Cambs sept 2014

VILLAGER The

and Town

Issue 65 - September 2014

Life

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

Inside this issue

Dealing

with Dyslexia

The History of Huntingdon

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Contents Back to School Bugs

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From South Street St Neots to Miami Oklahoma..............4 The History of Huntingdon...............................................6 How to Buy a Pet............................................................10 Back to School Beasties..................................................12 Cambridge Author’s Autumn Novel................................14 Take the Opportunity to Gain New Skills........................16 The Rotary Club of St Ives...............................................19 Get on Your Bike!............................................................21 Dealing with Dyslexia....................................................25 Mediation......................................................................26 Understanding the Child Maintenance Scheme.............28 Don’t Leave it Too Late....................................................31

VILLAGER The

and Town

Issue 65 - September 2014

Life

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

Inside this issue

Dealing

with Dyslexia

The History

of Huntingdon

Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

20,000 copies delivered to Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, Godmanchester, The Hemingfords, Eaton Socon, Bourn, Grantchester and all surrounding villages every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Timetable................32 Credit Crunch Gardening................................................35 Plant of the Month.........................................................36 Stick to Toys....................................................................39 Conkers..........................................................................41 Home Interiors...............................................................42 Fun Quiz.........................................................................42 Travelogue.....................................................................45 Culinary Masters Recipe.................................................46 Puzzle Page....................................................................48 I Want to go Back...........................................................50 Prize Crossword..............................................................54 What’s On.......................................................................58 Introducing Emma.........................................................61 10K Starlight Hike..........................................................62

I want to go back

50

20,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Park, Brampton, Buckden, Offord Cluny, Offord D’arcy, Godmanchester, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey, Cambourne, Chawston, Croxton, Duloe, Graveley, Great Paxton, Hail Weston, Honeydon, Little Barford, Little Paxton, Eaton Socon, Bourn, Grantchester, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling.

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

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Armande Fryatt, Centre for Complementary Health, Leeds Day Solicitors, Fiona McLeman, Tony Larkins, Culinary Masters, Yasmin Chopin, Pippa Greenwood, Gareth Arscott, Tom Hancock, Cromwell Vets, Melanie Ridley and Tim Saunders Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 - nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Bernard Ormrod, Emma Porter, Catherine Rose, Sandra Cunningham and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

History

From South Street St. Neots to Miami Oklahoma. By Peter Ibbett

The flags were out in St Neots for the recent Armed Forces Day commemoration.

They featured a joint British and American flag to remind a new generation of the debt we owe to the USA for their support in both World Wars. My father was born in St. Neots and was one of those who were shipped over the Atlantic to learn to fly above the vast Prairies at Miami, Oklahoma. He gained his wings flying PT 19’s, AT6 Harvard’s and the Mustang.

Many remember the ‘American Invasion’ of England

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and the ‘Technicolor’ life style they injected into grey, drab and rationed lives. Few remember that local lads had their own ‘quiet’ invasion of the vast spaces of the USA. Flt./Lt. R F Sutherland addressed No 3 Flying School on adapting to a country with a different attitude to life.

“I am amazed at the hospitality shown everywhere even by folks on meeting you for the first time. They are unable to do enough especially when they hear you are a Britisher. Treat your American friends with the same cordiality as they treat you and above all try and understand the other person’s point of view, so that we may, after this war is over, be able to live in harmony and peace. I realise that this will be no easy matter for some of you because the ordinary Britisher is naturally reserved and undemonstrative.

You should take a leaf out of the book of those around you.”

Roy Ullyett (fondly remembered by many for his sports cartoons) was also trained in America and summed up the spirit of ‘seeing the other person’s point of view’ in a characteristic pocket cartoon contributed to the ‘Open Post’ Flying School magazine.

If you have any items or memories please let St. Neots museum know.

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History

A History of Huntingdon

By Catherine Rose

Chartered by King John in 1205, Huntingdon is the original county town of Huntingdonshire and is most famous for being the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell in 1599. The Cromwell Museum on the marketplace is dedicated to him and amongst its displays has a copy of the famous “warts and everything (all)” painting by Sir Peter Lely although sadly, it is currently facing closure in 2015.

The museum was originally a medieval infirmary – the Hospital of St John the Baptist - and in the 1500s became Huntingdon Grammar School which both Cromwell and Samuel Pepys (who was born in Huntingdonshire) attended. Pepys wrote of visits to Huntingdon in his famous diaries and there are references to him in the town.

Other famous residents have been the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who invented the staple of packed lunches, and former Prime Minister John Major.

The name Huntingdon is derived from the old English ‘Huntedon’ meaning ‘hunter’s hill’. It has been both a market and a coaching town in its incarnations and there may once have been a small Roman settlement here in conjunction with the main one at Godmanchester that had the Roman name of Durovigutum. Certainly, a Roman road goes through the centre of Huntingdon on its way to York but the present county town was founded by the Anglo Saxons after Edward the

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Elder seized it from the Danes in 921 who had been using it as a staging post for raids.

At one time there was also a castle here that had a large vineyard built by William the Conqueror who first visited Huntingdon on his way to York in 1068.

Although the castle has now gone, the site it once stood on is designated as an ancient monument.

Huntingdon was a major bridging point of the Great Ouse, England’s third longest river, and a lovely medieval bridge in very good condition is still one of its main features. During this time there was also a mint here as silver pennies have been found bearing the name of Huntingdon and that of King Eadwig (955-959). In the 13th century, the town prospered and had 15 churches, three hospitals and three monasteries including Hinchingbrooke House. The main route through Huntingdon was the original Roman Road, renamed Ermine Street and possibly a reference to the medieval trade in furs which were popular in Northern Europe. As with many towns in England however, the Black Death saw a huge decline in the population.

Huntingdon has played a major role during wartime. It featured heavily during the Civil War and suffered much damage when in 1645 an army of 4,000 Royalists seized it from the Parliamentarians, destroying two churches, St John’s and St Benedict’s in the process and reportedly leaving the whole town in a fairly

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dilapidated state. The old 16th century Falcon Inn however, believed to have been Oliver Cromwell’s headquarters during the war remains. Huntingdon also played its part during WWI when soldiers were stationed there, the mill was used as a military clothing depot and the wounded were treated at 17th century Walden House.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town was famous as a coaching stop on the Great North Road to Lincoln and York. Reputedly, Dick Turpin was a visitor. The George Hotel, named after St George in 1574, was once owned by Oliver Cromwell’s grandfather Henry, and King Charles I made it his headquarters in 1645. Although it suffered a fire in the 1850s which resulted in the loss of two wings, its remaining courtyard and balcony have been used as the setting for Shakespeare plays since 1959. The Old Bridge Hotel and restaurant which is also home to an extensive wine shop was once a bank and sits in a lovely location overlooking the river next to the old mill, now apartments.

