VILLAGER The
Issue 6 - August 2013
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
7,000 copies delivered to Bourn, Comberton, Grantchester, Trumpington, Toft, Hardwick and surrounding villages
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VILLAGER
In this Issue
The
and Town
Issue 6 - August 2013
Life
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LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
The Ford Galaxy A Versatile MPV 7,000 copies delivered to Bourn, Comberton, Grantchester, Trumpington, Toft, Hardwick and surrounding villages
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Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Fiona McLeman, Christine Donnelly, Susan Brookes-Morris, Solange Hando and Tracy O’Leary
Bedfordshire Natural Burials
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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!
Wildlife Wanderings.................................................................4 Bedfordshire Walking Festival...............................................6
Front Cover Photo: Argorin
What Can I Do For Free This Summer?...............................8
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
Avoiding the Empty Nest.................................................... 12 (Un) Marital Bliss or Blissful Ignorance............................ 15 Animal Know-How................................................................. 20 Brickhill Book Bug.................................................................. 22 Puzzle Page............................................................................... 24 What’s On.................................................................................. 26 The Golden Temple of Amritsar........................................ 31
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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WILDLIFE WANDERINGS
WILDLIFE TRAVEL, BY CHRISTINE DONNELLY It will soon be late summer but there is still plenty of wildlife to see as the warm days and nights bring to life many of our local habitats, with butterflies, moths, dragonflies and numerous other insects on the wing and mammals looking after their young. Our local bats had their babies earlier in the summer and the ‘pups’ now look like miniature versions of the adults. Whilst the mothers are out feeding, the young sometimes wander out of the roost and, as they cannot yet fly, this is when you might find one on the ground or on a building. They are too young to fend for themselves so contact the Bat Conservation Trust for advice: www.bats.org.uk or phone 0845 1300 228. The Wildlife Trust monitors bats on many local nature reserves and also holds ‘batty’ events. On International Bat Night, Saturday 24th of August, you can join them at Cambourne, Grafham Water or Woodwalton Fen from 8.15 pm as part of their Big Wetlands Bat Walks, to try out a bat detector and hear the amazing sounds that fill the summer nights. More info on www.wildlifebcn.org/ wetland-bats and booking essential on 01954 713519 or email ecologygroups@wildlifebcn.org.
Soprano pipistrelle bat Now the weather has improved after a cold start, moth numbers are finally up and in our local area alone, as well as several day-flying moths, there are hundreds of species that can be seen flying at night. Relatively few are a nuisance to man (in vegetable plots and your wardrobe for instance) and many play a very beneficial role, some as pollinators of flowers, and of course as food for animals such as birds and bats. Hawkmoths are large and often distinctly marked so look out for these in particular, not only feeding on flowers but resting on walls and doors.
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Small elephant hawkmoth Whilst we are heading towards autumn, the temperate areas of the southern hemisphere are now looking forward to spring. In parts of South Africa, Chile and Australia, the spring flowers can be spectacular providing there has been enough winter rain. Late August sees the start of the flowering in South Africa, particularly in Namaqualand which forms part of the famous ‘Cape Flower Kingdom’. Many of our favourite garden flowers come from this area including ‘daisies’ such as gazanas, pelargoniums, red hot pokers and huge numbers of bulbs including gladioli. Western Australia starts to flower just a little later so September is an ideal month to visit. In Chile, due to the extreme length of the country, from almost the tropics to the Antarctic, spring can last months but October is a good month to visit the Atacama Desert in the north.
Gazania, South Africa For wildlife holidays, including wild flower holidays to these countries any many in Europe, contact Wildlife Travel at Cambourne who run trips supporting conservation worldwide. 01954 713575 or check www.wildlife-travel.co.uk or their blog on wildlifetravelling.blogspot.co.uk. For more information on local wildlife contact the Wildlife Trust www.wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500. Christine Donnelly
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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. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).
