Cambs sept 13

VILLAGER The

Issue 53 - September 2013

and Town

Life

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

Covering: Buckden • Brampton • Cambourne • Godmanchester The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas

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VILLAGER The

In this Issue

Issue 53 - September 2013

and Town

Life

4

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

St Neots East Street Poisoner

By Peter Ibbett

Covering: Buckden • Brampton • Cambourne • Godmanchester The Hemingfords and all surrounding areas

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Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Tony Larkins, Peter Ibbett, Fiona McLeman, Christine Donnelly, Sarah Davey, Louise Addison and James Baggott Front Cover Photo: Dom15 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.

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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

St Neots Food and Drink Festival....................................................................6 New Grafitti Artwork...........................................................................................8 The Great Fen Nature Restoration Project................................................ 10 Welsh Medieval Pilgrimage........................................................................... 12 Wildlife Wanderings......................................................................................... 14 Super Sunset Photos........................................................................................ 17 Sherree Valentine Daines - Gallery 1066................................................... 18 MILHEFAS Scheme............................................................................................ 20 Kimbolton Pool Timetable............................................................................. 22 Look Like You’ve Lost Lbs Guaranteed...................................................... 24 Separating Together......................................................................................... 26 Five C’s for Co-Parenting................................................................................. 29 Low Interest Rates and Complacency........................................................ 31 Arboriculturalist or Tree Lopper................................................................... 34 Lawn Care............................................................................................................. 36 Flower of the Month......................................................................................... 38 Children’s Page................................................................................................... 41 New Range Rover Sport.................................................................................. 43 Get Over Your Ex................................................................................................ 44 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................................... 48 Care Network Cambridgeshire..................................................................... 51 Stay Out Of Debt............................................................................................... 52 Marie Curie........................................................................................................... 56 What’s On............................................................................................................. 58 Brickhill Book Bug Reviews............................................................................ 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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The St. Neots East Street Poisoner

BY PETER IBBETT

A visitor to St. Neots might be forgiven for assuming that the town was building a new multi-storey car park just off Cambridge Street to attract more visitors to its local attractions and shops. The stark steel skeleton, however, will soon be a new cinema complex where daily you will be able to watch the latest digital offerings of the film industry from gentle romance to high definition multi-media death and destruction.

The opening night has been delayed a little to allow the constructors to move the edifice three feet away from nearby East Street residents who pointed out that the ugly duckling they didn’t want next to them did not conform to the planning permission!

East Street had been allotments until the first building plots were advertised in 1866 with a new street by 1871 full of annoyed residents refusing to pay rates until they were given paving and lighting. The current residents of may not be aware that back in 1898 a drama was played out in one of the houses in their quiet street worthy of a forthcoming film in their new neighbour.

A new resident moved into East Street in

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October 1897. Annie Holmes had come to St. Neots hoping to make a new start for herself and her three young children but was found dead of strychnine poisoning in January 1898.

Cousin Walter Horsford was arrested, tried at Huntingdon and executed at Cambridge.

Julia Joyce has fully researched the case using newspaper accounts and Home Office files to produce a Kindle e-book (The St Neots Poisoning Case). Some details are also available in the St Neots History Society Newsletter 36 (copy in Library and latest edition available from Waterstones bookshop). The old police cells in the town’s museum not only give an authentic feel for the surrounding in which criminals were kept but also have display material about a range of local crimes. If you are a teacher you can find KS2 & KS3 materials for this case at the Victorian Crime & Punishment site. (vcp.e2bn.org/case_studies).

Perhaps local drama and film groups could enable St. Neots folk to see a film or play about how Victorian crime methods unmasked the poisoner and enjoy a World Premier in the new cinema! Let me know (pjibbett@aol.com) if you are interested!

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a roaring success!

St Neots debut Food & Drink Festival Thousands flocked to St Neots town centre to enjoy the town’s debut Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 3 August. The Market Square was awash with the sights, sounds and smells of people enjoying the festivities, sampling and eating great food. Crowds gathered to enjoy the live music put on by Wham and George Michael tribute act Whamtastic, as well as St. Neots Singers, Subject to Change and Tom Bryans.

Children could be seen enjoying the many activities put on for them including sand art, face painting and glitter tattoos. The Heart FM Radio Angels also came down to hand out goodies to the children.

At 1pm came the gastronomic highlight of the day, when TV chef and St Neots resident, Dale Pinnock came out onto the square to do cooking demonstrations sampling recipes from his new book. He was also on hand to do book signings for his Medicinal Cooking book, on sale at Waterstones in St Neots.

By far the highlight of the day was the charity duck race at 2pm. Tickets were sold out before the race with over 1700 yellow plastic ducks being launched into the river by the Mayor and special guest Stephanie Duker, who received chemotherapy treatment at the Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

After a long slog to the finish line the winning duck was pulled out of the water and first prize was awarded to 8 year old Alfie Skinner from St Neots, who took home a Kindle. Other prizes awarded to the top placed ducks included £100 Hotel Chocolat chocolate vouchers, £50 Barrett’s

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voucher, personal training sessions and much more.

The event was organised by St Neots Town Centre Manager, Katie Williams and two Mumpreneurs, Sarah and Asli of the recently established local events management company, Be on Cloud Nine Events.

Katie Williams, St Neots Town Centre Manager said “I am thrilled with the success of this event.

The footfall in the town centre was the highest I have ever seen in my time as Town Centre Manager and I have received countless positive comments from the public about how much they enjoyed the day. Traders at the event were busy from throughout and some even had to re-stock when they ran out of supplies early! Town Centre retailers also benefited, with some commenting that Saturday was the busiest day they had seen in the town for years. It was a pleasure work with Be On Cloud Nine Events to put on this special event for the town and we will definitely be bringing the Food Festival back to St Neots next year in the hope that it will grow and flourish even more.”

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EstatesDirect.com is a national company founded by Darren Richards, a prolific entrepreneur and founder of the UK’s largest dating website, DatingDirect. com. Darren has since built up a property portfolio in excess of £10 million and knows exactly what a homeowner looks for when marketing a property.

These experiences led him to question the costs involved with buying, selling and letting property.

Being charged a percentage of your properties value means the more your property is worth, the more you pay for the same service.

The question is, why should you pay more? These findings led to a conversation with Ben Grove and the inception of EstatesDirect.com.

Ben has spent the last 12 years in online property and marketing, working for some of the biggest property and advertising brands including the REA Group, Propertyfinder.com and Newsquest.

Ben comments: “Why pay four times as much for something that you can buy for a fair, fixed fee with the same service and no downside?

“One of the great things about EstatesDirect.com is that we are not an ‘online agent’. We are internet and property specialists with Agents operating in all areas of the UK. Our Local Property Specialists work in smaller refined territories, with no expensive offices to open and run, giving them more time to spend with their customers and provide excellent service.”

