes). It’s all too easy for the January blues to set in after the fun and excitement of Christmas has passed, but I have vowed not to let that happen this year. It might take a bit more effort to feel optimistic in this often grey and dreary month, but I suspect if we just look around us and take a few minutes to think about it we can all find much joy in January...

Hopefully we will all have some lovely memories of a great festive holiday: watching children excitedly opening gifts, spending time with loved ones, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a well-earned break from work. It’s good to recall those memories and realise how fortunate an individual is to be able to cherish memories like that.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of people in the world who are in far less comfortable circumstances than most of us living in the UK, and while we may not be able to change that, we can at least appreciate what we have. I heard a good piece of advice which suggested a little routine of spending a few minutes each day thinking of a number of things that you feel grateful for. Even if you only spend two minutes thinking of four things that you really appreciate in your life, it lifts your mood.

Something for which I will probably still be feeling truly thankful for is that it didn’t rain at my sister’s November wedding and everyone had a great day!

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Sunshine is another thing I’m going to try to keep in my life. Ok, I know we may not actually see a whole lot of sunshine in January, but just getting out in the fresh air for a quick walk is good enough. We have so many beautiful walks locally, so whether you pull on your wellies and head to Wimpole or take the family out for an easier walk around Bedford’s Priory Marina, it’s worth escaping the house for a while. You never know, you might discover a new place, a corner of woodland you’d not seen before, or find a new cafe or pub en route. If you do end up getting caught in a downpour then it can make coming home that bit sweeter. Treat yourself to a soak in a hot bath, snuggle up on the sofa with tea and cake, or open a bottle of wine to share with someone special.

So there we have just two relatively easy ways to stay upbeat and cheerful throughout what is usually the most depressing month of the year. Look for all the things to be grateful for, and get out in the daylight when you can. It might take a bit of effort to begin with but, as with most things in life, you get out what you put in, so here’s to a very happy New Year!

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Time of Year

SALE!

Make the most of the winter sales Everyone loves a bargain, and at this time of year there are plenty of them around, but it can be easy to get carried away. Here are some tips on how to stay in control of what ends up in your shopping basket!

Decide what you need first. Go through your wardrobe to check for gaps, scout through your cupboards, and think about what you actually use.

There’s no point filling up with stuff just because there’s 70% off!

Do your research. Take a stroll down the high street or browse on line to see what catches your eye. Try on where appropriate and make a list of everything you really want , so that when the doors open you can make a beeline for it.

Go early – or late. To be sure of getting what you really want, visit the sale in the first couple of days, but if you want the cheapest prices, wait until the end.

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Stick to a budget. It’s easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment and compromise on what you are willing to pay. If you are too weak to say no in the face of temptation, take cash and only spend what you have.

Take a sale buddy. They could be the head of reason when you choose to ignore all the above advice!

Happy shopping!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Jill Dighton

BSc (Hons) MBACP, UKCP Reg.

Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious?

Relationship Issues?

Low Self Esteem?

Have you considered Counselling sessions?

Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere.

Ample parking.

Concessionary rates available.

For further details: Visit: www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk Email: j.dighton@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07925 852 985 (Voicemail available)

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.

20

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Fun Quiz - Review of the Year 1. One Down, Five To Go was the sub-title of a 2014 stage show featuring which famous group?

2. The acronym “yolo” was added to the Oxford online dictionary in 2014. What four-word phrase does it stand for?

3. In March, which famous couple said they were going to “consciously uncouple”?

4. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games?

5. Which country won the most gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics?

6. A selfie set up by the host of the Academy Awards ceremony in 2014 set a new record for the most retweeted image ever. Who was this host?

7. Rounded to the nearest whole number, what percentage of voters said “yes” in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence?

8. On January 1st, which country in the Baltic region of Europe adopted the Euro as its currency to become the 18th member of the Eurozone?

9. Written by Harry Hill, the short-lived 2014 musical with the main title of I Can’t Sing was based around which TV show?

10. On July 8th, what promotion did the Róisín Dubh pub in Galway run that meant a German beer called Erdinger, which they started selling at 4 euros a pint, ended up being sold for just 50 cents a pint?

1. Monty Python 2. You only live once 3. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin 4. England 5. Russia 6. Ellen DeGeneres 7. 45% 8. Latvia 9. The X Factor 10. They reduced the price by 50 cents for every goal Germany scored in the World Cup match against Brazil

Before

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After

21

East Anglian

Windows and Doors

Our new Trade / DIY counter will be opening on 5th January 2015 Before

Mr & Mrs Wright Trusting a supplier with large sums of your money and the structure of your property is not easy. In my case East Anglian Windows and Doors repaid that trust with interest. We have been delighted with guidance they provided, the quality of the product and the workmanship.

They take great pride in what they do and it shows in the end result. We now have a wonderful room that we use all year round and will cost us little in heating. It is truly beautiful.