Please phone or email for details
07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com
Winner of Wedding Industr y Exper t Awards 2013-2014 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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BEDFORDSHIRE
WALKING FESTIVAL The fifth Bedfordshire Walking Festival takes place from 7th to 15th September and promises to better than ever. The festival is going from strength to strength and attracts interest from near and far. Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers and supported by The National Trust, RSPB, The Greensand Trust, Bedford Borough Parks and Countryside Teams, Central Bedfordshire Rights of Way Team Members, Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, Bedford/ Bletchley Rail Users Association, Long Distance Walkers Association, Nordic walking, Bedford Creative Arts, Walks for Health and Sandy Town Council with its recently achieved “Walkers Are Welcome” status. The festival offers an ideal opportunity to explore and get to know Bedfordshire. From the rural “wolds” like countryside in the north to the wooded greensand ridge across the middle to the chalk hills in the south. Interesting villages, delightful views, and mostly easy walking on generally well maintained paths the nine day festival is an opportunity to get out into the countryside with a group and knowledgeable leaders or simply “Go on holiday in Bedfordshire”. Unless stated ALL WALKS ARE FREE just turn up. The full programme is available on the web-site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. What’s New for 2013 ? More walks for walkers.... Half day walks up to 7 miles and all day walks up to 22 miles. More Interest Walks......... Varying in length from 2 hours to half a day. These informative walks are led by knowledgeable and interesting leaders
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and range from spotting wildlife to Two centuries of industrial history from Bricks to Robots. Visit a private Garden Railway. Take a ride on a Boat named John Bunyan or join us going Castle to Castle and if you dare participate in the Friday 13th walk. Special walks...... A dog walk... Yes dogs have to bring their owners. A Mum’s & Toddler walk where toddlers have to bring their Mum’s, Nani’s or Grandmum’s and or their male equivalents. You could try Nordic walking with taster sessions in Bedford and Ampthill followed by a short walk. Family Walks with Children in mind... Whether its looking and listening to Bats or spotting wildlife along the river, treasure hunting with a GPS, or a nature walk at Rushmere the festival has a number of walks specially for the family including self guided walks with street art or join a procession. More walks accessible by Public Transport.... Via London Midland, Marston Vale Line, First Capital Connect, Stagecoach and Grant Palmer. RU4 The Challenge.... May not be new but becoming increasingly popular is the 40 mile two day challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path taking place over the weekend of 14th &15th September. Booking is essential. As more and more people are doing the walk and raising money for charity could this be the challenge for you ? Programmes are available in hard copy from Tourist information Centres, Libraries and many other places. Programmes can be viewed and downloaded from the festival web site www. bedswalkfest.co.uk. or viewed on www.bedslocal.co.uk, For more information or to book RU4THE CHALLENGE Email: organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk
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What Can I Do For Free THIS SUMMER
By Susan Brookes-Morris When the summer holidays are long but funds are short what are the options? You could take a trip to your local museum. Many areas have Council run museums and art galleries with no entrance fee. Frequently in school holidays, themed activities are run to help engage visitors. In addition to these general history and local interest venues, there are also many specialist free museums in the UK. Some of the most famous are in London and include the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You might be surprised what you find as there are museums for all manner of things, including cheese making at Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, and Shoes at Street, Somerset. Or you could venture outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. Beaches offer a unique environment often with rock pools to explore and the opportunity to make sandcastles or play beach games. Even if the weather is less than favourable, if you wrap up warm you can still have lots of fun. You could organise a family game of rounders in your local park, take a picnic, sit and sketch the wildlife, trees or passers by, or maybe venture
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to a larger park or nearby forest and explore new paths, wildlife trails and exciting play areas. You could take a bike ride along your local canal towpath, riverside or perhaps a disused railway track. There are now many special traffic free routes for cyclists. A trip to the local carnival or village fayre can also offer lots of fun. Many incorporate parades of colourful floats with occupants dressed up and have interesting displays from local clubs. These events can offer the opportunity to get a real sense of your community and many have been running for hundreds of years. They may incorporate traditions such as Morris dancing, well dressing, or the newer trend of Scarecrow trails. You may find yourself contributing to charity, buying some local produce or even an ice cream if the sun is shining, but there is generally no entrance fee as they take place on the streets. There are also many free festivals. These are often music based, but also include riverside festivals and a Watercress festival in Arlesford. Find more free festivals and ideas for cheap days out at: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com