We charge a fair fixed fee to sell or let any property, regardless of its value, and pass the savings onto you, the property owner. From the initial FREE market appraisal through to the viewings and the subsequent sale or let of your property, we pride ourselves on offering a personal, professional and consultative one-to-one service.

Angela Williams is the Local Property Specialist for the area. Having undergone extensive training and supported by a dedicated team with many years experience in the estate agency business, Angela says, “I am the Local Property Specialist for EstatesDirect.com and when it comes to moving home everyone’s circumstances, needs, wants and motivations are different. I am excited to now offer my services to the residents of Huntingdonshire. I am extremely passionate about making moves happen and can give advice on marketing properties to as many targeted buyers and tenants as possible and will help home movers to understand their properties greatest potential.” By instructing EstatesDirect.com you can save thousands. An average Huntingdonshire homeowner would save over £3000 including VAT, compared to a traditional agent charging a commission fee of 1.5%.

Interested? See how much you can save marketing your property through EstatesDirect.com by visiting the website and using the online savings calculator.

To contact your Local Property Specialist call Angela Williams on 01480 400454 or contact us via the website for a free, no obligation market appraisal of your home.

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NEW GRAFFITI ARTWORK

AT BARFORD ROAD

A derelict pumping station on the riverbank and a brick bridge at Barford Road Pocket Park in Eynesbury, St Neots have recently been given an overhaul by local graffiti artist, Johnnie Barton, and students from Ernulf Academy.

Accompanied by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Countryside Services, the team embarked on spray painting new murals on the bare brick surfaces, and now designs of watery landscapes and wildlife pictures relating to the park can be seen.

Councillor Darren Tysoe, Executive Councillor for Environment, said: “The talent shown by Johnnie and the students is amazing. The walls have been given a new lease of life. It’s great to see artwork by local students showcased for everyone to see, and we hope that visitors will enjoy it for years to come.”

Barford Pocket Park Ranger, Matt Hall, said : “The previous designs looked great for more than five years, but were starting to peel off and needed

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updating. Ernulf Academy teacher Pip Hardy and myself recruited local graffiti artist Johnnie Barton to help with the project. The themes for the designs all came from year 8 and 9 students, who had been chosen to take part in the project because of their artistic ability. I think they did a fantastic job. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the project.”

Barford Road Pocket Park is a 45 acre site in Eynesbury, St Neots, managed by the district council for the benefit of people and wildlife. If you would like to know more about the park, contact Matt Hall on 01480 406 795. You can also find the park on Facebook, or at www.barfordpocket-park.btck.co.uk

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The Great Fen

NATURE RESTORATION Project Cambridgeshire’s Great Fen is a serene place with vast open skies and a panoramic landscape becoming increasingly rich in wildlife.

It is also among the most ambitious and visionary nature restoration projects in Europe; The Wildlife Trust BCN, along with the partnership team at the Great Fen, is aiming to return 14 square miles of arable fields to wildlife-rich and people-friendly fenland - an area the size of a small city. Already some of the rarest species in Britain are returning since work began in 2004 – and with 60% of native species in decline it’s a hugely important time to give nature a helping hand.

We have a fantastic opportunity to transform another 450 acres of land at the heart of the Great Fen (at Engine Farm), which would increase the area for wildlife by almost a fifth.

With help, we could transform this new piece of land into a nature-rich haven, joining up a number of separate areas which we are already restoring, to become one huge swathe of habitat where wildlife can flourish. Following a recordbreaking grant of £7.2 million for the Great Fen in 2008, the Heritage Lottery Fund has now given us another generous £1.89 million grant towards this and other significant work on the Fen. We must urgently find £182,000 of match funding for this grant to do the work: to donate please visit www.wildlifebcn.org/appeals and for news about the Great Fen visit www.greatfen.org.uk For all events please see www.wildlifebcn.org/ events.

Listings for events in Cambs: Creatures of the Night, Ely Friday 13 September 5-10pm Learn about bats and other exciting nocturnal wildlife Contact 01353 661339 Plant Sale Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon Sunday 15 September 11am-3pm Bargain plants, good for wildlife - all money raised for the Wildlife Trust Contact 01480 469079 Great Fen Heritage Open Day, Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre Sunday 15 September 11am-4pm Learn all about the fascinating history of the fen Contact 01487 710420 Great Fen Green Woodcraft Day, Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre Saturday 21 September 10.30am-3.30pm Try green woodcraft skills using axes and knives, pole lathes and shaving horses Contact 01487 710420 Listings for events in Beds: Guided walk Houghton Regis Quarry Wednesday 4 September 10am - 12 midday A new reserve in the making, not yet open to the public, walk led by Wildlife Trust Reserve Officer, Rebecca Pitman.

Contact 01234 266057 Wildlife Art over the Centuries Wednesday 11 September 7.30-9pm Illustrated talk by Nick Hammond at Priory Country Park Contact 01234 266057

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Welsh Medieval Pilgrimage

September 2013

During the month of September 2013, Matthew Parsons of Baker Close, Brampton will be completing the historically significant pilgrimage from St.Winefride’s Well, Holywell, Flintshire to St.Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire based on an old medieval pilgrim route. This walk is approximately 160 miles in length and it is anticipated that it will take 2-3 weeks to complete.

Matthew will be visiting many historical churches, abbeys and shrines along the route.

Matthew is undertaking this walk in tribute to his Mother, Maureen Parsons who sadly died from cancer in 2012. Maureen holidayed in South West Wales from the 1960’s with her family, so this area is of great personal significance.

The trip will be totally self-funded (tent, sleeping bag and tinned food!) with 100% of all monies raised going directly to the Sue Ryder, St. John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger who cared for his Mother so very well during her last days.

Matthew has had great support so far with

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none other than Griff Rhys Jones (Comedian, Actor and TV personality) offering his personal encouragement. Griff completed this route as part of his 2012 BBC documentary series ‘Britain’s Lost Routes’: “Matthew - can I wish you good luck and good wishes with your walk. What a splendid memorial and a great cause. I am sure we will all want to support you with this. And there is a tangible way that we can, through making a donation to the Sue Ryder hospice. All the very best, Griff”.

Fingers crossed for good weather during September, Matthew!

Any contributions would be very gratefully received to ensure the hospice carries on its good work. For further information please contact Matthew Parsons by email ttamrap@hotmail.com or visit his fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MatthewParsonsPilgrimage

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WILDLIFE WANDERINGS

WILDLIFE TRAVEL, BY CHRISTINE DONNELLY September can be a lovely month for walking in the countryside, enjoying the last signs of summer and the start of autumn. Many birds that nest here in the warmer months have prepared for their flight south by feeding to build up their flight muscles. A highlight of the year is the gathering of swallows before they leave, particularly over water, which once led people to think they hibernated in mud under our lakes. Like the majority of our migrant birds, however, they head for Africa where food is more plentiful during our winter. The young of our ‘resident’ birds are now dispersing so listen out for tawny owls near local woods, and for robins as they sing their ‘autumn song’ whilst looking for good ‘territories’.