John Wright Milton Keynes

After

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After

Before

Mr & Mrs Cox We just had one fitted by Dave and Scott and we couldn’t be more pleased with it. The product is first class and although we were concerned that it may make the room too dark, it seems brighter than when it had the normal conservatory roof. We have already been able to use it on the hottest days this year which was impossible before it was fitted and we are looking forward to being able to fully use it in the Winter as it is better insulated than the rest of the house. The new roof has turned the conservatory into a proper room! An excellent product fitted by a professional team. Recommended to anyone.

Brian Cox, Rushden

EAST ANGLIAN WINDOWS & DOORS

Showroom: The Conservatory Village, Great North Road, Little Paxton PE19 6EN Trade Counter: Unit 2, Little End Road Industrial Estate, Vulcan Way, Little End Road, Eaton Socon PE19 8TS

We also take an active part in the local community by sponsoring the local U16 football team, Little Paxton Colts

Tel: 01480 216677 Email: info@eastanglianroofline.co.uk or info@eastanglianguardianroof.com www.eastanglianroofline.co.uk www.eastanglianguardianroof.com 23

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Complementary Health

Being Mindful

Centre for Complimentary Health

What is Mindfulness, it’s a word people are starting to see and be used more frequently. Put simply is the opposite of what we are all very good at doing - it is the art of ‘being’. Instead of running around on automatic pilot, doing several tasks simultaneously with thoughts crashing into your head all the time, Mindfulness is about experiencing the world in the ‘here and now’, focussing on each experience at a time….such as enjoying a cup of tea or savouring a nice meal.

So why is Mindfulness useful? The world today is a very busy place full of people who are struggling to keep up with the constant demands of the modern world. Every day a quarter if a million people miss work because of stress, with 75% of all illnesses thought to be stress-related.

Practising mindfulness can give people more insight into their emotions, boost their attention and concentration and improve relationships. It’s proven to help with stress, anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours and even have a positive effect on physical problems like hypertension,

heart disease and chronic pain.

The Centre for Complementary Health now provides Mindfulness courses, Jane Morris, Owner, explains her experiences on the course have been very positive. “I run a busy and I am constantly met with the challenges brought along by both my patients, practitioners and staff members working at the Centre. Having seen the research on mindfulness I signed myself up to the first of our beginner’s courses, alongside other patients and other practitioners. I soon realised that I was every bit as much in need of practicing mindfulness as my patients, as I sat in the staff room one lunch time and found myself trying to eat my lunch whilst writing a letter and also listening to our practice manager Hazel trying to tell me something!” said Jane. “My experiences even though I have only been using this practice for a short period of time have all been very positive. My favourite trick at home was to start dusting in one room then get side tracked and go off half way through and start something in another room. Since using this technique I find my ability to concentrate on one thing at a time is much better and I sleep better too. I am also noticing a change of mind set so that I allow myself more time to enjoy simple things in life, rather than dashing on to accomplish the next task, so that in turn feels less stressful. I fully recognise that this is indeed work in progress and that I will have to keep practicing, but I feel the benefits even in this short space of time have been very worthwhile” Jane adds.

If you are interested in learning more about Mindfulness or attending one of the new courses at the Centre (places are limited on a first come first served basis) please contact us on 01480 455221 or see www.centreforcomphealth.co.uk.

More info: Phone: 01480 455221 Website: www.CentreForCompHealth.com Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

25

Family Law

By Fiona McLeman

Will you, Will you not?

It’s complicated…..

Becoming a parent? Buying a house? Getting married? Going through a divorce? These are important life events when it is essential to think about what will happen to your property and assets in the event of death.

If you don’t have a valid Will, on death, you will be deemed to have died ‘intestate’ and your assets will pass to your next of kin under the ‘Intestacy’ laws. In short, your estate will be distributed to any children and close family members. If you want to make sure other friends or a less immediate family member or a specific charity benefits from your estate on death, this will not happen unless you have made specific provision for them in a Will.

Making a Will ensures that those who you want to benefit, do benefit on your death. It ensures that specific items of jewellery or assets, such as a car or an antique or other treasured heirloom or item of sentimentality, can pass to those you want to benefit. Arrangements can also be made for assets to be held in trust for any minor children until they are old enough to benefit.

If you own a property jointly with someone else, whether or not this passes to your beneficiaries on death will depend on how the legal title is

held. There are two ways a property can be held with another person – a) as ‘joint tenants’ and b) as ‘tenants in common’. There are very important differences, particularly in the event of death of one of the owners. If your property is held as joint tenants, then on death the other owning party automatically receives your share of the house, regardless of what your Will says. If you own a property with another person as ‘tenants in common’ then your shares are held separate to each other. On your death your share will not pass automatically to the other person, but will pass in line with your Will if you have one and if you don’t have a Will, your share will pass in accordance with the Intestacy laws. If you are getting divorced and you own a property with your spouse, do you want them to receive your share if you were to die or do you want to change this to ensure your share passes to others? Food for thought….

Another factor is that on the final pronouncement of divorce, (known as the Decree Absolute), your former spouse will no longer benefit from your Will, even if they are named in your Will. So, if you have left everything in your Will to your (soon to be ex) husband or wife, your Will needs to be changed.

