Cambs Sept 12

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - September 2012

and Town Life

ÂŁ25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing local business to local people in and around St Neots, Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, ur Godmanchester and surrounding villages Yo EE y FRco1 p

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In this Issue

VILLAGER The

Issue 42 - September 2012

and Town Life

13

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Return of Town Cinema

By Peter Ibbett

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Bringing local business to local people in and around St Neots, Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, ur Godmanchester and surrounding villages Yo EE y FRco1 p

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Tony Larkins, Peter Ibbett, Fiona McLeman, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sarah Davey,Helen Taylor and James Baggott Front Cover Photo: Houghton Mill - Provided by http://www.houghtonandwyton. co.uk/mill.php Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Buckden Recreation Ground And Villager Hall

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Houghton Mill

100 Years of Milling

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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

Harvest Time.............................................................................................................................4 Time of Year...............................................................................................................................6 Naturally Beautiful..................................................................................................................9 Be Clear On Cancer...............................................................................................................11 The Geology of Huntingdonshire....................................................................................15 Fun Quiz......................................................................................................................................2 Sports Festival in the Park..................................................................................................23 Wordsearch..............................................................................................................................23 Hinchinbrooke Maternity...................................................................................................25 Choose your Lawyer Carefully..........................................................................................29 I’m OK... So Why Plan?..........................................................................................................31 Cambridge Career Coach...................................................................................................32 Lawn Care.................................................................................................................................36 Children’s Page.......................................................................................................................39 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG....................................................................................................40 Make Small Bigger................................................................................................................42 Seasonal Delights..................................................................................................................45 Dog Walking Success...........................................................................................................46 Puzzle Page..............................................................................................................................48 Winning Donation.................................................................................................................52 Volunteers Create Amphibian Refuge...........................................................................56 What’s On.................................................................................................................................58 Flossing.....................................................................................................................................62

16,000 copies delivered free of charge to all homes in the following areas: Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Park, Brampton, Buckden, Offord Cluny, Offord D’arcy, Godmanchester, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey, Cambourne, Chawston, Croxton, Duloe, Graveley, Great Paxton, Hail Weston, Honeydon, Little Barford, Little Paxton, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling.

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

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Harvest Time

By Sarah Davey

Take a look at a modern harvest festival and you’ll no doubt see many ‘urban’ offerings of pre-packed cakes and tins of sweet corn. It’s so easy to pop down to the supermarket these days we forget that until relatively recently in this country, people’s lives depended upon the success or failure of their crops.

Harvest festivals were a way to say thank you for a good harvest while trying to guarantee the fortune of the next one.

Saxon farmers offered the first cut sheaf of corn to the gods of fertility in order to please them and ensure they were kind the following year.

The last sheaf was used to make a Kern baby; a doll, dressed in white and trimmed with coloured ribbons to represent spring.

Most peasants were tenant farmers who farmed for a landowner. Harvest time meant weeks of back-breaking work, so it became a tradition for the landowner to host a harvest supper as a thank you to the whole community once the harvest was brought home safely.

There was no set date, but the celebrations generally took place around the time of the full Moon, known as the Harvest Moon.

Harvest festivals are closely associated with the church, but actually date back to Pagan times. It was 1843 before the Church became involved. The Reverend Robert Hawker invited members of his parish to a service of harvest thanksgiving at his Cornish church. The practice spread rapidly and led to the custom of decorating churches with harvest produce.

The story of John Barleycorn You may never have heard of him, but John Barleycorn is a character in a medieval folksong. He represents barley, the most important cereal crop of the harvest, and also the alcoholic beverages beer and whisky which were made from it.

In the song John Barleycorn suffers attacks, indignities and death which correspond to the various stages of the harvest such as reaping and malting.

It begins…

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There was three kings into the east, Three kings both great and high, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn should die.

They took a plough and plouh’d him down, Put clods upon his head, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn was dead.

The song has many verses and poor old John Barleycorn suffers dreadfully throughout, particularly when he’s ground between the milling stones! But the story has a neat twist as our hero, who’s finally turned to alcohol, wreaks his revenge on everyone who drank him so merrily, and they suffer for their sins the following morning with gargantuan hangovers!

It is a mark of how important the harvest was that there are more versions of this song than any other in the English language!

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QUE SERA

32 High Street, Buckden PE19 5XA More than just a gift shop

Come and choose from our wide range of curtain and upholstery fabrics by

Curtain and blind measurement and Make-Up Service Available Memorable Gifts - Fashions - Cards - Toys Homewares - Candles - Jewellery - Accessories Interior Design, Furnishings and Colour Matching

OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY 10am to 5pm www.queserashop.co.uk Tel: 01480 819639 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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September

TIME OF YEAR

It’s September, and as we move into autumn, take a moment on Saturday 15th to gaze up at a sky that has become a battlefield. Thousands of feet above you an armada of German bombers drones sluggishly towards London, while swarms of Spitfires and Messerschmitt 109s play what looks from down here like a deadly game of tag.

For this is not 2012 but 1940; and the Luftwaffe, believing the RAF beaten, has turned its attention from airfields and aircraft factories to industrial cities. But the battle you see overhead is the last of its kind. More than 1,500 aircraft of both sides are engaged in thrusts and parries that will last all day. Fighter Command is strong enough to stop the bombers getting through and to inflict heavy losses.

From now on the Luftwaffe will give up costly daylight raids and turn instead to night bombing.

The Battle of Britain is over. The Blitz has begun.

And Britain is safe from invasion. Imagine the relief people must have felt when the Battle of Britain was won and the threat was averted.

Not a bit of it! Operation Sealion had only been

Heinkel HE 111 during the Battle of Britain

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postponed, not cancelled. Britain had slaved all summer to strengthen its inadequate defences, and the work had to continue at the same breakneck pace. There was still, as General Brooke noted in his diary, the danger that Hitler had a surprise to spring: invasion fever had to be maintained!

With hindsight it’s clear that there never was much actual danger. Hitler’s tiny navy, his landingcraft improvised from Rhine barges, his air force of tactical bombers and short-range fighters, his negligible logistical tail, could never have mounted a large-scale amphibious operation against an enemy that grew stronger by the day.

But to Churchill, maintaining the fear of invasion was essential in order to head off the peace party led by his Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax. Under Chamberlain, Halifax had already approached Mussolini to act as an intermediary with Hitler; in the Cabinet meetings of May 1940, even as the Dunkirk evacuations were beginning, he proposed to try again and was only very narrowly defeated.

Churchill believed that peace would mean virtual slavery. Popular enthusiasm for the war had to be kept up at all costs. He was first buoyed by a surge of 1,500,000 volunteers for the Home Guard, formed on 14th May only four days after he took office; but Dunkirk, the Italian declaration of war on 10th June, and the French armistice on 22nd June weakened his hand.