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Bank Holiday
Market - St Ives Monday 26th August
8am~3pm Wide variety of stalls Children’s entertainment
~+~ Street food • Fabrics • Plants Knitwear • Bird tables • Jewellery Pet food • Handbags • Bread Fruit and Veg • Books • Olives • Fashions and much more ~◊~
M a r k e t H i l l , S t I v e s To w n C e n t r e ~ 5 minutes walk from the guided bus park and ride ~ www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/markets 01480 388 388
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Cambridgeshire Foot Clinic Podiatry/Chiropody Yvonne Siudak
BSc (Hons.) MChs, HPC Registered
Podiatrist / Chiropodist Private Podiatry / Chiropody Care in Cambridge, UK A comprehensive service for all your foot care needs
Hard Skin • Corns • Nail Cutting Ingrown Toe Nails • Fungal Nail Infections General Foot Care • Verrucae Treatment • Laser Treatment • Diabetic Assessments • Biomechanical Assessments Full details of our specialist treatments are available, call Yvonne for an appointment:
Cambridgeshire Foot Clinic
20 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 3AX. Tel: 01233 358 431 Mob: 07562 748 352 E: yvonne@yourfootclinic.co.uk
www.yourfootclinic.co.uk Also Bedfordshire Foot Clinic Tel: 01767 681 704
WOOD GREEN... Pet activity days Friday 2 & 9 August, 9.30am – 3.30pm Godmanchester Centre £40 per child including goody bag & certificate Join the Hands On team for a fun filled day and leave the grown ups at home! Suitable for 7 - 11 year olds, participants will spend the day getting hands on preparing feeds, visiting behind the scenes, meeting staff in different job roles and having a go at dog training. Booking essential.
Dance and drama day – hip hop bunnies! Wednesday 28 August, 9.30am – 4pm Godmanchester Centre £25 per child In our action packed dance and drama day 7 - 11 year olds can leave grown ups at home and find out all about rabbit care through learning playscript lines, rehearsing dance moves, preparing costumes and props and preparing for an end of day performance! Booking essential.
To book for all events call the Hands On team on 0844 248 8181 or email for further information handson@woodgreen.org.uk
Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s play area Children’s ‘hands on’ events Open 7 days a week 10.00am – 4.00pm Free entry
Call: 0844 248 8181 King’s Bush Farm, Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk London Road, Godmanchester, Or Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH Registered Charity No. 298348.
The Animals Charity
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WGAS Villager 131w x 93h Grantchester 7.13.indd 1
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25/6/13 12:52:37
Avoiding the Empty Nest
By Susan Brookes-Morris Many of us will drop our child off at university for the first time this year. Or maybe they’re moving to another part of the country...or world. Along with the justifiable pride and excitement we feel at their achievement a few negative emotions will undoubtedly creep in: sadness, loss, fear and anxiety. We’ll wonder how our baby grew up so quickly and worry about how they will cope with being away from home, and how we will cope with their absence. These feelings are sometimes called ‘Empty Nest Syndrome.’ Statistics show that some parents find this time so difficult that they become depressed, and marriages may even break down as a result of the change. You should share any concerns, ideally with your partner if you have one as they may also be experiencing mixed emotions. Or you could speak to a close friend, or seek support from a counselling service. Sometimes just hearing someone else say that your reaction is perfectly normal and talking things through really helps. When a child leaves home we may have more than half of our life left to live. It’s a perfect time to take stock and create a wish list of things to do or try. Focussing attention on these will help manage the transition to a new lifestyle more
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easily and highlight the opportunities it brings. It can be good to put more energy into nurturing a relationship. Find new activities to share together; take time to sit and talk, or to do the things you used to love to do before children came along. Find a hobby or sport to fill the extra time. Perhaps something you’ve longed to do but felt family commitments prevented, be that yoga, fishing or painting. You could even follow your child’s lead and study something new. This could be taking language or woodwork lessons at the local college, or enrolling on an Open University course, taking a professional qualification or undertaking a degree yourself. If you’ve let your career stall whilst bringing up the children now may be the chance to re -ignite it. Or you could use your increased time and energies to start a new business, or volunteer. When we look for the positive in a situation it opens up a whole new range of opportunities which will help us shine as an individuals, build our confidence and increase our sense of wellbeing - exactly the same things in fact that we wish for our children embarking on their new life at university.