Barn swallow This autumn may produce a bumper crop of fruit due to the recent rain and warm weather. Our hedgerows and woods should be full of berries and nuts which are an essential food source for many animals. The blackthorn’s berries are the ‘sloes’ of sloe gin so pick them quickly if you want your share. Some of the more colourful berries are those of hawthorn, guelder rose, rowan, honeysuckle, spindle and black bryony, but the last two are very poisonous, so don’t touch any berries unless you know they are safe.

Dormouse Many small mammals rely on fruits and nuts in winter, storing some for harder times. Dormice love blackberries and hazelnuts and, locally, only survive in areas where enough of these grow.

Unlike many animals, they do not store food but

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must fatten up for hibernation. Having ‘golden’ fur, large black eyes and a fluffy tail, they are very ‘cute’ but they are very rare. You can join the Flit Vale Local group of The Wildlife Trust on the morning of Saturday 28th September at Flitwick Moor to see some small mammals that will have been caught overnight. For details of this and other events organised by The Wildlife Trust check www.wildlifebcn.org or phone the Trust office at Priory Country Park on 01234 364213.

September brings spring to countries south of the tropics and those with a ‘mediterranean’ type of climate are famous for their amazing displays of wild flowers. Western Australia is a plant lover’s paradise, famous for its large number of colourful flowers and shrubs and with magnificent forests.

Red Kangaroo Paw, Western Australia With a stunning coastline and exciting birds and mammals, this is a favourite destination for a wildlife holiday. Wildlife Travel will be running a trip there in September 2014.

Contact 01954 713575 or check www.wildlifetravel.co.uk for details of this and other holidays.

Any profits from Wildlife Travel are donated to nature conservation through The Wildlife Trusts.

Christine Donnelly

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Super Sunset Photos

By Louise Addison

Autumn is the best time of year for beautiful sunsets. Capturing them on camera can be tricky though. Here’s how to take better sunset pics.

Choose the time and place – Make a note of places where you’ve seen wonderful sunsets, then make a point of travelling there before the sunset to give you time to set your camera up. There are some great websites which tell you what time the sun will set on a particular day. Try www.sunsettimes. co.uk.

Think foreground – The best sunset photos tend to have something of interest in the foreground, generally silhouetted, to provide a focal point.

Look for a great tree, or a wind farm, even pylons can look picturesque in front of a sunset.

Patience and a tripod are very handy – Sunset actually goes on for quite a long time. As the sun dips beneath the horizon it can produce some spectacular shots, but afterwards, the colours of the sky can become even more rich and beautiful, so hang around. The best shots are often longer

exposures, so they will look shaky unless you secure your camera to a tripod.

Ignore ‘the rule of thirds’ – It’s a good rule, but with sunsets you generally want to place your horizon really low down in the shot so the picture is filled with colour.

Use reflections if available – If you are near water take full advantage of doubling the impact of your sunset. Experiment by placing the horizon at exactly half way, or fill the shot with reflections only.

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Sherree Valentine Daines

GALLERY 1066

Gallery 1066 are excited to announce that they will be showcasing a superb range of previously unseen Original Paintings and the latest Limited Editions from one of the finest artists of our generation, Sherree Valentine Daines.

This unmisable exhibition will start on the 13th of September and will continue until the 22nd.

In this stunning collection Sherree visits her favourite subjects; Ascot, Henley and the magic of childhood. Working from her own personal photographs she has created an exquisite portfolio of personal memories and precious moments that will thrill both existing collectors and newcomers to her work.

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“We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery and experiencing the enchanting world of Sherree Valentine Daines with you.�

For more information on this exhibition or other future events please contact the gallery on 01462 622233, info@gallery1066fineart.com or visit our website www.gallery1066fineart.com

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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 and completely spellbound?

This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

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This is ideal for any corporate or private event.

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.

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Have you heard of Mill Lane

MilHEFAs scheme yet?

Proposal for Mill Lane Hydro-Electric Plant and Flood Alleviation scheme - MilHEFAs Do you want more of this?

Where is it?

Mill Lane at the River Great Ouse bridge, between Little Paxton & St Neots Scheme overview A group of residents have just launched a website to publicise the above scheme. The website can be found at - www.milhefas.org.uk The scheme basically comprises two projects, which although have separate aims and objectives will both benefit the local community for a very large area around the scheme location and provide significant environment benefits.

The Projects are also complementary as outlined on the website. The location of the scheme and component projects, are on the border of Little Paxton & St Neots and centred on the River Great Ouse.

The two component projects are – • A flood relief causeway to greatly reduce the frequency of times that this very important link road is flooded, and • A hydro electric plant, at the same location, which will not only generate a considerable amount of electricity every year and do this for 20-25 years continuously, will also provide significant benefits in Carbon Reduction and also help to reduce the frequency of flooding.

The flood relief causeway is a project which will result in considerable savings to all users of Mill Lane in terms of time lost when this road is closed because of flooding. This project does require funding by either the community i.e local people, local businesses, landowners or grant funding from other agencies. Although the scheme has tremendous benefits for the local population,

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central government, county, district and parish councils are advising that at present they do not have any funding available at present, or for the foreseeable future, for this flood relief project.

The Hydro-Electric power plant is a financially viable project, which will produce a significant income stream and an attractive return on investment, for at least 20-25 years and in the process provide green energy to be fed into the local distribution grid. There are quite a few examples of small run-of-the-river hydro-electric schemes throughout the UK. Some of these have been community funded, other by landowners and some by public funding via councils.

The scheme is at an early stage of the development process and what it needs most at present is support from the community and residents in the whole area. If you want to know more about the scheme, please visit the website. If you wish to support the scheme, please visit the website and vote for the scheme. Apart from your votes, the Proposers need people to volunteer their skills to help them navigate through all the future stages of the project. If you think you have a skill which could help us and you want to play a part in the implementation of this scheme, go to the “Contact Us” page on the website which outlines the help we need and tell us how you can help us.

Please visit the website, vote and offer your support – TODAY! Thank you, on behalf of the Proposers of the MilHEFAs

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Separating together

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

At Leeds Day Solicitors, our experienced divorce lawyers will work on your behalf to achieve the best possible settlement available to you.

We will also discuss with you the most suitable approach towards achieving a settlement with your spouse as choosing the right process in the beginning could save you time, money and anxiety in the long term.

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

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

Mediation – This allows you to directly negotiate with your spouse with the help of a family mediator. It is important that you still appoint a lawyer so that you can take advice during the process as the mediator is independent and to make sure that any agreements are made into legal binding settlements.