His answer was to mobilise Britain and keep it mobilised. The south and east coasts were mined and wired. “Non-essential” civilians were evacuated from Kent and Essex. Romney Marsh was flooded. 28,000 concrete pill-boxes and 50,000 “fougasses” (petrol-based IEDs), were installed along 50 “stop lines” formed of hundreds of miles of anti-tank ditches 18ft deep and 11ft wide. Sockets just big enough for an anti-tank mine were dug in road surfaces. Bridges were wired and road-signs removed. The pace kept up well into 1941 when local invasion committees were formed and flame barrages were developed to defend the beaches.

People watched the work going on and if the defences were real, then the threat must be too.

Only in June 1941 when Hitler attacked Russia were invasion preparations scaled down. But it’s odd to reflect, all these years later, that Corporal Jones’s trusty cold steel was aimed not so much at Hitler as Lord Halifax.

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Naturally Beautiful

Home vs. High Street - By Helen Taylor We all love to try the latest beauty products and if you believe what you read on the packaging, you’ll wonder how you’ve ever lived without them.

There’s no doubt there are some great products out there that go a long way in making our hair shiny, keeping our skin moisturised and fighting off lines and wrinkles, and there’s certainly no doubt that we fork out a lot of money for them.

If you venture away from the High Street and look for a more ‘homemade’ approach to beauty, you’ll find cheap and surprisingly effective natural solutions that don’t rely on fancy packaging and big promises. Instead, they inspire you to start reaching into your kitchen cupboard rather than your bathroom cabinet whenever you fancy a beauty treat.

There’s no need to give up on your favourite products, but trying out some homemade hair, skin and body treats from time to time can leave you looking and feeling great and help with the budget too.

Because they’re all created with completely natural ingredients, homemade face-masks, scrubs and treatments make use of what nature has to offer and what’s more, they smell good enough to eat.

Try out our selection of the best.

Fresh Faced - Peach and Honey Face-mask Reap the rewards of this totally nourishing and revitalising natural face-mask that smells good enough to eat.

You’ll need: 1 peach, 3 teaspoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt It’s really easy to create the mask, simply skin the peach and mash the flesh with the honey and add the natural yoghurt. Work the ingredients in to a smooth paste and apply to a cleansed face and neck. Sit back and relax for 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Your skin should be left feeling soft, supple and nourished.

Luscious Locks - The Natural Way Thanks to its natural conditioning and moisturising properties, coconut oil is the perfect treat for damaged hair. It has a soothing and softening effect on both the scalp and lengths of hair.

You’ll need: A cup of coconut oil Massage the oil into the hair, paying particular attention to damaged lengths and ends. Apply

sparingly to the scalp - or not at all if your hair is in fairly good condition. Wrap the hair in clingfilm and cover with a warm towel for maximum conditioning benefit - the heat opens the hair shaft and allows the oil to penetrate.

Wash out with shampoo and condition as normal.

Glowing Skin - The Ultimate Homemade Exfoliator for the Body You’ll need: Sea salt, Almond oil and Grapefruit Known for its deep cleansing and therapeutic properties, sea salt is an essential part of this naturally nourishing scrub. Mix it together with grated grapefruit peel - to stimulate circulation and finish with almond oil that’s rich in essential fatty acids and the antioxidant vitamin E. After soaking in a warm bath, dry off and apply the mixture to the skin. Thoroughly exfoliate, paying attention to the areas that need it most.

Rinse off and moisturise.

Soften Up - Exfoliating and Moisturising Hand Treatment You’ll need: 1 ounce of ground almonds 1 teaspoon of clear honey 2 teaspoons of walnut or sunflower oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice A pair of moisturising mitts Combine all of the ingredients together to form a thick paste. Generously apply all over the hands and put on some mitts. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse off. Hands should be left feeling soft and smooth.

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BE CLEAR

ON CANCER Have you ever felt that food gets stuck in your throat when eating, or have you or someone you know been suffering from heartburn or indigestion on and off for three weeks or more?

If you notice any of these symptoms, tell your doctor straight away. The chances are that it’s nothing serious but it’s always best to get it checked out as soon as you can.

These symptoms could be signs of stomach cancer or oesophagus cancer. The oesophagus is the long tube (gullet) that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

There are almost 700 new cases of these two cancers in Anglia every year and they cause over 500 deaths annually in the region. Both cancers affect men and women, but are more common in men. More than nine out of 10 people who get cancer of the stomach or oesophagus are over 55.

So remember – you are not wasting anyone’s time

by getting your symptoms checked out, so make that trip to your doctor’s surgery. If it’s nothing to worry about, your mind will be put at rest. But if it is cancer of the stomach or oesophagus, early detection makes it easier to treat.

Seeing your doctor without delay may save your life.

Remember to see your doctor straight away if: • Food ever feels like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow, or • You’ve had heartburn or indigestion on and off for 3 weeks or more

The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more.

Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

(Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details

07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

C h r i s t m a s B o o k i n gs No w B e i n g Ta k e n To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Avoca

Mill Lane, Little Paxton, St Neots PE19 6EH

Focus on a great deal!

Not only can you own 100% of a new home yet pay just 80% now with a 5% deposit, you can also view our brand new Showhome Prices from

£199,996 with Fair Share*

Open daily 10am-5pm

01480 211263

kierhomes.co.uk

*Based on the following purchase price of £249,995 with the Fair Share Scheme you can purchase your new home for just 80% of the full purchase price. A minimum of 5% deposit is required of the full value of the property. The outstanding balance is financed through an ‘equity loan’ funded by Kier Homes, which is interest free for the first 5 years. The outstanding balance is paid back as a percentage of the Open Market Value after 10 years or subsequent re-sale, whichever occurs earliest. Fair Share is available on selected properties only. Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply, please refer to your sales advisor for more details. Prices correct at time of press. Photography of Avoca

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Return of the Town Centre Cinema

BY PETER IBBETT

St. Neots is leading the way in providing a new breed of town centre small cine-plexes (due to open next year) with the flexibility to put on a wide range of digital films and programmes to suit all tastes. History is the story of how people deal with new needs and technology, as the much altered 16th century (or earlier) Cressener House on the Huntingdon Street side of the site shows. Study it from the front and note that it is a fine example of a double crosswing medieval type building. Its interior still has original features with visible timber framing and was once offices for the St. Neots Urban District Council. The name was probably provided by Colonel Humbly Snr., who acquired the property in 1848, having obtained it from the Earl of Sandwich together with the Manors of Eynesbury Ferrars, Bulkeley and Cresseners.

(Robert Cressener acquired the manor in 1410.) It was probably originally a farm house on the edge of town, which in Victorian times still had a ‘close of pasture of one acre two roods together with Ropers barn with its two acres one rood and 24 poles of land’.

The first local cinema was in Eynesbury’s Osborne Yard off St. Mary’s Street, when Noah Hull (around 1912) ‘erected a ramshackle

wooden shed, with a tarpaulin roof and a few seats leaving most of the audience standing!’

