Cambs may 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 61 - May 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

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DAYS

Running alongside our normal menu

Monday 19 to Friday 23 May

Market Square, Potton 01767 260221 www.coachhousepotton.co.uk 2

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Message from the Editor: I am delighted to be taking over as Editor of The Villager magazine, an award winning community publication which reaches around 60,000 of you throughout Beds and Cambs - and not just because I can gaze out at a lovely view of the old Potton Market Square from my desk.

The saying ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ certainly seems to apply to the magazine and I shall not be sweeping in with the proverbial broom as clearly, The Villager works very well and the advertisers would vouch for that. I do hope, however, to gradually introduce some more local features to the various issues we produce across the counties and explore new areas alongside the excellent writers and local contributors we already have on board.

If there is anything you would like to see included in the magazine, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Likewise, if you have any articles of local interest in your area, I would be delighted to hear from you.

This month we have a history of basket making and straw plaiting in the region, a new travelogue by aspiring journalist Melanie Ridley, and a heart-warming story from a couple who have fostered through Alliance Foster Care. So enjoy this spring edition of the magazine!

You can contact me at editor@villagermag.com or telephone me at the office.

e

Contents

Always Look Around hhe Back!..................................................4 Buying and Selling Houses the Savvy Way.................................6 Plaiters and Wickermen.............................................................8 Cambridgeshire Natural Burials................................................15 Win a Pair of Battle Proms Tickets............................................16 Cuddly Koalas and Cool Kangaroos...........................................19 New Adult Sports Sessions.......................................................20 Stepping Out in Support of National Walking Month...............25 It’s Fine, I’m His Common Law Wife..........................................26 Separating Together.................................................................28 The Budget..............................................................................31 Alliance Foster Care..................................................................32

Catherin

Plant of the Month...................................................................34 Best Kept Front Garden Competition........................................39 Cambridgeshire County Show..................................................41 2014 Mitsubishi ASX................................................................43 National Vegetarian Week........................................................44 Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Timetable..........................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 Last Month’s Crossword Solution and Winners.........................53 Prize Crossword........................................................................54 What’s On.................................................................................58 Word Ladder............................................................................60 Classifieds................................................................................63

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

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

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Melanie Ridley, Fiona McLeman, Centre for Complementary Health, Leeds Day Solicitors, Tony Larkins, Gareth Arscott, James Batchelor and Louise Addison Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 - nigel@villagermag.com Photography Sebastian Duda, Darren Harbar and Bernard Ormrod 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

Always look Round The Back!

By Peter Ibbett

‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’ wrote Charles Dickens at the start of his ‘Tale of Two Cities’. If your personal piggy bank is dusty through lack of use or funds remember that the best things are often free. A visit to Cambridgeshire’s largest town (building towards breaking the 30,000 barrier) can be a rich experience provided you use your eyes! The town sign by the 1964 river bridge celebrates Church, Brewery and the Day Column.

But cast your eyes behind the sign to the building behind. A short walk to the Market Square will reveal it to be a dentists behind a brick façade. If you return to the little garden by the river and study the building again you will see not only evidence of a timber framed structure but also some attractive windows and woodwork. Like many a human it has evolved over the years to become a unique part of its community. There is much to appreciate and value about our townscapes in these changing times which should be integrated into local plans to enhance community life for the next generations.

Often you can only really appreciate a building by going round the back and seeing it in the round!

Do take time to vivit the local museum in New Street. You can pick up guides to the town and find out more about the town’s history. You will usually find a local exhibition or family activities (in holidays) to enjoy as well.

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The museum’s shiny new sign reminds you to turn around and observe the buildings in New Street.

Barratt’s store is made up of a collection of buildings with some nice individual touches in wood and brick work. A distant ancestor of mine, Edmund Ibbett, owned two shops, either side of the Market Square & New Street junction separated by a corner shop (now the entrance to Barratt’s).

To communicate between the two in the 1880’s he had a speaking tube with a plug in the form of a whistle at either end.To attract attention one had to remove the plug in one end and blow down the tube to sound the whistle at the other end! www. visitstneots.co.uk will help you enjoy a visit to the town and to make the best of your time both by the river and in the town itself.

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Three Counties Radio

Buying and selling houses the savvy way!

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

They say that death of a loved one and divorce are the top two most stressful experiences in your life. Well number three must be moving house! Anyone who has moved will remember the stomach churning worry and the logistical nightmare that is buying and selling houses. However, there are some things you can do to not only make the process easier, but also demonstrate that you’re a savvy consumer. Here are my top tips: When you decide that you want to move (please really do make sure you do as there’s nothing as unfair as a seller who changes their mind when emotions and money have been spent), assess the market. Is it a buyers or a seller’s environment? At the moment, property prices in most areas are increasing, which for sellers is great, but means buyers are having to dig deeper into their pockets to secure a deal. During tough economic times, property prices tend to fall which means a savvy buyer can bag a bargain.

Always get at least three good, reputable, local agents round to value your house. Ask them for a sensible price at which to market your property and ask them what they will do to get those prospective buyers through the door. Always establish their fee and NEVER agree to pay any money upfront. Always ensure that you pay their fee on completion of a deal and for goodness sake, haggle! If one of the agents is prepared to market the property for a 1% fee as opposed to the other two who want 1.5%, why would you even consider paying more?

Get them to agree to match the other agent’s fee. If they’re not prepared to reduce their fee, then they’re not hungry enough for their commission and will not try hard enough to find a buyer. Look at their pictures on websites like Rightmove and Zoopla to ensure that they make other houses and flats look nice and ensure their descriptions are nicely written.

Generally it’s better to sell your property before you agree to buy somewhere. Ultimately until you know how much you can achieve for your property, you don’t really know how much you can afford to spend on another.

You should stipulate to your estate agents though that any buyer will afford you reasonable patience while you find somewhere to buy.

Always employ the services of a totally independent mortgage advisor with access to all companies and who is prepared to recommend the best mortgage for you and NOT for them.

You will find that most estate agents will try to persuade you to use the services of their own conveyancing solicitor. I personally do not like the idea of this. To me, it’s a complete conflict of interest (particularly if both the buyer and seller use the same solicitor). You need a legal advisor who is completely independent and looking out for your interests, not someone who is under pressure from an estate agent to hurry up and complete a sale. My advice is to ask friends and family members who have moved recently to recommend a good conveyancing solicitor to you. Also, remember that you should get some different quotes for this service and never be afraid to haggle with them.

When it comes to you putting in an offer for the house of your dreams, you will need to again assess the market environment you’re working within. If the market is good and there are not many properties available, but lots of buyers competing, then it’s normally better to go in with a high offer on the basis that marketing of the property is ceased immediately. In a falling market, then a cheeky, low offer may just bag you a bargain.

One final piece of advice I would like to share with you, is to be open and honest with people. Sadly property deals in this country can be messy, unpleasant affairs. However, I do not think we should sink to the levels of others. Be upfront with both your buyers and the vendors of the property you’re buying and treat them in the way you would like to be treated. Always ask to meet both parties so they get to know you and find it easier to also be transparent. Remember, once you’ve accepted a deal, to mess people around is utterly unacceptable.