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tradesMan & high access lift/scaffold tower for hire unique all-in-one service Repairs, maintenance & cleaning solutions for your high up & hard to reach places! our experienced tradesman can provide any of the following services with supply of all new & replacement building materials at competitive prices! • roof and ridge tiles repaired, replaced, leaks mended • Chimneys – repointed, dismantled, capped, repaired, new pots & bird guards • flue liners installed • Leadwork – repaired & replaced • soffitt, fascias and bargeboards – repaired, capped, cleaned, painted or new replacements • High windows & dormers – repaired, cleaned, painted or replaced • guttering – cleared, cleaned, repaired or new replacements
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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:
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• • • • •
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:
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(Un)marital BLISS
or blissful ignorance?
The latest release from the Office of National Statistics shows that the trend for babies to be born outside of a marriage or a civil partnership continues for the 40th year. In 2012 47.5% of babies were born outside a marriage or civil partnership, compared with 40.6% in 2002. If the ONS statistics carry on their current course, in three years by 2016, more than 50% of babies that year will be born outside of marriage or a civil partnership. This ties in with trends we see of an increasing number of clients seeking advice on relationship breakdown, but who are not married. But there are important differences between the way spouses are treated on relationship breakdown and unmarried couples. • Cohabitees have no rights to ask for spousal maintenance, or any other kind of long term periodical financial support for themselves in their own right. If there are dependent children they do have the same rights to child maintenance as someone who is married with children. A spouse can ask for spousal maintenance to be paid, whether or not they have dependent children. • Cohabitees have no legal right on separation to seek a share of their partner’s pension. Spouses can ask for a pension to be shared on divorce. • Cohabitees have no legal right to claim against other property or assets owned by their
partner, unless they can demonstrate that they have acquired an interest in the property, which can be both costly and time consuming. In divorce cases, all assets whether held jointly or in one party’s sole name are taken into account in order to reach a fair settlement on divorce. Our best advice? Don’t carry on in blissful ignorance. If you are thinking of living with someone and or having children with them but choosing not to get married, or if you live with someone and are wondering where you stand, obtain specialist legal advice at an early stage. We won’t tell you how to lead your life but we can give you our promise that we will point you in the right direction about what to think about, advise on pitfalls and how they can be avoided, as well as how you could best manage your arrangements.
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The Ford Galaxy…
A versatile MPV
With the current economic climate forcing families to holiday on a budget, it is proving more popular than ever to pack up the car and motor to a British or European destination. The Ford Galaxy makes this process one of ease and practicality, especially if packing up a small family. This versatile MPV combines firstclass driving quality with the highest levels of space, comfort and innovative features. Simply put, it’s accommodating and delivers an exhilarating experience. Its advanced driving technologies are designed to help make every journey both safer and more engaging, plus, the Galaxy has a range of features that perfectly suit you and your family’s practical needs.
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So what do we want from a car when travelling to Europe? We want plenty of space in order to accommodate the cases, the children’s toys and of course the extras like bedding and even the family dog! But ultimately, we want all of this with comfort in mind too. The Ford Galaxy range can offer this and much more, for example with 24 stowage compartments the spacious interior of the Galaxy remains clutter-free, no matter how many extra items the family brings along. They’ve also added some stowage under the front seats, so there’s less chance of finding things under your feet, which on a long journey can sometimes prove uncomfortable. You could need space to carry camping equipment, or your families’ mountain bikes or maybe you’ve been asked to pack everything but the kitchen sink!. Whatever you and your family need to carry, Galaxy is flexible enough to cope. FFS means each rear seat folds down flush with the floor, plus the second-row seats can also slide and tilt. In total, there are an astonishing 32 possible seating combinations. The interior is comfortable and offers every bit of technology you would need to make a journey run smoothly. The windscreen for example has been specially designed so that
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it blocks more of the sun’s heat than standard glass. This means the interior has less heat build-up on warm days, which provides a more comfortable driving environment for you and your passengers, perfect when travelling to hotter destinations. Enjoy a powerful, in-car audio experience, incorporating crystal clear DAB radio reception. The screen on the digital audio system can also display information on the programme you’re listening to, such as the plot summary of a radio play. Individual seat comfort is a must when travelling on long journeys and as such is controlled by the occupant in a Ford Galaxy, improving driving comfort, particularly on longer distances. With a choice of five heating and ventilation levels, the seats feature builtin heating elements to provide the desired temperature while the perforated seat trim and fans inside the seats allow cool air from within the car to circulate between the seats and their occupants. Running a vehicle these days is not cheap and with the continuing rise in petrol prices, we all need a car that offers value for money. The ford Galaxy offers more than this, the innovative Ford Eco Mode system continually assesses the effects of your driving behaviour
on your fuel consumption. It reads your speed, gear changing, braking and anticipation levels, plus the proportion of short to long trips. Its smart software then advises you on how to improve your fuel economy, according to your unique driving style. So with comfort, space, efficiency and of course technology available at the push of an ignition button, why look for anything else. The Ford Galaxy has it all and will certainly make a difference to your journey, making a family holiday start from the minute you climb in your car. Should you require further information on The Galaxy Range, contact your local Ford Dealership for help, advice or to book a test drive.
