Cambs mar 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 59 - March 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Happy Mother’s Day Make your Mother’s Day

How to get the best car insurance deal

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword Bringing Local Business to Local People

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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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Contents St Neots History

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By Bus from St Neots Market Square................................4 Wildlife Wanderings.........................................................6 How to Get the Best Car Insurance Deal...........................8 Raising the Flag.............................................................10 Mistletoe Interiors..........................................................17 Little Paxton Mile...........................................................19 Use It or Lose It...............................................................20 Make Your Mother’s Day.................................................22 Centre for Complementary Health..................................24 Understanding New Child Maintenance Scheme............26 To Prenup or not to Prenup............................................29 I Dare You.......................................................................31 Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Timetable................32

VILLAGER The

Issue 59 - March 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Happy Mother’s Day Make your Mother’s Day

Banish

those winter blues

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword Bringing Local Business to Local People

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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Bartlett’s Flood Recovery Programme............................34 In the Garden.................................................................37 Animal Know-How.........................................................39 Nancy - City of Stanislas.................................................40 Children’s Page...............................................................43 Take Your Tablets!...........................................................44 Volunteer Centre Huntingdonshire.................................46 Puzzle Page....................................................................48 Prize Crossword..............................................................54 Fire Safety Tips...............................................................56 What’s On.......................................................................58 Classifieds......................................................................63

Mistletoe Interiors

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16,000 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, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling.

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

Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Christine Donnelly, Emma Rees, Alex Albrighton, Leeds Day Solicitors, Centre for Complementary Health, Fiona McLeman, Tony Larkins, Bartlett Tree Experts, Gareth Arscott, RSPCA Beds North Branch,Solange Hando, Sarah Davey, Louise Addison

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Advertising Sales - Christa Hallam - 07868 369257 christa@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.

Photography - Igor Yaruta Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

History

By Bus From St Neots Market Square

By Peter Ibbett

Times appear good for coach and bus operators. If you have time to spare to loiter about St Neots Market Square for a day you will spy a range of ‘ominbuses’ providing a spectrum of sounds, fumes and destinations. The modern stagecoaches ply the route from Oxford to Cambridge or Southend to Liverpool and seem to have a healthy number of travellers on board.

Their country cousins are less frequent and you often have to look for a ‘quota’ on board.

The lumbering but good natured Whippets appear to enjoy an active retirement from their youthful city lives. Back in 1914 buses were displacing horse power and found themselves pressed into service a century ago to transport recruits for the army, as Arthur Golder pointed out several years ago.

‘Looking through some old photographs I found a postcard of a No 11 bus being driven by my father Edward (Ted) Golder. On the front the route is Goldington, Great Barford, Roxton and Eaton Socon, The side poster is “Men of Bedfordshire now is the time to serve your Country. England needs every man. Come to the depot Bedford and enlist”. The registration

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number of the bus is LF 9248.’ When you next pass by the Cross Keys in St Neots spare a thought for those whose ticket turned out to be ‘one-way’ and did not return to their homes.

The 1914 Trade Directory for St Neots records that ‘Motor Omnibuses go to & from Bedford three times daily and on Saturdays four times. The Cross Keys pictured above, saw an Omnibus to meet every train. The Kimbolton omnibus arrived to meet the 2.58 p.m. up train from St Neots and departed on arrival of the train that left King’s Cross at 1.45pm.

Getting out to the villages might mean hitching a lift with one of 23 Carriers who plied the old routes to Alconbury, Bedford, Bolnhurst, Colmworth, Croxton, Ellington, Eltisley, Great Barford, Great Gransden, Great Paxton, Great Staughton, Huntingdon, Keysoe, Kimbolton, Little Gransden, Little Staughton, Offord, Perry, Roxton, Southoe, Spaldwick, Staughton and Yelling. All these routes would end up a local public house!

Do let St Neots Museum know of any photographs, letters, postcards or stories that can be added to its displays and archives.

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Travel

WILDLIFE WANDERINGS

By Christine Donnelly

March and April are generally the best months to visit the islands of the Mediterranean to see spring flowers, migrating birds, and many other animals.

Providing there was enough winter rain, the countryside will still be green and numerous reptiles, amphibians and insects will be making use of lakes and pools before the extreme heat of summer dries them out. Providing both food and breeding areas for wildlife, many Mediterranean wetlands are protected by international law although many have already been lost due to unsuitable development.

Molyvos harbour, Lesvos One of the islands that remains unspoilt and is ideal for relaxing family holidays as well as for wildlife watching, is the Greek island of Lesvos. It lies near the Turkish coast and therefore receives enough rain to make it one of the greenest in the eastern Mediterranean, with miles and miles of attractive olive groves as well as beaches, small fishing harbours and hillside villages. It has become one of the best areas for birdwatching due to its location on a migration route and its variety of habitats that include salt pans, coastal shrubby vegetation, plentiful trees and dry, rocky areas.

Greek tortoise, Lesvos In addition there are beautiful chestnut woodlands that are full of colourful flowers including tulips, anemones, orchids and paeonies. Persian squirrels and Greek tortoises can be seen whilst walking along hillside tracks and, amongst the walls of castles and monasteries, you can spot several lizards including the starred agama, a relative of iguanas.

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With a wide selection of apartments and hotels (no high rise buildings here) and many small tavernas serving tasty, reasonably priced local food, the island is ideal for anyone who wants to visit an unspoilt part of Greece.

Black-winged stilts, Lesvos Wildlife Travel, based in Cambourne, runs trips to Lesvos staying either in the picturesque harbour of Molyvos or in a beachside village on the Bay of Kalloni. Walking in the nearby marshes and fields you can see hundreds of birds of many species including both white and black storks, various herons and egrets, black-winged stilts, glossy ibis, bee-eaters and less well-known birds such as rufoustailed scrub robin and stone curlew.

Balkan green lizard, Lesvos The whole island is now designated a geopark and, at Sigri, you can visit one of Europe’s best geological museums. It has wonderful displays showing the history of the now extinct volcanoes that formed much of the island and the fascinating geology of the eastern Mediterranean, as well as an interesting section on plant and animal fossils. The garden of the museum is a good place to see some of the local flowers and birds and to sit and enjoy a coffee on the patio!

Photographs from many of the trips run by Wildlife Travel can be seen on the web page www.flickr.com/photos/wildlifetravel. For information on their holidays contact Wildlife Travel on 01954 713575 or check www.wildlife-travel. co.uk. Any profits from Wildlife Travel are donated to nature conservation through The Wildlife Trusts.

For information on where to see local wildlife contact The Wildlife Trust on 01954 713500 or check www.wildlifebcn.org.