Many Wills fail because they have not been drafted properly or they have not been witnessed. It’s important to ensure that a Will is drafted properly, and that it does what you want it to. Will you Will you not?

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

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WobuRn FoResT HoLiday ViLLage

Housekeeping oppoRTuniTies nestled in a 365 acre forest, Woburn Forest boasts beautiful undulating forest landscapes, the largest subtropical swimming paradise, magical views over the lake and forest with modern Lodges bringing guests closer to nature.

We have a variety of housekeeping positions with flexible hours to fit around your lifestyle and there are contracts available from early mornings to school hours. Transport is available for some of our positions in the local area.

To apply for a housekeeping position or any of our other vacancies visit centerparcscareers.co.uk, click on Job Search, then choose the Woburn location.

Center Parcs, Woburn Forest Holiday Village, Millbrook, Bedford, MK45 2HZ

at Center parcs, we want our people to share in the success their hard work brings, enjoy a sense of wellbeing and a good lifestyle, and make the most of their time with us.

We offer unique benefits such as: • discounted Center parcs breaks • day visitor passes • Free use of village facilities

www.centerparcs.co.uk

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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

27

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Leeds Day Solicitors

Family Matters With the pressures on families ever increasing, Leeds Day has decided to meet the growing need for advice, support and representation by expanding its family team and services the team can offer with the appointment of Lee Bailham. Lee will be joining the team in January 2015 and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in family law spanning well over a decade, with a particular emphasis on divorce and financial issues.

Lee is an accredited family mediator meaning that Leeds Day are pleased to announce that from January 2015, the family team can offer clients contemplating divorce or separation this service as an alternative to more traditional forms of resolving disputes. Lee is also an accredited member of the Law Society Advanced Family Law Panel.

At Leeds Day, the family team is dedicated to finding and offering clients alternative ways of dispute resolution, focusing on achieving positive outcomes that are agreeable to everyone, particularly when there are children involved. We never lose sight of the real issues that are important to clients and we work closely with them to achieve swift, practical and, wherever possible, amicable solutions. We take a sensitive and objective approach to divorce.

We see it as our role to guide clients through the legal system to use our expertise in dealing with difficult situations to make them as straightforward for clients as possible.

Lisa Leader, a member of Resolution is based in the firm’s St Ives office having also practiced in family law for over 10 years, whilst Simon Thomas, based in the St Neots office is further qualified to offer the fast growing collaborative law approach to family breakdown. Simon is also personally mentioned in the prestigious Legal 500 as “compassionate and meticulous” and “excels in complex divorce matters”.

Leeds Day is the only firm locally able to offer family advice to clients in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives.

If you need advice on a family matter, then contact Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or send an email to family@leedsday.co.uk.

Quote this article before the end of January 2015 and your first 30 minute consultation will be free of charge.

Our offices: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301

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

Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

St. Neots 1A South Street, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2BW T: 01480 474661 29

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 01480 214423 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 4 Eaton Court Colmworth Business Park, Eaton Socon St Neots, Cambs PE19 8ER Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

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30

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Spring Clean Your Finances As a child I remember my mother cleaning the house from top to bottom, windows opening and carpets being beaten in the garden. This I remember as spring cleaning.

We used to go through our clothes and patch or darn any holes appearing, or throw our old clothes away, and generally give the house a good tidy up.

Today most of us do not spring clean our homes like we used to, so where am I going with this?

Quite simply, for many there is a need to spring clean and de-clutter your finances – a resolution to kick start the New Year.

Many of our clients are retired and have countless bank accounts and ISAs, plus investments with funds that were good in their day. Keeping yourself up to date is time consuming and unless action is taken, not very productive.

I have often written about needing to know where you are to work out the best way of achieving your desires. But with so many accounts and plans isn’t it time to give them a spring clean to simplify and de-clutter?

Younger people also need to do this to plan.

Starting out with a clearer analysis means you will

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

not need to undertake any de-cluttering in the near future.

Also, you must make sure your plan is adaptable to meet your changing needs and desires. It was James A Garfield (20th US President), who said “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable”.

A bit of time and effort now on reviewing every investment in terms of risk, return, tax and relevance may be a miserable long-winded way to achieve a de-cluttered simplified portfolio, but it is strongly recommended.

We are often presented with carrier bags of plans and scribbled notes, but we have an experienced team to undertake the analysis and make recommendations – whoever in the household takes responsibility for it, I recommend it is done.

A good spring clean and de-clutter makes us all feel better, with a clearer vision for the future.

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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31

Sell New

“We have bought on this development due to the excellent location to the Market Square and the above standard specifications. Overall we feel we are getting a bit extra for our money than what we had seen elsewhere. We can’t wait to move in......” Mr and Mrs Hilliard

Sell New The bespoke new homes agency With over 15 years’ experience selling new homes, sales director Tom Francis was in a prime position to set up his own agency. Sell New Ltd opened its St Neots’ office last summer, specialising in new and refurbished properties by small to mid-sized builders and developers.

