Villager
Issue 55 November 2013
the
FREE
& Town Life
huntingdon Christmas Lights Page 18 meet the ancestors Page 32 win ÂŁ25 in our Prize Crossword Page 54
Bringing local business to local people in Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas every month
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Contents Huntingdon Christmas Lights
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Rat Trap Walls ..........................................................4 Wildlife Wanderings ................................................6 Community Car Scheme ........................................10 P & R Bathrooms ...................................................14 Can You Spare A Day A Week? ................................17 Huntingdon Christmas Lights Switch On ...............18 St Neots and District Camera Club .........................20 The Myth of the Common Law Wife ......................24 Fun Quiz ................................................................26 Easing the Pain of Separation................................29 Financial Assistance ..............................................31
Villager
Issue 55 November 2013
the
FREE
& Town Life
Huntingdon Christmas Lights Page 18 Meet The Ancestors Page 32 Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Page 54
Bringing local business to local people in Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas every month
Meet the Ancestors ...............................................32 A Time to Plant ......................................................34 In The Garden ........................................................36 Children’s Page ......................................................38 Winter Tyres ..........................................................41 Walking Works ......................................................43 Kimbolton School Swimming Pool ........................46 Puzzle Page ...........................................................48 Prize Crossword .....................................................54 Keep Warm This Winter .........................................56 What’s On..............................................................58 Book Review .........................................................62
Meet the Ancestors
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16,000 copies delivered free of charge to all homes in the following areas: Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Park, Brampton, Buckden, Offord Cluny, Offord D’arcy, Godmanchester, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey, Cambourne, Chawston, Croxton, Duloe, Graveley, Great Paxton, Hail Weston, Honeydon, Little Barford, Little Paxton, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling. (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Huntingdon, St Neots, Eaton Ford, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury)
Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Christine Donnelly, Melanie Hulse, Fiona McLeman, Simon Thomas, Tiny Larkins, Guy Bolton, Bartlett Tree Experts, Gareth Arscott, Sarah Davey, Debbie Singh-Bhatti and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales - Christa Hallam - 07868 369257 christa@villagermag.com Photography - Wojciech Gajda 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
Rat-tRaP waLLs
By Peter Ibbett
The humble brick has a fascinating history as any observant wanderer around our Huntingdonshire towns and villages will note. To build a wall you must place your bricks in a pattern (or bond). I once lived in an Eynesbury property with a ‘rat-trap’ boundary wall. Nearby was a similar wall in a sad state of disrepair before a heritage sensitive new owner fully restored it. This method of using bricks became popular due to the 1784 Brick Tax as it needed fewer bricks, saving up to 175 per 1000 used. Bricks were initially taxed at 4s per thousand. To mitigate the effect of the tax, manufacturers began to increase the size of their bricks, up to a maximum of 11 inches × 5 inches × 3 1⁄2 inches (280 mm × 125 mm × 80 mm). In response, the government introduced a maximum volume for a brick, at 150 cubic inches (2,500 cm3). The level of taxation was increased in 1794, 1797, and 1805, peaking at 5s 10d per thousand bricks. It was eventually abolished in 1850, by which time it was considered to be a detriment to industrial development (Wikipedia). Local brickyards in villages such as Eynesbury produced larger bricks which were placed on edge, forming the inner and outer face of the wall, with cross bricks bridging the two faces. The 1835 Ordnance Survey map of Eynesbury shows the brickworks which were extended by James Paine in 1853. When he sold up in 1883 the stock included 500,000 building bricks, 15,000 roofing tiles, 360,000 draining tiles, 2,000 culvert tiles, 1,200 octagonal chimney bricks, 1500 garden tiles, 50 headstones and 2000 ridge & hip tiles. The firm continued until the early 1920’s. It was a seasonal business with the winter months spent in digging clay with wooden shovels and ‘making’ it with water pumped by a small windmill. Silver or seashore sand was imported by barge and carted from the Hen Brook at Brookside. The kilns were set to work from Spring to Autumn boosting employment from four men to six or eight in the summer months. (C G Tebbutt’s St Neots).
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Over in India, since its original dissemination in Kerala in the 1970’s by architect Laurie Baker, rat trap bond has been extensively used in every category of building from large institutional complexes, community buildings, Government offices/village panchayats, individual homes both for high income and middle income and also in government supported EWS housing programmes. Keep your eyes open and see how many rat-traps you can spot around you! Let St Neots museum or pjibbett@aol.com know of any other local brick stories!
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Travel
wiLdLife wandeRings
By Christine Donnelly
Late autumn is a time when you can see our local wildlife preparing to survive the cold weather ahead. Thrushes and blackbirds feed up on autumn fruits whilst finches feed on seed heads leftover from summer such as teasel and thistles. Many species of birds gather into large flocks, with the swirling flight of starlings being one of the spectacles to look out for in the late afternoon sky. Those moving to warmer areas for the winter (what a good idea!), are still on the move and many fly along England’s coast towards the continent and then south and east. Sit on the beach in the autumn sun near Brighton and, one after another, eager travellers will fly past, overhead and out to sea, on their way to the Mediterranean or Africa. Some of these birds stopover in the Mediterranean on ‘passage’ such as turtle dove, willow warbler and spotted flycatcher whilst others remain there for the winter. In contrast, some birds come to the UK for winter due to the abundance of their particular food. Look out for Mediterranean gulls that are similar to the very common black-headed gulls but don’t have black wing tips. They live around our southern coasts in winter but also come inland, and have also started to breed here in summer. For opportunities to see and learn about local wildlife check the events organised by The Wildlife Trust www.wildlifebcn.org or phone 01954 713500.
Greater flamingo, Sardinia If you escape for an autumn break in the Mediterranean sun, try to visit one of the coastal wetlands where two characteristic ‘wading’ species can be seen, the elegant and colourful greater flamingo and the smaller, but equally fascinating, black-winged stilt, both a delight to watch as they
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wander through the salt pans and lagoons looking for food. Some areas, such as the mountains of southern Turkey, are famous for their autumn flowers, particularly ‘bulbs’ familiar to the gardener, such as crocus, colchicum, snow drop and cyclamen. The great flower collectors of the Victorian age brought back many of these ‘exotic’ species, now commonplace in our gardens, but seeing them yourself in their natural habitat, with a background of stunning autumn tree colour, is always something special.