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Three Counties Radio

How to Get the Best Car Insurance Deal

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

If you’re like me, you will find car insurance renewal time one of the most irritating experiences. With every passing year I get a little older, a little more mature, a little more experienced behind the wheel, I NEVER make a claim and yet my insurance company feel it’s perfectly acceptable to ask me to pay a little more. Why? Well they hope that most customers are too busy with their lives to quibble over an additional £30. They hope we’ll just put the letter to one side and allow it to renew automatically. Oh how they misjudge some of us!

The fact is if you haven’t made a claim or changed your circumstances, you should expect your insurance to go DOWN not UP at renewal time. Therefore it’s very important that the savvy consumer ensures this happens. Let me explain how I do it.

When I receive my renewal notice, I instantly go online and use some of the comparison websites (‘Go Compare’ and ‘Money supermarket’ being just two). I put in my details and see if I can beat the renewal price I’ve been offered by my existing insurance company. Please only compare with good, reputable insurance companies.

There are always some (that no-one’s ever heard of ) that come back with a price that’s very reasonable. Life is too short to have car insurance from a useless company though, so don’t make this mistake. I then get quotes from some of the companies that are NOT on price comparison websites, e.g. ‘Direct Line’ & ‘Privilege’.

Without fail, I always find an insurance company that wants my business and is prepared to offer a reduced price to the one I’ve been quoted already. The whole job takes about an hour, but it’s an hour well spent if you’ve saved yourself £50 or more. At this point, you also need to consider cashback sites like ‘Quidco’ to see if you can save further money by taking insurance out through them.

Armed with all the information, I then go back to my existing insurance company and let the negotiations begin.

I opt for the “if you’re thinking of leaving us” number on the automated phone system and explain that I’ve been a customer of theirs for some time and am rather disappointed that they are expecting me to pay more for my insurance. I tell them I’ve done some shopping around and have found another insurance company that will beat their price. I ask them to have a look at their system to see what’s the best price they can offer me (I never make the mistake of showing my hand at this point). 9 times out of 10 they come back with a price that’s even better than the best price you’ve found from the alternative company, but if not, you’ve then got that up your sleeve.

I have literally saved myself hundreds and hundreds of pounds by using this method every renewal time. The funny thing is, I’m still with the same insurance company I’ve been with for 12 years now. They just keep beating those prices. Funny that! The truth is though that if they didn’t, I would simply switch and save myself the money.

While I’m on the subject of car insurance, there are a couple of other pointers I would suggest: 1. Always add another responsible driver to your policy. Insurance companies consider you to be a lower risk if you’re married or in a partnership and can put your other half on the policy. If not, it’s worth trying to add a friend with a good driving history. You may just save yourself a few quid.

2. Consider protecting your no claims bonus. If you are unfortunate enough to have to make a claim, this will prevent the policy from soaring.

3. Take the motor legal protection cover. In a dispute situation it can be invaluable.

Probably the best £25 you’ll ever spend.

4. Try to accurately predict your annual mileage. There’s no point in you being insured for the risk of driving 20,000 miles a year if in fact you only drive 2,000.

5. Be honest with your insurance company. Lying may save you money initially, but if you get caught out (which you probably will), your insurance will be invalidated and you’ll face a MASSIVE bill!

Happy motoring!

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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Local News

Raising the Flag For commonwealth day

History in the making - 500 Commonwealth flags to be raised throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man at 10am on Monday 10 March 2014, to mark Commonwealth Day. For the first time ever, local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles are taking part in local flag raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day. This new, unique initiative, which has caught the imagination of thousands of participants, enables people in their local communities to become involved and join with others nationwide in associating themselves with widespread public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of the values it stands for, and the opportunities offered to its citizens around the world.

A specially written Commonwealth Affirmation will be read out at each ceremony before the raising of the Commonwealth flag at 10am on Monday 10 March 2014, at the Huntingdonshire District Council offices, Pathfinder House, Huntingdon, led by the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Barbara Boddington.

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Charity teams will mark the day by taking Commonwealth Flags to the top of the UK’s four highest National Peaks, and use the occasion to raise funds for their worthy causes: Cancer Research UK - Scafell Pike, England; Help for Heroes - Ben Nevis, Scotland; Walking with the Wounded - Mount Snowdon, Wales; and Fields of Life - Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland.

Commonwealth Flags will also be flown at many locations of special significance including the four capital cities of the United Kingdom, Land’s End in Cornwall, the most westerly point in England; St. David’s in Pembrokeshire: the westernmost city in Wales; Carlisle in Cumbria: the northernmost city in England; Lowestoft in Suffolk: the easternmost town in England; and Unst in the Shetland Islands, the most northerly inhabited island in Scotland. Flags will also be raised at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, and at the Halley VI Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, as well as King Edward Point and Bird Island in South Georgia.

“This will be the largest, single, raising of the Commonwealth Flag in the history of the Commonwealth”, said Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR,

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Pageantmaster and originator of Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth. “The success of this year’s event bodes well for 2015 and the future as we extend the invitation to participate and involve all 53 countries of the Commonwealth and UK overseas territories, to make this the largest-ever annual occasion involving local communities throughout the worldwide Commonwealth family. ”I am also delighted that the Virdee Foundation, a well respected, world-wide charitable foundation, has accepted my invitation to join this project for the lifetime of the event, especially as I have always been convinced that this annual occasion will grow in size and stature over the next few years, providing a unique fund-raising opportunity for Commonwealth causes such as those outlined within the Virdee Foundations Memorandum and Articles of Association - the protection of women and children from abuse and the relief of abused women and children; a worthy cause close to my heart too.”

“The Virdee Foundation is delighted to be a part of this initiative, working closely alongside Bruno, to enable us through the ‘good will’ of those taking part, to assist us in donating charitable funds raised

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by those taking part, to the important cause outlined above, said Peter Virdee, Chairman of the Virdee Foundation.”

His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth said: “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.

“All our citizens, particularly the young, can express appreciation for the Commonwealth and the values for which it stands as set out in the Commonwealth Charter, and the rich opportunities it offers for mutual support towards more inclusive social and more equitable economic progress.”

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Mistletoe Interiors

Mistletoe Interiors

By Emma Rees

Spring has sprung and lets hope we can say goodbye to dark nights, storms and relentless rainfall – lighter mornings and longer evenings bring more daylight! Whilst we welcome the return of sunshine in our lives and homes it isn’t always beneficial. As we open our windows and doors it can highlight the work that is necessary - a damn good clean, a repaint, de-clutter, redecoration or a total restructure. All options seem opportune at this time of year!