Tom Francis has used his expertise and knowledge to fill a gap in the property market by setting up a “boutique new homes estate agency” specifically aimed at the smaller builder who typically does not have a dedicated sales team or the resources to invest in marketing .

By specialising in this area, Tom hopes to “bring a new concept to Cambridgeshire”. He says: “Most estate agents focus on everything but we are very tailored, offering a bespoke service to small and medium-sized property developers using a local expert”.

In fact they are so unique that when it came to their listing on Rightmove, the well-known property website did not have a model for them.

Working on a predominantly 30-mile radius of St Neots, Tom feels that his services are particularly suited for builders selling family homes. “We have a competitive fee and will work with a developer to get their homes marketed in the best possible way” explains Tom. There has been a lot of interest since he began

32

the company, both from people wanting the low maintenance benefits of a brand new home and local builders who are looking to take the stress out of selling. Sell New Ltd works to bring the buyers to them, effectively becoming their ‘marketing arm’.

Currently, Sell New is working with Luton-based builder Callisto Homes who have just completed their first conversion/new build in the heart of St Neots.

Tom says: “Callisto Homes chose us to market the Steam Flour Mill development because they loved the idea of having one point of contact who only works with a handful of clients at a time. They also liked our tailored approach to marketing and service and the fee we charge, as well as dealing with a new homes specialist as this market has different demands and expectations.”

The Steam Flour Mill Development The old Victorian mill with its landmark chimney dates from 1837 and has been converted into three luxury loft-style apartments backing onto the brook that flows off the Great River Ouse.

Viewers have described them as the “best in St Neots”.

Alongside the mill conversion and centred around a large courtyard, the new build comprises two coach houses, three contemporary Manhattan-

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style apartments and two town houses, and four Victorian style cottages – all constructed in sympathy with the mill itself.

“It is a conservation area so they have been built in keeping with the environment and the mill” says Tom. “Features of the new homes include large sash windows and high ceilings. The Victorian style cottages have steps leading up to the front door and old fashioned railings”.

There are also two commercial units. One is intended to be a shop, the other a large workshop which is perfect for one of the residents to run a business from.

On entering the communal hall for the loft apartments in the mill, the generous size is the first thing that surprises. It is large and spacious with original features such as iron posts and stylish factory-style lighting. Stairs lead up to the three apartments. The top floor apartment is sold but as we went to print the other two were still available – a 1440 square foot three-bedroomed apartment priced at £325,000 and a 1210 square foot two-bed at £285,000 with rooftop and waterside views.

Each apartment faces south and has a private balcony. The very spacious kitchen/living area includes all appliances housed within modern, well-lit units.

Despite being an old building, there is modern gas central heating and the traditional feature windows, some of them arched, are double glazed.

They give the apartments a bright, airy feel.

“These homes marry character with contemporary living” says Tom. All the leasehold properties have broadband and Sky access and at least one car parking space. Each apartment additionally has its own useful private storage room or ‘barn’; a communal bike store; a bin store and most unusually, a communal boat dock with space for keeping small boats and canoes.

In addition to the loft apartments, there is one very roomy 1367 square foot coach house available with three bedrooms, priced at £325,000. Also

open plan, it has a double balcony facing onto the brook and undercroft parking.

What you notice about the properties is how unusual they are. And all have lovely views overlooking the brook or St Mary’s Church. The rooms are unusual shapes as the properties have been designed to fit the plot and this only gives them more character.

The four Victorian-style cottages, described by Tom as “affordable family homes”, are freehold and start from £265,000 for a 935 square foot three bedroom home with parking, to £340,000 for a four bedroom cottage with two reception rooms, two ensuite bathrooms and two parking spaces. Each cottage has a south-west facing, low maintenance, walled courtyard garden. Unlike the apartments, the cottages are not open plan but have separate kitchen/diners most with separate utility rooms. They all have three storeys, with a large open top floor room which has a door to the third-floor staircase, making them both deceptively spacious and giving a large degree of versatility to the buyer.

Currently, Sell New has sold over 40% of the 14 units which is attracting investors as well as home buyers. “It is an upmarket and exclusive development” says Tom. “So far we have had cash buyers, semi-retired people who are downsizing, local business people and London investors interested. The big attraction is that you are only a few minutes’ walk away from the town centre while at the same time being in a lovely location.

“The feedback we have had from investors is that they are pleasantly surprised at the expected rental returns compared to the price of the properties. And because it is a unique development, there is almost a glass ceiling when it comes to future capital growth.”

Each property comes with a ten-year LABC guarantee. “The whole development is now finished and with no chain, people are able to move in within a month” says Tom.

For more details of The Steam Flour Mill, Church Street, St Neots PE19 2BU or if you are a small to mid-sized developer and would like to find out how Sell New Ltd can help you market your new build or refurbishment, please visit: www.sellnew.co.uk Or tel: 03335772796 or email: info@sellnew.co.uk Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

33

Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

The Truly ‘Green’ Garden There are so many ways in which you can plot and scheme about all that your garden could have to offer in 2015, but there’s one thing I would ask you to consider: take the plunge, ring the changes and ‘Go Organic’. Many gardeners have decided that they really want to concentrate on natural methods of pest control and the use of natural fertilising materials rather than chemical feeds. And they do it because it works and makes life so much better for the other less powerful creatures and plants we share our space with.