Colchicums, Turkey In the far south, both the highlands and lowlands of Chile are at their best in their spring, providing stunning scenery from Mediterranean type ‘chaparral’, to hot desert, temperate rainforests and, of course, the high Andes. With a multitude of bird species, iconic mammals and wonderful flowers and trees, including fuchsias, buddleias and monkey puzzle trees, the country is one of the best destinations for a wildlife holiday, and also for culture.
Alpacas, Chile Wildlife Travel has been running wildlife holidays worldwide for 25 years. Contact 01954 713575 or check www.wildlife-travel.co.uk for details of trips. Any profits from Wildlife Travel are donated to nature conservation through The Wildlife Trusts.
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Local News
Community CaR sCheme
The Huntingdonshire Volunteer Centre Do you have problems accessing public transport when you need to attend a doctor or hospital appointment? Do you want to visit a friend, do your shopping, call in at the bank, go to the hairdresser, or chiropodist? The Huntingdonshire Volunteer Centre runs a community car scheme from each of its offices covering the Huntingdon, Ramsey, St Ives and St Neots areas, to try to provide a solution to these difficulties. The scheme is part of the Cambridgeshire Community Transport network and Volunteer drivers (all checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service – previously CRB), will pick you up from your door and take you (plus a friend or companion) to your chosen destination. If your visit will be under an hour, the driver will wait for you and take you home. If it is a longer trip the volunteer driver will come back to fetch you at an agreed time. Passengers pay the driver 40p a mile (including miles from the driver’s home to yours) to cover their expenses. As all our drivers are volunteers we need to know of any difficulties you experience in getting in or out of a car and whether you need to take a collapsible wheel chair, so that we can try to find a suitable car/ driver. Please note that we
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normally need three days notice to arrange a journey. Our volunteer drivers find this an excellent way to help their local community. If you would like more information about the scheme please call us on 01480 414766 between 10am and 12pm. Office volunteers administer the scheme so if you are interested in assisting with the car scheme but do not drive, you could volunteer to help with administrative tasks in the office. Michelle Allison is the Organiser and she would be delighted to hear from you, as a new user of the scheme, as an administrative volunteer or as a volunteer driver. Volunteering really does make a difference! Huntingdonshire Volunteer Centre is a Registered Charity, No. 1126811, part of Volunteering England and a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. St Neots Volunteer Office - 01480 414766
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P & R BathRRoms
Second To None Service
There is a dizzying array of options open to anyone considering a new bathroom. Followers of popular home fashions and the latest styles featured in home design magazines will be familiar with some of the choices available, but to access the experience and guidance I felt I needed, I went along to visit P and R Bathrooms. The P and R Bathrooms showroom on Lurke Street in Bedford is a huge and impressive area with many, many display bathrooms cleverly laid out to make it easy to see individual styles and familiarize oneself with every option. With expert help it was much easier to discover the latest bathroom looks suitable for my home and a variety of tastes and budgets. ‘The main concern for many people these days is bathroom furniture and storage. There are two big choices’ explain Paul, the ‘P’ of P and R. ‘The fully fitted bathroom or the free-standing, modular bathroom.’
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I give him a confused frown and with no further ado I am being gently ushered towards an impressive looking show bathroom. The cistern is invisible, no pipework is on display whatsoever. The cupboards are ranged across the back wall and are deliciously sleek with real oak doors and plenty of drawers for easy-access to toiletries and towels. There is a fully coordinated worktop for a really clean look and a sink which I am told can be recessed into the surface for a solid surface finish or I can choose one which is fitted onto the counter top and has a more traditional look. ‘Many people favour the fully fitted bathroom because it has that modern edge. It features clean, long lines and with the right amount of storage space it is easy to maintain that sleek, tidy look that works so well. It is brilliant for smaller bathrooms and can actually make them appear larger. Clever lighting can work wonders in smaller spaces too and it is easy to incorporate that into a fitted bathroom and make the most of that very finished, polished look.’ ‘The alternative is to choose a free-standing or modular bathroom.’ I am guided towards a shining example as Paul continues. ‘Even though there is no counter-top or fitted furnishings in here the pipework can still be hidden because it is recessed into the wall. The storage – whatever you choose, cupboards, drawers, or a combination, can be wall mounted and tiled around so that it still has
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that very finished, sleek look but there need not be so much of it so again, this can work well in smaller bathrooms . The cupboards or drawers that you do choose have true space – non of it is in use for hiding pipework and so the storage is not compromised in any way. There are all sorts of furniture options so that you can still have that long-line look and as everything is wall mounted there is nothing underneath which can make cleaning easier and lend a more open feel to the room.’ After spending time in the P and R showroom I am absolutely sure of the style I would like in our new bathroom. Our house is older and styled more traditionally and so I am glad to have the option of a free standing bathroom with all the modern convenience of recessed pipework and furniture that can accommodate the storage that our family needs. P and R Bathrooms have been in the bathroom business for a long time. ‘The beauty of having been in this business for the years that we have is that we use only suppliers who have proved themselves, the ones with the best track record of quality products and service. We insist on this because we insist that our customers are happy with their bathroom, and that has to be true, really honestly true, down the whole line – confident and happy designers, suppliers and installers result in delighted customers who come back to us time and again. And that really is our experience.’ P and R Bathrooms can undertake the complete transformation of your bathroom, ensuring the plumbers, carpenters, electricians and installers are all of the highest standard with experience and workmanship that is unrivalled. ‘We don’t have to provide the complete package, some people just want us to supply the bathroom, others want design and supply, but our customers who have trusted us with the whole package have all been thrilled with the results as well as the fact that they could just leave it all in our hands and there was no stress or added responsibility for them.’ If you are contemplating a new look for your littlest room, I would not hesitate to recommend
a trip to P and R Bathrooms. Being able to make the choice by spending time in such a huge variety of bathrooms, benefitting from expert advice followed by a design service and installation that you can trust ensures that P and R Bathrooms are second to none.