Solicitor negotiations or going to Court – if none

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of the above options are for you, you can appoint a family lawyer to negotiate an agreement on your behalf at arm’s length. If an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will be asked to make a decision. This involves a 3 stage court process before it reaches the point where a judge will make a binding decision on what he or she thinks fair. Often, couples want to avoid conflict, court costs, delay and the risk of an unfavourable decision so it is common for an agreement to be reached before a final hearing.

All our family lawyers are members of Resolution (the family law association for England and Wales). We are able to offer collaborative family law and can provide advice and assistance if you are attempting to reach an agreement with your spouse through mediation. We are also experienced in assisting in arm’s length negotiations or, where necessary, representing clients in court proceedings.

Whilst all our lawyers will strive to ensure the Court’s involvement is kept to a minimum, if court proceedings are necessary we aim to help you through the process and to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

To discuss which option is right for you, contact Grace Brass, Lisa Leader or Simon Thomas on 01480 454301 or send us an email to family@leedsday.co.uk.

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

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

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Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sue Walker DPodM SRCh MChS

Podiatry / Chiropody

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E. info@woodfieldphysio.co.uk

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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

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or call 01480 216090

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27

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

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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The Five C’s for Co Parenting

after Separation

It’s hard enough dealing with the trials and tribulations of parenting but this can be made all the harder if you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent. Here are some tips on how to make the process of co-parenting after separation easier.

Children first - Always ensure that their best interests are at the heart of all the arrangements that you make. Don’t put your personal feelings or needs first, especially if the relationship breakdown has been a difficult one. Think about what is best for the children.

Communication – find a way of communicating that suits you and the other parent best. The ideal forum is face to face, but in some cases, email dialogue may help take the heat out of things. Try and be open with the other parent about the children, and share information with them. Courses are available for separated parents to help them work with each other to co-parent after separation.

Compromise - think about the benefit of compromise - achieving a long term outcome that is likely to work best for your children is likely to need to involve compromise on both sides. It may be better for the whole family in the long term if each of you takes a broad view, and gives or takes a little in order to reach an outcome you can both live with. Whilst it may not represent your preferred ideal choice, in most cases it is likely to be better for the children if you can both move on with a scenario that both parents can accept.

Court – for some parents it may seem like there is no prospect of resolving their differences and court may seem like the only option. This choice

could mean battling months of your life away arguing about the children in court. In some cases it could take years. A court will give you a decision but will it be the right one for the children? Is a Judge the best placed person to make decisions that will have significance for the rest of the children’s lives? Possibly, but probably not. Look at ways of avoiding court such as Mediation, collaborative law, arbitration.

Cost - Litigation means significant cost, in financial, emotional and psychological terms.

The legal fees are likely to be a significant drain on resources. The emotional impact of dealing with court proceedings cannot be under estimated. There is also the possibility your child or children would need to speak to an officer of the Court (and in some cases the Judge) about their wishes and feelings. This can be a traumatic experience for some children. If you can come to an arrangement direct with the other parent, this cost can be mitigated. That’s got to be worth thinking about.

If you would like to know more about separation matters where children are concerned, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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29

Anstee Gorst

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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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Low Interest Rates

& Complacency

Mark Carney, The new Governor of the Bank of England has set out plans for the future in his forward Guidance Strategy.

Part of his job, which is independent of the Government, is to set interest rates. He feels that as the UK is now moving out of the recession, companies and individuals need clarification over longer term interest rates so that they can plan with confidence. He has therefore stated that interest rates should remain at 0.5% for three years and not be increased until employment reduces from 7.8% to 7%, or inflation goes up.

This news is designed to encourage borrowing, but does nothing to help the prudent saver. Interest rates for savers are low at around 2% and even this will be taxed for the most. This means even if you save in a competitive account your money is still not keeping pace with inflation.

However, an improving economy should lead to a healthy increase in equity (share) prices.

For the year ended 31/07/2013 our average risk managed ethical portfolio has grown by 19.56% and our most cautious ethical portfolio by 12%, over the same period. Clearly funds can go up as well as down and post performance is no guide to future performance, but if the Guv’nor thinks the economy is growing, I would be surprised if funds didn’t grow by more than inflation.

Recent analysis of stock markets show that £200K

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

invested in Feb 2003, in the FTSE, would have been worth £348,789 ten years later, and that includes the market fall of 2008.

Our portfolios have outperformed the FTSE since they started, so now with the economic situation being talked up this could be a good time to consider alternatives to cash. Properties have often been considered as a way to beat inflation but for many this means using property funds rather than physical property.

Once again care needs to be given to the fund chosen. Over the last three years to 29th July 2013 the five bottom property funds were St. James Place (4.8%), Scottish Widows (3.8%), Aviva (2.1%) + (-15.8%) and Threadneedle (2.0%), whilst our portfolio fund is ranked 2nd (43.2%) The purpose of stating the above is to emphasise the importance of shopping around. Truly Independent Advisers, who are pro-active, will tell you when you should move your funds. How often does your bank suggest you switch banks for better interest rates?

Complacency can be expensive.

If you have savings that are intended for the medium to long term they need to be growing by at least inflation, so why not speak to your usual Independent Adviser or us. If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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31

Understanding Rabbits

by the Rabbit Residence Rescue

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, yet there are many misunderstandings about their needs. The traditional view of one rabbit living in a hutch still prevails amongst many in the UK. Yet this is in strong contrast with their actual needs when we consider how wild rabbits live. The latter live in social groups not alone, they cover a considerable area in a day, and their survival instincts strongly affect their behaviours and those of their domestic cousins.

The problem of rabbits being abandoned or given up in the UK is massive and growing. A recent survey by the Rabbit Welfare Association found that around 67,000 rabbits entered rescues in 2010, about double the estimate previously quoted. And these are the lucky ones that the rescues could accommodate. This is a significant problem placing considerable strain on rescues.

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In some cases, rabbits arrive at rescue centres for unpreventable and unpredictable reasons, such as a change in the life circumstances of the owners, for example, a sudden illness or home eviction.

However, the main reason for the scale of the problem is the common public perception that rabbits are low maintenance pets, good pets for children, and that all they need is a hutch and food.

Many rabbits come through the doors of rescues, such as the Rabbit Residence Rescue, because owners were not aware of the commitment involved when they bought the rabbit from a pet shop or breeder, or because the rabbit is later perceived to be boring or aggressive. The latter can often be because the rabbit is bored due to insufficient space, lack of a rabbit companion, or due to fear caused by an owner’s inappropriate expectations of how to interact with the rabbit.

Kept in a small hutch with little space to move and no environmental enrichment a single rabbit may well appear inactive and uninteresting.

Another common reason for rabbits coming into rescues is accidental litters. Some pet shops and breeders now make customers more aware that a rabbit needs company of their own kind, but sexing young rabbits can be difficult and errors result in accidental litters that the owners cannot accommodate. Rabbits can breed from four months old and a female can get pregnant again straight after giving birth.