It was the Corn Exchange (now replaced by the Leeds-Day building just over the road from Barratt’s store) which saw a ‘cinematograph’ presentation by a touring show company in 1896. It was only in 1915 that C.A. James, landlord of the Bridge Hotel, bought the Corn Exchange and turned it into a cinema with a pianist to provide the soundtrack. After a 1929 fire, which destroyed much of the interior, it was rebuilt as the Pavilion Cinema, with a gallery, which lasted until 1968. As a small boy, deposited by my grandfather to watch cowboy films on a Saturday morning, I soon learnt not to sit just under the gallery where objects would accidently fall onto those below!

Have YOU memories of the Pavilion Cinema?

The Community Archive group, based at the museum, would like to add memories to go with its photographic collection.

Please let the museum or pjibbett@aol. com know so that they can be added to the archives. The museum has an excellent shop which includes Mr Tebbutt’s book on St. Neots from which the historical information in this article is taken.

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Bedfordshire

Steam & Country Fayre 14th, 15th & 16th September 2012 Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade (SAT NAV SG18 9DX)

MANY GREAT ATTRACTIONS Steam, Tractors & Heavy Horses Working Demonstrations Steam Ploughing Miniature Steam Fairground Organs Flying Displays Working Crafts

Trade & Market Stalls Craft & Food Halls Working Dog Demonstrations Vintage Vehicles Old Time Fairground Morris Dancing Licensed Bar and Refreshments

Included FREE ADMISSION to The Shuttleworth Collection, Bird of Prey Centre and Swiss Garden Sat & Sun Adult

£5.00

Fri All ages

£8.00

Coach Parties Welcome - please contact us

FREE CAR PARKING

Caravan & Camping Area

Chartity no 291744

Contact for Booking Form

3 DAY EVENT

All Enquiries & Advanced Bookings to: Paul Worbey, Park Farm, Henlow, Beds. SG16 6DF Tel/Fax: 01462 851711 Mobile: 07850 195622 Email: show@bseps.org.uk

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£10.00

Sat & Sun Children (5-16 years)

Gates Open 9am

Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society www.bseps.org.uk

Admission Prices

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The Earth That Lies Under Our Feet

The Geology of Huntingdonshire The first meeting in our winter series of talks will be on Wednesday 12th September 2012 and will describe the geology of Huntingdonshire.

As usual this will be held at 7.30pm at Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton.

Ken Rolfe of the Cambridge Geology Club and Chris Donnelly of the Wildlife Trust will tell us the fascinating story of how our landscape was formed and what the Wildlife Trust is doing to help protect some of our best geological sites.

Ken and Chris will describe the geological strata such as the Oxford Clay laid down in the Jurassic period (evidenced by some fantastic fossils), to the more recent gravel deposits from the Anglian Glaciation period, which eventually resulted in today’s gravel pits that are now used for fishing, wildlife or as waste tips. Also related to the Ice Ages are the river terraces resulting from the rise and fall of the sea level.

Everyone is most welcome to attend.

Suggested donation: £2.00 members; £2.50 non-members. For more information please visit the website www.wildlifetrusthuntsareagroup.org.uk/ or contact Pat on 01480392706.

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BUCKDEN RECREATION GROUND

AND VILLAGE HALL TRUST Did you know that Buckden hides as secret; hidden away in a quiet little cul de sac near to the primary school is the Buckden Millennium Centre. The original Village Hall was extended in 1998/99 from the small run down hall that it was to the marvellous building it is today with the help of lottery funding and a magnificent fund raising effort within the village that raised over ÂŁ300,000. It is so good, that it was awarded the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Community Building of the Year award in 2007.

The aim of the Hall, which is managed on a day to day basis by the Buckden Recreation Ground & village Hall Trust, a registered charity (302629), is to provide for the social and recreational needs of the community.

Tucked away within its walls are numerous groups from the Pre-School Playgroup, which consistently receives favourable Ofsted reports, the Gardeners Association, Over Sixties groups & many more. Our sports teams, football and cricket (junior and seniors) have the benefit of a well maintained Memorial Playing Field and Pavilion on site. Children can play on the playground and mums and dads can enjoy a pleasant drink on the terrace of the Village Club overlooking the field. The site also boasts outdoor Bowls & Tennis Clubs with membership open to all residents. In order to oversee the everyday running of the Centre, there is a Management Committee staffed by volunteers from the various user groups within the village, they perform a vital role in not only

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making sure the charity is run in accordance with Charity Commission rules, but taking care of the fabric of the building and holding regular meetings to come up with ideas for attracting new user groups and events for the village to enjoy.

One way the Charity is able to carry on providing these enviable facilities for the village groups is to hire out the facilities, when there are gaps in the community diary for commercial events such as Company Training Days, parties and wedding receptions. The service and facilities provided are first class and the hire rates exceptionally competitive. The charity also rents out space to small local businesses so you can come along to the Centre for pampering treatments, get fit with our resident wonder woman, or buy a delicious cake from our onsite caterer. There is currently space available to rent which would be ideal for offices, treatment rooms, gym or consulting rooms.

But times are tough, and village amenities like this are under increasing pressure and threat of closure, to see them go would be saying goodbye to a way of life that has existed for many years and with it any sense of community.

This does not just apply to Buckden, but to villages throughout the country. The Centre Office is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday & 9am to 12noon on Fridays. The friendly staff would be happy to chat with you answer any questions you may have regarding any future booking. You can contact them on 01480 811101 or email bvht@btconnect.com

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Have you got your wristbands yet?

Live@40 is almost here Join us with your picnics and friends for this live family music event to celebrate 40 years of Little Paxton Primary School on September 22nd from 2.00pm-7.00pm.

Entry is via wristbands available from Little Paxton School Office, Little Paxton Primary School or at facebook LIVE@40 There will be live music from Jacen and the Rockernaughts, Memphis Underground and Beerbelly as well as a Beer tent, free bouncy castle slide, kids tuck shop and BBQ. Bring your deck chairs and gazebos.

In the event of wet weather the event will still go ahead.

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WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES We only use top quality products, including the latest ‘A’ energy rated frames and police preferred locking system.

LOOK AT THESE PRICES Windows fitted from ....................£250 Conservatories from ..................£3500 Doors PVCU/Composite ............£490

Glass units replaced from .............. £45 Roofline & Guttering from .......£35/m Garage Conversions from..........£2800

Porches, Sash Windows, Patio & French Doors, Bi-Folding Doors

WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN QUOTATION GUARANTEED!!!

01480 38 24 19

www.excelsiorwindows.co.uk 18

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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.

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

health & wellbeing

mobile

07557 282617

email

info@judylentonacupuncture.co.uk or visit

www.judylentonacupuncture.co.uk

Fun Quiz - Proverbs 1. According to a well known proverb, “good” what “make good neighbours”?