Here are just a few tips of my design tips that will hopefully inspire you and help revamp your homes: Paint Colour - Choosing a paint colour can be tricky as many of us don’t like to be too daring. The secret is to counter balance deeper colours with subtle shades. Consider painting one themed wall (ie a single wall) in a room. Eating Room Red (Farrow & Ball) for a dining room, for example, combined with Oxford Stone (Farrow & Ball) would work extremely well together.

Alternatively, consider the addition of a strong colour to a muted shaded room by way of accessorizing. I am not suggesting that everything is basked in red, but dropping shades of red into a scheme with the addition of cushions or by the display of beautiful roses will add a degree of opulence.

When choosing colours from a chart, paint the samples on a card and watch the colour change as you position the card in different positions around the room as the light changes. Ensure the colour you choose complements existing furniture and soft

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furnishings Wallpaper Wallpaper is the easiest way to add pattern, texture and character to a room and has made a big revival in interior design in recent years. Wallpaper, however, can be expensive and needs to be chosen wisely. Once selected it should be treated as a piece of artwork in its own right so I advise not to cover it up with pictures or furniture that could detract or complicate the interior design look.

Soft furnishings/Curtains/Cushions - Soft furnishings introduce texture, warmth and comfort to your home and can be taken with you if you move.

Introduce bolder colours and textures in cushions to add interest to your rooms but remember to integrate the look by interspersing them with plain fabrics. Curtains and blinds soften interiors and dress windows to control sunlight and sound. Appropriate selection can depend on the age of the property. A retro fabric, for instance, will suit a contemporary home whilst more traditional floral fabrics fit better in older style properties.

And finally, please don’t neglect the exterior entrances of your homes. Plant decorative trees or bulbs in attractive pots either side of the doors and let the sunshine in!

Emma Rees, proprietor of Mistletoe Interiors can be contacted on (07885) 135478; www.mistletoeinteriors.co.uk; or email info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk.

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Local News

Little Paxton Mile Sunday 23rd March 2014

Little Paxton Parish Council invites you to do the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile with hundreds of other like-minded Milers.

The Mile starts on Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, Little Paxton and heads out towards the back of the playing field into the Nature Reserve.

Run along part of the stunning sailing lake and take in the sights and sounds of this wildlife haven. You may see a kingfisher, a heron and if you’re really lucky, an otter! Get your place at The Little Paxton Mile today!

1 mile route Goes along part of the sailing lake Start time 10.45am & 11am 3 mile route Heads towards the ski-ing lake.

Start time 10.30am 6 mile route Is a circular route around the ski-ing lake.

Start time 10.30am

All routes finish at the Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Visitors Centre. Refreshments will be on sale.

Entrants are encouraged to park at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve car park which is only a 5-10 minute walk from the Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field.

You can register by logging onto the Sport Relief website http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/ result/id/1839 Reduced registration fees for a limited period.

Adult £3.00 [normally £6] Child £1.50 [normally £3.00] Family £7.50 [normally £15.00] Residents can register on the day at the Community Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, High Street, Little Paxton.

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

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

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19

Finance

Use It or Lose It Individual Savings Account

The 2013-14 tax year annual investment limit for an Individual Savings Account often known simply as an ISA is £11,520. Any unused allowances can’t be carried forward.

ISAs were introduced by the government in 1999 as a tax efficient wrapper* for savings and investments to replace Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) and Tax Exempt Special Savings Accounts (TESSAs). You don’t invest in an ISA - you invest in the products held within it, whether they are unit trusts, other investment products, individual stocks and shares or cash deposits. ISAs allow you to save and invest without incurring Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on equity investments, and limit the tax paid on any interest payments or dividend income that you receive from your investments and savings. *The tax benefits of an ISA wrapper depend on the underlying product and your individual situation.

Income distributions from Stocks & Shares ISAs suffer a 10% tax deduction at source. This is based on our current understanding of tax rules which may change in the future.

Types of ISAs - There are two types of ISA: cash ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs. You can invest in either or both, subject to subscription limits.

Junior ISAs - These were introduced in November 2011 as a successor to Child Trust Funds. They represent a tax-efficient way to build up capital for when a child reaches adulthood. They allow up to £3,720 per annum for tax year 2013-14 to be invested in cash or stocks and shares with tax breaks similar to standard ISA’s. Parents, and other relatives can make a contribution.

Financial planning

how interesting?

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What are the benefits of an ISA? No CGT is paid on any increase in the value of your Stocks & Shares ISA when you decide to sell your investments.

• No income tax is paid on income received from Cash ISAs. • Higher rate taxpayers may see additional tax bene-fits through a Stocks & Shares ISA. They do not have to pay the additional tax on dividends which they would normally pay if the shares were held outside of an ISA wrapper.

• You may transfer your ISA with one provider to another provider at any time.

• Married couples can effectively combine their ISA allowance, split across two separate accounts, with the same or different providers.

How much can I invest?

You can invest up to £11,520 in a stocks and shares ISA, or alternatively up to £5,760 in a cash ISA with the remainder, if you wish, invested in a stocks and shares ISA. As long as you don’t exceed your annual cash ISA limit you can invest in both a cash ISA and a stocks and shares ISA up to your overall ISA subscription limit of £11,520.

Consider Getting Advice - Whether you are new to investing or considering adding to your existing portfolio, we always recommend you seek advice from an Independent Financial Adviser.

A financial adviser will be able to help you select from the wide range of options. Ensure the options match your goals and attitude to risk. They can also help you make the most of your ISA subscription limits this tax year and each tax year after.

The prospect of talking about financial planning is about as riveting as having as having a tooth pulled. At Chord IFA, we offer Independent Financial Advice across a comprehensive range of “exciting” financial products & services including: • Retirement Planning including possible Pension Consolidation of existing schemes.

• At Retirement options which includes Annuities & Drawdown • Savings & Investments • Individual Savings Accounts (ISA’s) & Junior ISA’s • Life Assurance & Critical Illness • Long Term Care • Wills & Estate Planning We can’t promise to have you on the edge of your seat, but we can make the process of selecting the most appropriate course of financial treatment a lot less painful.

Contact: Carl Vaissiere Chartered Financial Planner to arrange an initial meeting at our cost.

Tel: 01480 350858. Email: cvaissiere@chordifa.co.uk .

Address: 6 Parcell Walk, Godmanchester, Cambs, PE29 2YL. Chord IFA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registration Number 434811

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Shires Mobile Footcare ...because feet matter

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20/01/2014 15:32

21

Time of Year

Make your Mother’s day

By Alex Albrighton

From the day you have a baby or adopt a child, your life changes forever. People tell you this when you’re pregnant, but it’s only when it happens that you really understand what they mean. Suddenly there’s someone who depends on you entirely. Every decision you make from now on will be based on their needs or desires.