P&R Bathrooms
9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 0845 434 8401 Website: www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk Open 9:00am-5:00pm Mon - Fri 10:ooam-4:00pm Saturday To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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Local News Can you sPaRe a day a weeK
To Support the Royal British Legion? The Royal British Legion Poppy Calls Service undertakes small household repairs and minor adaptations in the homes of serving or ex – serving military personnel, with the express aim of keeping such personnel safe and independent for longer. In 2012, Poppy Calls undertook 5,000 repairs across the UK, and currently has 19 dedicated Fitters, all serviced from an Administration Centre in Huntingdon. The Poppy Calls Team are currently looking to recruit a Volunteer Administrator for one day a week, to assist with telephone calls, invoice payments, supplier accounts, and general office duties. Some previous office experience or telephone experience would be advantageous, and a willing, customer focussed and committed approach is essential. The volunteer will join a small and friendly team of 7 staff. A full Induction and ongoing training is provided, and out of pocket disbursements are payable. All
volunteers are covered by Legion Health and Safety and Insurance Policies. Flexibility on the working day each week is possible. If you are interested in this role, or require further details, or wish to visit the Administration Centre, please contact Janet Impey, the Administration Manager on 01480 423898, or by E-Mail at jimpey@ britishlegion.org.uk. The full office address is: Unit 7 Avro Court: Ermine Business Park: Huntingdon: Cambridgeshire: PE29 6XS. All volunteers will be required to complete an application form in the first instance. The Royal British Legion has been helping service people past and present for 90 years, and currently spends nearly 1.4 million pounds per week in undertaking our welfare support role. The Royal British Legion is a registered charity 219279.
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Local News
huntingdon ChRistmas Lights
“Switch On” 2013
Events:
Sunday 24 November 2013 12 noon to 5pm Switch On of lights at 4.45pm - Market Square a festive day of entertainment Christmas celebrations start when the lights are switched on, following a day of entertainment and celebration, on Sunday 24 November. Come along and join in the fun from 12 noon to 5pm with the lights being switched on at 4.45pm. Join us in the Market Square where Huntingdon Community Radio FM will be linking the activities. Throughout the town you can see Father Christmas and his elves, a fairy stilt walker, pantomime folk, music and much more including FREE balloon models, FREE face painting, magic tricks and festive music. Look out for Peppa Pig who is visiting to spread good cheer and to see the children at intervals throughout the afternoon! The lights will be switched on by Father Christmas and the Mayor so don’t miss out. Enjoy a coffee, try some traditional fare or a festive mince pie and mulled wine. Shopping is a must as there are over 80 shops, cafes, restaurants and destinations open in Huntingdon all year round, and even more businesses open on Sundays in the run up to Christmas.
market square: Huntingdon Community Radio FM will be setting the pace and introducing the live acts from 12 noon. Community and charity stalls will be there to entertain you and raise funds for local good causes alongside the fairground rides. father Christmas in st Benedicts Court: Everyone can get their wish list in really early! Father Christmas has been invited to St Benedict’s Court by Hullabaloo. Cinnabar fairs with quality arts and crafts will be in the Commemoration Hall. A Christmas shopping extravaganza from 2pm to 6pm. www. cinnabarfairs.co.uk Visit the town hall, built in 1745 and newly renovated, this much loved building will be hosting an open afternoon, by invitation of Huntingdon & Godmanchester Civic Society. traditional festive Parade at 4.30pm from the Commemoration hall: Led by the Mayor of Huntingdon, Father Christmas and festive entertainers, the parade will make its way up the High Street to the Market Square. the switch on at 4.45pm in the market square: The town comes alight as our Mayor, Father Christmas and Peppa Pig officially switch on the Christmas Lights for 2011.
Organised by Huntingdon Christmas Committee 2013 For more information about everything ‘Christmas’ in Huntingdon www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Tel: 01480 450250
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Local News
st neots and distRiCt
Camera Club
The new season for St Neots and District Camera Club got off to a great start with a meeting at the St Neots Bowling Club. The meeting welcomed old and new members to a social night which included a competition entitled ‘Green and pleasant land’. The winning image by Colin Dixon titled ‘Sunkist’ is shown to the right. The opening competition is one of many held throughout the September to April season where members have the chance to exhibit their work and earn points in a league. Although entry is not compulsory many members enjoy the judging and the top league positions are rewarded at the end of the season with cups and shields. The club also has a long standing relationship with St Neots Library and the Town Museum where we have occasional and regular displays of member’s images. The membership consists of people of all skill levels from ‘semi-professional’ to those new to the
Judy Lenton B.A. (Hons) Lic,Ac. MBAcC
located at
Headz Up 65 High Street Brampton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 4TQ
Traditional acupuncture for
telephone
01480 229029
mobile
07557 282617
info@judylentonacupuncture.co.uk or visit
www.judylentonacupuncture.co.uk
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health & wellbeing
hobby with very little experience. Hence the clubs curriculum covers all aspects of photography and tries to encompass all levels of learning and improving skills. These include lectures from Professionals and technical nights to help with camera techniques and image manipulation. The meetings are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 at the St Neots Bowling Club, (near Waitrose and next to the tennis courts) where we have friendly, sociable gatherings so if you would like to improve your skills and have a good evening at the same time, please come along and see how we do things at St Neots And District Camera Club. More information and images can be found at the web site at www.stneots-camera-club.org.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 20minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.
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Gift Vouchers for Christmas available now
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Shires Mobile Footcare ...because feet matter
Treatment of common foot disorders in the comfort of your own home Professional treatment includes: • Callus reduction • Corn removal • Toe nail trimming • Fungal/thickened toe nail treatment • Cracked heel reduction • Athletes foot treatment
For further enquiries call Sam on:
01480 819 453 M. 07715 085 131 T.
Samantha Craig BA Hons, SAC Dip FHPT, SAC Dip FHPP, MRFHP
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Jazzercise got me back in my dress size. It fuels my mind and spirit while toning every inch of my body. - Bo 44
£5 for 2 classes
New customers or those returning after 6 months only. Other restrictions may apply. Bring this Ad with you.