The town hall is a prominent building on Market Hill. It was constructed in 1745 but has been altered on several occasions over the years. Inside there are two early 19th century law courts and a ballroom. In the centre of the square in front of it is a statue of a WWI soldier which was sculpted by Kathleen Scott in 1923. Kathleen was the widow of Scott of the Antarctic and the memorial entitled ‘The Thinking Soldier’ is considered to be one of the nation’s best war memorials.

On the north side of the square, All Saints Church is one of only two surviving medieval churches and contains the font, originally in St John’s Church, in which it is believed Oliver Cromwell was baptised. Members of the Cromwell family are

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buried here.

Huntingdon also has its share of ghosts.

Hinchingbrooke House is reputed to be haunted, along with the bridge over Alconbury Brook where a nun’s ghost has been seen (it is also known as Nun’s Bridge for this reason). Legend has it that she and her illicit lover, a monk, were murdered.

Driving out of the town, between the railway station and the old hospital building, you pass by a prominent cannon on display. The original was one from the Crimean War which unfortunately was scrapped for the war effort during WW2. A replica was installed in the 1990s, facing the opposite way.

Between Godmanchester, Huntingdon and Brampton and measuring approximately 275 acres is England’s largest meadow, known as Portholme. It attracts many rare species of plants and insects and is the only recorded habitat of the marsh dandelion in Britain. It also acts as a natural reservoir for the river, helping to prevent flooding. This meadow was known in Pepys’ time and he wrote: ‘…walked in the meadows of Port Holme where the country maids milked the cows and brought their milk home in pomp with music going before them’. A very pleasant walk can still be taken from Brampton Mill to the old medieval bridge that will take you across it.

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Three Counties Radio

How to buy a Pet

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Sadly over the years I have dealt with many consumer problems concerning animals. You name it, from the puppies that suddenly become ill the day after purchase to the animals with hereditary conditions where the breeder takes no responsibility after their wallet is full of your £20 notes. Sadly it’s all too common. I have to say that on many occasions, I find myself becoming furious with consumers and the irresponsible way they often go about purchasing a new addition to their family. If you want to do things the correct way, without getting ripped off, then listen carefully to my advice.

Firstly, animal rescue centres are absolutely overflowing at the moment with dogs, cats, rabbits etc. that have been abandoned either by irresponsible, ghastly people who didn’t think carefully before taking a pet on, or by folk whose circumstances have changed through no fault of their own. Obviously, if you feel able to rescue a pet, and take on any problems that animal may come with, this is preferable. Check to make sure the animal rescue centre has a good reputation.

However, there are many people out there who want to experience the pleasure of raising a pet from a young age. If this is the case, then chances are you’re going to have to part with some money.

As tempting as it may be, NEVER purchase an animal being advertised on the internet.

No self -respecting breeder would ever advertise an animal on online sites for buying and selling. You may well get a bargain dog or cat, but if that animal has started life in some kind of pet breeding factory with little regard for the animals’ welfare, you may be taking on an expensive and potentially dangerous problem for the future.

It is also worth mentioning that unless you have met the animal’s mother and father, you have no idea of the temperament or health of the animal you’re purchasing. NEVER buy an animal if you cannot meet its parents. If you are told to meet the ‘breeder’ at a half-way point or in a lay-by, then massive alarm bells should be ringing in your head!

So what SHOULD you do? Well, my advice is to search out a good, reputable breeder with the right ethics. Generally, making contact with a breed specific club who can put you in touch with good breeders, or (for dogs) finding a Kennel club fully accredited breeder will ensure you are buying a good quality and well-bred animal. You will have to pay more money, but with pets and most things in life, generally it’s worth every penny.

If you DO buy an animal, then ensure you organise good pet insurance to run from the minute you commit to buying him/ her. If you have a problem, then you are still covered by your usual consumer statutory rights.

Finally, as always if you follow my advice but still have a problem with a furry addition to your family, then you can always contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do what I can to help.

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

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Health

Back to School Bugs and Beasties

How does it happen? Your family has enjoyed a happy, healthy six week summer holiday, but within just days of returning to school your child comes down with a cold, or develops an itchy skin condition, or catches nits. Why, when they need to be settling into a new routine and you need to be back at work, do they suddenly get ill?

Like it or not, children gathering in schools is one of the main ways germs circulate in communities.

Their immune systems are less mature, they tend to be in close contact, and they have ‘germy’ habits like sticking fingers or pencils into their mouths, so it is inevitable that they are going to come home with something nasty at some point.

That said, most illnesses can be avoided if a few good practices are followed. Top of the list is to make sure that your child’s immunisations are all up to date, and that all family members have had a seasonal flu vaccination, where appropriate.

Prevention is definitely the best medicine.

Next, make sure they wash their hands enough - and properly! The most common way to catch illness is through the mouth, eyes or nose after the hands have been in contact with infected surfaces.

A thorough wash with soap and warm water to the back of the hands, in between the fingers and around the nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes

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By Debbie Singh-Bhatti to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice!) - before eating or drinking, after a visit to the toilet, blowing their nose, or touching animals and waste, should be the minimum.

Teach your child ‘germ etiquette’. This means staying away from other children who may be sneezing or coughing, covering their own coughs and sneezes by using tissues that should be thrown away immediately, and avoiding head to head contact with others. If your child is older, warn them about sharing items such as lipstick, lip balm, make-up, razors, creams, lotions and other personal items such as towels and sports kit.

There are some germ hotspots in schools, and cafeteria trays are one of them! One survey found that there were more bacteria per square inch on a cafeteria tray than there were on a toilet seat, probably because the trays don’t get cleaned as often. If your child drops food on a tray, they should throw it away!

Finally, your child can build up their immunity by getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and by drinking plenty of water. Take these preventative measures and hopefully going back to school will be a happy, healthy time for everybody!

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Books

Cambridge author’s ‘autumn’ novel

By Catherine Rose

C.S. Lewis said: “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream another dream.” And Bartonbased author Sheila Belbin is living proof. She wrote her first novel ‘Beloved Enemy’ when she was nearly eighty. Now in her 86th year, it been published by the American independent publisher Authorhouse , gaining some impressive reviews from the likes of Clarion, Kirkus, Blueink and The Villager! When I met with Sheila, she was shortly to be interviewed by Publisher’s Weekly.

‘Beloved Enemy’ is the story of ‘a conflict of love and duty’ set in WW2 Germany centering on Allison Grant, a young Anglo-German spy in the British Army sent to enemy-occupied France to seduce a handsome German colonel who works in intelligence. The novel was inspired by the experiences of Sheila’s Franco-German friend who lived in France during the war. “It’s not her story” says Sheila “because that was larger than life” and recounts how her friend’s life was saved when her German sweetheart threw himself on top of her under British fire, being killed in the process.

“I’m an internationalist and the purpose of the book was to show there is good and bad in all races and nations” explains Sheila.

Previously a successful lawyer, Sheila had always harboured dreams of writing. She finally came to write her novel while caring for her ex-husband, a chronic alcoholic, in his final months. “He would go to bed at 5pm” says Sheila “which meant I had time on my hands to write.” After the book was rejected by three agents, Sheila put the manuscript in a drawer but it was an article in Good Housekeeping magazine about a writer who had been published with Authorhouse that made her decide to try again.

