Grantchester oct 13

VILLAGER The

Issue 8 - October 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 8 - October 2013

Life

6

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

Win Tickets

To the Festive Gift Fayre 7,000 copies delivered to Bourn, Comberton, Grantchester, Trumpington, Toft, Hardwick and surrounding villages

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Advertising Sales Justine Miller - Tel 07905 063211 justine@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Fiona McLeman, Susan Brookes, Alex Brown, Pippa Greenwood, Debbie Singh-Bhatti and Bruce Edwards

How to Find a Lawyer Fiona McLeman

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Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

Autumn Colours.........................................................................4 Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fayre...................................6

Front Cover Photo: Og-vision

Tired of Trick or treating....................................................... 10

Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

How to Find a Lawyer........................................................... 14

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122

Fun Quiz..................................................................................... 21

Enjoy Guilt Free Cake............................................................ 12

Email: nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER

Climbing Plants....................................................................... 18

Simple Car Checks.................................................................. 24 What’s On.................................................................................. 26 Book Review............................................................................. 30

Chess

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.

Attack Bishop Blocked Capture Castling Centre Checkmate Endgame File

Fischer Fork Gambit Jump Kibitzing King Knight Lose Opening

Pawn Piece Promotion Queen Rook Stalemate Win

Find the names associated with the game of chess in the grid and the remaining letters will spell out a related phrase

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Autumn Colours

By Susan Brookes

Have you ever wondered why leaves change colour in Autumn? Here’s a simple explanation: Leaves convert carbon dioxide, water and sunlight into energy in a process called photosynthesis.

The special ingredient for this is the chemical pigment chlorophyll, which gives leaves their bright green colour. But leaves also contain other pigments - carotene and xanthophylls, which are yellow and orange based. These help absorb sunlight, which they transfer to chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but, as Summer comes to an end, leaves can’t continue photosynthesising because of the dry air and lack of sunlight. They stop producing chlorophyll, and the yellow and orange pigments get a chance to shine.

Red hues come from pigments called anthocyanins. Not all trees produce anthocyanins, and even those that do, need exactly the right conditions. Anthocyanins protect the leaves from excess sunlight and enable the trees to recover any last remaining nutrients before the leaves fall off. They give leaves bright red, purple and crimson colours. You’ll see more vibrant reds in years where there’s lots of sunlight and dry weather. You’ll also see more reds in nearfreezing weather when low nutrient levels, and other plant stressors also seem to trigger increased levels of anthocyanins.

Arboretums are great places to view the best displays of fiery foliage: The National Arboretum at Westonbirt, Gloucestershire has a particularly grand display of Japanese Maples which are ablaze with colour from September to November. Batsford in

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Gloucestershire, Bodenham in Worcestershire, Thorp Perrow in North Yorkshire, and Winkworth in Surrey are also highly recommended.

Several of the National Trust’s gardens also have great Autumn colours, including Sheffield Park, Stourhead, Arlington Court, Hidcote Manor, Anglesey Abbey, Calke Abbey and Clumber Park.

There are also vibrant Autumn displays at many Forestry Commission sites. Mauldon Woods in Bedfordshire for example has over twenty different tree species, and at Bedgebury in Kent’s High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a walk down Dallimore Valley passes the liquid amber, tulip trees, ginkos, oaks, black birch and the nyssas, all of which were chosen for their spectacular autumn colour.

Many of these attractions have special Autumn events including guided tours, special trails and explanatory talks.

Outside the UK, the world renowned places to see amazing Autumn colours include: U.S.A. – Vermont, White Mountains in New Hampshire, Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Shenandoah Park in Virginia and Acadia National Park in Maine.

China - Fragrant Hill in Beijing, The Yellow Mountains, Tauchuan Huangshan, Kanas Urumqui , Miyaluo Chengdu.

Elsewhere - Kyoto in Japan, Alberta in Canada, the Loire Valley in France and Ahornboden in Austria.

So whether you are in your back garden or half way across the world, enjoy nature’s magnificent Autumn colours.

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up ontoselected 40% off! blinds

Offer ends 31st October QUOTE CVTL13 Call to arrange your free home visit on 01223 460192 or 01954 211037

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COMPETITION PAGES COMPETITION PAGES CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER!

MORE TO SEE, TRY, TOUCH, TASTE, ENJOY … AND BUY at THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR Join in the fun at the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, the biggest and best Christmas Shopping Fair, returns to the NEC for four days from 21 – 24 November.