Since we moved to our Hampshire garden nearly twenty years ago, I have kept it completely organic and believe me, it really is not difficult.

Weed control can certainly be harder as there is no resorting to herbicides such as glyphosate, but if your garden doesn’t have too many persistent weeds, even that should not be too difficult. If you do have an existing problem then make weeding a regular part of your gardening time and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how speedily you start to get on top of it.

True, organic gardening does take a bit more planning and forethought. If you grow vegetables you will need to ensure that you rotate your crops.

Just divide the space you have into three or four chunks and then ensure that each year you grow related crops together and then the following year, move each group into a new plot.

It also pays to ensure that you really do garden as ‘well’ as you can, avoiding too many short cuts and taking the plant’s health and vigour as a prime consideration. In any part of the garden you need to try to choose plants that really are suited to the

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site as those grown in unsuitable conditions will be more prone to disease and pest attack.

Regular patrols to find problems, so that they can be caught at the early stages and dealt with promptly, mean fewer problems in the long-term and should ensure that you catch an infestation of pests or a disease outbreak before it gets too bad.

Sprays of certain kinds are ‘allowed’ (those based on soft soap to control certain pests, copper based fungicides to control diseases etc) but most organic gardeners prefer to avoid them altogether.

I am a great fan of horticultural fleece. Placed over a crop such as calabrese from the moment you plant it out, you should be able to ward off all the common pests including caterpillars, cabbage root fly and aphids. Traps such as submerged beakers of old beer or milk to catch slugs and sticky yellow cards to trap flying pests, all work well. Of course for many pests there are also biological controls available, plus a whole range of controls to stop greenhouse pests.

Keeping the soil in good condition is a must and if you don’t already have a compost bin or heap, get on and make or buy one straight away.

The choice is up to you, but I strongly recommend it, for a whole host of reasons, only some of which I have mentioned here. www.pippagreenwood.com to make veg growing easy with ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’.

Pippa sends your chosen veg plants to you and each week emails advice and tips for getting the best results; plus lots of great barriers and biological controls

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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

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Appointed dealers for:

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

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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 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

37

All Seasons

Garden & Property Maintenance

Some Services We Provide

Grass/Hedge-cutting, Turfing, Patios, Fencing Ground Preparation, Sheds/Conservatory Bases Repair Work - Internal/External Painting - Internal/External Clearances, Cleaning/pressure cleaning

No job too small

Certified Waste Carriers Fully Insured. Free estimates

Please call Nick

Mob: 07896668976 / Home: 01480 383605 Email: all_seasons123@hotmail.co.uk Find us on Facebook Located:St Neots

SAW GARDEN SERVICES

SURECLEAN

‘At The Cutting Edge’

DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS

Providing Fencing, Decking Lawn & Hedge Services

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We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.

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Pets

Is your New Year’s resolution to exercise more?

Ever thought you pet might benefit too?

It’s the time of year when many people consider a new exercise regime. Exercise has more benefits that just the weight loss we seek after our festive over-indulgences - it helps our muscles and joints too. This is one of the many principles physiotherapy works with. If muscles and joints are flexible and strong, they are healthier, less injury prone and most importantly less painful.

So why is a vet telling you about physiotherapy?

Animals are essentially made up of the same things we are. Their bodies are prone to problems and their joints susceptible to degeneration just like us. As physiotherapy helps people, it can also help our ailing pets.

In the colder weather, arthritic joints become more painful and stiff. Is your pet sleeping more or walking slower? Physiotherapy can help and the treatment focuses on pain relief as well as a

functional exercise programme to get them more comfortable on their feet and enjoying life.

One last thought.

As many of us try to lose those extra pounds, please think about your pet’s waistline too. Excessive weight puts pressure on the entire body, and for the muscles and bones that means quicker degeneration. Even if your pet isn’t yet in need of a bespoke exercise programme, regular exercise keeps them trim and protects their joints for the future.

Animal physiotherapy is available at Cromwell Vets. Please contact 01480 52601 to find out more.

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39

CD

Garage Door Problems?

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

Phone Chris Day On:

07899 903973 40

01480 459 721

High Street, Brampton

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Motoring

Rolls Royce Wraith

James Baggott @CarDealerEd This is surreal. I’m wrapped in the finest leather, staring at some of most ornate materials I’ve ever seen inside a car and yet still I’m wafting along the challenging A543 at a pace that is leaving the RTOTY crowd lagging behind.

Surfing on a gloriously torquefilled surge of V12 goodness, delicately light steering guiding this two ton luxury monster across the Welsh moors, I’m opening up a gap on the cars behind me as my relationship with the Rolls-Royce Wraith finally clicks. For the last two days I’ve been living in fear of harming the £219,480 brute, every wayward sheep tying my stomach in knots, every oncoming tractor making me wince at the impending doom that never happens.