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With 50,000 clients, Authorhouse has such belief in the commercial strength of Sheila’s novel that they have already had a screenplay written and actress Rachel Weiss is to be approached to play the part of Allison. Sheila reads me some of the screenplay which is sitting on her coffee table, saying how pleased she is that “they have kept it in the spirit of the book” and jokes that she is not sure she will be around to see the end result as it could take two years to make the film.

She has a very good relationship with her advisors at Authorhouse, Andrew Gould and Janine Carey who do all the marketing and promotion for the book including advertisements in newspapers like The Guardian and The New York Times.

Life truly did begin at 80 for Sheila as not only did she publish her first book, she also met and married widower Meredith Belbin six years ago.

Quiet but determinedly spoken Sheila says: “since my book has been published, life has been emotionally exhausting but very exciting.”

Beloved Enemy by Sheila Munds-Belbin is published by Authorhouse, priced £12.95.

To order, call 0800 197 4150 or visit www. authorhouse.co.uk.

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Education

Take the opportunity to gain new skills!

Huntingdonshire Regional College offers a wide range of part-time professional courses that will help you gain new skills to further your career or retrain to start a completely new career. They offer courses at a variety of different levels, from Level 1 up to Higher National Diplomas, to allow you to learn from the beginning and go right up to higher education study.

Their training takes place in professional working environments such as workshops and salons that are fully equipped with industry standard equipment, furthermore, their expert tutors have extensive industry experience and knowledge to ensure you achieve your qualification goals and ambitions.

Huntingdonshire Regional College understands the importance of balancing your study with work, family and other commitments, that’s why they run their courses at a variety of different times throughout the day, including during working hours, in the evening and even through distance learning.

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The College has achieved record success rates alongside a growing reputation with business and training in the workplace, showing that they are fast becoming an exceptional place to study.

If you are aged 24 or over and starting a Level 3 course, or higher, on or after the 31st August 2014, you may be entitled to a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to help you pay the tuition fees. Applying for loan is simple, there’s no credit check and you won’t have to pay anything back until your annual income is over £21k!

It’s not too late to apply for September, however availability across all their courses is limited so please ensure you get in touch to secure your place.

For further information please call 01480 379106 or visit huntingdon.ac.uk

Part-time college courses. Your opportunity to succeed!

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Local News

The Rotary Club of St Ives

Make A Difference in our Community The Rotary Club of St Ives is sponsoring a new Rotaract Club aimed at attracting members aged 18-30.

Rotaract is an international organisation which gives the chance for young people to make a real difference in their community. As well as having a great time trying something new and meeting others, young people can also get involved in international projects, network with people in our local area, develop their professional and personal skills, and do their bit in making life that little bit better for others.

Rotaract is a non-political and non-religious organisation with over 190,000 members worldwide. There are over 100 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. Each club is autonomous and organises its own activities, whether it’s a social event, fund-raising drive or support to the local community.

To get the club off to a flying start a FREE SOCIAL EVENT has been booked for bowling at The Basement Lanes at the One Leisure St Ives Indoor Centre. This will also include a free drink and snack at The Zest Café and Bar afterwards. The date for this event is Thursday 16th October 2014 at 7-9pm.

Numbers are restricted so please e-mail to book your place: @stivesrotaractclub@gmail.com OR Find us on Facebook: Rotaract St Ives Cambridgeshire and Like our Page Local Rotarian Sue Duma commented, “This is an exciting opportunity for young people in our area to actually participate in the community activities that they choose. This will be their club, run by the members, in which everyone has a say. I have been tremendously impressed by the enthusiasm and innovation of the Rotaract members I’ve met. They provide direct hands-on support to local people and the benefits are clear to see.”

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Complementary Health

Get on your bike!

Centre for Complimentary Health If you’ve been inspired to get on your bike after watching The Tour de France or the Commonwealth Games, you can prevent discomfort and enjoy your ride more by taking a few minutes to check your cycling posture.

Roy Palmer the Centre’s Alexander Teacher explains. “Let’s start with the basics, is your bike the right size for your height? To check this just stand with your feet flat on the floor over the tube, if it’s about an inch below your groin then it’s fine.

Next, the most important part is the saddle. If it’s too high you’re likely to rock side to side and strain your lower back, but if it’s too low you can strain your knees due to limited space. To get the right height you need a friend to hold the bike while you sit on the saddle. Then place the ball of your foot with the pedal in the lowest position. If you can do this with just a slight bend in your knee your saddle is the right height. To get the correct

position of the saddle in relation to the pedals and handlebars, again get your friend to hold the bike while you sit on the saddle. Place your feet on the pedals with them in the horizontal position. Move the saddle forward and back until your front knee is directly over the pedal.

Now lean forward and place your hands on the handlebars. Adjust the height so your arms have a slight bend. The forward lean of the torso is vital to reduce the stress on the back, especially the lower back. The balls of your feet should sit on the pedals and ensure your feet are facing forward. If your feet are splayed outwards you will put strain on your ankle, knee and hip joints. When cycling maintain a neutral spine (that is, don’t collapse forward) and check your shoulders and arms are relaxed. To look forward, tilt your head up from the point between your ears to prevent neck strain”.

If you do experience any injuries whilst cycling we can give you advice at the Centre, just contact us on 01480 455221 or see our website for more details www.centreforcomphealth.com More info: Website: www.CentreForCompHealth.com Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com Phone: 01480 455221

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Newly refurbished, relaxing and comfortable environment.

Stockists of a wide selection of dancewear and accessories from: Bloch, Capezio, Topline, Roch Valley, Supadance, Werner Kern, Grishko...

We cater for all major dance disciplines ballet, tap, jazz/modern, contemporary street and ballroom Specialist Pointe shoe fitting by experienced qualified fitters.

Please call to make an appointment Unit 2 Fishers Yard, Market Square, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2AG Tel: 01480 477212 Email: info@kellymariesdancewear.co.uk Website: www.kellymariesdancewear.co.uk

Jazzercise got me back in my dress size. It fuels my mind and spirit while toning every inch of my body.

- Bo 44

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New customers or those returning after 6 months only.

Other restrictions may apply.

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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

www.jazzfitness.co.uk

or call 01480 216090

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Education

By Armande Fryatt

Dealing with Dyslexia The other day, I asked one of my A level students, Sarah, about her future plans. When she told me she intends to study English at Reading University, I was so proud. I remember how much she struggled with English when she started having support lessons with me as a nine-year- old.

Sarah is diagnosed dyslexic. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills.

It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities (British Dyslexia Association 2013). Sarah is a very bright girl but she has processing difficulties.

Processing involves the ability to automatically and fluently perform relatively easy cognitive tasks, especially when high mental efficiency is required, that is, for simple tasks requiring focused concentration without intentional thinking through.