2. Which proverb, which warns someone from the dangers of inquisitiveness, was also the name of a 1980s pop group?

3. The slogan “Good things come to those who wait” was used to advertise which brand of alcoholic drink in the 1990s and 2000s?

4. According to a well known proverb, what “is the mother of invention”?

5. In the Bible, is the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament or the New Testament?

6. Which proverb was the title of the only UK number one hit single

by The Tremeloes?

7. Which former U.S. President is credited with popularising the phrase “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”?

8. Which play by William Shakespeare has a title that is also used as a proverb?

9. According to the well known proverb, what can’t you make from a sow’s ear?

10. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is a well known proverb, but with initial letters “A.S.L.T.W.”, which other proverb appears to contradict this?

1. Fences 2. Curiosity Killed The Cat 3. Guinness 4. Necessity 5. The Old Testament 6. Silence Is Golden 7. Harry S. Truman 8. All’s Well That Ends Well 9. A silk purse 10. Actions speak louder than words

Before

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After

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500 RESIDENTS BENEFIT

FROM SPORTS FESTIVAL IN THE PARK 2012

Over 500 people flocked to Hinchingbrooke Country Park on Sunday 22 July to take part in Huntingdonshire’s Sports Festival in the Park.

The event was organised as part of the London 2012 open weekends programme celebrating the countdown to the start of the Olympic Games.

The Festival provided a great opportunity for families to participate together. A wide range of activities were available to challenge people, and allow the opportunity to experience new sports.

Activities included archery, street dance, tennis, kayaking, golf, badminton, football, martial arts, hockey, mountain biking, sailing and many more.

The Festival was organised by Huntingdonshire District Councils Sport and Active Lifestyles Team with support from Countryside Services. All activities were delivered by local clubs for families to enjoy and thanks must go to Badminton England, Forces Fit, BRJ Running and Tri Club, John Letters Golf Academy, Grafham Water Centre, Huntingdon Outdoor Bowls Club, St Neots/St Ives Tang Soo Do and Aikido Clubs, Huntingdonshire Football Association, St Ives Cycling

Club, Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Stageworks Studios Performing Arts, Huntingdon Hockey Club and Huntingdon Tennis Club.

Councillor Tom Sanderson, who executive responsibilities include sport and active lifestyles, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed attending the day, it was good to see so many families taking part in all the activities on offer.”

For more information on any of these sports, or opportunities to join their clubs contact the team or visit www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/dash

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Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association Over 30 years experience

August Offer Book 1 treatment & receive 2nd 1/2 price!

A gentle but specific form of manipulation.

Treating the cause of the problem ..... so Often the Answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care

01480 436435

10% discount on initial visit www.brampton-chiropracticclinic.co.uk BUPA and PPP registered

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

Podiatry / Chiropody

Registered with all major health insurance companies

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

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E. info@woodfieldphysio.co.uk

www.woodfieldphysio.co.uk

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ARE YOU PREGNANT

OR THINKING ABOUT HAVING A BABY? HINCHINGBROOKE MATERNITY Hinchingbrooke Maternity Services Welcomes You to an OPEN DAY At Hinchingbrooke Hospital (PE29 6NT) in the Partnership Rooms On 6th October 2012 11.00am to 3.00pm Everyone is welcome to come along and see what we can offer you during your pregnancy and birth. A selection of maternity and baby related stands available to browse through.

Tours, light refreshments and advice available on the day, no need to book.

Designated car parking available.

What the Maternity Service Liaison Committee (MSLC) have said about Hinchingbrooke Maternity Services: B Brilliant team of dedicated and supportive midwives I Inviting and homely Midwifery Led Birthing Unit R Refurbished labour ward and facilities T Treating you with the individual care and respect you deserve H Helping you give birth the way you want

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Throughout life financial planning Better advice from your local friendly independent financial advisor

01480 477774 free initial consultation Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP Email: enquiries@premierplusltd.co.uk Web: www.premierplusltd.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Dedicated support for clients in relationship breakdown:

• • • • •

Separation Financial Settlements Change of Name Prenuptial Agreements Mediation

• • • • •

Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law

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

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

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It’s your life

choose your lawyer carefully As fun as the summer holidays can be, having the kids at home 24/7 can be stressful and can exacerbate tensions within the home. Family solicitors tend to report an increase in new client enquiries after family holidays such as in the New Year (after the Christmas holiday) and early September (after the Summer Holiday). But how do you decide which lawyer to represent you if you end up on the path to divorce?

The best recommendation is from a friend or family member who has used the solicitor before and is able to give their personal seal of approval. Whether the lawyer is recommended or not, it is a good idea to call the lawyer for an initial chat. If the lawyer is not prepared to take your call at that stage, rethink if you want to be a client of that lawyer?

Have a look at their website and see if you like what the lawyer does, and how they say they do it.

Hardly any one chooses the first pair of shoes they see, so it’s worth shopping around and meeting a few lawyers before making a

decision. Most family solicitors offer a free initial meeting. Sometimes this can be limited to 30 minutes, or a fixed charge for the first meeting might be made. This is an excellent opportunity to get some practical and sensible advice, as well as meet the lawyer for the first time without the anxiety of being presented with a bill before the real work has got under way. The lawyer should also be able to give you a broad idea at that stage about the work involved and the costs.

Prepare for that first meeting by drawing up a list of questions, and perhaps email details of your situation to the lawyer ahead of time so that they can digest and come to the meeting prepared. This will also save valuable time and allow you to use the meeting to focus on the main issues, rather than a fact finding session. www.legal500.com and www. chambersandpartners.co.uk are also widely used directories that survey lawyers nationwide and then rate the lawyer in geographical and specialism sectors. Using these directories is a good opportunity to back up what you have seen before making your final decision as to who to instruct. www.resolution.org.uk is an excellent resource where lots of helpful information about separation and divorce can be found.

Resolution is the national body of family lawyers whose aim is to help clients in relationship breakdown in an amicable and constructive way. There is a ‘find a lawyer’ resource, as well as details of those lawyers who are accredited as specialists in their chosen fields.

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Call now for a free consultation!

Having trouble keeping your books?

Let me take that hassle off your hands!

If you run your own business, are currently selfemployed or have a tax return to complete, you may be paying too much tax.

We are offering a FREE meeting to discuss this further.You have nothing to lose by finding out how much you could be saving.

to help you with your bookkeeping!

- BOOK KEEPING - YEAR END RETURNS - TAX RETURNS

Call Richard McMorran on 01480 470755 or email stneots@rjmcmorran.co.uk

- VAT/PAYE/CIS RETURNS

Offices with ample parking in Eaton Socon and Godmanchester

Tel: 07834 570071 Email: jackyharris@gmx.co.uk

Visit our website at www.rjmcmorran.co.uk

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Provide a simple straightforward service

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I’m OK

SO WHY PLAN Is life going as you had hoped? You have a mortgage and the children have gone to university, you are doing well at work, there is money in the bank and your pension is on track.