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

Plaiters and Wickermen A history of basket weaving and straw plaiting in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

By Catherine Rose As an antidote to stuffing supermarket fare into flimsy mass-produced carrier bags, there is something rather satisfying about carefully tucking paper-wrapped groceries bought from a small local supplier into a basket as our grandmothers would have done. In the same way, picking blackberries or gathering cut flowers has an added sense of pleasure and purpose when using a beautifully handmade trug.

People have been weaving materials to make basketry for all kinds of purpose for centuries and not only as a means of carrying groceries and flowers. From hazel screens for fishing, which date back to 5000BC, to sturdy and quirky wicker furniture – think of the iconic 1970s hanging basket chair or a collectible Lloyd Loom rocker – the art of basket weaving has found its way into all aspects of human existence.

According to The Basketmakers’ Association, in recent years there has been a renewed surge of interest in this ancient worldwide craft with people increasingly growing their own willow to make a variety of items using traditional methods.

Modern artists have also seen the creative potential of this versatile skill and are using basket weaving techniques to produce striking pieces of contemporary art, often on a grand scale. The Royal Horticultural Society gardens at Wisley in Surrey boast some huge basketware sculptures which being made of natural material, also blend beautifully into the botanic landscape.

Weaving willow or any other organic material to produce basketware can be both rewarding and

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therapeutic. The scent alone released by working with willow is said to be a fragrant delight.

Farmed using coppicing to give an ongoing supply of material, a willow plant can be cut down to a stump and the following season it will still go on to produce long stems known as poles or rods which can then be harvested. There are a variety of natural colours that can be used to create patterns in the basket weave with willow stems ranging from black (a dark reddish brown) to buff (natural colour) and green.

To make a basic willow basket, dried willow rods are soaked to make them pliable. If the willow has been stripped then this soaking process will only take a couple of hours, but if the bark is left on then the rule is one day of soaking per foot of length.

A bunch of willow rods cut to the same length are then split in the centre and threaded through with another bunch of rods to make a cross or slath.

This forms the base of the basket. Long thinner shoots are subsequently woven through and the spokes of the original rods separated out to resemble a bicycle wheel. After the base is formed, the ‘spokes’ are then bent upwards. The weaving process continues using different methods depending upon the pattern desired and type of basket being made.

Basketry can be produced not only from willow but from a variety of different plant materials so long as they are fibrous and pliable, making them easy to weave. Cane, flax, grasses, vines and rattan are a few well known examples but did you know

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that you can use the stems of dog rose, briar and honeysuckle? Different materials can also be combined together in a single handcrafted item to produce strength, pattern and variety.

During Victorian times and the first half of the 20th century, basket making was an important industry in Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. There was an abundance of reed and osier (willow) beds around the Rivers Lee, Ouse and Ivel which would be cut and stripped ready for to be worked by local craftsmen known as wickermen. The three main areas of production were at Bedford, Biggleswade and Pavenham.

Pavenham was once known far beyond local county borders for its rush matting, the production of which can be traced back to the 17th century.

Bulrushes proliferated along the River Ouse in that area and during autumn, the rush cutters would wade waist deep into the water to harvest stems that could grow as thick as a man’s finger and reach up to eight feet in height. These would then be flattened and woven into mats. It was a tough job as the men invariably did not wear waterproofs, dressed only in thick woollen clothing that frequently stayed wet until the following day.

Rush matting was used in cottages to add a touch of homeliness to wood or stone floors. However, Pavenham’s reputation for high quality rush matting meant that its mats furnished the homes of the nobility and even at one time, The Houses of Parliament. The industry only foundered when carpets came into fashion but baskets continued to be made both at Pavenham and neighbouring Harrold.

Alongside basket making, straw plaiting was

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also prominent in all areas of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. And by the mid-1700s, Luton had become the centre of hat making (hence the town football club’s nickname The Hatters). Production included women’s straw hats and the men’s famous straw boater. The town even boasted its own plait hall where dealers could bring their straw for trade.

The advent of the Great Northern Railway saw the industry flourish with 2,000 to 3,000 cases of hats being collected daily during the high season of November to May. For the remainder of the year, railway coaches would be filled with locally made baskets containing home-grown produce destined for the London markets.

Dunstable also had a thriving straw plait industry.

The 1805 Commercial Gazetteer states: “…Baskets and fancy articles were, many of them at least, made of split straws dyed in different colours, flattened and pasted on wood or cardboard, and shaped into baskets, work-boxes, mats, etc. These articles obtained a ready sale among the travellers passing through the town on the coaches of that period”.

The Bedfordshire hat industry was possibly born out of the tradition where women and girls from local farming families would make their own straw bonnets. In an article in the 1834 edition of McCulloch’s Dictionary of Commerce, Robert Slater says: “It is within the remembrance of some of the old inhabitants of the straw districts, i.e.

Bedfordshire and contiguous counties, now alive, that the wives and daughters of the farmers used to plait straw for maicing their own bonnets, before straw-plaiting became established as a manufacture”.

But although they gained popularity in the Victorian era with the advent of factories and mass production, like baskets, straw hats have also been around for centuries as proved by their appearance in old paintings, for example, the Flemish merchant Giovanni Arnolfini’s imposing black plaited straw hat in Jan Van Eyck’s famous 1434 Renaissance painting, The Arnolfini Marriage (now in The National Gallery). Writing about Hatfield in 1667, Samuel Pepys noted that “straw hats are much worn in this part of the country”.

The trades of basket and hat making overlapped and straw was also frequently combined with rushes to make baskets. With Bedfordshire and parts of Cambridgeshire heavily reliant on the market gardening industry, baskets were essential in the gathering, storing and transportation of vegetables, fruit and flowers so it is no surprise that these two industries grew up side by side. It

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is documented that Bedfordshire basket makers were renowned for their skills and attended markets as far away as Oxfordshire. And such was the quality of plait from the area that it was known abroad as ‘English Brilliant’.

While men toiled in the fields or carried out heavier manual labour, plaiting was often done by women and children on a piecework basis.

For example, by 1851, over 10,000 Bedfordshire women were employed in straw plaiting although this number had dropped significantly by 1900.

During Victorian times, plait schools were set up where children as young as three and four would learn to plait straw in return for pennies, staying at the school until they were old enough to go out and earn a living using their skills. Those too young to master plaiting would have a pair of scissors tied to them and be tasked with cutting off the loose ends of the straw. The ‘schools’ were usually in a small single room with an older lady acting as school mistress and conditions were harsh and unsanitary.

Biggleswade had several of these plait schools, and with osier beds at Bells Brook, around Biggleswade Common, and in Clifton and Old Warden, the town was also full of basket makers with well-known families engaged in the trade. There was even a basket makers’ union.

To make the basketware so demanded by the area, reeds were cut, soaked and woven into specialised containers in various sizes for packing every type of flower and vegetable grown in the region. Each type of basket had its own name depending on what it was to be used for. Flowers for example were cut and packed into wicker boxes known in Bedfordshire as flats. The flowers were then held in place by a willow cane soaked in water which was fixed across the top.

There are many old English names for types of basket which date from the days when they were widely used in everyday life for different purposes.

Sadly, most have now disappeared from use with the demise of the basketmaker’s art and modern day packaging replacements (like that ubiquitous carrier bag).