Processing difficulties tend to be associated with the following learning needs: Relatively slow writing skills Slower working under pressure Problems with planning and structuring Slow speed of processing written language Problems with planning and structuring Keeping track of progress through multi-step tasks.

Sarah’s difficulties affect her ability to write essays and when she is at university, she will continue to need learning support to help her get her thoughts down onto paper.

Dyslexia tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but it can be managed by appropriately specific intervention. A study adviser can help Sarah work out strategies for making the

best use of her time, for example by: • recording information and playing it back • making notes in a more visual way e.g. on a spider diagram • discussing ideas verbally before writing them down • breaking work down into individual tasks • thinking about outcomes before starting reading • having printouts (not copying from the board) • using coloured overlays when reading • using effective proof reading techniques.

All of these techniques can be used from about Year 5 onwards. Sarah has been formally assessed and given 25% extra time in exams. At university, she can apply for Disabled Student Allowance which may pay for a laptop, printer and scanner to help her.

Any parent who is concerned that their child has difficulties with literacy should have him/her assessed by a specialist which will show the child’s strengths and weaknesses and give advice to the school on support. An assessment is also essential for access arrangements (extra time in SATs, GCSEs, A-levels and beyond).

The following websites also give helpful advice to parents and students: http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/documents/ NeilCottrell-CopingStrategies-PATOSSBulletin-Winter2010.pdf http://dyslexstudyskills.group.shef.ac.uk/ http://www.dyslexia-help.org/education-higher.asp http://www.slc.co.uk/media/561707/sfe_btgb_1314_d.pdf The author is a specialist teacher and educational assessor who is a member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Patoss). She has a private practice in Bedfordshire and can be contacted on 01767 631123. Additional assessors can be found on www.patoss-dyslexia.org

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25

Family Law

Mediation

By Fiona McLeman

Mediation aims to enable parties to explore options in a balanced, focused way with the aim of identifying solutions to the problems that face couples when a relationship breaks down or when parents need to make arrangements for their children.

It is not about ‘getting back together’, it’s about moving forward.

Mediation can help families negotiate both the short-term problems that need to be dealt with urgently when relationships break down and the longer term issues that need to be decided. It can result in better communication between parties and can certainly be quicker and cheaper than battling issues out at Court!

Fiona and Christina are both specialist family lawyers as well as family mediators.

This means that as well as giving impartial

guidance during mediation, they have the legal knowledge to ensure that parties seek independent legal advice when necessary and that any agreement reached will actually be capable of becoming legally binding if this is what the parties want.

Fiona and Christina are able to offer ‘comediation’ so the parties have the benefit of a second family specialist on hand. This can be of great help in some cases.

If you would like further information about mediation, or would like an informal discussion about whether mediation is an option for your family, please call Fiona on 01223 229933 or Christina on 01223 355333.

Email: fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk christina@ fmfamilylaw.co.uk

Fiona McLeman Tel: 07894 095775 www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk 26

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Dedicated support for clients in relationship breakdown:

• • • • •

Separation Financial Settlements Change of Name Prenuptial Agreements Mediation

• • • • •

Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law

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

fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk, 07894095775, www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Regus House, 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne CB23 6DP To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

27

Leeds Day Solicitors

Understanding the Child Maintenance Scheme A subject that often causes conflict when a couple separate is when trying to agree what level of financial support the person with whom the children live should receive from the spouse or partner moving out. Until recently, if agreement could not be reached, then the Child Support Agency could be asked to assess what the “Non Resident Parent” (NRP) should pay.

The rules on child maintenance have changed.

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

What has changed?

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

• The new scheme calculates the level of child maintenance based on the NRP’s gross income.

• In calculating gross income, the NRP’s historic income is used, usually from information provided to HMRC under a PAYE scheme or from their self-assessment tax return.

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

What is the new calculation?

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

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

Our offices: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 28

children and 19% for three or more children.

Any income earned in excess of £800 per week up to £3,000 per week; 9% for one child, 12% for two children and 16% for three or more children.

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

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

The new rules attempt to reduce the costs of the child support regime. Parents are being encouraged to agree maintenance between themselves.

In an effort to actively encourage people to try to reach an agreement, charges will be introduced as follows: • £20 application fee.

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

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

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

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

If you are separated or divorced and need advice as to the level of child support which should be paid by you or to you, please contact the family team at Leeds Day Solicitors, either by telephone: 01480 474661 or email: family@ leedsday.co.uk If you quote this article before the end of October 2014 then your fist 30 minute consultation will be free.

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

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

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Anstee Gorst

Chartered Certified Accountants

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

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

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Beacon Wealth

Don’t Leave It Too Late It is well known that individuals who are selfemployed or owners of smaller companies are reluctant to pay too much into pensions.

The usual arguments given are; firstly that cash flow is required in the business, and secondly they can turn the money over several times and make a better return than the pension will.

Naturally both these arguments hold water, but there is a downside. Putting off contributions until later is going to be harder as the total allowed to be paid in has reduced again, and future tax relief is expected to be reduced.

The work of a Financial Planner is to help both employed and self-employed individuals work towards their retirement goal in the most beneficial way for the client.

The starting point is working out the minimum income required in retirement and then how much would be preferred. Once this has been established a plan can be made to achieve this from the most appropriate means, for example; Pensions, ISAs, Retirement Income, Dividends, Interest; and the level of investment risk that is required.

For an employee, employer sponsored pensions via salary sacrifice are usually the best, but often

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

insufficient by themselves.

For the self-employed there is seldom the option to sell the company or continue recovering an income from the business after retirement. Again, for business owners it might not always be possible to find a buyer at the right time. But with early succession planning, it is often possible that a way exists to prolong income beyond retirement, and to accommodate an earlier retirement if necessary.

Clearly many advisers will be out of their depth in certain areas of planning, so always ask your adviser if they have relevant experience and qualifications.

Both are important to avoid the obvious and sometimes hidden consequences of certain actions.

Planning for retirement is a bit like planning to run a marathon; the earlier and slower you start the easier it is. If you do not think ahead and plan, more effort will be required and the more painful it will be. Remember, the tortoise won the race – So don’t leave it too late.

You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS). If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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33

SURECLEAN

All Seasons

Garden & Property Maintenance

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

Some Services We Provide

Grass/Hedge-cutting, Turfing, Patios, Fencing Ground Preparation, Sheds/Conservatory Bases Repair Work - Internal/External Painting - Internal/External Clearances, Cleaning/pressure cleaning

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

01480 468965/07870 338074

No job too small

www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk

Certified Waste Carriers Fully Insured. Free estimates

Please call Nick

Mob: 07896668976 / Home: 01480 383605 Email: all_seasons123@hotmail.co.uk Find us on Facebook Located:St Neots

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Garden

Credit Crunch Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com If you feel that your garden has become an expensive hobby, check-out my top tips for Credit-Crunch Gardening.

• Apply for an allotment. An allotment opens up a whole new opportunity to grow almost unlimited food at very little cost, get exercise without paying for the gym, and learn a lot from your neighbouring plot holders.