The Rabbit Residence Rescue (registered charity number 1148016), based near Royston in

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Hertfordshire, takes in, rehabilitates, and rehomes neglected and unwanted rabbits. The Rabbit Residence Rescue is dedicated to providing the best possible care and to encouraging others with rabbits or wanting to adopt to do the same. The Rabbit Residence Rescue won Best Small Furry Rescue at the 2013 Wetnose Awards.

Things everyone should know about rabbits • They are naturally sociable animals in the wild and a pet rabbit needs the company of another rabbit.

Opposite-sex pairs, both neutered, usually works best.

• They live around 10 years.

• They need lots of space - a big hutch (or a shed) with a big predator proof run attached. The Rabbit Welfare Association recommends a minimum of a 6ft x 2ft x 2ft hutch attached to a predator proof run of minimum 8ft x 4ft x 4ft – preferably bigger! (Different rescues have slightly varying recommendations so check with them first if you are looking to adopt.)

• They need to eat hay and lots of it! They should also be fed some leafy greens each day (not lettuce, and only a small amount of carrot, if any) and a small handful of pellets, not mix (which will lead to obesity).

• They are instinctively scared of being picked up because to them it is like being picked up by a predator. Most will either panic and struggle, or freeze in fear. Thus, rabbits are not an ideal ‘cuddly’ pet for children. They trust us more if we interact with them at ground level.

• They are not cheap pets. They can cost around £1000 a year to care for.

• In the wild rabbits spend much of their time digging and foraging. Pet rabbits need enrichment such as a digging tray, tunnels, and toys to chew to help keep them busy.

• They must be vaccinated once a year against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.

How you can help • If you have a few hours to spare regularly or occasionally, you could make a real difference by volunteering your time to assist with animal care or DIY. Please email us to apply (rabbit_ residence@hotmail.com).

• If you are considering rabbits as pets, please do some research first. There is good information on the Rabbit Welfare Association’s website (www. rabbitwelfare.co.uk) or the Rabbit Residence Rescue’s website (www.rabbitresidence.org.uk).

If you decide to go ahead, please contact us or another rescue. We have many wonderful rabbits, including youngsters, waiting for a second chance in life.

• Join our ‘Sponsor-The-Bunnies’ scheme to help us look after the rabbits in our care. For details email SponsorRabbitResidence@gmail.com or see www.rabbitresidence.org.uk/sponsor-thebunnies.html

Website: www.rabbitresidence.org.uk Tel. 07904 397378 Email: rabbit_residence@hotmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/rabbitresidence Blog: www.bunniestotherescue.blogspot.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

33

Arboriculturalist or Tree Lopper

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Arboriculture is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. It is both a practice and a science.

A good Arborist (Tree Surgeon) can be a difficult thing to find in your area. There are a lot of companies of varying size and quality to choose from to suit any budget. There are a few factors you need to bear in mind before selecting an Arborist to work on your trees or shrubs. You also need to bear in mind that selecting a contractor who just does “Lopping and Topping” can do irreparable damage to your trees and your prize specimen could be fatally damaged.

Things to look for in a good Arborist contractor: • Do they have adequate insurance (Employers, Public & Professional Indemnity), ask to see a copy before work is started.

• Do they have accreditations, Arboricutural Association Approved contractor is best but not an essential as this assesses Health & Safety and work quality.

• Further accreditations can be CHAS, ISO 9000,

Safecontractor or ISA accreditation.

Ask for references, a good Arborist will be only too happy to boast about good their good quality work.

The Arboricultural industry has a best practice guide that all contractors should be working to when pruning, with work conforming to British Standard 3998. This standard will give guidance to aid with the trees future development following pruning work.

Look into other treatment for your trees and shrubs such as follow up fertilization. Don’t be tempted with a cheap price from a contractor who knocks at your door saying “would you like your trees chopped”, it rarely works out well.

The key component is not to just look at the final price, a cheap price may look good at the time but could lead to excessive cost latter on as the tree develops. Good pruning will reduce the amount of future visits needed.

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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Unique Landscape

& Driveways 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

www.uniquedrivewaylandscapes.com

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35

LAWN CARE

IN 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.

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 and Over Seeding 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. Additional grass seed can be sown too.

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 May • Scarify lawn • Aerate lawn and over seed

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• Combine an Autumn feed with an early moss control Call Deborah or Simon on 01480 812393 e-mail- info@prolawncare.co.uk http://twitter.com/ProLawnCareUK http://www.facebook.com/ProLawnCareUK Ask the Lawn Ranger for advice (we promise he will reply within 24 hours) www.prolawncare.co.uk/ask-the-lawn-ranger Lawn Fact: Recovery rates amongst hospitalized people are often quicker when their rooms view a green landscaped area, compared with patients who have no view”.

Reader Offer

Scarification and Over Seeding (Special Offer - 25% off this month) Ask for a quote for a Lawn Renovation Offer ends 20th September 2013

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Albery Dog Rescue Companion & Novelty Dog Show

Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!

Saturday 14th September.

10am - 4.30pm

Local family business

Bedfordshire Growers Potton Road, Biggleswade SG18 0ER

Treatments include

£1 per class Refreshments, Raffle and Stalls.

All proceeds for Albery Dog Rescue dogs

Lawn Renovations

For more info call Beryl on 01234356612 or Margaret on 01767682024

▪ Fertiliser applications ▪ Moss and weed treatments ▪ Scarification and aeration

▪ Re-seeding, overseeding ▪ Turf laying

Free lawn analysis

Treatments from £15 pay as you go

01480 367 006 www.brilliantlawns.co.uk

Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn

GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

 Personal customer service, collection and delivery available.  Assessment of individual requirements.  Full after sales backup and parts service.  NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw.  Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service.  Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu

Appointed dealers for:

 Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.

Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY

01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

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

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37

Flower of the Month

Salvia Uliginosa

September brings us cooler air temperatures but the ground is still nice a warm for the late summer perennials. Fast growing wiry stems shoot skywards to produce flowers and seed, many from the American prai-ries like Rudbeckia purpurea. It’s pastel purple-pink daisy-like flowers are a joy for the butterflies and other insects.

Often used by flower arrangers but to be honest they look best in a sunny herbaceous border.

But as you can see from the title this beautiful plant is not our choice for this month. The honour goes to Salvia uliginosa – the Bog Sage.

Don’t be misled by the name Bog Sage. You do not need wet ground to suc-ceed with this plant and in fact we have lost plants in harsh winters when planted in wet areas of the garden. We grow this plant in full sun but make sure that there is plenty of vegetative matter around the roots so that moisture can be held there during the summer.

It is a clump forming herbaceous perennial which

will grow to a height of 4-5 feet with flower spikes covered in a mass of blue flowers, produced from the middle of August to the end of September, sometimes longer. Cut back in au-tumn and mulch to give a little protection.