For example, today, we tend to think of a canister as a metal container but once upon a time a canister was a special kind of basket for bread. A dorser was a basket that was carried on the back (presumably an early version of the back pack whose name derived from the word ‘dorsal’ which means pertaining to the back). On the other hand, contrary to its name, a frail was a sturdy basket made of rushes that was designed to hold large quantities of fruit, while a hanaper was a basket

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made for documents or money.

A few basket names have lingered in the English language such as the hamper - a basket made to carry food and these days associated with picnics and Christmas; a punnet for small quantities of soft fruit; and a skep which is a specialised type of straw basket made to hold bees.

There are also old sayings and phrases associated with baskets that are still in common use, such as ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’, ‘he/she can’t carry a tune’ (which was originally ‘he/she can’t carry a tune in a bushel basket’), and to be a ‘basket case’. This latter phrase, which we now use as a derogatory term about someone’s mental faculties actually has a grim and unrelated origin.

During the First World War, soldiers who had lost all their limbs on the battlefield were referred to as being “a basket case” because they would have to be carried around in a basket made especially for the purpose.

Today, like many once flourishing local industries, basket making and straw plaiting have largely fallen by the wayside but this month on the May Day Bank Holiday at Ickwell Green in mid Bedfordshire you can still watch maypole dancers perform Strip the Willow – a timely reminder of the area’s osier growing days – with ribbon plaiting instead of straw.

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Local

CAMBRIDGESHIRE NATURAL BURIALS

Do You Know About Them?

Tracy O’Leary, Independent Green Funeral Director from Woodland Wishes explains more.

Apart from the ever increasing cost of funerals, have you ever considered a burial in a beautiful woodland setting - simple, natural and affordable?

In the UK there are now over 300 natural burial grounds. One of the three local grounds lies on the outskirts of Cambridge, a peaceful woodland and a serene final resting place. There are no neglected graves and no burden on family members charged with the responsibility of grave visiting and maintenance. Instead of headstones, wild flowers, meadows and trees mark the grave, providing a symbolic celebration of life. Few are aware of this or indeed of the concept of natural burials in the area.

I only made this discovery whilst promoting willow coffins for a local charity in Cambridge. Visiting natural burial grounds in England and listening to bereaved families who wanted something simple but special gave me a surprising insight into alternative funerals. The personalisation and simplicity of ‘greener’ funerals without all the fuss, environmental damage and expense of mainstream funerals often appeal to those that hear about it.

I’d like to raise awareness of alternatives to the traditional coffin; alternatives such as cardboard, woollen and willow coffins that are woven locally.

Families can get involved in weaving part of a coffin if they so wish here in Cambridge. A simple cardboard coffin can be personalised with drawings, adding photos and messages as well as decorating with favourite flowers from their own gardens. Things that can all help with the grieving process.

For those wanting something less formal than a traditional black hearse or pall bearers dressed in black, a more subtle and practical vehicle is available and guidance can be given to families wishing to carry a coffin themselves if they so wish.

Through helping families and individuals plan their farewell I now find myself being called a ‘green funeral arranger’ rather than a traditional funeral director and I am privileged for a family or an individual to let me be part of something so personal to them.

I am passionate about helping and giving as much or as little practical guidance and a totally personal service to get exactly what you want from a funeral and am happy to offer any advice and information on natural burials, home funerals and simple cremation services at any time.

Woodland Wishes is independent, honest and ethical, founded to carry out simple and meaningful funerals in tranquil landscapes using locally made ‘earth friendly’ coffins and is also a Natural Death Centre recommended Funeral Director and is part of the Association of Green Funeral Directors.

Tracy can be reached on: 01223 651653 www.woodlandwishes.co.uk tracy@woodlandwishes.co.uk

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COMPETITION

WIN a pair of tickets

to The Battle Proms Open Air Picnic Concerts The Perfect Summer Celebration for 2014!

The Battle Proms are back for another explosive season at stunning locations around the country, including Burghley House in Lincolnshire (Saturday 5 July) and Hatfield House in Hertfordshire (Saturday 19 July).

These stately settings provide the perfect backdrop for a summer celebration with music, fireworks, Spitfire, cannons and cavalry!

In addition to a full orchestral programme of sublime classical music, these unique open-air picnic concerts feature a carefully choreographed and highly emotive Spitfire aerial display and stunning firework finale. This year the thrilling and ever popular mounted skill-at-arms display by an expert cavalry troop will be carried out in WW1 regalia to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, just one of many elements in the 2014 programme that will pay homage to this important historical anniversary.

Battle Promenaders will also be treated to the Battle Proms signature piece – Beethoven’s Battle Symphony – performed as he intended with the full complement of 193 live firing cannon providing a thunderous percussion! Conducted by Douglas Coombes and performed by the New English Concert Orchestra, the programme will also include soul-stirring classical favourites suited to the grandeur of the historic settings. From Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (which also gets the ‘Battle Proms treatment’ of live cannon fire) to a sing-along finale packed with favourites such as Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

Much loved Songs of Praise presenter and celebrated compère, Pam Rhodes will be hosting the event, there will be a virtuoso performance of Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1 as young clarinettist Jordan Black makes his first Battle Proms appearance. We are delighted to welcome back superb soprano Denise Leigh who will perform enchanting arias before bringing the finale to life - and the crowd to their feet – as the spectacular firework display lights up the summer sky.

Widely regarded as the most exciting summer proms concerts in the country, these are events that fans return to year after year, to enjoy a romantic evening as a couple, a night out with friends or for a significant celebration.

For more information, or to book tickets for these spectacular events, visit www.battleproms.com or call on 01432 355 416.

The Villager Magazine is delighted to announce we have 6 pairs of tickets to give away to either of the Battle Proms! To enter the draw simply send your name, address and email address to: Battle Proms Competition Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Deadline for Entries Friday 6th June 2014.

The winners will be drawn at random.

2011 Spitfire - Darren Harbar

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Travelogue

Cuddly Koalas and Cool Kangaroos

By Melanie Ridley

Aspiring Bedfordshire journalist Melanie Ridley is spending two years backpacking across the other side of world. In this first of her travelogues, she shares her experience of meeting Australia’s most well-loved animals, the koala and the kangaroo.

Many people believe that koalas are bears when in fact they are marsupial mammals related to the kangaroo and wombat, most commonly found in Australia. So the next time someone mentions koala ‘bears’ you now know this to be incorrect! They gained their nickname due to looking like every child’s favourite friend, the teddy bear. The scientific name for them is Phasclarctos Cinereus.

Travelling with my partner, it has taken me over nine months of being in Australia to finally tick off something from our bucket list: cuddling a koala! Up until a few years ago, members of the public were able to cuddle koalas anywhere in Australia, but now this is not the case. It is against regulations to touch or handle the koalas in New South Wales, so because of this we had to wait until we travelled to the next state along the east coast, Queensland.

Even though we were under the impression that koalas are unsafe to handle, when our female koala called Minty was handed to us, she couldn’t have been sweeter.

Once she was in my arms she wrapped herself around me and nestled in my neck. Her fur was so soft and her body so warm, it really was one of the best hugs

I’ve ever had! I was able to hold her for a short while, during which time I had a few photos taken.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is 16532km away from London and is the world’s largest of its kind. It has been named ‘one of Australia’s best known and most popular animal sanctuaries’ by Lonely PlanetAustralia. Not only is it a sanctuary for koalas, but also for kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils and even platypus.