• Gardeners are a very generous bunch, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask, friends, neighbours, or fellow allotmenteers for cuttings or seedlings of plants that you have admired. It is part of what gardening is all about.

• Collect softish, deciduous leaves to make free soil improver. Just make a ‘cage’ from galvanised wire with posts at the corners or cram the leaves into bin liners and puncture a few holes.

• Make the most of every bit of fruit and veg that your garden or allotment produces. Make jams, chutnies, jellies and of course bottle or freeze just about anything else.

• Make your own wasp trap. Use a jam jar part filled with stale jam, mixed with water and topped with tin foil with a few holes in it made using a pencil.

• Many local councils offer really good value composters and compost bins. Better still, if you’re at all handy with the hammer and nails, create your own from old pallets or floor boards.

• Fill a flowerbed with colour by sowing it with hardy annual seeds – some can be collected from existing plants, others from packet seed, often at under £1 per packet.

• Ask your local pub to give you any stale beer from the driptrays and use it as slug bait. Use an old plastic beaker part filled with beer and

placed so that the rim is about 1cm above soil level in a slug and snail prone area.

• Enjoy some wild food. Many garden plants are edible, and don’t forget the old favourites such as hedgerow blackberries - great for crumble, stewed with some apple or for making into bramble jelly.

• Many fruits sold in the supermarket come in smart, clear-plastic trays, which can be used as miniature seed trays, and most even come with a clear plastic top, the perfect mini propagator lid.

• Growing your own vegetables really can save you a packet. Right now you can order in seed for crops, and onion sets and garlic for crops early next summer. Then early in the year start planting potatoes and sowing seed.

• Look after your garden tools. Store them in a dry shed or garage, wipe over any metal parts with an oily rag to keep rust at bay and they’ll last years longer.

• Invest in a few raspberry canes. This has to be the best money saving crop, as they are expensive in the shops. Once established autumn fruiting varieties yield heavy crops and can give you ‘posh’ fruit....for just pennies.

• The garden furniture is probably the most costly item in your garden and statistics show it’s what gardeners spend most money on replacing.

Remove washable seat-pads and cushions first, wash and dry these and then cover the furniture up or move it into a shed or garage if possible.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.

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35

In the Garden

PLANT OF THE month

Anemone x hybrid “September Charm”

By Gareth Arscott

www.buckdenperennialplants.webs.com As we get towards the end of the perennial growing season our gardens are showing less colour and more shades of green, as the foliage takes over.

A short while ago, we received a good suggestion for a September Plant of the Month – A Japanese Anemone by the name of “September Charm”. It was a variety that we had not come across before but after we found it had won an RHS Award of Garden Merit, we invested in three plants.

Although they started slowly, they have reached 3 feet height over a period 16 months and each plant will spread in time to cover an area of 3 feet in diameter. It will happily sit in full sun but we have planted ours in partial shade where the pale pink flowers shine in the gloom.

It will tolerate most soils but likes to keep its

rhizomatous rootstock moist, but not waterlogged.

We planted it with plenty of drainage underneath and lots of compost around to ensure that it would spread well and have no trouble in the winter.

It can easily be propagated by division but try to leave the plant alone for 2 or 3 years. It does not like disturbance. Once it gets established it will spread quickly.

Other varieties will give you a range of colours from pure white through to hundreds of different shades of pink, a great flower at a time when the others are going to sleep for the winter.

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 36

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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

SAW GARDEN SERVICES

‘At The Cutting Edge’

Providing Fencing, Decking Lawn & Hedge Services • All types of Fencing & Gates supplied & erected • Decking installed/repaired • Turfing & Lawn Seeding • Hedge Cutting • Fully Licensed Waste Carrier • Full Liability Insurance

Call for a FREE estimate:

01767 651 962 / 07762 096 089

E: simon@sawgardenservice.co.uk

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Business gone slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.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 ÂŁ6.60/day.

Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded.

64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

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

The cattery for caring owners.

Comfort and security for your pet.

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Pets

Stick to toys Cromwell Vets

It’s a typical image of a man and his dog – out on a walk throwing a stick and the dog keenly retrieving it – but it’s one that makes the veterinary world cringe.

We see lots of dogs with stick injuries, some minor and sadly some fatal - all from the seemingly harmless game of fetch with a stick. Injury can occur as a dog tries to grab the stick at speed. If one end gets jammed into the ground, the dog’s soft mouth is no match for the other end of the stick.

Sticky issues Sticks have pointy ends and splinter causing serious problems for our dogs: • Wood splinters cut the mouth.

• Fragments of wood can become firmly lodged in the roof of the dog’s mouth.

• Sharp edges of wood can cause deep lacerations to lips, gums or tongue.

• Splinters of wood can be swallowed causing serious complications.

• The sharp end can puncture the back of the dog’s mouth, sever blood vessels or even puncture the oesophagus or trachea. Deep infection can set in which can track down into the dog’s chest.

What to look for if you suspect a stick injury • Excessive drooling • Pawing at the mouth • Problems eating/drinking • Blood from the mouth/blood-tinged saliva • Gagging/retching If you see any of these signs please seek veterinary attention.

Never allow your dog to play with sticks! Use a toy instead!

Contact your local Cromwell Surgery for advice.

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CD

Garage Door Problems?

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

Phone Chris Day On:

07899 903973

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01480 459 721

High Street, Brampton

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Conkers!

By Tom Hancock

Most sources agree that the gloriously eccentric game of conkers began in England, but conkers is also played in North America, Canada, Ireland and Switzerland.

Success in conkers relies on good equipment. Hence you need a good horse chestnut . The best are firm, uncracked and symmetrical. Drill through the centre and thread a shoelace through the hole, knotting it securely.

The aim is to smash your opponent’s conker with your own and if you achieve this, your conker becomes a one-er. From here it gets a bit more complicated. If it then smashes another one-er it becomes a two-er. If it then smashes a two-er it automatically becomes a four-er. If it then smashes a six-er it becomes a ten-er and so on. Still with me?

The rules of conkers are many and varied. I rather like the one which states that if you drop your conker your opponent can yell ‘stamps’ and crush your conker with his foot. If you yell ‘no stamp’ first, he’s not allowed to do this. Good luck with that one one in the heat of battle!

Dense conkers are best. If yours sinks in a bucket of water it’s a good one. Less legitimately include baking your conker in a low oven, soaking it in vinegar or coating it in nail polish are all guaranteed to improve your chances of success in open competition.

The official world conker championship is held annually in Ashton in Northamptonshire.

Contestants are not allowed to use their own conkers. They also dispense with the points rule mentioned earlier, and no-one is allowed to stamp on anyone else’s conkers, which surely takes some of the fun out of it.

In recent years the Health and Safety police have banned conkers in schools up and down the land.

This is a shame and perhaps we should campaign to get conkers back into playgrounds as part of our rightful heritage.