Christmas means gifts for your loved ones, hanging decorations on the tree, excitement on children’s faces, party clothes, stockings hanging over the hearth, a table fit for a festive feast!

The run up to Christmas Day involves lots of planning! The hardest and often most time consuming part is buying the presents. There’s no need to be stuck for ideas, Festive Gift Fair makes it so easy.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll get into the Christmas spirit, and be caught up in the excitement of browsing round over 325 stalls hunting for your perfect gifts. And when your bags are full, you can drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas music by bands and choirs. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular events at the NEC! We love the challenge of finding unusual gift

ideas – with so many to see at the Fair, selecting the best is a challenge indeed!

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY! Raise a glass! That’s the spirit!

FOR THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE. Mum, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Girlfriend - There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a special thoughtful surprise they will love. ….

FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE. Chaps can be notoriously difficult to buy for – you’ll find Whisky, woollies, watches, clever gadgets and silly stocking fillers at Festive Gift Fair……….

KIDS STUFF. You’ve managed to keep the presents out of sight from little prying eyes for weeks, and NOW the big day is here. All smiles on Christmas Day! SET THE SCENE FOR A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS. Dressing the tree is just the start! Dressing your table, your hall, your mantle-piece can all help make Christmas Day really special. Light lots of twinkling candles, use elegant glasses, colour coordinated linen… you’ll find lots of inspiration at Festive Gift Fair.

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address to the address below by Fri 8th Nov 2013.

Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The Winner will be drawn at random.

If you are not a lucky winner, advanced tickets are priced from just £8.50.

Book now by calling NEC Ticket Hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.theticketfactory.com (£1.50 per booking transaction).

COMPETITION PAGES COMPETITION PAGES 6

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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...

After dark Halloween fun Monday 28 October 5.00pm – 6.30pm Godmanchester Centre £5 per child Meet some of our nocturnal animals, face your fears in the rodent room, feed our animals some Halloween treats and join us for spooky story time. Prize for the best Halloween costume. Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential.

Halloween Fun

Animal rehoming

26th October – 3rd November, 10.00am – 3pm Godmanchester Centre FREE

Charity Shop

Bring the kids to Wood Green this October half term and let them take part in our Halloween Fun Trail. Find the 12 spooky clues around Wood Green to win a prize.

Children’s play area

Why not stop for a coffee or lunch in our spooky themed coffee shop.

Open 7 days a week

To book for all events call the Hands On team on 0844 248 8181 or email for further information handson@woodgreen.org.uk

Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s ‘hands on’ events 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.

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The Animals Charity

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WGAS Villager 131w x 93h Grantchester 9.13.indd 1

12/9/13 17:00:42

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Tired of trick-or-treating?

By Alex Brown

Take away the worry this Halloween and try something different Halloween is on the horizon again and with it comes the trick-or-treating dilemma. For some, it is just a bit of harmless fun. However, many parents are concerned about the safety aspects of knocking on strangers’ doors, while others object to the idea of ‘begging’ for sweets.

If you’re not keen, there are still plenty of ways to get into the spirit of Halloween and enjoy yourselves at home.

Apple-bobbing is the traditional game for this time of year. Simply place a few fruits in a bowl of water and challenge children to grab one with their teeth – no hands allowed!

Getting dressed-up is another great part of Halloween. Invite some friends round and organise a costume parade. You could give prizes for the best homemade outfit, most scary, or most unusual. To really gross out your guests, organise a touchy-feely challenge. Assemble foods that can double-up as creepy body parts – for example, cold cooked spaghetti, jelly or baked beans make great innards, sausages or gherkins can be witch’s fingers, and imagine that pickled onions are vampire’s eyeballs. Cover each bowl with a cloth and see if your guests are brave enough to put in a hand and guess what they can feel!

Many party games can be adapted to suit a spooky

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celebration. Instead of a donkey, how about Pin the Nose on the Witch? Draw a witch on a large piece of paper, and ask children to cut out noses from coloured paper. They are then blindfolded and turned around three times before trying to stick their nose in the correct position.

When it’s time for a dance, have yourself a Monster Mash! Play some lively tunes and when the music stops, everyone stands as still as a statue in their most terrifying pose.

Finally, wind down with a game of Sleeping Zombies. You simply have to lie on the floor and stay completely still. Anyone who moves is out.

It’s harder than it sounds and children love it!

How to trick-or-treat safely If you do want to go trick-or-treating, you can have fun and stay safe if you follow some basic rules: • Younger children should always go out with an adult. Agree a curfew for older children and make sure you know who they are with and where they are going. Remind children never to go into the house of anyone they do not know.