The Ford Galaxy range Should you require further information on The Galaxy Range, contact your local Ford Dealership for help, advice or to book a test drive.
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BEDFORDSHIRE Natural Burials
do you know about them? Tracy O’Leary, Independent Green Funeral Director from Woodland Wishes explains more. Apart from the ever increasing cost of funerals, have you ever considered a burial in a beautiful woodland setting - simple, natural and affordable? In the UK there are now over 300 natural burial grounds. One of the three local grounds lies on the outskirts of Cambridge, a peaceful woodland and a serene final resting place. There are no neglected graves and no burden on family members charged with the responsibility of grave visiting and maintenance. Instead of headstones, wild flowers, meadows and trees mark the grave, providing a symbolic celebration of life. Few are aware of this or indeed of the concept of natural burials in the area. I only made this discovery whilst promoting willow coffins for a local charity in Cambridge. Visiting natural burial grounds in England and listening to bereaved families who wanted something simple but special gave me a surprising insight into alternative funerals. The personalisation and simplicity of ‘greener’ funerals without all the fuss, environmental damage and expense of mainstream funerals often appeal to those that hear about it. I’d like to raise awareness of alternatives to the traditional coffin; alternatives such as cardboard, woollen and willow coffins that are woven locally. Families can get involved in weaving part of a coffin if they so wish here in Cambridge. A simple cardboard coffin can be personalised with drawings, adding photos and messages as well as decorating with favourite flowers from their own gardens. Things that can all help with the grieving process. For those wanting something less formal than a traditional black hearse or pall bearers dressed in black, a more subtle and practical vehicle is available
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and guidance can be given to families wishing to carry a coffin themselves if they so wish. Through helping families and individuals plan their farewell I now find myself being called a ‘green funeral arranger’ rather than a traditional funeral director and I am privileged for a family or an individual to let me be part of something so personal to them. I am passionate about helping and giving as much or as little practical guidance and a totally personal service to get exactly what you want from a funeral and am happy to offer any advice and information on natural burials, home funerals and simple cremation services at any time. Woodland Wishes is independent, honest and ethical, founded to carry out simple and meaningful funerals in tranquil landscapes using locally made ‘earth friendly’ coffins and is also a Natural Death Centre recommended Funeral Director and is part of the Association of Green Funeral Directors. Tracy can be reached on: 01223 651653 www.woodlandwishes.co.uk tracy@woodlandwishes.co.uk
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TABLE TOP SALE Every Sunday at Papworth Village Hall Set Up from 7.00 am Public from 8.00 am Close 1.00 pm
Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!