An interesting fact about the coat of arms of Australia includes a kangaroo and an emu. The reason is that both animals are unable to walk backwards and it therefore portrays the Australian mentality of always moving forward. With this in mind we had no worries about the kangaroos backing away from us!

As we walked into the kangaroo run, a particular kangaroo really caught my attention. This was because he only had one eye. So I crouched down next to it and offered him my hand of food. This was the closest I had ever been to such an extraordinary animal. He was so content with me feeding him and also patting him. Inside there were approximately 50 kangaroos starting from a young joey age.

We saw one mother with a joey still in her pouch.

Cuddling a koala and feeding a kangaroo will be two of the moments I will cherish since being in the beautiful land of Australia.

19

Local News

New Adult Sports Sessions Run by Hunts District Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyle Team Over the next few months Huntingdonshire District Council’s Sport and Active Lifestyles team will be running adult sports taster sessions and sports courses as part of the second phase in the Sport England funded DASH (Delivering Activity & Sport in Huntingdonshire) project.

The sports tasters are free one-off sessions, ranging from one to two hours in duration that give participants an introduction into the activities.

They are a great way to experience different sports with no commitment.

The courses run over four to eight weeks and have a minimal cost so there’s never been a better time to get up, sign up and try something new! They are run in partnership with national governing bodies and sports club coaches offering a variety of progressive sessions suitable for any ability.

The summer sports tasters programme takes place between April to September and consists of athletics, fencing, golf, gymnastics, hockey,

kayaking, lawn bowls, short tennis, squash, table tennis, netball, sailing, yellow ball tennis, wakeboarding and water skiing.

Councillor Robin Howe, whose executive responsibilities include sport and active lifestyles said: “It’s great to see Huntingdonshire District Council obtain new funding from Sport England to deliver the DASH phase II project. There is such a wide range of activities for people to get involved with which is great for our district.”

The new Sports Taster booklet is available from www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/dash, local libraries and One Leisure sites. The sports tasters and courses are for anyone aged 16+, and all abilities are welcome. Prior booking is required for all the activities. For more information about the activities on offer, contact Johnny Pool, Sports Activator, on 01480 387098. Or for more information on what DASH has to offer follow them on Twitter @ DASHsport or like the Facebook page DASHsport

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Shires Mobile Footcare ...because feet matter

Treatment of common foot disorders in the comfort of your own home

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Bedford

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coming m ge and w onths we hope to e would lo introduce of the ve a Have you articles featured to hear your feedb readers’ in The Vil visited on ack on an la y e g of the pla er magazi to reco ce n Have you mmend somew s reviewed or wo e. here uld y enjo Do you h yed making a reci of interest near yo ou like ave an op pe feature u? inion on any of th d in the magazin e e? su b Please w jects discu rite to th ssed? e Editor a or alterna t the Pott tively em on We hope ail editor@village office rmag.com to publish . a se your best letters ea lection of ch month . letters pa

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Therapy

in the Garden

Distress, anxiety, lack of confidence, low mood, overwhelming life events, relationship difficulties

Counselling can help Contact Kathleen Reeves

07783 608633

kathleen@therapyinthegarden.co.uk Further info: www.therapyinthegarden.co.uk

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.

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Complementary Health

Stepping Out

In support of National Walking Month The Centre for Complementary Health is stepping out this May in support of Living Streets’ National Walking Month. National Walking Month is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the benefits of walking. For four weeks Living Streets is encouraging people across the UK to enjoy walking their way, be it walking to work, raising money for their favourite charity or walking their children to school, the opportunities are endless.

“Walking is a great way to combine a workout with an enjoyable activity with many benefits. It is a relatively injury-free way to burn up calories and get into shape. With regular walking you reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes and can even help relieve and prevent constipation. It is also a weight-bearing exercise so it will strengthen your bones and offset conditions such as osteoporosis.

However, it’s really important to have a relaxed, upright walking style to prevent aches and pain” explains Roy Palmer Alexander Technique teacher at the Centre.

Roy suggests trying the following Alexander technique tips to improve style and performance.

1. Sit on the edge of a table so your lower legs hang over the edge.

2. Bring back your left leg until it is underneath the table and let it go so it swings forward.

It’s important to let it go and not to swing it forward yourself.

3. Let alternate legs swing with minimal effort and visualise each leg as a pendulum.

Now try a similar experiment with your arms.

1. Stand and visualise a line from the tip of your shoulders through the biceps, down the arm to your thumbs or just think ‘long arms’.

2. As with the legs, see if you can get your arms swinging straight and by your side with minimal effort without lifting your shoulders.

These activities will give you the sensation of movement using less effort. So when taking a relaxed walk now think about the steps below: 1. First locate your hips joints. Stand and use your fingers to trace the bony parts at the front of the pelvis above each leg. Walk your fingers down toward the legs until you find the dent (if you do a shallow squat you will feel where the legs meet the pelvis). This is where your legs should swing from.

2. Bend your knee and let your lower leg swing through as it did when sitting on the table in the first exercise. As your foot lands imagine you’re stroking the ground with a heel to ball of the foot action.

3. Think ‘walk tall’ but avoid tightening your lower back and pushing out your chest. Relax and let your arms swing from your shoulders and legs swing from your hip joints. Check you’re not lifting your shoulders even when walking at speed.

4. If you want to increase speed, be careful not to tighten up with the effort. Just let your arms swing a little quicker and your legs will catch up without any sense of extra effort. Try it - it really works!

For more information on the Alexander Technique contact the Centre or for information on National Walking month see www.livingstreets.co.uk

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25

Family Law

It’s fine, I’m his common law wife I’ve got rights against him, haven’t I? Many couples live together sharing their finances under the same roof and under the mistaken assumption that they own a share of the house and that they have rights if they separate. But in short, there is no such thing as the common law wife. An unmarried couple who live together do not have the same rights if the relationship ends as they might do on divorce if they were married.

For example, on divorce, spouses have the right to ask for pension sharing orders as well as other arrangements with pensions. An unmarried couple have no rights to ask for a share of pension.

Also, a spouse has the right to ask for spousal maintenance. An unmarried couple have no such rights.

If a couple own property together, they will each have rights in respect of that property, provided it is jointly owned. There may be an argument as to whether the equity should be divided equally or in other shares. If the property is in one of the couple’s sole name, the other may have no rights at all even if they have been paying towards the household expenses. To make matters more complicated it might be possible to claim that the non owning party has acquired some rights over the property if they can prove that they have contributed to the house and that the property was intended to be held jointly either by things

that were said or done or promised or inferred.

It gets more complicated if the couple have children.

It is possible to bring a financial claim against the other party on behalf of the children. The claim might be for child maintenance, either through the Child Support Agency and possibly the Court. It is also possible to apply to the Court for money to help meet children’s costs, such as school fees or child care expenses. At worse, the court could order that a property is provided to the parent with care of the children, which will probably be returned to the other parent when the children are grown up.

If you are thinking of moving in with someone, why not take advice to find out what rights you do or don’t have and to see if it would be a good idea to draw up an agreement about who is going to pay for what and what will happen if the relationship ends. If you are already living with someone it’s not too late to find out where you stand and whether there are things you might want to do to protect your position. And if you are already separated, it may be a legal minefield but sensible legal advice can help you get out of the mess amicably with your ex.