If the above is true you deserve credit for your achievements and perhaps a quick review by a competent financial adviser to see if any tax efficient or fund performance tweaks can be made.

If however you have got where you are more by luck than judgement consider the common theme to the following: - A business owner compares income and expenditure against a budget - A mortgage lender calculates whether you can afford the repayments prior to lending - A holiday abroad can involve booking injections and collecting currency - A long journey by car involves checking oil, water, battery, petrol and maps or satnav - When moving house you keep out the kettle, cups, tea and milk The obvious answer to all these is planning.

Tony Larkins CFP APFS Group Managing Director / IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner Beacon Financial Limited & Beacon Wealth Management Limited

We plan almost everything we do. Even walking the dog involves us deciding what to wear, when and where to go.

Most of what we do is done instinctively and can usually be easily corrected.

Financial Planning is however not so easily corrected.

Many people die without adequate life cover or retire without sufficient funds, both of which can put strain on your loved ones and possibly leaving them out of pocket. The reason could be because you have never seen it as important or think it’s too late.

If you sometimes feel your life’s financial journey is like driving to Scotland via the B roads and you think it could be easier, call us or speak to your usual adviser.

You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably for this type of planning speak to a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS), not a Certificated or Diploma qualified Financial Adviser. If you have a financial question e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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LISA LOGAN

CAMBRIDGE CAREER COACH finding work. I give them all the tools through coaching and mentoring in order to be able to go out there and secure their own work and get the satisfaction of knowing that they have done it themselves with my help.’

Lisa offers 3 packages all of which can be interchanged in order to tailor a package to suit the client’s specific requirements. ‘I also offer a one hour one to one consultation before deciding on a package so that the client can discuss what direction they want to go in and I can give them some advice on what I think may be best.’

With the unemployment rate now standing at a staggering 2.62 million in the UK, more and more people are finding it harder to secure jobs than ever before.

Cambourne Career Coach was started up

by Lisa Logan in 2011 and she services the Cambridgeshire area. Her clients include those who have just graduated from College through to those who are just wishing for a new career opportunity or a different career field altogether.

Lisa explains ‘I have been working in recruitment for over 14 years and I have been lucky enough to work for companies that I believe service the needs of clients and candidates equally. Unfortunately, there are some recruitment companies out there that do not take into consideration the candidates needs or desires and simply place people for the money and to hit targets! However, ALL agencies to a certain extent tend to neglect the candidates who do not fit into the mainstream recruitment mould. That is why I decided to start up as a career coach.

To me, every candidate is important and their needs and aspirations are of top priority. Every person I work with has 100% dedication of my time and effort to help them in every aspect of 32

For more information on the packages and pricing please contact Lisa on 07957 986725 or email cambournecareercoach@googlemail.com

Cambourne Career Coach • Over 15 years experience coaching people into new careers and jobs from CV writing and preparation for interview through to actually searching for the right job and securing your dream role.

• Previous clients have been mums returning to work, students and people who have been made redundant.

• Everyone welcome from the unemployed to those looking for a new challenge.

• Bronze, Silver and Gold packages available tailored to suit all budgets.

• Initial one to one consultations available.

Call Lisa on 07957 986725 for more information or email cambournecareercoach@googlemail.com

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33

GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.

•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available

td encing L 9 2HX r Gilks F G1 fo S s s s d e re d B New Ad , Sandy, y a g n li ad, Gam rove Ro

D

Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com

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1000 years of milling

continues at Houghton Mill

Work is currently underway at Houghton Mill to install a new set of millstones so more grain can be milled in the traditional way at the National Trust site.

Houghton Mill has stood on the banks of the River Great Ouse for over a thousand years.

Today, the mill entertains and enthrals visitors, both young and old, by immersing people in a way of life that has long since been consigned to the history books.

The Mill currently has a set of millstones which usually operate every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, however in response to demand, the volunteer team are installing a new set of French Burr stones over the next few months which will be able to be used on a daily basis.

“It’s a fascinating project” says Phil O’Donoghue, Property Operations Manager at Houghton Mill. “The mill really comes to life when the millstones are working, but because they can only work when the river level is at a certain point, our volunteer millers are only able mill flour on specific days”. Phil continues “Visitors to the mill love to see how it all works, they get to smell the grain being ground, feel the building shudder under the weight of the stones, and even get taste some of the results.

It really does bring the building and its history to life, but you really have to experience it to believe it”.

Houghton Mill hopes that the installation of the new stones will enable them to be able to produce more flour to sell on a commercial basis, helping to bring in the much needed

income to maintain the building and ensure that everyone who visits has a great time.

The project is at its halfway point, with planning consent agreed and work in progress. Visitors can see the on-going work and get an update on the project when the mill is open. The stones are scheduled to be installed in September, and working by the end of the year.

Come along and see the work being carried out and sample the delights of the riverside tea room where our famous scones and nearly all of the cakes are baked on site using freshly milled stone ground flour.

If you would like further information about the mill, or would like to find out how you can become a Houghton Mill volunteer, please contact us on 01480 301494.

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LAWN CARE

FOR SEPTEMBER The Autumn Renovation Programme begins this month; thatch and compaction are two of any lawns major problems and now is the best time to tackle them.

Scarification and Over Seeding (Special Offer - 25% off this month) September’s Scarification Remove the thatch, the dead and the weak grass, and open up the surface to allow the lawn to breathe and over seed with a quality grass seed.

Autumn Aeration Soil compaction is a frequent cause of turf deterioration and moss invasion; this is the process whereby 10 – 15cm (4-6”) holes are “mechanically punched” in to the lawn allowing air in to the roots of the grass encouraging a more vigorous and greener lawn.

Autumn Feed This feed is another important part of any lawn care programme. Our fertiliser is high in Phosphate and Potassium with additional Iron for

that dark green look and moss prevention.

Actions required in September • Raise cutting height to 1 ½ inches (3.5-4 cm) • Scarify lawn • Aerate lawn and over seed • Combine an Autumn feed with an early moss control Some of the above tasks can be carried out by the lawn owner; other tasks may need some professional intervention.

Ask for a quote for a Lawn Renovation - 25% off this month For more information about ProLawnCare Ltd services on offer Call Deborah or Richard on 01480 812393 e-mail- info@prolawncare.co.uk Got a Question? Ask the Lawn Ranger www.prolawncare.co.uk/lawnranger.asp Lawn Fact: The turf laid for the Olympics will remain a legacy to the games and provide recreational and environmental benefits in London.

Unique Landscape We specialise in

Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more

Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401 e:sales@uniquelandscape.co.uk

www.uniquelandscapes-huntingdon.co.uk

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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 ÂŁ6.00/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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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

LEARN@PLAY LTD. The easy way!