Local family business
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Lawn Renovations
▪ Re-seeding, overseeding ▪ Turf laying
Free lawn analysis
Treatments from £15 pay as you go
01223 258 444 www.brilliantlawns.co.uk
Brilliant Lawns Caring for your lawn
SIMPLE & ALTERNATIVE FUNERALS Personal - Natural - Affordable Independent Lady Funeral Director 24 Hour Personal Attendance & Advice Simple Cremations
woodlandwishes.co.uk 01223 651653 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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ANIMAL KNOW HOW
ANIMAL QUERIES
Dear RSPCA vet, My Labrador is 7 months old and is still nipping and nibbling my hand when I arrive home. This was sweet when he was a tiny puppy but it’s beginning to become a real problem, as he gets bigger. I’m worried he will really hurt a visitor one day. What should I do? Isaac, Stevington Dear Isaac, All puppies should be taught to be careful where they put their teeth. Mouthing, nibbling or taking a human hand, handbag or skirt hem, should not be tolerated, because it has the potential to be harmful. As soon as your puppy’s teeth touch any part of your body, pretend that it hurts and say: “Ow!” Then praise the dog when he draws back. You can also use treats as a reward when he behaves well. Most Labs are very food orientated! Use the same method to teach your young dog not to grab skirts, shoelaces and so on. Putting something in their mouth is what Labradors are bred to do, because gun dogs have a need to carry. So use this as a positive behaviour to encourage. If you have a rope, a soft toy or even a small piece of soft cloth then your puppy can “give” it to you when you come downstairs in
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the morning, or come home in the evening. Praise him when he does this. With a bit of patience, and a lot of consistency, you can turn this situation around. If you have access to the Internet have a look at some puppy training videos for further ideas. Make training fun and your puppy will be a fast learner. Good luck! ANIMAL QUERIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk
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Business gone slow? Let us help!
Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@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. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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BRICKHILL
BOOK BUG REVIEWS... The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness When George saves the wounded crane he discovers in his back garden one cold night he doesn’t realise the far-reaching consequences for himself and those close to him. The next day the enigmatic Kumiko walks into his print shop and George falls deeply in love with her. Together they make beautiful – and lucrative – paper art, surprising both George and his family and friends. As Kumiko tells George the stories behind the pictures they make together his life and the lives of those around him are transformed. But as stranger and stranger things begin to happen George’s need to know more about Kumiko becomes overwhelming. Who is she? Why won’t she tell him anything about herself? And why does it matter so much to him? In this modern retelling of an old folk tale, Patrick Ness brings magic and mystery into the everyday life of an ordinary man and asks us if we really need to know everything about the person we love, and if we do, are we prepared for what we might find out? 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!
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Brian R Bulley C.M.B.H.I Horologist
Repairing: Antique & Modern Clocks
All clocks are collected & examined in my workshop and then you are contacted with cost for repair. On agreement the clock will be repaired, Tested & Delivered. If you decide not to go ahead with repair the clock will still be delivered free of charge. • Over 50 years Experience • Tel: Email:
07521 442 050
brian@brianbulley.co.uk
ABOVE ALL Autocentre Unit 1, Sand Road Ind. Est., Great Gransden SG19 3AH
MOT £39.95 with this advert
Tel: 01767 679000
MOT TESTING For class 4 or 7 vehicles Class IV Cars and vans up to 3000kg Class VII Vans over 3000kg up to 3500kg
SERVICING Good Garage Scheme Industry Standard Service Or to manufacturer specification
AIR CONDITIONING – Recharging of system. DIAGNOSTICS - SNAP ON Diagnostic fault finding centre. EXHAUSTS - Supplied and fitted to all makes of cars and vans. BATTERIES - Supplied and fitted two and three year guarantee. BRAKES - Discs Pads Shoes. Cylinders etc supplied and fitted. CODE READING - Trace & rectify those alarming red dashboard warning lights. TYRES - All makes inc. Budget Avon, Dunlop, Firestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli.
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CODEWORD
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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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Market Square Potton • 01767 260221 www.coachhousepotton.co.uk
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what’S ON?