Its wiry stems bob around in the breeze with the pretty flowers catching your eye. Perhaps too subtle for some, but definitely our “Plant of the Month”.

Gareth Arscott www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com

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 £6.60/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.

38

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39

HIDATO

A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. ur o y f f o Excellent links to s onth’ 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

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.

30%

To find out more call us today

01767 681805 76 London Road, Sandy Beds. SG19 1DZ e: info@manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk w: www.manorfarm-day-nursery.co.uk

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©Puzzlepress.co.uk ©Puzzlepress.co.uk

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41

CODERED

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New Range Rover Sport

by James Baggott

James Bond star Daniel Craig drove it through New York for the launch, now James Baggott has his chance behind the wheel of the new Range Rover Sport… in the equally glamorous Cotswolds.

What is it? For years the Range Rover Sport has reigned supreme in the SUV market and now Land Rover is back at it again, with an all-new variety. Lighter, faster and more capable than ever before, the new model is no longer based on the Discovery, but now takes its underpinnings from the full-fat Rangie. Design DNA comes from the incredibly popular Evoque and mixed with the luxurious surroundings from the daddy of the line-up, it’s a potent combination and will be an absolute winner.

What’s under the bonnet? A choice of diesel and petrol units, plus there’s a diesel hybrid on the way later this year. The petrol stationcrushing supercharged 5.0-litre V8 510bhp lump hits 60mph in five seconds dead and on to a top speed of 155mph. Ok, it emits 298g/km and returns 22.1mpg, but it’s so worth it. The SDV8 arrives later this year and in the meantime you can pick from the 3.0-litre V6 diesel in 258bhp and 292bhp guises – the more powerful of the two hits 60mph in 7.1 seconds.

What’s the spec like? Palatial. It’s awash with fresh technology, from wade depth sensors to traffic sign recognition. A real innovation is the two extra seats in the boot; these are for occasional use only, but the electrically powered perches will

come in handy with families. The front seats are adjustable 14 ways, heated and cooled and so too are those in the middle row. There’s a powered tailgate, cooled centre console that you can fit a bottle of champagne in and soft-close doors. The Meridian 1700W stereo is brilliant and buyers can choose from nine different wheel designs in sizes from 19 to 22-inch.

Any rivals? Land Rover chalk up the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne as the biggest contenders, but it’s the latter that really gives it any serious challenge. The German firm’s badge might hold a little more brand cache, but we’d pick the Sport over it every time. As a combination of jaw-dropping looks mixed with ability and agility, it’s hard to beat.

What’s it like to drive? With 420kg shaved from the weight, heavily revised steering and all-new lightweight suspension, the car feels incredibly different to drive on the road to its predecessor.

In 5.0-litre form it’s ludicrously quick on all road surfaces and can claim the title of the fastest ever Land Rover to be made. Flick it into Dynamic mode and it becomes a different car – the steering quickens, it corners harder and the throttle response sharpens. It’s worlds apart from the standard mode which is far more sedate. As allrounders go, this Sport is without doubt one of the best.

Verdict Make no mistake - this is the new benchmark in the SUV market. I’ve been racking my brain for faults and if I’m picky the plastic feel of the paddle shifters is a little cheap and the infotainment system looks a little old in terms of graphics and speed. But that’s about it. This is a car that would please sports car drivers as much as traditional SUV drivers and the best bit? It’s considerably cheaper than the equally-brilliant Range Rover – so it’s a bargain too…

The Knowledge Range Rover Sport 5.0 V8 Supercharged Autobiography Dynamic Price: £81,550 Engine: 5.0-litre, V8 supercharged Power: 510bhp, 625Nm Max speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 5.0s MPG: 22.1 Emissions: 298g/km

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43

Get Over Your Ex

By Sarah Davey

As the saying goes, ‘breaking up is hard to do.’

The emotional rollercoaster which follows a relationship breakdown can be very hard to deal with. Try these tips to help you get over your ex.

Ignore them – Ignore all attempts to Tweet, email, text or otherwise attract your attention. Likewise resist the urge to Tweet, text or email them. Often we fall back into a bad relationship because it’s convenient, and we’re too set in a pattern to try something different. Break the cycle.

‘Disappear’ them – Hide away the stuffed toys, gifts and photos that remind you of them. In the early stages of a break-up it’s too easy to cling on to the nice memories and persuade yourself that you need them back in your life.

Don’t stalk them! – Don’t drive past their house or haunt places special to both of you. Even if you can’t bring yourself to ‘unfriend’ them on Facebook, at least hide them from your news feed so you won’t be tempted to check on them every time you log-on.

Get out – It might be tempting to lie in bed, eating Green and Black’s finest and listening to heartbreak FM, but what you really need is company. Ring your most sociable friends and arrange a fun night out.

Make a list – Write down all the reasons you split.

Then read them back to yourself whenever you start romanticising the past. Remember, they’re your ex for a reason...or several!

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15% DISCOUNT ON ALL WORK CARRIED OUT OVER ÂŁ50 WITH THIS ADVERT

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body shop Vehicle repairs * Express * Alloy wheel refurbishment Same day repair * Free estimates Insurance*claims * *

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web: www.getsmartexpress.co.uk / email: info@getsmartexpress.co.uk

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45

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

Your Local Reliable Electrician • Part P Electrician • Domestic/Commercial Installations • Inspection and Testing • Rewires, Newbuilds, Extensions, Consumer units • Free Estimates Contact Martin:

t: 01480

431 536 m: 07841 129 702

e: martin.wlf@googlemail.com 46

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CGF Painting & Decorating 01480 391460 07544 207577

Panasonic

everything matters

cgfpainting@gmail.com

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

A.N.Audio 34 Huntingdon Street St. Neots

phone:- 01480 472071 e-mail sales@anaudio.co.uk Hours:- Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Tuesday 9am-1pm Saturday:- 9am-5.30 pm www.anaudio.co.uk

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47

CODEWORD

1

2

3

4

5

6

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8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

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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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Please Life when when responding responding to toadverts adverts Please mention mention The Villager and Town Life

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

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FLOORED

By Ian

KPC Property Services • • • • • •

Kitchens & Bathrooms Plumbing & Heating Painting & Decorating Carpentry Tiling & Flooring General Maintenance

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

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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Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 887156 kpcmaintenance@googlemail.com

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CARE NETWORK

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Need information or practical help? Unwell or been in hospital? Interested in a local group?

We are a Cambridgeshire-wide organisation which offers free help with these and other issues.

Community Navigators provide useful information • Help you take up activities and services which you might enjoy or find helpful • Tel 01954 212100 for information

Help at Home can • Check you are OK • Collect a prescription or shopping • Help with one-off tasks • Tel 01223 714433 for support

Community Development help set up and run local groups e.g.

• Lunch clubs • Community car schemes • Any idea for your community • Tel 01954 211919 for help Volunteers needed!