CYNDY FIDDY (BA, MA Ed.) EDUCATION CONSULTANT T: 01480 385960/07958 278417 E: cyndyfiddy@education-learn-play.co.uk W: www.education-learn-play.co.uk

I am an ex headteacher who has spent 30 years in primary schools. I am starting a new business in which I run creative art workshops aimed at those who have, or work with children and those who want to develop their own artistic skills. My emphasis is on extending learning using play as a vehicle.

Activities are run at various community locations in Cambridgeshire and can also be tailor made to meet your own needs or be delivered in your own setting eg. Community centre, residential centre, school, clubs, support groups etc.

If you would like to take part in any of the activities I have to offer then please contact me using one of the routes above.

Prices are competitive - £35 for a half day workshop or £65 for a whole day per person.

Resources and refreshments are also provided. Some of the activities on offer include: Calligraphy Painting Printing Drawing Puppets Weaving Paper Craft Word games Earring Making Moving cards Book Making Story Telling Team Building Starting School Helping Children Read Writing for Fun and much more…….

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39

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

BY JAMES BAGGOTT

If you asked a bloke to build a car – the sort that drinks real ale, has a hairy chest, likes football (maybe rugby) and ‘birds’ – you could probably guess what you would end up with.

It would have a big engine. Actually, scrap that.

It would have a MASSIVE engine. It would need to be rear wheel drive. It would have lots of toys to impress his mates and confuse his wife/bird/life partner. And it would need to look flash. Oh, and probably be German.

Let us introduce you, then, to the car that Dave Down The Duck built - the Mercedes E63 AMG must have been built by someone with more testosterone than an end of school prom.

Let’s talk numbers first. Under the bonnet you will find a 5.5 litre V8 with two turbos. It produces a frankly ridiculous 557bhp and, with the AMG pack (£6,495) fitted to our test car, 800Nm of torque. This is about the same as a Harrier Jump Jet. Probably. It will hit 60mph in just four seconds and is limited (quite heavily) to 155 mph.

Oh, and it has seven gears. Even the price tag is whopping – off the shelf it’s £74,695, but our test car with what appears to be every optional extra box ticked, weighed in at £91,245.

And what does all that mean? It means this is one scary super saloon. Not only does it sound like a Spitfire at full chat, but it’s football hooligan lairy.

At 70 mph on a wet road it has the grunt to spin up the rear wheels. In fact at any speed, on pretty much any road, it has the power to spin up the rear wheels. Which is scary and smile inducing

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in equal measures. On the road, traction control fully engaged, it flickers its warning lights on the exit of even supermarket car parks. On the track, with the safety nets disengaged it is weapons grade bonkers. But bloody brilliant.

Inside, the switchgear – and the fact there’s a Boeing-load of it – takes a while to get used to, but it’s incredibly comfortable. That’s probably something to do with the heated, cooling and massaging seats. The seats are so clever that they even inflate the side bolsters to hold you in place when you go around corners.

And talking of clever, that’s one thing that gets up my nose a little about the Merc. It’s all a little bit too smart. No one wants their car to be cleverer than they are and at times the Merc certainly feels a bit too Skynet for my liking.

However, as super saloons go, this Merc certainly has the right ingredients. It’s stupidly fast, sounds amazing and is long-haul comfortable. It’s just a little tougher to get to grips with than its biggest rival, the BMW M5, which is why we’d go for the Beemer instead.

Model: Mercedes E63 AMG Price: £91,245 (as tested) Engine: 5.5-litre, V8 Power: 557bhp, 800Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 4.0s MPG (comb’d): 28.8 Emissions: 230g/km Verdict: Bonkers fast, bonkers sound and bonkers price tag.

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41

Make Small Bigger!

By sarah davey

We all wish our living space was bigger. But you don’t have to move house. A bit of creative thinking may be all you need.

Declutter Clear everything out the space you want to enlarge. Go through paperwork and only keep essential stuff. Give away or sell unused items and duplicates. Only move things back into the space if that have a place and a purpose.

Think Light Light colours on walls and floors make a space seem airy. But don’t be dull. Use one strong accent colour on a wall or in an alcove to create a feeling of space within a space.

Mirror Magic An oversize mirror will instantly make a small space appear twice the size.

Create storage Use neat fitted handle-less cupboards with flush doors to create a minimalist feel.

Supersize!

Placing one larger feature piece of furniture in a small space sounds counterintuitive, but it provides a focus and a talking point. The rest of the furniture should be slightly scaled down and lighter in colour, to create a feeling of space around the focal point.

BE TIDY Nothing destroys that airy feeling like mess!

15% DISCOUNT ON ALL WORK CARRIED OUT OVER £50 WITH THIS ADVERT

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

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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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

LAMB AND AUBERGINE CURRY

This quick curry is so easy to make and much cheaper than a take away. We’ve used lean lamb steaks but you could replace the lamb with pork fillet, chicken or turkey.

Serves 4 Ready in 50 minutes INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp sunflower oil 650g lean lamb steaks, cut into chunks 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 large aubergine, cut into cubes 2tbsp Rogan Josh curry paste 400g sieved tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish Chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onion, to serve 1 Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a large deep frying pan.

Add the lamb chunks and fry over a high heat until browned all over. Remove the lamb from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2 Add the rest of the oil to the pan and fry the onion and aubergine for 7-8 minutes, stirring all the time until golden. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute then pour in the sieved tomatoes and bring to the boil.

3 Return to the lamb to the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the lamb is tender.

Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if needed.

3 Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the curry in warmed bowls garnished with coriander and with chapattis, sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onions.

TIP You’ll find jars of curry pastes in most supermarkets and they certainly take all the hassle out of making an authentic tasting curry at home. Rogan josh is a medium-hot paste but for a really mild flavour use a korma paste or go for a vindaloo paste if you prefer a curry with a little more heat.

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45

DOG WALKING SUCCESS

AT Paxton PITS

Rangers at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all those dog walkers who complied with a dogs-on-leads policy along key sections of path during the bird breeding season.

In the spring they set about putting up signs and contacting dog owners to ask them to keep their dogs on leads when walking through the reserve to ensure that any ground-nesting birds are not disturbed. They also made a point of talking to every dog walker they met when out and about.

As all of the signs were immediately vandalised, rangers didn’t expect a very positive response, but were encouraged by the attitude of the majority of dog walkers. Once they understood the particular problem for ground-nesting birds, they agreed to either put their dogs on leads or to use another path away from high densities of birds. The result was beneficial for wildlife

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(18 nightingales sang next to the path on the Heron Trail) and it was good for visitors as they experienced less dog fouling and there were fewer incidents or complaints from the public.

Darren Tysoe, Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: “The whole point of a nature reserve is to act as a ‘nature reservoir’ that can produce abundant wildlife to populate the surrounding area and beyond. It is also a place where people can learn about and enjoy nature. The cooperation we received from local dog walkers has meant that we can continue to provide a safe haven for our breeding birds.”