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

26

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Sports Injuries Neck / Back Pain Rehab after Fractures or Surgery Video Gait Analysis

Physiotherapists Kate Abrahams MSc MCSP Cordelia Squire MSc MCSP Georgia Sinfield BSc MCSP Daisy Collins BSc MCSP Yegs Gounden BSc MCSP

Paediatric and Adolescent Musculoskeletal Conditions Women’s Health Physiotherapy Acupuncture Pilates

Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sue Walker DPodM SRCh MChS

Podiatry / Chiropody

Registered with all major health insurance companies

1 Oxford Building, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2JZ T. 01234 378996

E. info@woodfieldphysio.co.uk

www.woodfieldphysio.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

Leeds Day Solicitors

Separating Together

Your options for separation and divorce When a couple separates, one of the biggest issues is how to divide the finances and property.

Choosing the right process in the beginning could save you time, money and anxiety in the long term.

There are 4 main choices for dealing with a divorce or separation. These are: Around the Kitchen Table – Negotiating your own agreement can be the cheapest and easiest way to reach a settlement. It isn’t suitable for everyone, but may work well if you have reached a mutual decision to separate, remain on good terms and broadly agree on issues relating to your property and any children you may have. Even if you agree, it is important to take legal advice to make sure you understand the implications of the agreement and to ensure what you have agreed with your spouse is legally binding.

Collaboratively – Collaborative law lets you talk through the issues you need to solve, with you and your spouse each having a specially trained solicitor by your side at each meeting. Using collaborative law is an attempt to solve problems without going to Court To keep focused on this, everyone signs an agreement that commits you to trying to resolve the issues without going to Court and your collaborative lawyer will not be able to represent you in court should negotiations break down. This means that all are absolutely committed to finding the best solutions by agreement.

Mediation – Family mediation allows you to directly negotiate with your spouse with the help of a family mediator. It is an alternative to solicitors negotiating for you or having decisions made for you by the Courts. As the mediator is impartial then you would still need to seek legal advice and to make sure that any agreements are made into legal binding settlements.

Solicitor negotiations or going to Court – if none of the above options are for you, you can appoint a family solicitor to negotiate an agreement on your behalf at arm’s length. If an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will be asked to make a decision although this involves a 3 stage court process before it reaches the point where a judge will make a binding decision on what he or she thinks fair. Often, couples want to avoid conflict, court costs, delay and the risk of an unfavourable decision so it is common for an agreement to be reached before a final hearing.

Whichever of the above options works best for you, by adopting an open approach to discussions, rather than a hostile one, this will help to minimise legal fees and avoid the necessity of going to court to reach a settlement.

If you or someone you know are going through a difficult relationship breakdown and would like to speak to someone about what options there are to resolve children and financial matters, then please give the family team at Leeds Day a call on 01480 474661 or send an email to family@leedsday.co.uk.

www.leedsday.co.uk Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 28

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

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

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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 01767 650700 Ground Floor Offices, Unit 30, Green End, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds, SG19 3LF Email: office@ansteegorst.co.uk Website: www.ansteegorst.co.uk

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Beacon Wealth

The Budget

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

By Tony Larkins

Each March the Chancellor of the Exchequer holds the Budget to confirm what has already been stated or leaked. There was a huge surprise this time regarding pensions.

It had been widely reported that of the 420,000 individuals buying an annuity each year, 60% were not shopping around for the best return. Whilst the average loss was 7% p.a. for life, some could have achieved 100% more. Now that George Osborne has announced ‘no one need buy an annuity ever again’- pension companies will lose a large amount of business.

Many would say it is just rewards for failing to provide reasonable returns and, I agree, there is truth in this.

However, very few of my personal clients ever bought an annuity anyway, preferring instead to utilise drawdown.

Under new rules, individuals will be able to take their whole fund (less some possible tax) as a lump sum and do whatever they want with the money.

Some will want to use the money to provide an extra income, but others will I am sure, choose to spend some or all of it.

The changes made to pensions are in the main positive. Even if the age of access is to shortly be increased to 57 and then indexed.

However, George Osborne’s changes to taxing pension funds will result in the exchequer recovering

over 20 years tax upfront. For one typical example I looked at - 46 years of tax up front.

Certain aspects I like, as it will now enable most individuals to more than double their level of tax free cash available, and for some the ability to maximise the marginal tax rate system.

Forward planning on pensions is now even more important. If you treat pensions as a cash savings plan; a basic rate or non tax payer can now double their money after tax within a month. For anyone at, or within a few years of retirement, this will be just one of a number of considerations.

Other interesting budget changes to be encouraged are: the increased limits to ISAs and their restructure, the new NS&I bonds and the increase to premium bond limits.

I encourage everyone to speak to their Financial Advisers, or of course us, but as usual I urge you to ensure they are Independent and suitably qualified (look for APFS or CFP after their name). After all, last month Santander were fined £12.4m for not ensuring their advisers gave adequate advice.

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

Alliance Foster Care Based in Northampton, Alliance Foster Care covers a wide area that includes Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Working with local authorities and foster parents, they provide supportive homes for children who have been taken into care within a time frame that can be anything from a few days to several years. They also run various events for carers and their families from activity days and trips out to pantomimes and coffee mornings.

Catherine Rose went to meet an experienced foster couple to find out about their experience.

Lesley and Hugh Minty, who live near Bedford, have been fostering through Alliance Foster Care for a decade and are currently caring for two small girls: sisters aged two and a half and four who have been with them since December 2013.

Having had four children of their own (now well into adulthood), their involvement with the company came about after Lesley’s mum died very suddenly and she felt that the time was right for a career change. Previously working in a school, she had always warmed to children seen as challenging and a close friend suggested she might take to fostering. The friend worked for Alliance Foster Care so Lesley had an initial chat with them and “was sold”.

“It was good to have a personal recommendation” says Hugh “and when our friend had a problem with her foster child’s school, we were very impressed that someone from Alliance Foster Care got there before she did.”

The couple went through an initial assessment process which normally takes a few months but despite having to answer lots of questions and supply references, they did not find it daunting.

Lesley says: “It was all very relaxed and it gave us an opportunity to think about our parenting, the impact on us and our children, and how we would approach fostering.”

At the time, the couple’s youngest daughter was eleven, and Lesley and Hugh were impressed with the fact that Alliance Foster Care goes to great lengths to include the foster family’s birth children in all their activities, even sending them a card and voucher at birthdays and Christmas. “The Birth Children’s Support Group means that their voices are heard” explains Lesley.

Once the Minty’s had decided to go ahead, they attended an introductory training course ‘Skills to Foster’ which was based at Grafham Water and “included a nice lunch” says Leslie. There they

32

by Catherine Rose

met staff and four or five other couples who were starting out in fostering like themselves and who they have kept in touch with.

Alliance Foster Care offers a comprehensive support programme with regular support group meetings, activities during every school holiday and a 24/7 telephone helpline. Hugh and Leslie describe the agency as having “a friendly, inclusive atmosphere”.

“You always see people you know at events as people tend to stay with the agency” says Leslie.

The Minty’s are short term foster carers which means they are often called on for respite and emergency situations. Once, they had to take in a baby at short notice and Hugh needed to dash to the supermarket for emergency provisions.