Being a mother can be the best of jobs and the worst of jobs. For every heart-warming moment of pride and loveliness, there’s a blazing row or slammed door (but hopefully with a hug and a sorry afterwards).

Mums have to take on every role in the family – carer, teacher, agony aunt, sergeant major, personal assistant, taxi driver… And it doesn’t stop when the children leave home. Now approaching 40, I still rely on my mum for advice, friendship, help with childcare, emergency loans and the occasional kick up the backside to get things done.

It’s only as you get older, especially if you have children of your own, that you realise how your

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parents felt as you grew up – why they made you do your homework, go to bed, stop fighting with your brother, eat properly, save money and above all, be careful!

Mother’s Day gives us the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our mums for everything they have done and still do for us.

The founder of Mother’s Day in the US, Anna Jarvis, eventually regretted campaigning to get the day recognised because it became so commercialised.

She hated the fact that people would buy a card with a printed message rather than writing a letter.

It’s lovely to buy or make a card and give flowers and chocolates. You can also do something special to show you care – maybe take on a job that she hates or treat her to a day of pampering.

But this year, why not go beyond the message in the card and write a few personal lines of your own to tell your mother how much you love her. Make sure she knows that she really is the best mum in the world (like mine).

Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, usually in March or in May. In the UK, it is a mixture of a Christian tradition, and the celebration of motherhood that began in the USA in the early 20th century. During the 16th century, people in service would return to their home or ‘mother’ church on the fourth Sunday in Lent – Mothering Sunday.

Mother’s Day as we know it became a regular event in the 1950s, largely thanks to businesses to exploit commercial Please mentionkeen The Villager and its Town Life when potential. responding to adverts

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23

Complementary Health

Have you really got a hip problem?

Or is it a pain in the bum?

“One of the most common complaints we hear produce pain into the front of the thigh or the at the Centre is that patients have a hip problem knee on the same side. One of most common or arthritis in their hip” claims Jane, owner of the cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis commonly Centre for Complementary Health. “The hip area called wear and tear of the hip. Another cause of is a perceived common problem zone that people pain in this region is ‘trochanteric bursitis’. This is want help with but first we need to establish if it an inflammation of the small fluid bag or bursa really is the hip causing the issue” adds Jane. that sits over the bony region called the greater Where is your hip? trochanter and has many soft tissues attaching to Firstly, if you ask most people where is there hip it. There are other, causes of pain, but these are they will point to their buttocks, top side of legs much rarer and relate to disturbances of bone and other areas but it is actually located at the metabolism. center of the groin.

How do you know the difference?

Most of the time pain in the buttock or hip region “There’s no easy answer, to understand the real is actually coming from the back; this can affect area of pain and cause it needs to be assessed by a number of structures such as the discs, the a musculoskeletal specialist such as an Osteopath, small joints in the spine or sacro-iliac joints in the Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or even your GP. pelvis. Equally there can be Once you have been assessed professionally you imbalances in the muscles can then be given the correct course of treatment around the back and and advice to help it improve” said Jane. hip, such as the glut Pain in the hip region or other areas as explained muscles. can be helped in a number of different ways, often Pain above the belt with a combination of treatment and exercise line is usually not rehabilitation. At the Centre for Complementary a hip issue either, Health there are a number of therapies with such back pain can be experienced practitioners that can help ease the caused by various pain and get you back on the right track. If you movement patterns are unsure of what is causing your pain or which simply used by us treatment you require call the Centre and it can be in our everyday discussed further with you. lives.

More info: Surprisingly, Website: www.CentreForCompHealth.com actual hip Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com problems can Phone: 01480 455221 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 24

Therapy

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Leeds Day Solicitors

Understanding the New Child Maintenance Scheme

Leeds Day Solicitors

A subject that often causes conflict when a couple separate is when trying to agree what level of financial support the person with whom the children live should receive from the spouse or partner moving out. Until The Leeds Day Team recently, if agreement could [left to right]: Lisa Leader, not be reached, then the Child Simon Thomas, Grace Brass Support Agency could be asked to assess what the “Non Resident Parent” (NRP) should pay.

The rules on child maintenance have changed.

The new legislation is aimed at supporting and encouraging parents to agree their own “Family Based Arrangements” instead of relying on the legal framework, which can increase animosity in families already going through a difficult time. From 25/11/2013, where parents cannot agree, they will be directed to the new Child Maintenance Service (CMS). Cases opened before this date will still be handled by the Child Support Agency under the old rules.

What is the cost?

The previous definition of a ‘child’ was someone up to the age of 18 in full time education but it is now those in full time education up to the age of 20.

• The new scheme calculates the level of child maintenance based on the NRP’s gross income (previously, it was based on the NRP’s net income); pension contributions are discounted.

• In calculating gross income, the NRP’s historic income is used, usually from information provided to HMRC under a PAYE scheme or from their self-assessment tax return. Only if the current income differs by 25% is it possible to apply for a calculation based on the current income.

• If the NRP’s income is more than £156,000 per year, then the court would have jurisdiction to deal with an application for a ‘top-up’ award.

What is the new calculation?

If the NRP’s income is less than £5 per week, there is no liability. If their income is less than £100 per week or they receive certain benefits, a flat rate of £7 is applied. If the NRP has an income of £100-£200 per week, they pay the flat rate of £7 plus a percentage of their net weekly income. In all other cases, the basic rate applies.

The basic rate for gross income between £200 and £800 per week is 12% for one child, 16% for two

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children and 19% for three or more children.

For that proportion of gross income between £800 to £3000 per week; 9% for one child, 12% for two children and 16% for three or more children.

Certain deductions are made if there are children living with the NRP (not necessarily their own child, but for example their partner’s children) or if the NRP cares for the children overnight. With the latter, the more nights per year the children stay with the NRP, the greater the reduction.

If the children spend equal amounts of time with each parent, no child maintenance is payable. If there is a dispute, a parent receiving child benefit will be deemed to be the parent with care and should receive child maintenance.

The new rules attempt to reduce the costs of the child support regime. Currently there is no charge involved in seeking a child maintenance assessment.

Parents are being encouraged to agree between themselves and the government says it will give help and support to do so.

In an effort to actively encourage people to try to reach an agreement, once the new scheme is up and running and is judged to be working successfully, charges will be introduced as follows: • £20 application fee.

• 20% collection fee which the NRP will have to pay in addition to the assessed payments.