• Fun and rewarding • Give time as and when you like • Expenses, training and support provided.

• Contact any of the above numbers to volunteer

CD

Garage Door Problems?

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

Phone Chris Day On:

07899 903973

01480 459 721

High Street, Brampton

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Stay Out of Debt

By Sarah Davey

Being in debt is no fun and it’s easier to get into debt than out of it. Stay out of debt with our five top tips.

Budget – It sounds obvious, but an astonishing number of us don’t know what we actually spend each month. For two months write down every outgoing and you might be surprised at how much of cash you fritter away.

Make a list of regular commitments - utility bills, mortgage, outstanding loans etc.; a list of necessary evils - petrol, train tickets etc; a list of desirables - holidays, salon trips etc.; and a list of non-essentials.

Boost your cash – This can be done in two ways: Cut all unnecessary expenditure, or increase your income. It might not be a good time economically to ask for a pay-rise, but could you take on some extra work in return for a little more in your pay packet? What about selling your unwanted items on eBay, or even starting your own little business using a skill or hobby you already have, such as

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sewing, baking, computer or language skills?

Use credit cards – Yes, you read that correctly. If used wisely they can be a helpful cashmanagement tool. With some cards you get cash back for spending. So by putting your regular expenditure, such as groceries, on your card you can earn money. Only do this if you are prepared to pay the balance off in full after the grace period (generally 30 days).

Save don’t spend – Any surplus cash should be saved. Allocate some for holidays or other desirable items, and some for emergencies. Any left over can be put into a longer term savings account.

DIY – Often we pay people for services we could easily manage ourselves. Try washing your own car or making your own packed lunch for a month and see how much you save.

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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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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 17th September 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Paul Lovett from Henlow For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Entrance (6) 4 Be owned by (6) 9 Hold (7) 10 Previous (5) 11 Brush (5) 12 Conversing (7) 13 Promises (11) 18 Sediment (7) 20 Undressed (5) 22 Avoid (5) 23 In the open air (7) 24 Guard (6) 25 Grown-ups (6) Down 1 Blame (6) 2 Type of light boat (5) 3 Soap (7) 5 Banish (5) 6 Belief (7) 7 Car repair centre (6) 8 Directive (11) 14 Make clear (7) 15 Caught fire (7) 16 Snakes (6) 17 Worships (6) 19 Curse (5) 21 Small hill (5)

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Please Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts Please mention mention The The Villager and Town Life

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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MARIE CURIE

CANCER CARE

Marie Curie Cancer Care currently provides free of charge at home nursing care to local terminally ill patients. In 2012/2013, Marie Curie Cancer Care provided 25,084 hours to 392 patients in Cambridgeshire. This service is vital in ensuring that local residents have the option to spend their last months, weeks and days in the comfort of their own home. It costs £20 an hour for a Marie Curie nurse to provide at home care to a terminally ill patient and £180 pays for a full nine hour shift by a Marie Curie nurse in a patient’s own home. All funds raised locally are spent on the Marie Curie nursing service in Cambridgeshire.

Therefore, we are establishing a Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraising group in the Huntingdon area to help raise funds for this vital service. We currently have several fundraising groups across Cambridgeshire, which help with our annual Great Daffodil Appeal in March, host Blooming Great Tea Parties, support Swimathon and organise and run their own fundraising activities.

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This new group will be joining a network of over 350 fundraising groups across the UK, from Isle of Skye to Penzance and the fundraising group would be guided and supported by the local Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, Hannah Steele. Our groups are a great way to meet like minded people and to have fun whilst raising money for local nursing care.

Anyone interested in joining the fundraising group in the Huntingdon area, can visit the Marie Curie Cancer Care website www.mariecurie.org.uk/ fundraising-volunteering or call local Community Fundraiser Hannah Steele on email 01604 442316 or email hannah.steele@mariecurie.org.uk for more information.

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what’S ON?

IN SEPTEMBER

30-31 August & 1 September Teddy Bear Festival St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Adults £2.50, Children under 16 free Come along and see bears of all shapes and sizes taking part in this fun weekend which includes: Flower Festival (Bears Galore), competitions for adults and children, Teddy Bears Picnic, Raffle, The Bear Shop, and Refreshments.

There will be a competition on Saturday afternoon for the oldest bear so do bring yours along and join in.

Rushden Town Band will be playing on Saturday afternoon and Hearts Ease dancers will be giving a display on Sunday afternoon. In aid of St Andrew’s Church Charity.

1 September Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. www.saintscrafters.blogspot.com 1 September Cream Tea 3-5.30pm Haslingfield Dovecote, CB23 1JW £5 A traditional cream tea with freshly baked scones, jam and cream will be served in the informal woodland garden and orchard at the 17th Century circular Dovecote in Haslingfield. In aid of Parkinson’s UK. Tel: 01223 871788 for further details 2 September St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton Historical Nova by Gary Poyner. This will be a fun informative meeting with visual displays. Everyone welcome. We are a very friendly small club, new members welcome, whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you.

Tel: Nick Maudlin 01767 315678 Email: nick@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 September Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Cost £3 Every Tuesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 4, 14, & 18 September Hamlets, Hahas & Bowling Greens 11.30am-12.30pm Wimpole Estate A 1.2 mile walk learning about Wimpole’s history. All walks are free; just turn up on the day and meet outside the stable block. Please wear walking shoes or boots.

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 4 September Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Speaker will be Ann Godfrey of Daisy Roots who will share her expertise of plants to give your garden a long season of interest. Refreshments included. Plants on sale.

New members and visitors always welcome.

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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 6 September Deep Blue Sea Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 2011. Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and Simon Russell Beale star in a beautifully observed love triangle, adapted from a Terence Rattigan play, so expect a subtle, quiet drama that packs a massive emotional punch.

Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 6-8 September Toft Social Club’s Ninth Annual Beer and Cider Festival Fri 6am-11pm, Sat 12 noon-11pm, Sun 12 noon-10.30pm Free entry Prices held at £2.00 pint! Thirteen real ales; mostly from brewers in a 25 mile radius, and three ‘real’ local ciders.

Meals available early evening on Saturday and at Sunday lunchtime. Live music Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Web: www.toftsocialclub.org.uk for up-to-date information 7 September Pidley International Teddy Bear Freefall Competition 10am-12pm Rookery Farm, Pidley Free admission and parking Dare-devil professional parachuting teddies, sponsored by local companies, jump one-by-one from a Cambridge Aero Club plane into the skies over Pidley village; each one focused on landing the nearest to the winning pot of honey. Please support this Pidley Mountain Rescue Team fundraising event to provide specialist equipment to adults and children in Huntingdonshire who have mobility or disability issues. Web www.pidleymountainrescue.org.uk 7 September Big Green Saturday 12.30pm Offord Millennium Green Fun dog show, stalls, food and drink and fun for all.