“You need to be flexible” says Hugh “as you can be caring for a child for three months or three years.”

Their first fostered child was a girl of three and a half, who has now been adopted, followed by a boy who was also three and half when he came to them. They then looked after a brother and sister who exhibited challenging behaviour and had come to them in an emergency.

Despite the fact they clearly have admirable parenting skills, Leslie and Hugh are never on their own as they are constantly working with the professional team surrounding the child which includes their support worker, teachers, health visitors, child psychologists and paediatricians.

“Our support worker Harriet is brilliant” says Leslie.

“She always goes above and beyond what is necessary.”

Alliance Foster Care also have someone in place whose job is to work alongside the foster parents and child’s school and will attend Personal Educational Plan (PEP) meetings if the child has special educational needs.

There is an ongoing training programme with courses and workshops by specialists on everything from trauma and attachment to managing challenging behaviour. The training links into an appraisal system and there is an independent annual review which then goes to a fostering panel.

“It is not bureaucratic and very child focused” explains Hugh “with the emphasis on helping the child to grow and develop.”

When asked about the rewards of fostering, Leslie doesn’t hesitate to say how she always feels valued and explains how when their second child arrived,

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Lesley and Hugh Minty Fostering through Alliance Foster Care for over a decade

he was incredibly anxious, unable to manage his emotions and didn’t trust anyone. As time went on, although he still had a number of difficulties, he attended school regularly and came to enjoy it, and he joined Boys Brigade.

“You could see his self-esteem rising” says Leslie.

Although Hugh and Leslie both knew that he would move on, they felt that he had been prepared for the next step in his life journey.

Alliance Foster Care gives a lot of support when the time comes for a child to be handed over and

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the couple have stayed in touch with their foster children. Leslie says: “I feel blessed and honoured that we can still be a part of these children’s lives.”

Alliance Foster Care is an independent fostering agency that provides children in care with high quality foster placements. The agency has been described as ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, meeting or exceeding all National Fostering Standards. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, you can visit their website at www.alliancefostercare.co.uk or telephone them on 01604 879373.

33

In the Garden

PLANT OF THE month

Euphorbia griffithii “Dixter” - By Gareth Arscott www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com The cold winds have dissipated and the sun has really started to warm-up the ground. Our Gernium x Oxonianum and Geranium endressii have spread and created mounds of foliage with flowers in various shades of pink, depending upon the variety or form. Their ground coverage smothers annual weeds and they are some of the most valuable perennials in our garden.

All out plants have made great gains and with good summer weather we should have a great show. The Fritillaria meleagris with their nodding lanterns of maroon or white have now gone over as have most of the spring flowers like the violets and we now have the early summer flowers.

Kindly suggested by one of our readers and is our “Plant of The Month” for May – Euphorbia griffithii “Dixter”. This plant has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the RHS and is a wonderful plant.

‘Hwyl fawr’

£5

Prices from

‘Cheerio’

‘Toodle-pip’

‘See ya’

‘So long’

per month

Goodbye Weeds

It will grow up to a metre in height and will spread through underground rhizomes to create a patch of about the same in diameter. The spring stems and leaves have a bronze colour to them. The stems becoming greener into the summer, and the bracts and leaves redder. The actual flowers are small and yellow, and are held within the red bracts.

They are hardy and reliable and you will find them in many nurseries. Just one warning. Always handle with gloves as the sap can seriously irritate skin!

With our prices from as little as £5* per month for providing a great service, is it any wonder that 40% of our new customers come to us through recommendation.

Hello Beautiful Lawn

So, call today for your FREE lawn analysis:

0800 0111 222

*Prices based on a lawn size up to 60m²

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35

The Long Term Effects of Extreme Flooding What To Do.

RENEW THE SOIL AND THE ROOTS The rains have stopped and on the surface everything looks dry. But, even after flooding subsides, soil can stay waterlogged for a long period of time. Roots cannot exchange gases within the soil. The lack of oxygen in the soil causes root systems to stop functioning and growing. This leads to dieback of the root system and can impact the health and stability of trees for a long time.

The long term effects include: • • •

Leaves begin to yellow, wilt and decay. Branch dieback occurs.

Damage to the roots and dieback of the root system. further allows pests and diseases into the tree such as Phytophthora root rot.

Large scale root damage affects structural stability and makes trees liable to blowing over, especially in high winds.

Helping trees recover from flooding damage: • • • •

Perform a soil analysis.

Application of nitrogen and specialised phosphite fertilisation treatments.

Improve drainage and relieve compacted soil using air spade technology.

Apply mulch once the flooding has subsided.

Wet soil fosters a host of potential problems such as Phytophthora root rot disease. The use of Bartlettʼs granular or liquid fertiliser and the combined use of several techniques to revitalise soils and root systems is our recommendation to promote the return of healthy microbial bacteria, suppress soil borne diseases and stimulate root growth.

Please Call 01234 354673 or E-mail bedford@bartlett.com 36

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NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE?

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Local News

Best Kept

GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

Front Garden Competition

Organised by Little Paxton Gardening Club Supported by Little Paxton Parish Council Garden vouchers to be won with a top prize of £50.00!

All village residents are invited to enter this free competition. Two classes will be judged – the best kept front garden and the best container/hanging basket. Judges will be looking for an attractive and tidy garden/container with a good selection of plants.

The closing date is Friday 27th June 2014 and entry forms to be delivered to 80 Gordon Road (PE19 6ND) Winners will be announced at Paxfest on 12th July 2014.

Only one class may be entered: Front Garden OR Container/hanging basket Entry forms from The Anchor/Post Office

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39

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

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

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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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Local News

Cambridgeshire County Show

Sunday 1st June 2014

The Cambridgeshire County Show was first held in 1998 and this year it is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Unfortunately two years were missed, 2001 due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak and 2012 due to adverse weather conditions! The Show has evolved from being the traditional annual Young Farmers Rally to become one of the most successful one day agricultural events in the County.

The Show is organised by a small volunteer committee of past and present members of the Cambridgeshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. Each year the Committee’s aim is to create a traditional country event which promotes British food and farming, provides visitors with an insight into countryside crafts and creates an arena for Young Farmers to demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions and activities.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a range

of Main Ring displays including sheepdogs and falconry and the return of the Welsh Axemen.

We are also delighted to welcome the ever popular Sheep Show which will be performing throughout the day in the Livestock area where you will also be able to get close to various breeds. There is a large variety of Trade Stands, a Craft Marquee and Food Hall to enjoy as well as country crafts such as thatching and a traditional fairground. The Show will also be joined by the award winning NFU ‘Let’s Talk Farming’ Roadshow with Annabelle the model dairy cow helping to celebrate the centenary of Cambridgeshire NFU. The organisers strive to make the day as interesting and enjoyable as possible to ensure a really great family day out; we do hope that you will join us.

www.cambscountyshow.co.uk

Organised by Cambs FYFC County Show Committee

A great day out for all the family

Sunday, 1st June 2104 10am – 5pm WIMPOLE HOME FARM, NR ROYSTON, SG8 0BW Food Hall, Craft Fair, Trade Stands, Vintage Tractors, Livestock, Ring Events, YFC Competitions and much more

ADMISSION: Adults £8.00 • OAP’s/Under 16’s £5.00 • Under 5’s FREE • FAMILY £20 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

FREE CAR PARK If you like the countryside, you’ll love the Cambridgeshire County Show!

www.cambscountyshow.co.uk email: cambscountyshow@btconnect.com Registered Charity No. 1030969

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Motoring

2014 Mitsubishi ASX

by James Batchelor

Crossovers are fast becoming the default car choice of the masses. Consumers love their commanding driving position and pumped-up looks while it seems manufacturers can’t stop releasing new versions.