• 4% charge on top of payments which are deducted from the maintenance payments received by the parent with care.

If the NRP stops paying, the CMS will step in to enforce payments.

The new calculations are more complex than the previous regime. Whether they will be effective and work better than the previous regime only time will tell.

If you are separated or divorced and need advice as to the level of child support which should be paid by you or to you, please contact the family team at Leeds Day Solicitors, either by telephone: 0844 567 2222 or email: family@leedsday.co.uk Quote this article before the end of March 2014 and your first 30 minute consultation will be free or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk/family

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Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

- Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies - Self assessment tax returns - Cash Flow Forecasting - Vat, Payroll & Bookkeeping - Business Start Up

Free Initial Consultation Phone: Antoinette Gorst ACCA or Sally Anstee FCCA 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

Dedicated support for clients in relationship breakdown:

• • • • •

Separation Financial Settlements Change of Name Prenuptial Agreements Mediation

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Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law

Fiona McLeman Family Law is accredited by Resolution and the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a Specialist in Family Law. For a free initial consultation contact Fiona:

fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk, 07894095775, www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Regus House, 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne CB23 6DP

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Family Law

To Prenup or not to Prenup That’s the Question

In our last blog, we referred to Prenups. We thought we would pick up from there and look at what they are. A Prenup is a formal agreement entered into by a couple before a marriage or civil partnership setting out who owns what and how the couple envisage that the assets might be divided in the event of the relationship permanently breaking down.

Are they legal?

The short answer to this question is no. Prenups are not automatically legally binding in this country (unlike in other parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, Germany and France However, there have been court cases when prenups have been upheld by the courts. In a recent decision by the Supreme Court it ruled that as a general principle pre-nups in England and Wales could and should be upheld by the courts in England and Wales provided that: 1. It would not be unfair to do so. Each party’s needs must be provided for. This is especially the case for any children involved 2. Both parties had had legal advice on the pre-nuptial agreement prior to signing it which would usually include each party disclosing their financial means to ensure the agreement was being signed by everyone in full knowledge of the facts.

3. The agreement must be freely entered into by both parties well ahead of the wedding.

Do I need one?

Statistics tell us that 39% of people marrying will sadly end in divorce. Every case is different however. Yours may be a first marriage, you are young and you and

your intended spouse have the same financial standing and envisage having a family. A prenup may not be for you. If you are a second time around spouse, perhaps in your later years, and you have some assets whereas your spouse may not, you may want (or need) to think about this.

I’m already married! Is there anything I can do?

Yes there is. You can enter into a post-nuptial agreement. These work in exactly the same way as Prenups but are entered into after the marriage rather than before.

Isn’t a Prenup terribly unromantic?

Life is full of many unromantic, but sensible, things such as life assurance, car insurance etc.

The best start is to discuss with your future spouse how you will organize your finances together and discuss your views on issues that may crop up during married life. We think a Prenup is similar to holiday insurance. Everyone hopes they will have a wonderful, trouble-free holiday, but taking out travel insurance to assist in the event of illness or theft is sensible. It’s the same for a Prenup – it helps you and your spouse determine for yourselves what could happen in the event that the marriage sadly breaks down. That’s got to be better than having lawyers or the court work it out for you at a time when it’s probably the last thing you would want to do.

Fiona McLeman Tel: 07894 095775 www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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

I Dare You

By Tony Larkins

Almost everyone on the planet will have heard of Apple computers, and nearly as many of the founder – the late Steve Jobs. His and Apple’s slogan was, ‘Think Different.’

He was also attributed as saying; “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” The question is, what type of future do you want? The answer will depend on where you are in terms of age, as well as your vision. Clearly, if you have already retired and rely on a fixed income, the future will be easier to decide.

If you have savings and assets that are not being maximised, you could try choosing something a little better/different. Of course, if you are still working, your future is within your own hands. With the right mind set there is so much we can achieve.

It is, as Steve Jobs said, the ability to think different.

When Henry Ford was asked about the cars he built, he said that if he had simply asked his customers what they wanted before he started building cars, they would have said “faster horses.” He, like so many other great people that have changed the world, dared to ‘think different’, and how pleased we are that they did.

Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile on 6th

May 1954, not by training harder (he had tried that for three years without success), but by ‘thinking different’ and using Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway as pacemakers.

Today, many middle and long distance records are broken through using pacemakers. Roger Bannister came up with the idea with the help of others, and could not have achieved it without them.

As a financial planner I often help clients to realise a desire to retire earlier than they thought they could, or to enjoy a better level of income than expected.

Clearly I am no Steve Jobs, but I do often ‘think different’.

Why not, when you have a vision of your future, speak to your financial planner.

If they are Chartered or Certified they will have had to prove they have the ability to ‘think different’, and think beyond basic technical knowledge required for the minimum diploma level qualification.

So go on, spend a couple of minutes and think about your future – I dare you.

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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33

Bartlett’s Flood Recovery Programme

Flooding can have many long-term detrimental effects on landscape plants. Flooding impedes the function of tree roots, essential for the tree to photosynthesize, with potentially serious physical damage. It also causes detrimental changes in soil nutrient availability and microbial communities. Long-term flooding eventually leads to root and branch dieback and tree decline. Flooding stress can also increase the susceptibility of plants to serious plant pathogens. Since 2000 there have been a marked increase in the number of instances of widespread flooding, raising concern from many in the professional tree care industry For these reasons Bartlett’s Flood Recovery Program has been developed to help offset the effects of long term flooding damage to trees. The programme consists of: • Decompaction • Drainage • Soil and Nutrient Management • Mulching • Pest and Disease Management Flooding is also associated with a decreased soil pH due to Decompaction Decompaction using the air spade re-opens the soil anaerobic respiration by soil microbes; this can reduce the structure to a greater degree than before flooding, availability of nitrogen to the tree. promoting recovery as more air reaches the roots Pest and Disease Management and the re-establishes a healthy aerobic microbial Prolonged flooding can be highly detrimental to overall community. Biochar can also aid in nutrient/fertilizer tree health, weakening defences against pests and diseases. A significant risk are soil borne pathogens retention, increase plant health and help beneficial soil which are made more mobile by flooding and can enter microbes to proliferate. water damaged root systems, including Phytophora Soil and Nutrient Management and Pythium species. Fungi including, Honey fungus, Flooding dilutes and leaches nutrients from the root Armillaria, also pose a threat zone.

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 34

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Try us for £10

£5 we’ll give

to

SUPPORTING PARTNER OF SPORT RELIEF

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

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

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

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

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35

SURECLEAN Gutter Cleaning Gutters cleaned safely from the ground using our ladderless gutter cleaning system.