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41

Home Interiors

Taking the trend

By Yasmin Chopin

for metallics to a new level

Have you fallen for the shiny surfaces, the richness of gold and silver or the down-to-earth qualities of brassware? The abundant use of metallics in home decor continues to be popular. I’ve always loved metal objects ever since I started visiting antique auctions and bought several brass and copper items for a period property I was renovating. I soon began to realise they needed extra care, that a quick dust over wasn’t quite enough, and spent many an hour with some elbow grease and a pot of Brasso. But now, with only a few pieces left in my collection, I’ve stopped using the proprietary metal cleaners in favour of allowing the natural patina to take over.

Top Design Tip: You can mix all types of metals, from silver and gold through to brass and pewter.

You just need the right pieces, in the right shape and size, and it will all look fabulous together.

I have developed an idea-book, called Majestic

Luxe, to help you use this design style and copy what you fancy. It is showcased in Houzz (just tap my name into the search bar at www.Houzz.com) and I’ve also created a Pinterest board for you (www.pinterest.com/YasminChopinID). Take a look when you next have a few minutes over coffee.

If you love colour and have a penchant for shiny metal things you might enjoy creating this style in your home.

Fun Quiz - Birds 1. In the nursery rhyme Sing A Song Of Sixpence, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?

2. Which mythical bird would live for hundreds of years and then build a nest of twigs that it would set fire to, burning itself to ashes from which a new bird would be born?

3. Originating in a play called The Birds by Aristophanes, what three word phrase is used to mean an unrealistically idealistic state where everything is perfect?

4. What “bird” was Michael Parkinson referring to when he said that despite all the stars he had interviewed, he’d always be remembered by “that bloody bird”?

5. What type of bird is Wheezy modelled on in the Toy Story films?

6. Buzz Buzzard was the nemesis of which cartoon character?

7. What bird is used as a term in golf to refer to a score of three under par on a hole?

8. What type of birds are kept at the Tower of London at all times in accordance with a legend that says that if they are absent then the kingdom will fall?

9. Which European country’s flag has a black two-headed eagle on a red background?

10. Of the 364 gifts given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds?

1. 24 (“four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”) 2. The phoenix 3. Cloud Cuckoo Land 4. Emu (Rod Hull’s puppet, who attacked him in an interview, knocking him out of his chair) 5. A penguin 6. Woody Woodpecker 7. Albatross 8. Ravens 9. Albania’s 10. 184 (7 swans-a-swimming on 6 days, 6 geese-alaying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days)

Before

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After

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

07842 195152 01480 811629

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

Available now on flexible terms with ample parking.

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

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

Tel: 07941 049843 Email: s_parsley@totalise.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

43

GDC HEATING

Plumbing, Gas and Oil Heating Engineers

36 Rookery Road, Wyboston, Bedfordshire MK44 3AX

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

Reg No. 112425

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Travelogue

Crossing the Bridge

By Melanie Ridley

When people think of Sydney there are two things that come to mind: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Francis Greenway proposed building a bridge over the harbour in 1815 to connect the north shore to the south shore of Sydney and cut commuters’ travel time down, he would never have thought that in 183 years people would be able to strap themselves to the 53,000 tonnes of steel used to make it and climb this megastructure.

The bridge took eight years to complete and required the services of 1,400 men. Of this large number, 16 of them died during the construction.

Before Australian Paul Hogan played his crocodile hunter character in the cult classic Crocodile Dundee, it is known that he even helped paint the bridge. It also consists of six million rivets which were all hand-driven.

In 1998, the first members of the public were able to climb this iconic structure. When I arrived, ready for my very own bridge climb, it was apparent how organised it was going to be.

First, I was taken into a room with eight other people who would be climbing with me where we were talked through the morning’s schedule and how it would pan out. We were then led into another room where we were handed very stylish blue onesies, which resembled a boiler suit. After

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we were suited up, we were required to practice climbing some example steps indoors, that were like the ones we would climb on the bridge.

Before we stepped outside into the fresh Sydney air and began the climb, I was fastened to a metal cable that I would stay attached to for the entire duration of the climb. As I made my way up the side of the bridge, I couldn’t help but have my breath taken away by the sights. To my right was the Sydney Opera House, which, when up that high is a cream colour, and the shape can be truly appreciated and admired. Further into the distance, behind the opera house, I could make out the faint outline of the beach I used to call home, Bondi.

Once my group and I had reached the summit, the view was spectacular. To know we were standing atop a bridge which is talked about around the world seemed to make time stand still. Looking down on Sydney and envisioning everybody sitting behind their desks and getting on with their daily lives while I was 134m above Sydney Harbour was mind blowing.

After living and working in Sydney for eight months and travelling Australia for three, during my descent and walking away from the picturesque image behind me, I couldn’t think of a better way to say goodbye to this beautiful country.

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Food and Drink

by Culinary Masters

Cheese Soufflé Your regular store cupboard ingredients will make this tasty and classy soufflé.

INGREDIENTS 1 pint milk 56g butter 56g plain flour 330g mature cheddar 4 eggs 1. Heat milk in a saucepan.

2. Melt the butter in a pan on a low heat.

3. Add the flour and cook on a low heat for a further 10 minutes to form a paste.

4. Keep the saucepan on the heat and slowly add the hot milk to the butter and flour paste whilst stirring to make a sauce.

5. Add the grated cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Separate the eggs.

7. Fold the yolks into the sauce.

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8. Then whip the egg whites until stiff and gently fold these into the sauce taking care not to beat out the air.

9. Butter and flour a muffin tray to prevent sticking. Use a silicon tray for best results.

10. Pour the mixture into the tray and bake in a water bath at 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4 for 20-25 minutes.

Based in Bedfordshire, Culinary Masters can supply a professional chef to cater for you in your home, whether it is a romantic meal for two or a dinner party for friends and family, you can enjoy the luxury of a meal out with all the shopping, cooking and clearing up done for you. Call 07872391726 for competitive quotes, menu options and more details.

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Sureclean DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

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

01480 468965 or 07870 338074

FLOORED

SureClean Cleaning Sept 14 - Cambs.indd 1

8/19/2014 8:31:26 PM

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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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Travel

I Want to Go Back That’s what eldest daughter Harriett (3) reveals on leaving Paultons Park in Romsey, Hampshire.

Paultons first opened its doors in 1983 with just four staff. An amazing 80,000 visitors arrived that year, at a time when theme parks were still relatively new phenomena to the UK. It was a massive gamble for farmer John Mancey who successfully applied for a planning application to turn part of the estate into a visitor attraction. He died in 2003 and his son Richard now continues his father’s legacy.

By 1993 400,000 visitors looking for a good day out were pouring through the doors. A plan of continued investment saw the park expand in 1999 ploughing £500,000 into the Raging River Rapids Ride. But it was the opening of Peppa Pig World in 2011 that sealed the park’s success.

As of this year, the multi-million pound success story now employs 600 staff at peak times and enjoys one million visitors a year to its 60 rides. The park’s 140 acres also feature a collection of birds and animals.