7 September Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Howard Drury on ‘Cornwall – the unknown gardens’.

Howard is a horticultural Broadcaster, Speaker, Lecturer, Writer, and Consultant. He has 12 years of experience presenting T.V. programmes. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 8 September Woodland & Folly Guided Walk 1.30pm-3pm Wimpole Estate All walks are free; just turn up on the day and meet outside the stable block. Please wear walking shoes or boots.

Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 8 September Bourn Windmill Open Day 2-4.30pm Caxton Road Bourn CB23 2SU Adults £5, Children £2.50, Under 5s free In aid of Riding for Disabled Iceni Group. Home-made teas, raffle & games. Last windmill tour 4pm.

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what’S ON? IN SEPTEMBER

11 September Doormice 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton Suggested donation Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50 Wildlife Trust – Huntingdonshire Local Group is pleased to welcome Henry Stanier, who is Ecology Groups Officer for the Wildlife Trust, who will use his wealth of experience and knowledge to reveal some of the secrets of these tiny, shy animals. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk 14 September Hail Weston Village Fete & Companion Dog Show 1-5pm Dog registrations from 11.30. All welcome - pedigree and novelty classes. Tombola, books, cake stalls, craft stalls, cancer research donation station, plants, refreshments, children’s races, BBQ and bar. Come and join in the fun!

14 September Huntingdonshire Concert Band presents Dam Busters 7.30pm St Ives Free Church Adults £9, Concessions £8 In aid of the RAF Association “Wings Appeal”. Music to include: The Dam Busters March, Aces High, Eagle Squadron, Where Eagles Dare, On Parade, Big Band Salute, Missing Man, Dartmoor 1912. Tickets available by telephone or from “Just Sharing” at the Free Church 01480 496570. Tel: Tickets 01480 450 656 or 01480 383898 Web: www.huntingdonshireconcertband.com 15 September Battle of Britain Sunday Sunset Ceremony 6pm Huntingdon Market Square RAF Wyton area voluntary band and local ATC Squadrons.

Lowering of the RAF Ensign at the Town Hall followed by Battle of Britain Service at 6.30pm at All Saints Church.

Collection for RAF Association “Wings Appeal”.

17 September How Does Your Garden Grow 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Flower Club. Demonstration by Sharon Badger with the title “How Does Your Garden Grow”. Visitors welcome - admission £6. Raffle of the arrangement and plant and accessories sales table.

20 September Quiz Night 7.30pm Little Paxton Village Hall Tickets £6 including refreshments. Raffle.

Tel: Lee Duncan 07931 315648 for tickets Email: lm.duncan@ntlworld.com 20 September The Great Gatsby Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £4, Concessions £3, Children under 16 £2 Licensed bar and refreshments. Tickets available from Dixie’s Deli, Watson’s, or Bytes Café or on the door.

Tel: 01480 860297 for further information 21 September The Gamlingay Show 1-5pm Gamlingay Village College, Station Road Adults £3, Concessions £1.50

Annual Village Show complete with competition entries, craft marquee, stalls and side-shows, wide variety of refreshments, arena events, funfair, displays and demonstrations, classic cars, motor-cycles and tractors. All profits go to village clubs and societies. Tel: 07519 921126 Web: www.gamlingayshow.co.uk 21 September Bourn Beer and Cider Festival 12 noon-11pm Manor Farm, 14 Alms Hill, Bourn, Cambridge Adults £3, under 18 years free Come and join us for Bourn’s first beer and cider festival raising money for the NSPCC. BBQ in the afternoon and a hog roast in the evening and live music all day. With face painting, bouncy castle, kids crafts, and farm animals.

Tel: 01954 713971 Email: joproud@manorfarmbourn.co.uk 21 September Clarinet Concert 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, Offord Darcy Tickets £8 including complimentary glass of bubbly The Phoenix Players of St Ives, featuring Beverley Budd on clarinet, Naomi Laredo and Graham Bush on violins, Simon Watkin on viola and Felicity Horsford on cello, will be playing the Mozart Clarinet Quintet. Interval refreshments available. Free parking accessible on the adjacent archery field. Tel: Jenny Griffiths 01480 811126 for tickets Email: ticketoffice.stpeters@gmail.com 21-29 September Royston Arts Festival Various events taking place including Meera Syal talk followed by Q&A session and book-signing, performance by renowned pianist Clare Hammond, Gromit or Shaun the Sheep model making with a model-maker from Aardman and free workshops including poetry, batik, theatre, music and flower arranging. See website for full details.

Web: www.roystonartsfestival.org 26 September St Neots & District Gardening Club AGM 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Non-Members £2.50 includes refreshments and raffle ticket 29 September St Ives Scale Model Show 10am-4pm Burgess Civic Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives Adults £1.50, Concessions 50p Hosted by Brampton Scale Model Club and IPMS Brampton.

The largest one day show in East Anglia! Trade stands, 50+ model displays, refreshments and charity tombola in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance. Free parking.

Tel: Alec Smith 01480 896949 for more information Email: bramptonshow@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.bramptonscalemodelclub.fsnet.co.uk 29 September Croydon cum Clopton Monthly Village Market 10.30am-1pm High Street, Croydon Refreshments. Local businesses displaying and selling their produce and products. In support of Croydon Village Hall & All Saints Church.

Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk

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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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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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Contemporary and traditional kitchens...

Designed, Supplied and Fitted... to your individual requirements

For a friendly and professional service contact Ryan: 01480 861928 / 07725 216978 lifelongkitchens@mail.com www.lifelongkitchens.co.uk 62

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Classifieds

BRICKHILL

BOOK BUG REVIEWS...

Design Consultancy

Mistletoe Interiors

The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway

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

Bee Ridgway’s first novel is an amazing mix of Science Fiction/Fantasy and Historical Romance.

Faced with death at the Battle of Salamanca Nicholas Falcott, Marquess of Blackdown, has somehow thrown himself forward 200 years to the 21st Century. With the help of the mysterious Guild, he has adjusted to this strange new world and settled in Vermont. Told that he can never return to his own time, he has accepted that everyone he once knew is gone.

Now the Guild has decided to send him back to 1815, to the family who thought he was dead and to Julia Percy, the beautiful young woman he never thought he would see again. What does the Guild want him to do? Who are the Guild’s shadowy adversaries, the Ofan? What does Julia know about them? And does he want to be the Marquess of Blackdown or just plain Nick Davenant?

Bee Ridgway contrasts the worlds of the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries in this fun, well written debut. Time will be travelled and bodices will be ripped, but will Nick and Julia find out what the Guild and the Ofan are up to so they can have a future together?

For more information about books and reading, visit the Virtual Library at www.bedford.gov.uk/ libraries.

The Book Bug has worked for the library service in Bedfordshire for over 20 years. She lives in Brickhill with far too many books!

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 Plumbing & Heating

Business gone a bit slow?

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To find out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com

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

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