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Gardening

In The Garden

By Gareth Arscott

www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com Rain! Even here in the East we have had more than our fair share of it. The gardens are sodden.

Hopefully their will be no cold snap to freezer the plant roots and finish off the less hardy plants in our gardens. Just in case, have a look round the garden and provide some protection for any plants you are worried about. By the time you read this the days will be getting longer and some of this water will have drained away. If you are really worried, lift them, pot them and store them in the greenhouse until the weather improves.

Back in the February article we promised a competition courtesy of Distinctive Seeds (distinctiveseeds.wix.com/distinctiveseeds). They have kindly provided us with 20 packets of seeds for prizes.

To enter the competition just email us at buckdenperennialplants@outlook.com and tell

us what plants you would like to see featured this year in the forthcoming “Plant of the Month” articles. Perennial plants that you think are special garden plants in your gardens.

The first 20 emails will receive a packet of seeds each. If you want us to forward your email to Distinctive Seeds so that they can send you their e-newsletters, please make a note in your email.

Your email address will not be passed on to 3rd parties without your implicit permission.

“Plant of the Month” will be returning in the April’s issue, hopefully bring some better gardening weather with it.

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GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

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Pets

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW

Bad weather doesn’t have to be bad news

The Nation’s weather has always been a popular topic of conversation. Now that the only predictable thing about our weather seems to be its unpredictability, it’s wise to plan ahead so that your animals remain safe and happy.

There have been recent media reports of cats being lifted into the air by the strong gusts of wind in some parts of the country, and others of dogs who have got swept away in floodwater during walks.

Pet owners are urged to keep an eye on the weather forecast in their area and plan ahead – and remain vigilant – to keep their animals safe.

It might be necessary to keep cats inside if the winds become very extreme. People should remember to make sure they have everything they need, especially places to hide (and a litter tray if they don’t usually have one).

Dog owners should plan walks so that the extreme weather can be avoided, and dogs should be accompanied at all times. Two or three shorter walks may be a better option to avoid being out in the wet weather for a long period of time.

Other tips are: • Dogs with thin or sparse coats may benefit from a coat when being exercised outdoors.

• Move outdoor pets – such as rabbits and guinea pigs – indoors to a garage or shed.

• Rabbit owners should make sure their hutches are waterproof, draught-proof and placed in a sheltered position. They may also appreciate some extra hay to burrow into to make them feel more secure.

• Put horses, ponies and donkeys into stables.

Most of it is common sense – but it is very easy to forget the obvious, especially since the bad weather has been going on so long we’ve become almost too used to it.

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

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Travel

Nancy - City of Stanislas

By Solange Hando

Just over an hour east of Paris by high speed rail, Nancy, the ancient capital of Lorraine, is one of the finest cities in France, all thanks to a deposed Polish King. In 1737, sixty year old Stanislas sought refuge at the French Court where his son in law, Louis XV, placed the newly-acquired Duchy of Lorraine in his care. Overwhelmed by gratitude, Stanislas devoted his personal fortune and the rest of his life to his new subjects, feeding the poor, encouraging the arts and planning an architectural showcase, a “royal town”, on former wasteland. He died aged 89 after falling in his fireplace. On that day, 23rd February 1766, the Duchy of Lorraine was returned to the French king.

Today, Nancy owes to Stanislas one of Europe’s most dazzling squares, aptly named after him, lined with classical buildings, fountains and wrought iron gates covered in gold leaf. Relax on a café-terrace under the kindly gaze of the “Benefactor” and the view takes your breath away, the elegant City Hall, the Theatre-Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Triumphal Arch bearing a medallion of Louis XV. Yet this is just one of three world heritage sites in the heart of the town. Walk through the Arch and you are greeted by the lovely Place Carrière with its fountains and statues, antique gods and leafy avenue leading to the colonnaded crescent of the former Governor’s Palace. Alliance, the third UNESCO square, is a quiet little place tucked in the back streets around a gurgling Italian-style fountain and trees twittering with birds.

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But just steps away from the 18th century city, the old medieval district leads you through a jumble of winding lanes, old-fashioned shops, flower stalls and private mansions festooned in sculpted balustrades and stone staircases. The old ducal palace now houses the Lorraine Museum while the ‘Rue Gourmande’ beckons with the aroma of quiche Lorraine or traditional Mirabelle plum tart. King Stanislas would be pleased for he loved his food and is widely acclaimed for introducing the popular volau-vent and rum baba.

Beyond its historical centre, Nancy is a modern city of broad avenues and pedestrian lanes, colourful markets, pavement cafés, bright department stores and exclusive boutiques gleaming with designer fashion, jewellery and highly prized local crystal. In the early 1900s, this vibrant town gave birth to a new art movement, covering every discipline from painting and sculpture to craft and architecture.

It began as Art Nouveau with soft flowing lines symbolising a return to nature and later evolved into the more sober Art Deco but whatever one’s preference, Nancy is a treasure trove of architectural wonders.

Wide-eyed visitors gaze at the ornate villas sprinkled in the suburbs, or the opulent Brasserie Excelsior at the heart of town, before strolling down to the river Meurthe or enjoying a cruise on the canal. But when the sun sets over the hills, it’s time to return to the square where golden lights twinkle all around and the dark silhouette of Stanilas the Benefactor keeps watch over his flock. This is just as it should be, a unique and enchanting sight, for no other city in France owes so much to a Polish king.

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Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded.

Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs.

Inspection welcome. Boarding from ÂŁ6.60/day.

Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded.

64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

The cattery for caring owners.

Comfort and security for your pet.

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Technology

Take your Tablets!

By Sarah Davey

My father, a lively Septuagenarian, bought himself a tablet recently and my teens have been training him to use it. They have discovered that nothing highlights the differences between the generations more than electronic equipment.

These are a few things they’ve discovered, which might prove useful for anyone else about to drag their elderly parents into the 21st Century.

Granddad did not know that ‘Dot’ means full-stop,” My eldest son found him trying to get to wwwdotrspbdotorgdotuk, to renew his membership online!

Downloading apps was not a problem. Closing them though was not intuitive. ”Granddad had 83 apps open at once!” My daughter marvelled. “And 25 browser tabs.”

Gnarled, insensitive arthritic fingers make for tricky tapping and zooming, so Granddad bought a chunky stylus, which can be used like a pen, and is more controllable.

He was very naïve when it came to internet security and had to be taught about fraud, passwords, SPAM and phishing.