When we arrive the weather is looking questionable but despite this the car park is quickly filling up.

Naturally, Peppa Pig World is the place where Harriett drags us to first and there are children from France, Italy and Germany.

After a visit to Peppa’s House it’s time for our picnic.

And pleasingly there are plenty of benches. Lunch is a quick affair though because there’s much more to see.

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By Tim Saunders

Harriett and Caroline then spy Wave Runner. We are surprised how there are so few people queuing for this ride. Five minutes later after watching the other visitors hurtle down at pretty fast speeds, we sit in a dinghy, Harriett at the front and I behind hugging her tightly with my legs. “You must hold the handles tight, Harriett,” I repeat goodness knows how many times. And we’re off.

I can only liken the speed to something similar I experienced when going upside down in a Yak aeroplane a few years ago. It’s petrifying. Your heart is in your mouth. If it went on for any longer we would have been ill. And then no sooner has the world whizzed by and Harriett gone unusually quiet, it’s finished and we’re up putting the dinghy back on the automatic belt watching it go back up to the top. It takes Harriett and I a little while to recover and the Trekking Tractors help regain our composure.

The Victorian carousel and the teacup ride also prove great hits with all of us. We then enjoy a relaxing stroll around some of the grounds to see the birds. We are only able to visit a portion of the park and so the season ticket option seems a good idea.

“How many family days together can you actually remember?” questions Caroline. Not many but one thing’s for sure we won’t forget our day at Paultons.

For more information visit: www.paultonspark.co.uk

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Contact Steven Hardie Mobile: 07837243558 Office: 01480 390725 Central Heating Installation Powerflushing Full Bathroom Refurbishments General Plumbing Boiler Service and Repairs Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Contact Steven Hardie Mobile 07837243558 Office 01480 390725 www.sjhardieplumbingandheating.co.uk Gas safe no. 512115

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 52

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Crossword Solution for The Villager August Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Gillian Studley from Sandy

The winner, selected at random, of Steve Plant’s ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ was Elizabeth Snoswell from Potton, who has been sent the prize, a copy signed by the author.

£x.xx $x.xx €x.xx

STEVE PLANT

Correction: Last month’s book competition title should have been ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ and not ‘The Wildlife Quiz Book’. Apologies go to Steve Plant.

A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES

August’s Wales Competition Rugged coast line, outstandin g beaches, num historic buildings erous and a good dollo just some of the p of folklore are fabulous attra ctions of the Wale Coast Path. Add to this the warm s th and friendline of the Welsh peop ss le and a wand er aroun becomes a truly memorable expe d Wales The 870 miles rience. of continuous coast path off unique view of er a Wales and all that it has to off Every geograph er. ic section of the highlights and path has its own every day prese nts you with a experience to new savour and So, charge your camera, walking enjoy. and prepare to boots at the ready be amazed as you wander aroun Wales Coast Path, d the whatever the weather!!

A 870-mile walk following the coastal path of Wales from north to south

ST EV E

P L A NT

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 In addition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4)

17th September 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



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

Down 1 From the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3)

Name: Tel: Address:

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everything matters

Panasonic

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

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

GASWORKS

HEATING & PLUMBING • CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION • GAS COOKERS • GAS LEAKS • POWER FLUSHING • GENERAL PLUMBING • LANDLORD SAFETY CERTIFICATES • BOILER SERVICING AND REPAIR Contact Drew Donald, based in Little Paxton Office: 01480 470135 | Mobile: 07787 406011 Email: gasworks14@gmail.com

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Local News

Cornerstone Care in Confidence Move to Trinity Place

Cornerstone Care in Confidence have recently moved to 1 Trinity Place, next to Huntingdon Job Centre, after the office suites they previously occupied at Graphic House in Ferrars Road, are being transformed into flats.

With the move, the charity will continue their support to those facing an unplanned pregnancy or suffering negative emotional effects from a previous termination decision.

This local charity offers a range of free services for men and women, such as free pregnancy testing, the time, space and information to make an informed pregnancy choice and ongoing support whatever decision is reached.

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

“We are grateful to The Whitfield Group for giving us a very low rate tenancy but now we are taking a leap of faith with great expectation and a sense of a new and exciting beginning.� Says Centre Manager Helen Turley.

Cornerstone usually keep a supply of emergency nappies on hand for families in short supply. Should you have any spare nappies please feel free to drop them off at the Centre or call the office to arrange pick up 01480 457711.

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n O s ’ t Wha 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only.

Every Monday except Bank Holidays.

6 September Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Speaker will be Colin Ward on ‘Plantsman’s Choice – Talk on Colin’s Favourites’. Colin runs Swine’s Meadow Farm Nursery and has a passion for plants.

Plants for sale. Visitors welcome.

3 Sept 2014 Confronting the myths of WW1 7pm for 7.30 pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association present a talk by Brian Bond examining some of the myths of the Great War. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com

7 September Cream Teas 2.30-5pm The Dovecote, Haslingfield, near Cambridge £5. Enjoy a traditional cream tea with freshly-baked scones, jam and cream, in the informal woodland garden of the 17th century Dovecote, in aid of Parkinson’s UK. Tel: Pam 01223 871788

4, 11, 18 & 25 September St Neots Country 8-11.30am Church Rooms, Church Walk, Set Neots St Neots Country meets every Thursday. We sell homemade preserves, home cooking, home grown fruit, vegetables and plants plus knitwear and crafts.

We also serve refreshments including Tea, Coffee, soft drinks, homemade cakes and scones.

10 September St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury C of E School, Montagu Street, St Neots St Neots Choral Society is beginning its 43rd season!

Rehearsals start on 10 September. We are recruiting now and new members are very welcome to join and there are no auditions to frighten you but an ability to read a little music is helpful! There is an annual subscription once you decide to join the Society.

Tel: 01480 212298. Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk

5-7 September Tenth Annual Beer and Cider Festival.

Fri 6-11pm, Sat 12 noon-11pm, Sun 12 noon-10.30pm Toft Social Club, Toft People’s Hall, School Lane, Toft Free entry. Only £2.20 a pint! Thirteen real ales, mostly from brewers in a 25 mile radius, and three ‘real’ local ciders. Snacks on sale throughout the event. 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 details 6 September Tandem Skydive. Sibson Airfield, Peterborough In aid of Age UK. Raise £300 and jump for FREE! Age UK Peterborough provides support to enable older people to live a healthy and fulfilling life in their own homes. Funds are badly needed. Help them to continue to provide such essential services in our communities by taking part in the Tandem Skydive or the Perkins Great Eastern Run on 12 October.

Tel: 0800 014 1832. Email: eileen@safelocaltrades.com Web: www.safelocaltrades.com/about/age-uk 6 September Tempsford Show. Doors open 2pm The Stuart Memorial Hall, Church End, Tempsford If you would like to enter any of the classes for Fruit, Vegetables, Cookery, Crafts or Photography please contact Meryl Besant 01767 640873 for a schedule.

Tables available for selling your goods at £5.