St Neots
Priory Jr School, Longsands Road Mon & Wed 6.45pm & 8pm, Sat 9am Express (30 min) Mon & Fri 6pm No need to book • Classes also in Cambourne, Sandy, St Ives, Cambridge, Longstanton & other areas. For further info go to
www.jazzfitness.co.uk
or call 01480 216090
Sports Injuries Neck / Back Pain Rehab after Fractures or Surgery Video Gait Analysis Paediatric and Adolescent Musculoskeletal Conditions Women’s Health Physiotherapy Acupuncture Pilates
Physiotherapists Kate Abrahams MSc MCSP Cordelia Squire MSc MCSP Georgia Sinfield BSc MCSP Daisy Collins BSc MCSP Yegs Gounden BSc MCSP Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sue Walker DPodM SRCh MChS
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1 Oxford Building, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2JZ T. 01234 378996
E. info@woodfieldphysio.co.uk
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www.woodfieldphysio.co.uk
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Family Law
The Myth of the Common law wife
By Fiona McLeman
“We have lived together for 2 years so I have matrimonial rights against him/her don’t I?” Well, no. Not exactly. Many couples live together for years, sharing their finances, under the mistaken assumption that they ‘own half the house’ or have rights if they separate. But in short, an unmarried couple who live together do not have the same rights as they might do if they were married. If they own a property together, then they will each have rights in respect of that property. There may be an argument as to whether the house 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. 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 and that the property was intended to be held jointly either by things that were said or done or promised or inferred. It’s a complicated legal minefield. It gets more complicated if the couple have children as it is possible to bring a claim on behalf of the children. The claim might be for child maintenance, but also possibly for money to help
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meet children’s costs. At worse, a home can be provided to the parent with care of the children, which will probably be returned to the other parent when the children are grown up. 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. In short, if you are thinking of living with someone, why not take advice to find out what rights you do or don’t have. 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.
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Dedicated support for clients in relationship breakdown:
• • • • •
Separation Financial Settlements Change of Name Prenuptial Agreements Mediation
• • • • •
Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law
Fiona McLeman Family Law is accredited by Resolution and the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a Specialist in Family Law. For a free initial consultation contact Fiona:
fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk, 07894095775, www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Regus House, 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne CB23 6DP To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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Fun Quiz - Fairy Tales 1. What type of creature threatens to eat the title characters in the fairy tale called Three Billy Goats Gruff? 2. In the original version of the fairy tale Snow White, the Queen attempts to kill Snow White by tricking her into eating a poisoned apple, but what else does the Queen poison in a previous attempt to kill Snow White? 3. Which song opens with the line “I thought love was only true in fairy tales”? 4. What was the surname of the German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm, who were famous for publishing collections of fairy tales in the 19th century? 5. Which fairy tale character is killed by a spider bite? 6. Which 2010 Disney film is loosely based on the fairy tale Rapunzel? 7. Famous for writing a number of fairy tales, what nationality was Hans Christian Andersen? 8. “Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin” is a line that features repeatedly in which fairy tale? 9. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the “boys of the NYPD choir singing”? 10. Which fairy tale character said he would take the Queen’s child away from her if she didn’t guess his name within three days? 1. A troll 2. A comb 3. I’m A Believer (a hit single for The Monkees) 4. Grimm (known as the Brothers Grimm) 5. Tom Thumb 6. Tangled 7. Danish 8. Three Little Pigs 9. Galway Bay 10. Rumpelstiltskin
Before
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After
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WE NEED YOU‌ to make a difference Foster with Cambridgeshire County Council We offer generous allowances including a start up package, 24hr support and full training.
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Leeds Day Solicitors
easing the Pain of sePaRation
By Simon Thomas
We all know that going through a separation or divorce is one of the most diďŹƒcult things that can happen to a family. Unfortunately, there will always be an element of pain involved. However, we also know that separation does not have to involve a drawn out and costly court room confrontation as often depicted on television or the internet. Many couples are able to sort out the details of their separation together, by talking about how to divide their money, what should happen to the family home, and how they should care for their children. You might not be able to do this on your own. A
Our oďŹƒces: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301
good solicitor can help you through the process. At Leeds Day, we have a dedicated team of family solicitors who are all members of Resolution, meaning they have signed a code of practice committing them to work in a constructive and non-confrontational way, which takes into account the long term consequences for a family of everything they discuss and advise. Simon Thomas is the resident family solicitor at the St Neots branch of Leeds Day. Simon is an accredited member of Resolution and deals with all aspects of family law; in particular focussing on financial matters including pensions, investment assets and businesses following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership. Simon is also one of a pioneering group of family lawyers offering clients the option to reach agreement with their former partner through collaborative family law. This process lets you talk through the issues you need to solve, with you and your former partner each having a specially trained lawyer by your side at each meeting. Separation is not easy. An amicable solution which avoids the courts is not possible for every couple and, where appropriate, we will take effective legal proceedings to protect your interests. But with commitment from both sides, an agreement can be reached over the consequences of the breakdown of a relationship. For more information, contact Simon Thomas on 01480 474661 or send an email to: simon.thomas@leedsday.co.uk.