IN AUGUST
29 June-31 August Exhibition - Once Upon A Time... St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Discover the stories that inspired Walt Disney, from Winnie-the-Pooh to Beauty and the Beast. An exhibition about children’s books since the Victorian period, featuring books from our collection, classic books and comics to browse through, a giant junk castle in a forest of trees and a series of fun activities for children, families and anyone who remembers reading as a child. Family activities every Thursday and Friday in August. Let us know your favourite children’s books and lend us some for the exhibition – contact Liz. Tel: 01480 388921 Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 1 & 2 August Daydreams and Nightmares in Clay 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Bring to life the characters from your favourite stories with our air dry clay, happy endings or tragic disasters, create your own characters to take home and paint. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 2 August Les Diaboliques Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm start Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 Screen St Ives 1954. Clouzet’s gripping thriller is said to have inspired Hitchcock, come and decide for yourself! Christina (played by Simone Signoret, for many the queen of French cinema) plots revenge on her obnoxious lover - with a little help from his wife Nicole. When the body mysteriously disappears, the women are plunged into a terrifying world of tension, guilt and fear. 50 tickets available – first come, first served. Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 3 August Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm St Ives Free Church Local people selling hand-made crafts at very reasonable prices. Held on the first Saturday of each month. Charity tombola and free entry. For more details visit http://www. saintscrafters.blogspot.com 5 August St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton The Story of Star Name by Mark Hurn. This will be a fun informative meeting with visual displays. Everyone welcome. We are a very friendly small club and new members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you. Tel: David Roberts 01480 212960 Email: david@snaa.co.uk Tel: Nick Maudlin 01767 315678 Email: nick@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk
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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Cost £3 Every Tuesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 8 & 9 August Beastly Mask or Beautiful Disguise 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Take your inspiration from our summer exhibition and make a felt and fabric mask of a character you love or loathe. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 10 August St Neots & District Gardening Club Annual Flower Show Little Paxton Village Hall 10 August Roxton Flower Show 3pm Roxton Parish Hall Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers, Flower Arranging, Cakes, Preserves and Craft. Photography and children’s classes. Schedules from Roxton Garden Centre and Roxton Post Office. 11 August There and Back Again 1.30-3pm Wimpole Estate A 3 mile walk passing through woodland and parkland. 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/ 15 & 16 August Mutant Ninja Turtle Animation 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Make your own plasticine characters and bring them to life with our computer animation software. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 17 August The Orwell Village Festival Gates open 12.00pm002C 12 ‘til 12 entertainment Orwell Recreation Ground Adults £2, Family £5 Activity packed family fun day. Bar serving lager, wine, CamValley Cider & local beers. BBQ and hot pork rolls. Pannier market stalls, Wimpole horses, Dog agility, Children’s Cartoon Character or Super Hero fancy dress competition. Free bouncy castle, Punch & Judy, Magic Show. Great live music throughout the day including Hex / Rose Redd, Life & Soul, Identify Theft and Groove Shack.
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what’S ON? IN AUGUST
17, 18 & 21 August 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: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/ 18 August Guided Tour of the gardens of Clare College, Cambridge 1pm St Neots & District Gardening Club trip leaving St. Neots at approx. 1pm. Tel: David Usher 01480 476671 18 August Model Railway Open 2-5pm 14 Boardman Close, Little Paxton Free admission, donations welcome St James Church, Little Paxton present A chance to see a Gauge 1 model railway in action. All proceeds to St James’ Church building project (CHUFT). 22 & 23 August Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Discover the original story behind the television series, and make your own crown, helmet, magic wand, and cloak to take home. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 25 August Walking the Boundaries 10.30am-1.30pm Wimpole Estate A 5-6 mile walk visiting the far corners of the 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/ 25 August Croydon cum Clopton Monthly Village Market 10.30am-1pm High Street, Croydon Free entry Refreshments. Local businesses displaying and selling their produce and products. In support of Croydon Village Hall & All Saints Church. Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 29 & 30 August Conquering Puppet King and Queen 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Activities £2 per child Make a creepy castle or charming cottage scene and some finger puppet characters to tell your own fantastic tale. Children must be accompanied. Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk
30 August The Mikado Gates open 6.30pm, performance 7.30pm Fowlmere Village Hall Adults £15, Child (5-16) £5 Outdoor Theatre performance of by Illyria Theatre Company of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on. Tickets available from Illyria website (booking fee applies) or telephone. Tel: 01763 208516. Web: www.illyria.uk.com 30-31 August & 1 September Teddy Bear Festival St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Adults £2.50, Children under 16 free Bears, Bears, Bears… Do 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, Refreshments and much more. There will be a competition on Saturday afternoon for the oldest bear so do bring yours along and join in. All bears welcome. 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. 31 August Shepreth Village Hall Market 10am-12.30pm Shepreth Village Hall Free entrance and ample parking at the rear of the hall There will be all the usual fresh produce stalls including Cornish made Pasties baked in Shepreth, “The Village Toy Shop” stall, Vintage jewellery, organic essential oils and many lovely craft stalls. Come along and grab yourself a bargain. Refreshments by Shepreth W.I. Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 1 September Cream Tea 3-5.30pm £5 Haslingfield Dovecote, CB23 1JW 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 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. 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 information and details of our other events
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, rafflecall & games. Last windmill To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please 01767 261 122 tour 4pm. 27
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 16th August 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:
Address:
Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mr Peter Williams from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 7 Take away (6) 8 Irish lochs (6) 9 Couch (4) 10 Wraps around (8) 11 Disregarded (7) 13 Hard, strong alloy (5) 15 Hints (5) 17 Supply (7) 20 Easy going (8) 21 Ashen (4) 23 Heavy mass (6) 24 Woken up (6) Down 1 Nothing (4) 2 Vegetable (6) 3 Umpire (7) 4 Drudge (5) 5 Type of fish (6) 6 Tends sheep (8) 12 Ran very fast (8) 14 Authors (7) 16 Power, stamina (6) 18 Gas (6) 19 Prickly plants (5) 22 Untruths (4)
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New Decorations Interior and Exterior Painting Wallpapering
Mark Newman
Painting & Decorating m.a.newman@virgin.net
01954212342 07969650344 164 Limes Road, Hardwick Cambridge CB23 7XX To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING LTD 01223 207586 Fax: 01223 750203
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Established 1985
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The Golden Temple of Amritsar
India
Sparkling gold leaf, glistening water, cloisters, domes and shrines, the Golden Temple is as stunning as the Taj Mahal but it is no mere mausoleum. Set in Amritsar, in north-west India, ‘Harmandir Sahib’ is a living place, beautifully mirrored in a sacred lake, a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Sikhs though everyone is welcome, regardless of creed. Step through the gate and the temple takes your breath away, rising at the far end of a marble pathway followed by myriads of pilgrims from dawn to dusk. Women in colourful saris, gurus in bright blue turbans, young men with orange headscarves symbolising the Sikh flag, barefoot visitors, it’s a hive of activity yet an oasis of peace at the heart of town, just a few miles from the Pakistan border. Some meditate at the water’s edge, others sprinkle rose petals around the holy trees, men take a ritual bath in the designated area, holding on to dangling chains for safety. Then all make their way along the causeway to the inner sanctum, quietly joining the queues clutching prayer books. Beyond the silver gates, the holy scriptures are read aloud throughout the day before being returned ceremoniously at night to the safety of the Akal Takhat. Holy men had gathered on this spot long before Guru Nanak founded Sikhism around 1499 but Amritsar, the ‘pool of nectar’ which gave the town its name, was later extended and a temple was built on land donated by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Centuries later, the upper floors were covered in gold leaf by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ‘Lion of Punjab’ and founder of the
Sikh Empire. But despite a troubled past at times, Sikhism remains true to the gurus’ teachings, a way of life based on worship, equality between all human beings and volunteering in the service of others, three principles which shine in Amritsar as brightly as the dazzling layers of gold leaf. Here, in the world’s largest communal kitchen, up to 100,000 visitors a day receive free meals prepared by volunteers. Chopping, cooking, serving or cleaning, everyone can help, though there is no pressure, and in the dining hall, people of all castes, men, women and children, sit together to eat in silence. Beggar or Head of State, all are equal and even the great Akbar pushed aside the rich rugs laid out for him to sit on the floor like everyone else. Food is donated and volunteers may be visitors or locals happy to give a few hours of their time, the latter often on a daily basis. Outside, the midday sun blazes down on the steps, the shrines, the lake, a flock of parakeets screeches high up in the sky while half way along the path, volunteers hand out cold water to the never ending flow of pilgrims. Many come to celebrate a special occasion, birthday, wedding or the birth of a child, hoping for auspicious times, but festivals draw the largest crowds, be it a Guru’s birthday, Diwali or the anniversary of the Holy Book. There are prayers and prostrations, tinsel garlands and marigolds and when the sun sets, the Golden Temple comes into its own, garlanded in festive lights, resplendent in the moonlight.
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