Now I’m certainly not suggesting that all 70-yearold are luddites, but we are so techno-savvy these days that it’s easy to forget many elderly people are simply not steeped in the same electronic culture. A couple of months into owning his tablet my father is getting on famously, and it’s certainly brought him closer to his IT support team AKA his grandchildren!

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Local News

Volunteer Centre Huntingdonshire

New office opens in St Neots in March 2014 at South Street Community Building, South Street, St Neots PE19 2PH Tel: 01480 476067 e-mail: stneots@huntsvc.org.uk Open 10am – 12pm Monday to Thursday Volunteering Our aim is to promote and develop volunteering across Huntingdonshire and we now have a new office to support the local community in and around St Neots. We have a database of opportunities with local organisations, many of whom can not function without the support of volunteers. Volunteering can be a life enhancing experience and has many benefits: • learning new skills and sharing existing one • having fun, meeting people and making friends in and around your community • taking on new challenges or trying something different

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• satisfaction from helping others • building confidence • enhancing life and career paths Community Car Scheme We also run a Community Car Scheme for anyone who needs to make essential journeys i.e. for medical appointments, shopping and meeting friends where no suitable public transport exists and for individuals with mobility difficulties. The journeys are made possible by volunteer drivers to use their own cars to provide transport. There is a charge of 40p per mile based upon mileage travelled by the driver.

Telephone during office hours to book transport on 01480 476047 or leave a message on the answerphone.

To discover volunteering for yourself make an appointment for a 1:1 chat with Michelle Allison at the St Neots office – get involved in your local community!

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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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

01480 459 721

High Street, Brampton 47

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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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FLOORED

By Ian

Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean Free visits to estimate or advise.

Best prices and quality with a friendly service.

Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308

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TELEVISION MOBILE SERVICE ST NEOTS, ST IVES, HUNTINGDON AREA REPAIR TV,VCR, DVD, FREEVIEW DIGITAL BOXES TUNING & DEMONSTRATION OF EQUIPMENT DIGITAL LOFT AERIALS SUPPLIED & FITTED Extension Aerial Points DAY OR EVENING CALL OUTS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

NICEIC Approved Domestic Installer Safety inspections Fuse board upgrades Replacements lights Additional power points Extensions For your free quote contact Rob Ambrose on 07553 922005 Or e-mail info@paxtonelectricaltesting.co.uk

PHONE JOHN FABISZ FOR ESTIMATE

01480 495408 OR 07887887319

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M Compton

Builders & Groundwork Contractors • Extensions Brickwork Renovations • Driveways • Drainage • Foundations • Demolition • Digger & Tipper Hire • All Works Guaranteed • Fully Insured

All Aspects of Groundwork Undertaken

T: 01480 354 076 M: 07811 467 729 mcompton50@hotmail.co.uk

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

07842 195152 01480 811629 52

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Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 Money (4) 3 Used in board game (5,3) 9 Scold severely (7) 10 Electronic post (5) 11 Young cabbage plants (6,6) 14 To allow (3) 16 Type of drum (5) 17 Joint (3) 18 Seen in a rink (6-6) 21 Violent disturbances (5) 22 Stabbing weapon (7) 23 Supporting column (8) 24 Popular sport (4)

and send to the address below before

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

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Susan Dobson from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 54



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

Down 1 Advises (8) 2 Serious (5) 4 Stowed away (3) 5 Lock picks (8,4) 6 Loyal (7) 7 Story (4) 8 Eats its own kind (12) 12 Doomed (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Twice as much (7) 19 South American dance (5) 20 Hold tightly (4) 22 Type of snake (3)

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Health & Safety

Fire Safety Tips

By Louise Addison

Be a careful cook - Nearly half of all home fires are cooking-related. Never leave cooking unattended and keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove-top.

Be space heater savvy - Space heaters can easily ignite nearby household items. Keep all space heaters at least three feet (1m) from curtains or furniture. Turn heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave pets or children unsupervised with a space heater; in addition to the risk of fire, heaters pose a danger of burns.

Check electrical cords - Faulty, cracked or deteriorating electrical cords can cause an electrical fire. Check all your electrical cords for fraying or other signs of wear, and replace or repair any damage. Don’t run extension cords across doorways or under carpeting, and don’t overload circuits. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into a socket at a time.

Go easy on the candles - Candlelight is romantic

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and beautiful, but can be dangerous. Use sturdy candleholders which won’t topple.

Never place candles near anything flammable, like curtains, and never leave them unattended. Consider using battery-operated candles, like LED versions. They flicker and sometimes even smell like the real thing!

Test your smoke detectors - Test smoke detectors and check batteries at least twice a year, when the clocks go forward or backward is a good time.

Install an alarm inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor in your house, including the basement if you have one.

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Spot stain and odour removal • Anti-stain protection • Leather suites cleaned and reconditioned • Tile and grout cleaning • The very latest equipment used • All work guaranteed • Fully insured • Established for 22 years

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01480 217899 or 07870 338074

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

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 March Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts. First Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry.

Visit www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com

1 March Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Fergus Garrett on ‘Choosing and Using Good Plants’.

All welcome. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 1 March Quiz Night 7-10pm Buckden Village Hall Tickets £2 including nibbles Come and test your general knowledge. Licensed bar.

Prize for the winning team. Tel: Tickets 01480 811101 1 March Horse Race Night. Wyboston Village Hall Tickets £7.50 including fish & chip supper A family, fun event. Licensed Bar. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 Web: www.wybostonvillagehall.com 2, 9, 16 & 23 March Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday - all welcome. Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served.

Tel: 01480 214894 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 4, 11, 18 & 25 March Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 March Tots, Tea & Chat 10.50am-12 noon St James’ Church, Little Paxton Drop-in session for children and their carers.

5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 28 March 10.30am-12 noon St James’ Church, Little Paxton The Church is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Tea and coffee available. Most Wednesday mornings the Vicar, Annette Reed, will be available for consultation and for booking baptisms and weddings.

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5 March The First World War - Why did it happen?

7pm for 7:30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by Dr Mike Sewell on the origins of the First World War. Nonmembers most welcome.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com

12 March Woolly Mowers 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton The Hunts Local Group of the Wildlife Trust is pleased present an illustrated talk on grazing for conservation.

Speaker Nick Kiddy is the Grazing Officer for the Wildlife Trust in Bedfordshire. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk 15 March Amore Music of Love for a Spring Evening 6.30pm St Mary & St Helena Church, Church Lane, Bourn, Cambs CB23 2SG Adults £15, Concessions, £10, Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir. Free glass of fizz and canapés.

NSPCC Cambridgeshire event.