www.leedsday.co.uk 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
Quote this article when making an appointment before the end of November 2013 and your first consultation will be free
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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
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Beacon Wealth
finanCiaL assistanCe
By Tony Larkins
How often have you driven to somewhere you know, been caught in traďŹƒc and said I should have gone the other way? For short journeys we know, we drive almost on auto pilot. However, if we had taken advice by putting the journey in the Sat Nav it would have told us to avoid the traďŹƒc jam. Financial planning is probably similar, we know where we want to be and do the usual thing expecting to achieve the results we want; although we realise a little bit of assistance can make a huge difference. Tiger Woods can win a tournament by a ball rolling one inch more; Chris Hoy won gold by fifteen centimetres; Mohammed Ali by one punch, and Mo Farah by under one second. All these individuals were naturally very gifted, but each used another to assist them in their goal often not realising just what could be achieved. My son is a personal trainer and some of his clients are very fit individuals, but they use his services as a way of keeping them focussed and doing what they know they should do. Most of my clients are intelligent and wealthy, but seek assistance to keep on track to a financial goal, to achieve a better return or pay less tax. Our involvement, like that of the trainer, helps individuals achieve just that bit extra by providing focus and additional expertise. As an example, our most cautious ethical portfolio
Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
is ranked top over one year against funds of the same risk. This does not make us the best, but it certainly improves the investment returns for most of our clients, above the returns they would have received on their own. To achieve the best you can you need to start with what you want to achieve, and record where you are starting from. An analysis of your existing finances will probably highlight that your savings, pensions and investments are not growing as much as they need to. The analysis will probably also show you that you have been in the same accounts, policies and/or funds for many years and missed out on considerable growth during that time. You may also discover yourself in a With Profit Plan that is paying a zero bonus, and has done for years. Knowing this will help you decide your goals. A little help from an adviser can make the route to achievement clearer and easier. The year is nearly over, but we are only half way through the tax year, so I urge you to consider your objectives and speak to your adviser. After all, they may just be able to achieve more than you thought. 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
History
meet the anCestoRs
By Guy Bolton
Have you ever wondered where you came from? No, I’m not doing the birds and bees talk on behalf of your parents here. I mean have you ever wondered about your ancestors? You might know who your parents and grandparents are, but have you ever delved further back? Did your people arrive with the Vikings? Or the Normans? Always been here? Here’s a rough guide to how you can begin to find out… It’s an increasingly popular pastime to try and find your roots so we decided to give it a go. There are many websites out there to help you, but two that I looked into were findmypast.com and ancestry.co.uk, and it was the latter that I opted to try. They offer a 14-day free trial, and although you do have to register with your credit card, as long as you close the account before the 2 weeks are up, there is no charge at all. First of all, speak to your family. Find out as much as possible from them, and start to draft out a family tree. If you can ask your grandparents about their grandparents you have a good start. The past hundred years are actually the hardest
to find on the website. The more details you can get on names, dates and places the better and it is often surprising how far you can get back, just over a few cups of tea and a bit of cake with the family elders. Now you can start to scour the Internet. Once you log on, you enter what you know about an individual like their name, when they were born, married, died, etc. The search engine will trawl through the database (in seconds) and offer you a list of matches from census records, births, marriages and deaths, parish records and many others. Census records are one of the best sources of information but are the reason why the first hundred years can be tricky. This information is protected for 100 years so you need to trace your family back until they feature on the 1911 Census. This has loads of detail about where people lived, who lived there, their ages, occupations and birthplaces. The next century, back through the 1800’s, is where you really learn a lot. Once you have found the old gang in 1911, you have the details of parents, then you can find
A horse and driver scene taken at Blists Hill Museum
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them on the 1901 Census. You know it’s the same bunch, as everyone who was over ten in 1911 will still be here but a decade younger. They may have moved in between, but you know it’s them as you often find Christian names passed down the generations. Daughters named after mothers and so on. A pattern emerges and you can happily skip back down several branches of your tree to the first Census in 1841. This will give you people born before 1840 and before you know where, or indeed who, the next 200 years is in the bag! From this information alone, we managed to assemble a multitude of over two-hundred souls into our tree, including grocers, fishmongers, bag makers, carriers, labourers, and cab drivers, all striving to keep the bloodline going. Now, alas, it gets a little bit sticky again. The earliest Census was 1841. In 1837 the national records of births, marriages and deaths were first kept in a single archive. Before this, local Parish Records were kept, and these are on the database too. At this stage, the easiest lines are often people you have traced back to rural communities where two unrelated people with the same name were rare. Parish records only give basic details like names, christening dates and parents but, this is enough to keep going in an unbroken line. Some people annoyingly disappear, but you can sometimes find them in nearby villages. People moved around less in those days so they must be somewhere near otherwise you wouldn’t be here now to moan about it. We managed to get one line back to 1576 by this method and this is where we stopped. For now… You can arrange to visit the Public Records Office in London to view some records, and we also visited a few local churchyards, finding gravestones of distant ancestors and it certainly sets the mind churning - imagining their lives, and it strikes you when you see recent graves
A Victorian scene taken at Blists Hill Museum
that there are probably distant relatives still living there. The further you venture into the gloomy mists of time, the wider the top of the tree becomes (everyone has parents, so it doubles with each generation) until most of us have probably shared an ancestor somewhere back. We may all have a bit of Shakespeare in us, or a splash of royal blood. We may have invaded, crusaded, and farmed. William the Conqueror may have left Norman blood in your veins. Your folks may have piled ashore with a heavily armed boatload of Saxons, six hundred years earlier. Many of us are possibly distant limbs of the same immense tree so, my long lost brethren, I raise my cup of tea to you all and wish you the best of luck with your search. I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t find yourself extending your trial into at least one month of extra time, just to get back a bit further…
My Grandfather in his Army Boxing Team from 1931 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
My Grandmothers parents and Grandparents
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Garden
a time to PLant
By Bartlett Tree Experts
Flowering
Winter is a good time to think about planting new trees in your garden. This can be to replace a tree lost or just to enhance your garden. A new tree can be a great asset to your property as long as the right selection is made and the correct care is taken of the tree during it s early years. Many trees have differing attributes to take into account, Flowering: Prunus Shirofugen – Flowering Cherry Makes a small tree with a rounded crown which is rather spreading, mature height 5-10 metres. Foliage is copper coloured when young which contrasts well with its large, double white flowers which finish pink. Bark Interest: Betula utilis Jacquemontii – Himalayan Birch Makes a medium sized tree with a mature height of 15-20metres. Bears oval, dark green leaves which turn golden yellow in autumn. Its white bark is accentuated by lenticels lines and peels routinely each year.