You see driving the Wraith is quite some responsibility. With a price tag that wouldn’t look out of place in an estate agent’s window, piloting the curvyrear ended British beauty – the sportiest of Rolls-Royces – really is a nerve-wracking experience.

Well, at least at first it is. In time, as the miles rise, fear eases, and you finally begin to gel with

the giant – and it’s then, at this moment, that the wonder of this incredible feat of engineering is finally hammered home.

It’s here, now, on this stunning piece of tarmac that’s twisting across the dew-dipped Welsh countryside that the Wraith truly comes alive. The 624bhp V12 may be whisper quiet on the motorway, where the dash tells you there’s still 90 per cent of power in reserve (there’s no gaudy rev counter in here), but in kick down it growls, bellows deep and powers off towards the future like a Bullet Train. The first time I let the Roller scamper off, it shocks with the aggressive nature it adds digits to the headup display. Make no mistake, this big girl has serious pace.

There’s no hiding the Wraith’s girth, though. It’s absolutely huge – and feels it. Most of the team who got behind the wheel exited with a huge grin on their face, not just because it was such an event to drive, but because they handed back the jewel-like key and returned the Wraith unscathed. Everyone also agreed that it was simply a very special place to spend time in.

Driving the Wraith is an event.

From the automatically-closing suicide doors, to the inch-deep lamb’s wool carpets, to the glass buttons on the dash and beautifully machined solid metal vent pulls and piano black dash, everything inside feels five star hotel, Ritz-like perfect. All it needs is a butler on the options list to retrieve the umbrellas from inside the flanks of the two front doors to be truly palatial.

Driving it to and from Wales for our shoot I was staggered at how comfortable, relaxing and easy it is to clock up hundreds of miles with so little effort. Yes, the 327g/ km emissions and 20.2mpg might worry the wallet, but it’s a small price to pay for spa-like levels of luxury.

Rolls-Royce insists its cars are bought by owner drivers – and after a week behind the wheel of the Wraith I can well believe that.

Yes, sitting in the back might be a pleasant place to spend time, but the Wraith is aimed squarely at the driver and after shelling out close to a quarter of a million pounds I for one know exactly which seat I’d be occupying.

Model Rolls-Royce Wraith Price: £219,480 (as tested) Engine: 6.6-litre, twin turbo V12 Power: 624bhp, 800Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 4.4s MPG (comb’d): 20.2 Emissions: 327g/km To advertise Visit our newincommunity The Villagerwww.beds-local.co.uk and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Paneer and Mixed Vegetable Coconut Curry Serves 4 Ready in 45 minutes

This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.

INGREDIENTS 2 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced 100g small cauliflower florets 100g small broccoli florets 1 tbsp vegetable oil 225g paneer cheese, cubed 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste 400ml can coconut milk 150g frozen peas 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Squeeze of lime juice Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost 42

tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden.

Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.

TIP - Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger.

You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.

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everything matters

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HD smart TV’s , HDD Recorders, Audio Systems, & Camera’s, trust our expertise & tradition of best after sales service

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D . S. LEWIS CARPENTRY & BUILDING

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Contact Steven Hardie Mobile: 07837243558 Office: 01480 390725 Central Heating Installation Powerflushing Full Bathroom Refurbishments General Plumbing Boiler Service and Repairs Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Contact Steven Hardie Mobile 07837243558 Office 01480 390725 www.sjhardieplumbingandheating.co.uk Gas safe no. 512115

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45

Local News

Huntingdon Romantics According to a review on Amazon, last year Huntingdon topped the national list as being the most well-read town or city in the UK. Featured in The Villager in September 2014, this means it has now been the UK’s reading capital for the last four years.

Huntingdon folk buy more books per head than anywhere else in the country. And it would appear that they are a rather romantic lot with the sale of these novels topping the most popular list. The rankings were set by calculating the number of romance novels sold per person in towns and cities of more than 20,000 people nationwide.

Mayor of Huntingdon Cllr Bill Hensley has said: “Well we are at the crossroads of England which is probably why we have got so many star-crossed lovers here. You do see a lot of people holding hands in the town.”

And the inhabitants of Huntingdon and beyond do not have to look very far to find authors on their doorstep who write in this genre. One such writer

is Mary Matthews - a local author who writes contemporary romantic thrillers under the penname Georgia Rose.

She has recently published the second book in her Grayson Trilogy, entitled Before the Dawn, her sequel to A Single Step. The third novel, Thicker than Water, is due out this spring.