After two years of drought and this year’s wet spring rangers are still worried about falling numbers of nightingales and other summer migrants, but hope that this year they will produce a bumper crop of youngsters. The first signs are good, but it is not possible to really know how good or bad a year it has been at this stage.

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CODEWORD

1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play It’s simple! 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 puzzle.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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49

S B Driveways

Tel 01487 822993 / 07966 523239

For Block Paving New and Old Repaired and Relayed Patio Laying Service, Paths, Shed Bases and Fencing.

Plus Mini Digger Hire with Man Available Driveways Gravelled Also Tree Service Available New Lawns Laid All work carried out by Experienced Staff Recommendations and Portfolio of work available on request Free Estimates

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

07842 195152 01480 811629 50

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51

WINNING DONATION FROM

Little Paxton Scarecrow Festival Committee The Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve are delighted to have received a surprise cheque for £200 from the Little Paxton Scarecrow Festival Committee.

The Friends try to take part in as many local events as possible in an attempt to strengthen their support in the community. They provide many hours of volunteer work to maintain the reserve which makes Little Paxton a more attractive place to live.

Every year The Friends have a stand at PaxFest, Diddington Fete and a dozen other events in the local calendar, including the Little Paxton Scarecrow Festival.

Huntingdonshire District Council’s Senior Ranger, Jim Stevenson, said: “Huntingdonshire Countryside Rangers always make a scarecrow or two for the festival. This year our Wildlife Trust Education Officer, Debbie Mckenzie, raised the stakes by putting out a scarecrow that was much better than ours, but neither of us came near the

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standard set by some of the households in the village.”

The Scarecrow Festival is organised to be fun and to build community spirit, but it also raises money for local charities and this year Rangers were delighted to receive the cheque presented by Jacqui Clarke, chairman of the Scarecrow Festival Committee.

The donation was put to good use by providing a new floor in the Hayden Hide, and work was carried out by rangers and midweek volunteers.

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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

Email: annfryer.lad@googlemail.com OR Telephone 07504382919 Email: stephdennis64@uwclub.net OR Telephone 01487 830219 L.A.D offer support and signposting to relevant organisations to enable individuals to cope with the emotional trauma of debt.

Drop in Centre at The Methodist Church, Eyensbury, St Neots 6.30 Until 8.30PM We also have a Counsellor that can offer emotional support.

To book an appointment in Sawtry, Huntingdon, St Neots or Papworth please contact the above.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st - Paul James from Letchworth 2nd - Mrs. A Wallace from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com

sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 19th September 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Smaller (6) 9 Hair cleanser (7) 10 Spin (5) 11 Freight (5) 12 Advantage (7) 13 Always (11) 18 Tolerant (7) 20 Arrive at (5) 22 Expel (5) 23 Apparent (7) 24 Dismal (6) 25 Floats (6) Down 1 Bug (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Prop up (7) 5 Consumed (5) 6 Accomplished (7) 7 Tell (6) 8 Mixture (11) 14 Exterior (7) 15 Appearance (7) 16 Scatter (6) 17 Phantoms (6) 19 Insert (5) 21 Bypass (5)

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55

VOLUNTEERS CREATE

AMPHIBIAN REFUGE

Jim Milligan, a Countryside Services Ranger with Huntingdonshire District Council said: “The volunteers did a great job in creating this wildlife shelter, a habitat created to provide a place for some of our frogs, toads and newts to hibernate this winter. The recent rain made the digging much easier, and despite the muddy conditions everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

A volunteer group from the Youth Offending Service spent a morning helping to create a hibernaculum at Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

The team, from Cambridgeshire County Council’s Huntingdon office, contacted staff at Hinchingbrooke Country Park to see if they could organise an environmental day where they could get involved with a project to support local wildlife.

The team arranged to spend the day creating a hibernaculum which involved digging out a patch of ground before filling it with old logs and finally covering it back over with earth.

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what’S ON?

IN SEPTEMBER

1 September Little Paxton Church Reopens Following refurbishment, the church will reopen 1 Sept.

1 September Keysoe Village Show Schedules are now available for the Keysoe Village Show.

Copies and more information is available from 01234 378878 or penny.heming@btinternet.com.

1 September Buckden Gardners Association Autumn Show 3.30pm Admission 50p Village Hall, Buckden Displays of floral art, fruit, vegetables, flowers, craft and cookery. Raffle and refreshments with home-made scones.

Wide range of classes to suit everyone. Tel: Pam 01480 811680 for a schedule or more information on entering.

2 September Scarecrow Competition Come and visit the Parishes of Wyboston, Chawston and Colesden to see the amazing scarecrows. Pick up map from Wyboston Village Hall (MK44 3AU). www.wybostonvillagehall.com Tel: Susie 01234 376098 2 September & 7 October Model Railway Open 2-5 pm 14 Boardman Close, Little Paxton Free admission, donations welcome Gauge 1 radio controlled model railway in the garden.

Refreshments. Proceeds to St James’ Church .

3, 10, 17 & 24 September Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Meets every Monday except Bank Holidays. Over 18s only (Licensed premises). Tel: John:07912 935868 Email: ozzie.day5@gmail.com 5 September Herbs 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2 Little Paxton Gardening Club will hear about herbs – their cultivation and propagation - in a talk from John Webster.

New members always welcome. Annual membership is only £5 per person plus £1 per meeting. Tel: Jane 01480 218805 6-9 September Heritage Open Days Co-ordinated by Bedford Borough.

Web: www.heritageopendays.org.uk or www.bedford.gov. uk/heritageopendays 8 September Crafty B’s Craft Fair 11am-5pm Bourn Golf & Leisure, Toft Road, Bourn Crafts, gifts, raffle, cakes, baby gifts, homeware and more.

Craft workshops by Hobbycraft, Cambridge. Morning and afternoon sessions – book early as places are limited. In aid of Rosie Hospital Campaign. Email: mrscraftyb@gmail.com Web: www.mrscraftyb.co.uk

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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 14 September Festival of Social Enterprise Cambridgeshire 10am-3pm The Eco Innovation Centre, Peterscourt, City Road, Peterborough, PE1 1SA Promoting social enterprise collaboration. Support Young Lives’ Young People’s Enterprise Centre, Peterborough (www.facebook.com/pages/young-peoples-enterprise) Some of the UKs leading social entrepreneurs come together to sharing experiences of creating businesses.

14, 21 & 28 September Friday Night Project 7.30-9.30pm Godmanchester Baptist Church Entrance 50p Re-starting 14 September. For young people in school years 7-13. PlayStation 3 and Wii, tuck shop, pool, table tennis, table football and air hockey. Plus special events.

Tel: For details and booking phone 01480 458565 Web: www.godmanchesterbaptist.org 14 September Went the Day Well? (1942) 8pm St Ives Corn Exchange £5 from the Corn Exchange or book online September 1939 the world went to war. The residents of Bramley End, a tiny English village, doubt the identity of a group of soldiers who are billeted there. Are they German spies? Screen St Ives is the community cinema providing affordable, quality entertainment on 2nd Friday of month.

Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 15 September Autumn Fayre & Village Flower Festival 11am-5pm Holy Trinity Church, Great Paxton Soup, lunches and cream teas. Local produce stalls. Local history and St Neots Museum displays. Jewellery and craft stalls. All proceeds to Holy Trinity Church Repair Fund.

15 September Harvest Supper & Auction Evening Wyboston Village Hall (MK44 3AU) Entrance by Ticket only. www.wybostonvillagehall.com Tel: Susie 01234 376098 15 September Concert in aid of RAFA Wings Appeal 7.30pm St Ives Free Church £8, Concessions £7 Tickets available from “Just Sharing” at St Ives Free Church: 01480 496570. Reservations: 01480 450656 Web: http://www.huntingdonshireconcertband.com 16 September Animal Fun Day 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Adults £2, Children free Novelty dog show and dog games. Get up close with the animals at feeding time. Shepreth Wildlife Park with some creepy crawlies and South Wales Police Horse & Dog display - come and meet the police dogs and get the chance to visit the police horse box.

Web: www.woodgreen.org.uk

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what’S ON? IN SEPTEMBER

17 September NSPCC Cambridge Dining Club 12.00 noon for 12.30 prompt £16.50 two course meal and coffee La Mimosa, Thompson Lane, Cambridge NSPCC Cambridge Dining Club meets five times a year and welcomes both men and women. A guest speaker talking about the life saving work of the EAAA. Tel: Kate 01954 719745 Email: cfm.armstrong@gmail.com 18 September “Take it as it comes” Flower arranging demonstration 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton All welcome. Visitors £6, including refreshments Flower arranging demonstration by Sue Sewell with the title “Take it as it comes”.

20 & 27 September Explorers Club 6.30-7.45pm Entrance 60p Godmanchester Baptist Church Thursday evenings. Re-starting 20 September 2012. Weekly Club for children in school years 3-6. Activities, crafts, stories and games. Tel: 01480 458565 Web: www.godmanchesterbaptist.org 20-22 September Calendar Girls 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee on 22 September The Priory Centre, St Neots £12, Concessions £10 The St Neots Players present the international hit comedy “Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth. Join the intrepid ladies of Knapley Women’s Institute as they dare to bare all for charity at The Priory Centre. Tel: Priory Centre Box Office 01480 388922 Web: www.stneotsplayers.co.uk 21 September Quiz Night 7.30pm Little Paxton Village Hall Tickets £5 including supper Teams of up to 6 people. Licensed bar. Proceeds in aid of St James Church building project (CHUFT).

Tickets: Lee 07931 315648 or lm.duncan@ntlworld.com

25 September The Victorian Landscape 7.30-9.30pm Godmanchester Community Primary School, Park Lane, Godmanchester Course fee: £48 10 week course with tutor David Bond. Changes in the landscape in the Victorian era. Towns, cities and the countryside: religious and conservation movements; the significance of transport and leisure.

Tel: Lin Fleming 01480 468055 26 September Charity Tea 3pm Dalton Hall, Upper Dean £7.50 Charity Tea to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to raise funds for Acorn Cancer Support. There will be a flower arranging demonstration by Diane Morthwood and a raffle.

Tickets: Shirley 01933 461280 or Carol 01832 710339 30 September The Lodge House and its gardens Phone to book a tour time RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £5, RSPB Members £4, Children £3, under 12s and RSPB Wildlife Explorers free Ever wondered what it’s like inside the large old house at The Lodge?

We’ll be opening the doors to show you around today, with local historians Derek Niemann and Barry Groom giving tours around the old mansion, now the RSPB’s working Headquarters. We’ll also have experts on hand to show the special trees and plants that fill the organic gardens.

Booking essential. Please pay in advance.

Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

22 September Silent Walk 11am-12.30pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £4, RSPB Members £3, Children £3 (not suitable for under 16s) A sensory, silent walk to experience stillness and silence through the body, using meditation, breathing and awareness to connect with nature. Booking essential Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge

30 September Autumn Benefit Concert 3.30pm £10, Concessions £8, Students £5, Under 10s free St Helena & St Mary Church, Bourn Principal musicians from Caxton Swing, featuring the Choir and Soloists from Bourn Primary Academy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some excellent swinging jazz and enjoy the talents of this young choir and soloists!

More details: Kate Armstrong NSPCC South Cambridgeshire 01954 719745

22 September Live@40 2-7pm Join us with your picnics and friends for this live family music event to celebrate 40 years of Little Paxton Primary School. Entry is via wristbands available from Little Paxton School Office, Little Paxton Primary School or at Facebook LIVE@40. Live music, beer tent, free bouncy castle slide, kids tuck shop and BBQ. Bring your deck chairs and gazebos. If weather wet the event will still go ahead.

3 October Hens at the bottom of my garden 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2 Little Paxton Gardening Club will hear about the pleasures of rearing chickens from Richard Thompson. New members are always welcome at our meetings. Annual membership is only £5 per person plus £1 per meeting.

Tel: Jane Hill, Secretary, 01480 218805

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Flossing

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line, which could cause gum disease and tooth decay. Recent research shows that diseased gums are responsible for the release of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream, which can then contribute to heart disease. Flossing should form part of our daily dental hygiene routine, but to be effective needs to be done properly. Here’s how!

Choose your floss. If your teeth are close together, try a waxed version which slides easier between the teeth.

Break off about 18 inches of floss, wind around the middle finger of each hand until 1-2 inches remain and pull tightly between the thumb and index finger.

Using a gentle ‘rocking’ motion, guide the floss between the teeth until it reaches the gum line, then gently guide the floss up and down against the side of the tooth and under the gum line.

Using a clean section of floss, repeat for the next

tooth and continue the process until all teeth have been treated, not forgetting to floss the side of the teeth at the back of your mouth!

The jury is still out on whether it is best to floss before or after brushing, but the most important thing is to do it. It isn’t just good for fresh breath, it’s good for the health of your entire body!

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 62

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Clas s i fi e d s Construction

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

Plumbing & Heating

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 Yoga Classes

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To find out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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“The Property Market is Moving!”

Just take a look at all these recent sales.

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We URGENTLY NEED MORE HOUSES TO SELL The shortage of good quality property in all price ranges means that we are now achieving higher prices than at any other time in the last 18 months!

To help with your move, WE ARE OFFERING A MOUTH WATERING PROMOTION Instruct us to sell your home in September 2012 we PROMISE to discount our standard fees, prepare a FREE Energy Performance Certificate and pay YOUR SOLICITOR’S fee for selling.

Contact your nearest office for full terms and conditions.

Please note that if you have instructed another agent we would advise you to check any agreement you may have to ensure you are not liable for more than one commission by instructing us as your agent.

Cambourne 01954 710 700

Huntingdon 01480 447 457

www.malcolmsproperties.co.uk