Bark Interest
Autumn Colour
Autumn colour: Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood – Raywood Ash Medium sized tree with a dense, upright, oval and relatively compact habit. Mature height 10-15 metres. Its dark green leaves turn a wine red in autumn. Berries: Sorbus aucuparia Joseph Rock-Mountain Ash Small tree with ascending branches, mature height 5-10metres. Bunches of small white flowers appear in spring and in autumn creamy yellow berries appear when the leaves turn a lovely red. Watering – Water regularly if the weather is dry, normally from April onwards throughout the growing season. A standard 12-14foot high tree needs at least 20litres of water on a weekly basis to encourage good establishment. 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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35
Garden
in the gaRden
By Gareth Arscott
www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com With so few perennials putting on a show, “Plant of the Month” will be back in the Spring. To fill the void, we thought that we would talk about some of the things we get up to in our gardens and some of the plans for next year. One of our gardens has a 30ft apple tree in it, it drops around 1000 apples each year, and it has totally out grown the garden and given me backache too. So it’s going to be cut down. The trunk is going to be recycled by a friend who will make bowls and other items and the rest will be composted. At the back of the garden we will plant a few apples trees with short rootstocks, modern trees that will suit the size of the garden and still produce a good crop. When we first started we bought a lot of seeds from a lot of sources and so many of them ended up being the wrong plants. We have been looking
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for a seed supplier who could provide a small number of seeds from unusual perennials. A few years ago we came across Distinctive Seeds and have never looked back. They provide a very small number of seeds of 30-60 special perennials, for example, the African Thistle - Berkheya purpurea ‘Zulu Warrior’. Their new website is up and running - http:// distinctiveseeds.wix.com/distinctiveseeds. They are email based, respond very quickly and worth a look.
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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. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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For children from 0 to 5 years Dance Classes • Music For Little People • Spanish Lessons • Monkeynastix • To find out more call us today
01480 810816 Buckden Day Nursery 16 Mill Road, Buckden Cambs. PE19 5SS e: info@buckden-day-nursery.co.uk w: www.buckden-day-nursery.co.uk
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15% DISCOUNT ON ALL WORK CARRIED OUT OVER £50 WITH THIS ADVERT
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Motoring
winteR tyRes
By Sarah Davey
I drive a lot and dread icy winter roads, but somehow the thought of parting with hardearned cash for something as dull as tyres was a bit of a turn-off. Then last November I had to hire a car in Switzerland, and I was amazed at the handling of the little vehicle and the confidence I felt behind the wheel, in what can only be described as lessthan-ideal weather conditions - for that read snow, snow and more snow. I mentioned it to the Swiss friend I was visiting. She looked astonished, ‘It’s the winter tyres,’ she said matter-of-factly. ‘We always wonder why British people don’t use them.’ I was sold. On my return I called in at my local tyre salesman and asked for his advice. He suggested buying a set of cheap steel rims for my car and putting the winter tyres on those, storing the originals in my garage. The tyres improve handling on greasy roads, but will really come into their own in snowy and icy conditions, or wet conditions where the temperature is below 7 degrees. Braking and traction are improved immeasurably on winter tyres. If your car is rear wheel drive I’d say winter tyres are essential. If your car is front-wheel drive I’d still say they’re essential. Although the improvement in performance isn’t as great, it is still very noticeable. My friendly tyre-fitter suggests changing them over in November and running with them until February/March depending on the weather. This year try some winter tyres. You will never regret it. They may even save your life!
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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)............£12 Hob .................................................................£12 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free
Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com
parent company est. 1998
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Local News
waLKing woRKs
New Report Reveals How Walking Can Save Lives The Huntingdonshire Health Walk Scheme, part of Walking for Health, is calling for people to join them for a walk after the launch of Walking Works, a new extensive review by the Ramblers and Macmillan Cancer Support. In the most extensive review of its kind, the report highlights the mounting research and evidence that show how walking can be the answer to the physical inactivity epidemic in England. The Huntingdonshire Health Walk Scheme, run by the sport and active lifestyles team at Huntingdonshire District Council, organises a series of regular walks locally and is calling for more people to get involved so they too can experience the many benefits of walking. Supported by Public Health England, this new report demonstrates that walking is the solution to getting the nation active, and shows how England’s largest network of health walk schemes, Walking for Health, is already changing people’s lives. Huntingdonshire Health Walk Scheme is one of Walking for Health’s 600 local schemes across England that organise short, free walks led by friendly, trained walk leaders. They are helping everyone – including those affected by cancer – discover just how good walking can make you feel. With evidence showing that walking is a cost-effective way for local authorities and healthcare providers to increase physical activity, the report highlights the need for continued and further investment in initiatives like Huntingdonshire Health Walk Scheme to help get more people active. The report highlights the severe impacts of inactivity: • Physical inactivity tops smoking as one of the nation’s biggest health problems, and is one of
the top four global killers • It is responsible for 10.5% of heart disease cases, 13% of type 2 diabetes cases and 17% of premature deaths in the UK • Being inactive shortens lifespan by 3–5 years • The associated health problems of inactivity in England are costing the economy up to £10 billion a year If everyone in England did enough walking to meet recommended guidelines it could prevent: • 36,815 people dying prematurely • 294,730 cases of diabetes • 12,061 people going to hospital for emergency coronary heart disease treatment The report also highlights how physical activity can help prevent certain type of cancers, help manage the consequences of cancer treatment, and even help reduce the chance of some cancers returning. Councillor Robin Howe, whose executive responsibilities include sport and active lifestyles said: “It’s wonderful to read how much walking can do to help people live healthier and happier lives, and how schemes like Huntingdonshire’s are helping people get more active. I hope that people will join us for a walk so they can also experience the many benefits of being active.” The Huntingdonshire Health Walk Scheme offers nine weekly walks that take place in the towns and surrounding villages of Huntingdon, Ramsey, St Ives, St Neots and Yaxley. Walks take place at either 10am or 2pm. All walks have two leaders, one to lead the way and one to make sure no-one is left behind. For more information visit www.huntingdonshire.gov. uk/healthwalks or call on 01480 387047.
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LESTER O’DRISCOLL CARPENTRY Door Hanging, Skirting, Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Fencing, Decking, General Carpentry, Extensions
07842 195152 01480 811629
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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. 48
CD
Garage Door Problems?