Pretty much all the mainstream makers now have an SUV in their range and that boom in choice for buyers has also meant those manufacturers that arrived early to the crossover party have been forced to up their games and release refreshed models.

Skoda has recently renosed its Yeti, Nissan has worked its magic on the built-in-Britain Qashqai and now it’s Mitsubishi’s turn with its ASX. When it first appeared in 2010, the ASX was one of the more niche models in the segment, but even then it managed to chalk up 8,000 sales in its first year. However, a devastatingly high Yen put up the price of imports and buyers fled to rivals. A year later sales had dropped to just 3,000.

But Mitsubishi is bouncing back. The exchange rate has moved back in the maker’s favour, prices have dropped and the ASX has had a makeover.

Mitsubishi has slashed prices of the ASX by an average of 10 per cent and for 2014 it’s been treated to a nip and tuck with plush interior fittings, new suspension tweaks and a panoramic glass roof with LED mood lighting on the top-of-the-range models.

Joining the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel is a 2.2-litre diesel unit poached from the larger Outlander off-roader.

The larger diesel develops 148bhp and 380Nm of torque. Naturally that means more power and shove, but thankfully not at the cost of fuel economy. At 48.7mpg on the combined cycle, the ASX4 2.2

diesel is more economical than a number of rivals’ 2.0-litre diesel offerings, including the sector’s allconquering Nissan Qashqai.

There’s also a new automatic gearbox thrown into the mix.

Some models get a switchable four-wheel drive system. One press of a button on the centre console sends 30 per cent of the car’s power to the rear wheels, while a second prod locks the centre diff and splits power 50/50 front and rear.

The ASX’s small dimensions always meant it was good to drive, but road noise was a bit of a let it down. These new 2014 models come with improved sound deadening, which has helped a little, and the bouncy ride of previous ASXs has disappeared thanks to retuned suspension.

That’s not to say it’s a perfect driving experience. The steering still lacks crispness, there’s a fair degree of body roll and the ASX is sadly just not as refined or as comfortable as a Kia Sportage or Skoda Yeti.

Mitsubishi has splashed out on upgrading the interior. There are some more up-market plastics, “piano black” materials now adorn the dashboard and the top spec ASX4 gets that aforementioned panoramic glass roof, which makes the cabin wonderfully light and airy. But despite Mitsubishi’s efforts, compared to rivals, the interior still lacks a certain sparkle.

That said, with revised pricing, unique styling and an enviable reputation for reliability, the ASX certainly deserves a second look if you’re in the market for a crossover – and if the sales figures are anything to go by, there’s a high chance that’s most of you. The range kicks off at £14,999, while the range topping

ASX4 2.2 (tested here) is £23,899.

Stats Model: Mitsubishi ASX 4 2.2 Di-D 4WD Auto Price: £23,899 Engine: 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel Power: 148bhp, 380Nm Max speed: 118mph 0-60mph: 10.6s MPG: 48.7mpg Emissions: 153g/km

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19th-25th May National Vegetarian Week

Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or poultry.

Among the many reasons for being a vegetarian are health, compassion for animals, and religious beliefs.

Recent research commissioned by the Eating Better Alliance discovered that: • 25% of the British public say they are eating less meat than a year ago • 34% are willing to consider eating less meat • One in six (17%) young people say they don’t eat any meat A vegetarian diet can meet all known nutrient needs. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet, as with any other diet, is to eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Sweets and fatty foods should be limited. Statistically, if you choose the diet above you are choosing an option which should boost your chances of living a long and healthy life.

Compared to meat eaters vegetarians have up to 30% less heart disease, up to 40% less cancer, 20% less premature death, less obesity and lower blood pressure...but why? Well the good vegetarian diet outlined above contains more carbohydrate, more vitamin C, more fibre and more cancer fighting phytochemicals than one where a high proportion of the calories come from meat.

So why not make your greengrocer your new best friend this month and get cooking in celebration of all things veggie!

By Louise Addison

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

01480 459 721

High Street, Brampton 45

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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

07842 195152 01480 811629 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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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GDC HEATING

Plumbing, Gas and Oil Heating Engineers

36 Rookery Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AX

BUSINESS SPACE TO LET 250 to 600sqft, full office spec but other uses possible.

Available now on flexible terms with ample parking.

Quiet location at Woodwalton, 2 miles off jct 15 A1, 6 miles north of Huntingdon.

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

Tel: 07941 049843 Email: s_parsley@totalise.co.uk

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Tel: 01480 215821 01582 867152

Reg No. 112425

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Crossword Solution for The Villager April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Martin Cooper from Biggleswade

April’s Wildlife Competition The solution to the puzzle in the last issue of The Villager was MIGRATION derived from the initial letters of Mistle, Ivy, Ground, Robin, Adder, Thrush, Ivy, October and Nightjar.

From the correct solutions, the winner, selected at random, was Natalie Bartlett (Offord Cluny), who has been sent the prize, a copy of ‘Wildlife through the Year’ signed by the author.

If you did not win, this book, largely concerned with the wildlife of Bedfordshire, is available through your local bookshop (ISBN 978-1-291-66252-8) or for £9.95 + £1.80 p&p from Wildlife book, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ.

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Stove (4) 3 Confessed (8) 9 Remove (7) 10 Tall structure (5) 11 Current (12) 14 Married woman (3) 16 Smooth surface (5) 17 Perceive (3) 18 Clarifications (12) 21 Fine porcelain (5) 22 Passion (7) 23 Calamity (8) 24 Small room (4) Down 2 Devoured (5) 4 Small spot (3) 5 Road junction (12)

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

16th May 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

6 Defeats (7)



1 Conquer (8)

7 Terrible (4) 8 Butterfly larva (12) 12 Simple (5) 13 Private (8) 15 A swinging time? (7) 19 Small fruit (5) 20 Not alkali (4) 22 Female sheep (3)

Name: Tel: Address:

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K J Property GENERAL BUILDERS • Extensions • Conversions • Home Improvements/ Alterations

• Patios • Driveways • Hard Landscaping

01480 534 033 Mob: 07812 758 188 Email: kj_builder@live.co.uk www.propertykj.co.uk

Tel:

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55

TELEVISION MOBILE SERVICE ST NEOTS, ST IVES, HUNTINGDON AREA

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

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 PHONE JOHN FABISZ FOR ESTIMATE

01480 495408 OR 07887887319 56

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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 • Local company

01480 217899 or 07870Before 338074 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 May Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Visitors £2 including refreshments Speaker will be Jane Buist of Penny Cross Plants talking to us about Salvias and how to keep them flourishing from year to year. Janet supplies the World Garden of Lullington Castle. Plants will be on sale.

2 & 16 May St Neots Library Knitting Group 1-4pm Meets on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month.