Web: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amorecollegium-musicum-of-london-chamber-choirconcert-tickets-9715255591 18 March Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission £6, including light refreshments Demonstration entitled “Happiness Is” by Jane Fox. Arrangements will be raffled. Plant sales table and sales of accessories. Visitors most welcome.

19 March Carers Connect Meeting 10am-1pm Masonic Hall, Bateman Street, Cambridge Interesting speakers and activities and a chance to find out how we can work together to give Carers a stronger voice. We have all our Carer Ambassadors on board. If you are able to come hopefully you will meet them all. For carers who work or who are unable to attend meetings, we will be forming a virtual network.

You can get involved in many ways, by email, online, by telephone or by social media.

If you would like to find out more about Carers Connect and how you can get involved to give carers a stronger voice, please contact Carers Trust Cambridgeshire. Tel: 01480 499090 Email: care@carerstrustcambridgeshire.org Web: www.carerstrustcambridgeshire.org

19 March Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30-9pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Non-members welcome - £1 donation appreciated at the door ‘Emigration in The Nineteenth Century’ by Ian Waller. Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 20, 21 & 22 March The Drowsy Chaperone 7.30pm and Saturday matinee 2.30pm Performance Hall, Comberton Village College Tickets £10.50 & £7.00. Presented by the Bourn Players.

Tickets on sale at Bourn Shop, Comberton Leisure and online. Raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice, Cambridge. Web: www.bournplayers.org.uk 21 March Sunshine On Leith (PG) 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £4, Concessions £3, Under 16 £2 Kimbolton Community Cinema. Tickets from Watson’s, Dixi’s Deli, Bytes Café or on the door if available.

Tel: 01480 860297 for more information Web: e-voice.org.uk/themandevillehallkimbolton 22 March Cambourne Craft Fair 11.30am-4pm Cambourne Church Free admission Craft and handmade goods; hot drinks and bacon rolls; craft activities for adults and children and a resource centre with materials for arts, crafts and creative play. To raise money for a community craft group project ‘Crafty B’s’. Email: mrscraftyb@gmail.com for a special café voucher 22 March Fundraising Ferret Racing Evening 7 for 7.30pm Great Stukeley Village Hall £14 per person including Cottage Pie Supper Tote, Raffle, Bring Your Own Bottle. Name your own Ferret £6 per race. Theme: American-Red, White & Blue. Tickets going fast! Tel: Mary Alleyne-James 01480 433954

gathering to sing and socialise for anyone with memory problems and their carers. Fourth Wednesday of every month. All with memory problems and their carers, are welcome. Tel: Wendy 01480 219925 or Nell 01480 472495 for more details 27 March St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Members £2.00,Non-Members £2.50 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket Meeting with Brian Eversham talking about Bumble Bees and other Bees. Competition is ‘A vase of Spring Flowers’.

28 March An Evening of Music 7pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton An Evening of Music by The Community of Little Paxton School plus a performance by The Benefice Choir. Refreshments. Retiring collection in aid of CHUFT. 28 March Quiz Night 7.30pm Little Paxton Village Hall, High Street, Little Paxton Tickets: £6.00 each, including supper In aid of Little Paxton Bumpkins Group. Maximum 6 people per team. Licensed Bar. Closing date for Tickets 26 March. Please order tickets early – limited numbers.

Tel Lee Duncan 01480 353567 Email: lm.duncan@ntlworld.com 29 March Spring Food Fair 11am-3pm Buckden Village Hall Free admission A variety of delicious home-made foods, local producers, Easter goodies, kitchenware and refreshments. Come along and support local suppliers.

Interested in taking part? Contact Rachel on 01480 811101 for details.

24 March One Day Weaving Course 10am-4pm Alconbury £65 A special one-day weaving course, led by local professional designer. Weave a pretty and original scarf to take away with you; beginners welcome.

All materials and a light lunch provided. Booking essential. Tel: Linda Parkhouse 01480 896866 Email: parkhousepr@aol.com Web: www.lindaparkhouse.co.uk

29 March Spring Concert St. Neots United Reformed Church Tickets £6 Spring Concert by Tapestry, the A Cappella Chamber Choir singing songs sacred and secular for Springtime and beyond. Proceeds to the Music Department at Spring Common School and the United Reformed Church. Raffle and refreshments.

Tickets available from 10am-12 noon Tue/Thur/Sat at the United Reformed Church and on the night, space permitting. Tel: 01480 861389 for more information

26 March Musical Memories 11am-12.30pm Peppercorns Academy, Little End Road, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8JH Free event Singing, listening to music, even playing an instrument, are pleasures that remain for people with dementia long after everything else has gone. A group of volunteers in St. Neots are starting a monthly

29 March Haslingfield Choir and Orchestra Concert 7.30pm All Saints’ Church, Haslingfield, CB23 1JF Adults £10, Concessions £8 Programme includes Fauré’s Requiem, Bach’s Cantatas No.118 and 131 and Bach’s Overture from Orchestral Suite No.1.

Web: haslingfieldvillage.co.uk/choir/ for more details

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

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Two Tons Explorer Scout Unit

Tuesdays 1.45pm-2.45pm

Line Dancing for the absolute beginner at Buckden Village Hall

The cost is ÂŁ4.00 per session; includes tea/coffee and a biscuit.

Bring a cold drink, and wear comfortable shoes.

Both Lorraine and Dawn are qualified instructors who have successful classes in Huntingdon and St Ives For further information call Lorraine 01480 494367 or Dawn 01487 824143

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Wanted: Young people Adult volunteer leaders (training provided) Explorer Scouts is the section of the Scouting family for boys and girls aged 14 to 18; no previous experience required!

Our local Unit, Two Tons, normally meets on Fridays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm in the Richard Westbrooke Hall, Brampton (behind the Co-op).

For more information contact Ken Mackenzie on 01480 434374 or leaders@twotons.org.uk

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Classifieds Clock Repair Specialist 72198 chas crowe BCards

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Design Consultancy

H Visome its

Mistletoe Interiors Emma Rees 07885 135478 info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk www.mistletoeinteriors.co.uk

LONGCASE CLOCK REPAIR SPECIALIST

Interior and exterior design consultancy, home staging, soft furnishings, lighting, accessories, paints, wallpaper

Church End, Ravensden, Bedford Tel: 01234 771704 & 07976 876234 Email: chas.crowe@btinternet.com British Horological Institute Associate Member

Decorating and Property Services

Electricians

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

Oven Cleaning parent company est. 1998

Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) ..........................................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£50 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) ........................£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ......................................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)...............................£15 Hob ....................................................................................£15 Bulbs ............................................................................... £2.50 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly. V.A.T free Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

Security Services

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