Garage Doors All leading Makes of Doors Supplied, Fitted & Repaired Manual & Automatic Over 20 Years Experience
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07899 903973 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
01480 459 721
High Street, Brampton 49
HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go. Some numbers are already given.
ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk ŠPuzzlepress.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
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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
01480 630612 or 07870 338074
New Decorations Interior and Exterior Painting Wallpapering
Mark Newman
Painting & Decorating m.a.newman@virgin.net
01954212342 07969650344 164 Limes Road, Hardwick Cambridge CB23 7XX To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
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Prize
The Villager Prize Crossword
£25
Across 1 nearest (7) 5 inexpensive (5) 8 type of cattle (7) 9 a slight fever (5) 10 sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 flat area of high land (7) 12 form of dance (6) 14 in good condition (6) 17 family member (7) 19 trimmed (5) 22 enclosed within (5) 23 non-professional (7) 24 dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7)
cut out this page and send to the address below before
18th November 2013
Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:
Tel:
Address:
Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs P Aldwick from Shefford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 54
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below,
Down 1 3d squares (5) 2 to give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 soldiers (6) 5 Bedtime drink (5) 6 obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 imploring (7) 13 highly intelligent (7) 15 graceful (7) 16 type of fruit (6) 18 unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)
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Time of Year
KeeP waRm this winteR - toP tiPs
By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
A drop in body temperature can lower the body’s resistance to germs, so if you are elderly or otherwise susceptible to cold-related illnesses, it is essential that you stay warm during winter. First, keep your home warm. Consider creating a ‘warm room’ where you spend most of your time, and turn down the thermostat in other areas of the home. Next, eliminate draughts. Place plastic sheeting over windows and fit foam seals and weather strips to doors. Use draught excluders and if you can’t successfully stop a draught rearrange the furniture so that you are not sitting in it. Close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss and make sure that radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains. Wear several layers of thin clothing to insulate your body, keep feet warm in fleece slippers and use lightweight throws or fleece blankets to cover feet and shoulders.
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Make sure you eat well as food creates energy which in turn creates heat. Hot meals and drinks can warm the body both inside and out. Finally, stay active! Doing a little light cleaning or some other simple activity will increase your circulation and generate some heat. Follow these simple guidelines and hopefully you will not only stay warm this winter, but you will also remain illness free!
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everything matters
Panasonic
HD smart TV’s , HDD Recorders, Audio Systems, & Camera’s, trust our expertise & tradition of best after sales service
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n O s ’ t a h W
2 November Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts. Held on first Saturday of each month. For details visit www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com 2 November Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Gail Summerfield on ‘Crew yard to courtyard - How we converted a cattle yard into our private Mediterranean style garden’. All welcome - small charge applies. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
2 November Kimbolton Fireworks Comes to The Offords Gates open 6pm Millennium Green, Offord Darcy Organised by The Offords Millennium Green Trust. Refreshments, burgers, glow sticks, etc. and a guy competition. 3 November Christmas Gift Fair Admission £2 10.30am-4.30pm Comberton Village Hall, Green End, Comberton In aid of East Anglia Air Ambulance. Large selection of gifts. Food hall. Refreshments available. 3 November Kimbolton Castle Open 1-4 pm Last residence of Katherine of Aragon. Tel: 01480 860505 for further details 3, 10, 17 & 24 November Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday – all welcome. Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served. Tel: 01480 394321 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 5, 12 & 19 November Line Dancing for the absolute beginner 1.45-2.45pm Buckden Village Hall £4 per session including tea/coffee & biscuit Line dancing taster sessions for the absolute beginner. Bring a cold drink and wear comfortable shoes. Tel: Lorraine 01480 494367 or Dawn 01487 824143 5, 12, 19 & 26 November Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Cost £3 Every Tuesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk
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6 November Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Annual subscription £6. Meetings with speakers £1 and £2 for visitors Guest speaker will be Marilyn Bond who will give a talk on the restoration of the gardens at Shortmead House, her Georgian Manor House in Biggleswade. Refreshments included. 8 November She’koyokh All Saints’ Church, Haslingfield Tickets £13, Concessions £11, Children/students £6 Jewish, Gypsy and Balkan music. Tickets from The Village Shop or the Corn Exchange Box Office Tel: 01223 357851. 9 November Christmas Fayre 10am-2pm Free admission St Mary’s Church on the Green, Eaton Socon Crafts, cakes, cards, gifts and more for sale. Refreshments available. Tel: Church Office 01480 352154 for more information 9 November World War II Memorabilia Exhibition 1.30-4pm St Peter’s Church, High Street, Offord Darcy Display of family wartime possessions, medals, items of uniform, photos, log books, letters, demob papers, citations. There will be an interesting display by the Pathfinder Force Museum based at RAF Wyton. Refreshments available. Free parking. Tel: Jenny Griffiths 01480 811126 Email: griffaljen@aol.com Web: www.stpetersofforddarcy.co.uk 9 November A Choral and Orchestral Concert 7.30pm Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon Tickets £12, Students £6 Musical Director - Adrian Brown. Beethoven - Symphony No. 5, Mozart - Mass in C minor with Soloists Natalie Montakhab, Esther Brazil, Panos Ntourntoufis and John Woods. Tickets available by telephone, email or on the door. Tel: Anabel Capon 01832 274834 Email: huntsphiltickets@btinternet.com 12 November Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon Berkeley Street Methodist Church, Eynesbury, St Neots St Neots Inner Wheel Coffee Morning with book and jigsaw sale. In aid of The Tilinanu Children’s Orphanage, Malawi. 13 November Wildlife Camera Traps 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton Suggested donation Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50 Arnold Cooke has studied local deer populations since the 1970s, recording colonization, ecology, impact and management. His talk tonight will illustrate wildlife activity that is revealing and sometimes surprising and amusing. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk
14 November Toy Sale 9am-1pm Huntingdon Nursery School, Ambury Road, Huntingdon Buy and sell good quality second hand toys and books. Tel: 01480 375216 for more details 16 November Charity Fair 11am-2.30pm Haslingfield Methodist Church, High Street, Haslingfield A wide selection of national and local charities will be taking part in this annual event, selling a range of items, including Christmas cards. Refreshments, including light lunches available. 16 November Hardwick Christmas Bazaar 11am-3 pm Hardwick School Handmade crafts made by local people, lots of ideas for Christmas. Visit Santa’s grotto and hear the school choir perform. Tea, coffee and cake available. Proceeds to support the Hardwick Scout and Guide Community building. hardwickscoutandguidebuilding@gmail.com or telephone 01954 210570 or 01954 210072 16 & 17 November Art Exhibition 10.30am-4pm Hemingford Abbots Village Hall Cards featuring original work and also hand painted cards will be on sale. Refreshments on sale. Web: www.cambridgeshire.net 19 November Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission £8 including refreshments Christmas demonstration by Janine Hall. Wine and mince pies and a raffle of the arrangements. Visitors most welcome. 19 November Buckden Gardeners Association 8pm Buckden Village Hall Members free, guests £2 Talk entitled “An English Country Garden” by Ann Scott. Tea and biscuits served afterwards. Tel: Pam 01480 811680 or Lesley 01480 351547 Web: http://www.buckdengardeners.info/ 23 November Little Paxton Village Fayre 11am-2pm Little Paxton Village Hall Admission 30p, children free Father Christmas, stalls, sideshows, Christmas goodies, BBQ and Tea room with delicious cakes. Stalls still available please contact Peter Hagger 01480 477978. 23 November Christmas Bazaar 11am-3pm St Neots Parish Church, The Church Rooms, Church walk Stalls include The Bunting and Candle Lady, Create 68, knitted toys, handmade cards for charity, Christmas cakes, Christmas table decorations and much more. Refreshments available.