3 May Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. For more details visit http://www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 May 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 7 May Poor Little Belgium 7pm for 7.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester, PE29 2AY The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by John Chester about the role of and experiences of Belgium on the Great War. Non-members most welcome.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 May Tots, Tea & Chat 10.50am-12 noon St James’ Church, Little Paxton Drop-in session for children and their carers.

10 May The Beautiful Bluebells of Brampton Wood 10.30am Brampton Wood Car Park, Grafham Road, Brampton (GR TL 184698) Suggested donations Adults £2, Children free The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites you to come and experience the delights of a carpet of bluebells in this ancient woodland.

You are welcome to share this enchanting scene by participating in one of two guided walks they are offering this year. George Cottam, Brampton Wood Warden, will lead the walks. Please park in the Trust car park. Tel: George 01480 450809

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10 May Organ and Soprano Recital 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Huntingdon Admission on the door £5, Concessions £4

By David and Carol Shippey. This historic Victorian organ, built by the Hull firm of Forster and Andrews (using some earlier pipework) will showcase a broad range of contrasting musical styles. Enjoy a worthwhile and inspiring evening in this beautiful 14th century church.

Tel: John Dillistone - Recitals Organiser 01480 455573 10 May Fashion Show 7.30pm The Sacred Heart Church Hall, Needingworth Road, St Ives Tickets £5 including a glass of wine and nibbles Male and Female fashion for all ages by M & Co. All welcome. Proceeds – Holy Land projects.

Tickets: Kathy Bishop 01480 214524 10 May The Combertones 8pm Comberton Village Hall Tickets £7 (in advance or on the door) An evening of classic jazz with local band The Combertones. Bring your own drinks/glasses. Teas on sale. Proceeds towards Comberton Scouts international trip to Belgium in Summer 2014.

Tel: Liz Bland 01223 263040 for tickets Email: combertones@btinternet.com 10 & 11 May Art Exhibition 10.30am-4.30pm Hemingford Abbots Village Hall Hemingford Art Club Art Exhibition. Works of art are for sale and original. Also on sale will be cards featuring original and hand painted work.

14 & 28 May Night Knitters 7-9pm St Neots Library Free admission A friendly evening for those who enjoy knitting, crochet and other thread based crafts. Meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

16 May 12 Years a Slave (15) 7pm 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: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton

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16 May A Victorian Country House Evening 7.30pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Tickets £6 including refreshments Presented by members of St Neots Choral Society.

Raffle. Tel: Tickets Alison Rogers 01480 215607 Email: alison.rogers7@btinternet.com

22 May 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 Paul Hoxey talking about Cacti and Succulents.

Competition is ‘One stem of a foliage plant’.

17 May Plant Sale 11am-3pm Buckden Towers Adults £2.50, Children free 20 specialist plant stalls. Free parking. Refreshments available.

25 & 26 May The St. Ives Antiques Fair Burgess Hall (One Leisure), Westwood Road, St. Ives Adults £2, Concessions £1.50 More than 45 expert antique dealers ready to give advice and offer genuine antiques at affordable prices to suit every age and pocket. There’s plenty to inspire you, including ceramics, china and porcelain, paintings and books, costume and precious jewellery, glassware, art deco and art nouveau pieces, silver, militaria and quality small furniture. Ample free car parking, wheelchair access by lift, hot and cold snacks and refreshments available. Tel: 01480 896866

17 May Music for a May Evening 7.30pm All Saints’, Haslingfield Tickets £10 Music for a May Evening with Hazel Brooks (violin) and Robin Walker (organ). Works by Vivaldi, Handel, Schmelzer, Samuel Wesley, Gläser, Pärt and Rheinberger. Tickets from the Village Shop Tel: Enquiries 01223 872190 18 May Red Cross Open Garden 1.30-5pm £4 Crosshall Manor, Eaton Ford, PE19 7GB Part of the British Red Cross (Bedfordshire division) Open Gardens events.

Many parts of this lovely garden have been revamped since we last saw it. A Gorrik columned seating area overlooks two carp pools which is surrounded by urns and pots. From this position there are beautiful views across the fields. Another seating area surrounds an old tree and overlooks the terraced laws and boarders filled with flowers. The vegetable garden and Antique Barn may also be open. Parking and teas at the house.

18 May Exclusive Shopping Event at L.K. Bennett 5-8pm 1st Floor, Grand Arcade, Cambridge Tickets £10 including Fizz, nibbles and a chance to enjoy complimentary therapies 10% discount, Luxury Raffle, plus gifts and goodie bags and chat to Kuoni holidays.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lk-bennettexclusiveshopping-event-in-aid-of-the-nspccchildline-tickets-10883216995 20 May Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission for visitors £6, including light refreshments The May meeting will be a flower arranging demonstration “A Blooming Good Read” by Gill Shanks.

21 May Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30-9pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Non-members welcome - £1 donation appreciatedAGM followed by Fascinating Facts from ‘The St Neots Advertiser’ during WW1 by Sue Jarrett.

Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

28 May Fashion Show 7.30pm Alconbury Memorial Hall Admission £3 including a glass of wine Hosted by Alconbury cum Weston WI. The evening is organised by Lincs Fashions who will be selling half price and less ladies ex-chain store - Next, M&S, BHS and many other clothes. All sizes catered for.

Tickets: Judith Aylott 01480 896565 7 June Organ Recital 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Godmanchester Admission by programme on the door £7 With John Dillistone, Recitals Organiser. The Godmanchester organ is a unique example of work by the renowned Victorian organ builder, Henry Bryceson. Installed in 1859, it contains pipework similar to continental Baroque organs, inviting an eclectic programme that includes music by J.S. Bach, Sweelinck, Guilmant, Henry Smart and Samuel Sebastian Wesley. In aid of the Church Roof Appeal.

14 June Bromswold Bike Fest Start times vary. The Green Man, Leighton Bromswold No entry fee – donations suggested Bromswold Bike Fest has been awarded a Cycle Legacy grant by Cambridgeshire County Council. A group of keen cyclists from Leighton Bromswold is organising a ‘Tour de West Cambridgeshire’ with the aim to get as many people as possible from Leighton Bromswold, the surrounding villages on a bike to ride one of the planned cycle routes (2, 6, 15, 25 and 50 miles). We aim to appeal to all ages and abilities. All routes will start/finish at The Green Man, which will also be the venue for post-ride refreshments. Start times vary depending on the length of route cycled, but it is hoped that all will finish by 4.00 p.m. Charity event in aid of for Macmillan Cancer Support, Samuel Pepys Special Needs School, St Neots, and Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Tel: Carol Greed on 01480 891568 Web: www.bbf2014.co.uk

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

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Classifieds Design Consultancy

Antique Furniture Restoration Antique Furniture Restoration French Polish, Conservation, Marquetry

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

Jiri Koutsky Godmanchester 25 years experience Free local visits Restored items for sale

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

Tel: 01480 411169 or 07786328995 jirikoutsky@yahoo.co.uk

Electricians

Decorating and Property 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

Security Services

GASWORKS

HEATING & PLUMBING • CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION • GAS COOKERS • GAS LEAKS • POWER FLUSHING • GENERAL PLUMBING • LANDLORD SAFETY CERTIFICATES

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

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