All three centre on the character of Emma Grayson and her adventures in mystery and love. www.georgiarosebooks.com The Grayson Trilogy page on Facebook: The Grayson Trilogy FB Page

New Decorations Interior and Exterior Painting Wallpapering

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Painting & Decorating m.a.newman@virgin.net

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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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December’s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Joyce Barnes from St Neots

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Be quiet! (4) 3 A cool treat (8) 9 Organise (7) 10 Clamour, din (5) 11 Corrections (12) 13 Calm (6) 15 Arachnid (6) 17 Self service store (12) 20 Nimble (5) 21 Window covering (7) 22 Best (8) 23 Jewels (4)

1 Weightiest (8) 2 Remove clothes (5) 4 Intelligent (6) 5 Up-to-date (12)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th January 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



Down

6 Lived (7) 7 Humble (4) 8 Proclamation (12) 12 Gifts (8) 14 Procedure (7) 16 Hits (6) 18 Rub out (5) 19 Long pointed tooth (4)

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55

Music

In the Groove Records are enjoying a revival

“Mum this stuff is awesome! You should totally listen to it!”

That was my teenage son ‘discovering’ my 80’s vinyl collection and my father’s collection of 78s.

Because of course my dad and I know nothing about music while he and his friends are experts.

In the age of the strangely invisible digital sound file, I watched his burgeoning love affair with these solid pieces of sound history with some amusement. 78s in particular are very tactile: the thick, heavy shellac, the dust, the stiff card cover.

There’s a richness about them which time hasn’t dulled.

In the way of teens, Charlie began to google his latest obsession.

“Mum, did you know that in the early days they discovered that recording a piano while it was on the floor made it sound too tinny, so they suspended pianos in the air and made the pianist perch on an elevated platform? Cool?”

I had to concede that I did not know this!

Over the coming weeks I also learned that because there was no sound equipment early on, there was no way of modulating the volume of a singer to prevent distortion when recording. To get round this, a someone stood behind the singer reading the score, and when a particularly high note or loud phrase was imminent they pulled the singer away from the mic! Wonder what Mariah Carey would make of being manhandled like that?

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By Louise Addison

Our language even evolved to reflect our love of records. The phrase ‘In the groove’, ‘Groovy’, ‘To groove,’ all relate to the grooves on a 78, LP or single.

In spite of all the studio shortcomings, collectors of old records swear the sound quality of 78s in particular has never been surpassed. The hiss and scratch caused by the patina and deterioration of old shellac discs appeals to them.

As Charlie’s interest deepened, he spent a lot of time in specialist record stores and at collectors’ fairs. A surprising number of people deal in vinyl or 78s or both, and most of them are friendly individuals with a wealth of knowledge they are happy to share.

It’s a curious fact that in the age of huge TVs and surround-sound, the sound quality of the music many of us listen to is going backwards, because often we listen through tiny earbuds or mobile phone speakers. It is also curious that many young musicians, steeped in electronics, are rediscovering the joy of playing with sound on vinyl and shellac, in much the same way that the scratch and mix DJs of the seventies, eighties and nineties did.

Lots of us must have an old record player stashed in the attic along with our old vinyl LPs. We may even own a few 78s, inherited from our parents.

The heyday of CDs lasted a mere 15 years, but there is more than 60 years’ of music recorded on to these older formats. Think about that. Perhaps it’s time to get them out, dust them off, and introduce a new generation to the joy of tangible sound.

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After 57

n O s ’ t Wha In January 3 January Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Speakers will be Robert Edwards, ‘Backyard and Tiny Gardens.’ Robert is a qualified garden designer and consultant and winner of Chelsea medals. May be plants for sale. Visitors welcome - small charge which includes refreshments.

5, 12, 19 & 26 January Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess.

Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises.

Every Monday except Bank Holidays.

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Great Staughton Youth Club 7-8.30pm Great Staughton Village Hall Newly formed Youth Club running every Thursday for 11-16 year olds from Great Staughton and Perry.

Email: gsyc2014@gmail.com

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

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10 January Craft and Gift Fair 9am-2pm United Reformed Church, St. Neots Free admission Held in aid of The Coffee Pot Memory Café; a local charity in St. Neots for those with memory loss and their carers, run by volunteers and support from local Rotarians.

Tel: Mary 07717 158549 for details and stall hire Email: maryjdcruz@gmail.com 10 January Living With Dogs Workshop 10am-12pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Free workshop A workshop for the whole family – suitable for 5 years+. Perfect for all those that live with dogs, visit family or friends that have dogs or those looking to get a dog in the future.

Children will enjoy their very own workshop and through interactive activities will learn to speak dog language, know when their dog needs some time alone, discover how to make feeding time fun and get hands on with some dog training. Adults will be treated to their very own workshop covering how to safely manage children and dogs living happily together, dog mood management, body language, flashpoints for aggression and dog bite

prevention. Booking essential.

Tel: 0844 248 8181 Email: handson@woodgreen.org.uk 12 January-23 March Richard III and Henry VII 2-3.30pm Course fee £48 Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey Workers’ Educational Association course. Richard III and Henry VII: a comparison of the reigns of the two Kings and an appraisal of their achievements. Tutor is Karon Stanley who is mediaeval and early modern historian. Ten 1½ hour sessions. Half term Monday 16 February.

Tel: Course Secretary John Baker 01480 300386 14 January-25 March Love and Sex in Shakespeare 10-11.30am Reading Room, High Street, Hemingford Grey Course fee £48 Workers’ Educational Association course. Love and Sex in Shakespeare: an exploration of Shakespeare’s complex attitudes to love and sex in the context of his society and time, in his plays and in his more personal sonnets.