23 & 24 November Lomax Antiques Fairs 10am-4pm Admission £3 Hinchingbrooke House, Huntingdon 50 quality dealers in fine furniture, paintings, ceramics, glass, clocks, silver, jewellery and much more. Ample free car parking. Refreshments available. Tel: 01379 586134 or 07906 716158 Web: www.lomaxfairs.com 24 November Autumn Craft Bazaar 11am-4pm Free admission Hemingford Abbots Village Hall Supporting Help for Heroes. Refreshments available. Tel: Ruth Moore 01480 464266 Email: johnruth@talktalk.net 24 November Festive Shopping and Fun Day 11am-4pm RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy. Santa visit £3 Come along to get your gifts in the RSPB shop and enjoy festive face painting, make a super natural Christmas card, sample some delicious chocolate and fudge and try your luck on the tombola. Tasty mince pies mulled wine and hot soup for sale to warm you up. Small charges for activities. Tel: 01767 680541 28 November St Neots & District Gardening Club Social Evening 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Non-Members £2.50 includes refreshments and a raffle ticket 29 November Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concert 7.30pm Adults £10, Pupils and students under 21 £5 Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon Roy Howat, piano; Helen Habershon, clarinet; Jillian Skerry, piano. Roy is renowned worldwide as a talented and exceptionally visionary scholar, broadcaster and solo pianist. Today he makes a very welcome return visit. Helen enjoys an international career with solo, orchestral, radio and TV performances and is known for her fine and sensitive playing. They will be joined by Jillian, an experienced and successful performer on the international stage and co-founder/artistic director of this series. Their programme will include music by Debussy, Chabrier, Joseph Horovitz and more. Tel: Box office 01480 375678 30 November Crackers for Christmas 10.30am-12 noon St James’ Church Little Paxton Free activity workshop for children up to age of 11. Tel Shelia Flavell 01480 405511 for further information 30 November Race Night with Fish ’n’ Chips Supper Tickets £7.50 7.30pm Buckden Village Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden Join us for a fun evening of horse racing with supper. Licensed Bar. Tickets available from Buckden Village Hall. Tel: 01480 811101 Email: admin@buckdenvillagehall.co.uk
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GDC HEATING
Plumbing, Gas and Oil Heating Engineers
36 Rookery Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AX
Tel: 01480 215821 01582 867152 www.gdcheating.com Email: enquiries@gdcheating.com Boiler Repairs/Servicing/Installation Full Heating Installations Efficiency Upgrades Bathroom Design and Installation Specialist Powercleaning Service 30 Years in Business
Reg No. 112425
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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 PHONE JOHN FABISZ FOR ESTIMATE
01480 495408 OR 07887887319
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Classifieds Books
BooK ReView
By Bruce Edwards Betrayal in Burgundy Harold Shaw Matador p/b £8.99 ISBN 978 178088 4882
Coming close to the November days when remembrance allied with an odd twinge of acidic nostalgia in the older generation causes the majority to stand silent for a brief period in time, this choice is apposite, a fictional story of a Lancaster bomber pilot “Perfectly captures the conflicts and choices brought about by war.” says the back cover. When your reviewer undertook the copy edit of the original manuscript, the first thought was ‘not another war story’. However, as the red pen hovered over each page with an editor’s selfsame conflict and choices, clearly an exploration of emotion lay below the expressed grittiness of the young aircrew’s transient lives. Imagine the violent swings in sensation; the delights of ‘drinking with a girl in the sanctuary of an English country pub’ then not hours later, suffering the throbbing roar in the close confines of a bomb delivery machine. Inevitably, disaster strikes our hero and then there’s a different girl . . . If given the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden at Givenchy, spare time to wander up to the church. There’s a relic and a memorial to the crew of just such a bomber as portrayed in this book who lie there together ‘in foreign soil’. The poignancy of youthful desires, the atmosphere and tension of war so well portrayed in this novel can be felt in just such surroundings. This is more than a war story, it is an echo and a tribute to the tragedies of its time.
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Contemporary and traditional kitchens...
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For a friendly and professional service contact Ryan: 01480 861928 / 07725 216978 lifelongkitchens@mail.com www.lifelongkitchens.co.uk
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Classifieds Design Consultancy Mistletoe Interiors Emma Rees 07885 135478 info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk www.mistletoeinteriors.co.uk
Interior and exterior design consultancy, home staging, soft furnishings, lighting, accessories, paints, wallpaper
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
Security Services
Business gone a bit slow? Let us help! Advertising in The Villager is easy. To ďŹ nd out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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