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13 September Craft and Gift Fair 9am-2pm United Reformed Church, St. Neots Free admission Held in aid of The Coffee Pot Memory Café; a local charity in St. Neots for those with memory loss and their carers, run by volunteers and support from local Rotarians.

Tel: Mary 07717 158549 for details and stall hire Email: maryjdcruz@gmail.com 13 & 14 September Western Weekend 10am-4pm daily Great Staughton Village Hall Entrance £5 per person per day The Cambridge Comic Club is holding a Western Weekend to remember our ‘Wild West’ heroes from the1940s, 50s & 60s. All types of memorabilia, including comics, annuals etc., plus books about the true Western history and legends, will be on show.

Stalls will be selling books, DVDs, etc.. Music and DVDs will be playing throughout the weekend. Please telephone or email regarding tables for showing or selling merchandise (£20 per day). Light refreshments will be available.

Tel: Clive O’Dell 01480 860339 or 07850 940059 Email: jennyodell@mypostoffice.co.uk

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13 & 14 September National Heritage Open Days 10am-4pm Peter’s Church Offord Darcy will be open along with many other historic buildings, for the National Heritage Open Days.

St Peter’s church with its Norman arches to the north aisle dating from around 1130, shows the four styles of English church architecture. The south aisle has graceful Gothic arches. There is a double piscina in the chancel and an angle piscina with sedilia in the south aisle. The church became redundant in 1978 and was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust. Lots to see including a mystery stone effigy, memorial brasses, a family alabaster monument, carved corbel faces and a possibly unique William Glasby stained glass window with memorial plaques below which together form the Offord D’Arcy war memorial.

13 & 14 September World Wars & Heritage Exhibition Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 2-4pm St James Church, Little Paxton Refreshments, cakes, preserves, jigsaws, etc.

20 September Gamlingay Show 1pm–5pm Gamlingay Village College Adults £3, Concessions £1.50, Under 5s free Popular favourites: classic cars, motorbikes and tractors; fairground rides; stalls; a wide variety of refreshments and our raffle with £100 first prize.

New for this year: water boats; bungee trampolining; Noah Ark inflatable obstacle course; performances by the Gamlingay Community Choir, the Combertones and Box of Frogs Theatre Group; Dog Show and the Great Gamlingay Ready Steady Cook Competition!

Entries for the competition classes will be available for viewing from 2pm. Please drop your entry forms into the Library at The Hub, First School, Village College or Londis Stores by 4pm on 19 September. Bring along your competition entries and pay your entry fees between 8.30-10.30am on Saturday morning.

Any offers of help on the day of the Show would be most welcome. Please contact us on 07519 921126 or email: gamlingayshow @hotmail.com.

Web: www.gamlingayshow.co.uk 23 September Hemingford Grey Flower Club 10am The Hemingford Grey Reading Rooms, High Street Entrance £3 with refreshments Demonstration by Ann Purt. All welcome.

14 September Comberton Ramblers Annual Subscription £8.50, under 18 years free Autumn Walking Programme starts 14 September.

The group walks on alternate Sundays and covers from 4-7 miles, usually ending near a local pub. New walkers are welcome to join us with up to 2 free walks, and if you enjoy our walks we request that you become a member. For further details on how to join the group please see www.combertonramblers.org.uk or contact Stella the Secretary at stella.ramblers@hotmail.com

25 September St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 AGM and suggestions of topics for open meetings and places to visit for next year. Competition is One class of Flowers taken from the 2014 summer show schedule.

16 September Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Admission for visitors £6 including light refreshments After our summer break we would like to welcome our members and visitors to our next flower arranging demonstration. Jacky O’Hare will be demonstrating “Fun With Flowers”. All welcome.

26 September St James Church Quiz Night 7.30pm Little Paxton Village Hall Tickets £6 per person including supper Maximum 6 people per team. Ticket closing date 24 September – please order early as numbers are limited. Licensed bar.Tel: Lee Duncan 07931 315648Email: lm.duncan@ntlworld.com

16 September Gamlingay WI 7.30pm W I Hall, Gamlingay Visitors £3.50 Speaker will be Mrs Sue Baker on Belly Dancing – a talk and taster evening. Visitors welcome.

26 September Kimbolton to Istanbul: a crusader’s route 7.30pm Free admission Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Come and learn of the thrills and spills of Frank Burns’ 2,500 mile cycle journey across Europe. Frank cycled from Kimbolton to Istanbul to raise over £5000 for Motivation, a charity which designs and makes wheelchairs for disabled people in the developing world. Web: www.frankburns.wordpress.com

19 September The Grand Budapest Hotel (15) 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £4, Concessions £3 Drama comedy about a concierge and lobby boy set between the two wars. Tickets available from Watson’s, Dixi’s Deli, Bytes Café or on the door if available.

Tel: 01480 860297 for more information Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton

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27 September Comedy Night Keysoe Village Hall Tickets £15 including light buffet Starring Johnny Dee from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

Tickets available from Watson’s High Street, Kimbolton or richannflo@hotmail.com. This is a charity event organised by The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle.

Web: www.johnnydee.net

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Local Photographer

Introducing Emma

Wildlife Photographer This month, we are delighted to introduce Emma Porter, a new local photographer to the Villager and Town Life team. Emma says: “From the age of five, I have loved taking photographs: freezing and capturing moments in time. Taking pictures of wildlife and nature at its best is a passion of mine. The majority of my photographs are taken using a macro lens.�

Featured here is a selection of some of her beautiful pictures.

Emma Porter

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61

Local News

Last call to register for 10K hike and show what a star you are!

10k Starlight Hike is perfect for establishing fitness and raising funds!

With only two weeks left until it takes place on Saturday 13th September, Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice’s fundraising event the Starlight Hike is a 10k night-time walk with a difference. Taking in the beautiful grounds of the hospice and surrounding countryside, it is a fun, social experience, also aimed at getting people walking.

St John’s Hospice hopes to recruit 1,100 walkers for the hike and raise over £100,000 which will go a long way to help St John’s continue providing incredible end-of-life care to people in Bedfordshire.

Last year the walk attracted participants from throughout the community of all ages and backgrounds. Many walked in memory of family and friends but you do not need to have lost a loved one to take part. Every year St John’s Hospice

requires £2.4 million to carry on providing the free ‘incredible’ care it offers to seriously ill patients, giving comfort to them and their families while treating every patient as an individual.

The fundraising evening starts off with a Zumba warm up and stretch, then the hike will take walkers through a gentle, beautifully-lit route, with marshals to encourage you along the way.

When you return to the hospice there will be refreshments and merchandise to buy and a soul singer providing entertainment, so you can dance the night away!

For more information, please log on to www.sueryder.org/starlighthikestjohns Registration is only £15, so don’t delay, register today!

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

• Patios • Driveways • Hard Landscaping

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

Tel:

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Classifieds Decorating and Property Services

Electricians

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

Domestic Services

Pet Services

Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894

Use your local removal company

Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

Security Services

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