Tutor is Lindsay Fursland. 10 1½ hour sessions. Half term Wednesday 18 February.

Course Secretary: Gerrie Quest 01480 380735

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n O s ’ t Wha In January 18 January Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Admission £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea.

Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk 20 January Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Visitors £6 including light refreshments Demonstration by Helen Elliott entitled ‘GROWING FOR GOLD’. Arrangements will be raffled and there will be a sales table. All welcome.

21 January Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.20-9.30pm WI Headquarters, 6a Walden Rd, Huntingdon, PE29 3AZ Non-members £1 donation “To The Manor Born” by Peter Ibbett.

Talk on a subject related to family history research and a bookstall or help desk.

23 January Gamlingay Photographic Society 8-10pm Gamlingay Village College, Station Road, Gamlingay Lecture evening. “Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia” with Brian Reid.

Non-members welcome free of charge.

Refreshments and optional raffle.

Tel: Nick or Jackie 01767 651025 for more info about the evening/the Society Email: Jackie on nickbruce7@ btinternet.com 29 January An evening of Clairvoyance with Wayne Marriott and Friends Doors open 6.45 pm for 7pm Wyboston, Chawston & Colesden Village Hall Admission £5 30 January The Fitzwilliam Piano Quartet 7.30pm Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke Park Road, Huntingdon Adults £12, Pupils & Students under 21 £5, Groups of 20+ £9 each Part of the eighth season of the Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts. Originally formed at Cambridge University, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet has earned an enviable reputation in the international concert world. Today, three of their number are joined by the outstandingly talented

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and successful ensemble pianist Anna Tilbrook. Their programme will include piano quartets by Mozart and Schumann.

31 January Burns Night Supper 7.30pm Barley Town House Tickets £17.50 including welcome drink, three course home cooked meal, music, reeling, haggis and more!

Get your tickets as soon as possible for this annual popular event! All proceeds to Save the Children Tel: Liz 01763 838172 Email: luciecoleridge@gmail.com

Comberton Ramblers What will be your New Year’s Resolution?

Why not join the Comberton Ramblers Walking Group? The group walks alternate Sundays - normally between 5-6 miles. Starting and finishing at a congenial hostelry for a drink / lunch. Our aim is to enjoy ourselves, to take in the sights and sounds of the countryside. Two free walks and then if you like us we would appreciate you becoming a member. Annual membership fee £8.50 per person.

If you are interested and would like further details please contact Stella, the Secretary email: stella.ramblers@ hotmail.com.

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Call Michael today for a free quote 07824 324095 / 01480 810845 www.haganscleaning.com info@haganscleaning.com 60

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LESTER O’DRISCOLL CARPENTRY Door Hanging, Skirting, Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Fencing, Decking, General Carpentry, Extensions

07842 195152 01480 811629 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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Classifieds Books

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

The Christmas Party Carole Matthews Pub. by: Sphere p/b £7.99

There’s the inevitable prospect at this time of year of the avalanche of overly comfortable Christmas reads, because, well, it’s expected. They’re to get you in the mood for the festivities if you’re not already inundated from watching the many stomach-churning celebratory commercials of goody-laden tables screened during nearly every telly advert break. And, if you’re office based, there’s going to be the Office Christmas Party. It’s inevitable, the annual occasion when the boss lets his or her hair down; you can (maybe) take liberties and even do silly things. The problem arises when matters get out of hand; Louise, the devoted single mum, usually manages to adroitly avoid the boss’s sticky hands, but then the pretty new dress, the free-flowing champagne and the ultimate silliness seem to get in the way . . . The boss’s wife should be loyal, but is she? Office politics can surface, even in the magnificent party venue (a thinly disguised Waddesdon Manor) and there’s an odd feeling that a rather tragic game of ‘musical chairs’ is being played with the top jobs and even the Manor suffers. As a page turner read, this plot works fine, but be aware, your own office party may seem rather dull in comparison. Just don’t get drunk and take care the morning after doesn’t take a life-changing turn as debts may have to be honoured . . . .

Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.”

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Classifieds Antique Furniture Restoration

Heating and Plumbing Services

Antique Furniture Restoration French Polish, Conservation, Marquetry Jiri Koutsky Godmanchester 25 years experience Free local visits Restored items for sale

Tel: 01480 411169 or 07786 328995 Email: jirikoutsky@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.antiquewithlove.com

Electrician

Pet Services

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

Tai Chi Tranquil Sea Tai Chi (yang style) Manderville hall, Thrapston Rd, Kimbolton, PE28 0HW Mondays 11-30-1.00 (from 5th Jan) Hail Weston village hall PE19 4JS Saturdays 10-00-11-00 am (from 10th Jan)

For more info contact Gary on 07758232068 or 01462 701701 Tranquilsea13@gmail.com

Wood Suppliers

Tranquil Sea Tai Chi (classified).indd 1

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09/12/2014 15:5

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