• If possible, agree in advance with your neighbours which houses you will visit. Do not go to homes that aren’t lit.

• Dark costumes make children difficult for motorists to see. Take a torch and wear glow bands or fluorescent strips.

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Enjoy guilt free cake

with new charity appeal Local people are being encouraged to raise funds to support disabled people in their local community – by eating cake.

It’s all part of disability charity Papworth Trust’s new fundraising appeal, care for cake. The Trust is looking for cake lovers to host or take part in their own cake themed fundraising event during National Cake Week (7-13 October 2013).

All proceeds raised through care for cake will help Papworth Trust to offer essential care and support to disabled people in the local community. For example, youth clubs for disabled young people to make new friends and have fun, and learning and leisure centres that support disabled people to learn important life and work skills.

“I’d like to encourage anyone who loves baking or eating cake to take part in care for cake,” said Papworth Trust’s Fundraising Manager Annette Angell.

“All proceeds you raise will go towards supporting our services, which provide essential care and

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support to older and disabled people.

It’s a guilt free way to indulge in eating cake! By fundraising for Papworth Trust you will be helping us to care for more people in your local community.

“What kind of fundraising event you hold is completely up to you. It can be as silly, creative or simple as you like – anything from a cake sale, bake off, raffle, or even a vintage tea party.

“You will find all the information that you need to start organising your event on our website at www.papworth.org.uk/careforcake. And don’t forget to share the details of your event, along with any delicious recipes or baking tips, on our Facebook and Twitter pages.”

To find out more about care for cake, or to download a free fundraising pack (which includes an invitation poster and information leaflet), please go to: www.papworth.org.uk/careforcake

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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

• external painting – right up to eaves • Cladding & featheredge boarding – wood and upvc, repaired, maintained, cleaned or new replacements • roof cleaning – specialist pressure jet washing • Conservatory roofs – cleaned • tree & hedge trimming

Call today for a FREE no obligation quotation on 01223 871117 / 07717 576126 e: info@anglianhighaccess.co.uk web: www.anglianhighaccess.co.uk

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

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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:

• • • • •

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 After

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How to find a lawyer

Fiona McLeman Family Law At this time of year, many solicitors anecdotally report that after the school summer holidays have ended, there is an uptake in new enquiries.

This seems a good time to talk about choosing a lawyer.

How to find a lawyer A good start is to ask friends and family members if they have a recommendation. The best connections are likely to come from those around you who have used a solicitor in the past or who may have contacts. Look for a solicitor that specializes, not dabbles, in family law. Find out if they are a member of Resolution www. resolution.org.uk.

Making the first contact?

Contact the lawyer by email or telephone.

Don’t feel afraid to ask questions –find out their availability, capacity to take on new work, how they work, what’s involved, how quickly they expect to turn work around, charging processes and how they offer first meetings. Don’t be afraid to ‘shop around’, ask questions, and find a lawyer who you think may be the best match.

What should I look for in my lawyer?

You need to feel that your lawyer is going to support you, be available to you and give you the best possible representation. Don’t be tempted to instruct the lawyer who has given you advice you like the sound of. It’s often the advice you don’t want to hear that can be the most important to you.

What happens at the first meeting?

The law relating to family breakdown is complicated and there are many factors

to consider. A solicitor should require comprehensive information from you before they can give tailored advice, but they should be able to give you an initial overview of your situation. They should be able to discuss options, outline the next steps and give you some general and practical guidance, and an estimate of costs.

How much?

It may be tempting to instruct the lawyer who gives the cheapest estimate of costs. Remember that this is only an estimate and that you may end up paying more. Don’t necessarily instruct the lawyer who is the ‘cheapest’ unless they also happen to be the lawyer who you feel suits you best. Find out whether the lawyer can offer fixed fee charges for any aspects of their work. This may suit your budgeting. Others can also offer bespoke ‘pay as you go’ services, or set caps on fees, or staging their representation to suit your pocket.

For further information about your situation following relationship breakdown, please contact Fiona McLeman Family Law.

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CLIMBING PLANTS

By PIPPA GREENWOOD Climbing plants, especially those with flamboyant flowers or fantastic foliage can transform a garden and offer a whole new planting opportunity, as your garden literally goes upwards and takes a vertical climb.

Supporting Cast - A few climbers are self-clingers and don’t need a special support system when grown against a fence or wall; Virginia creeper and Hydrangea petiolaris for instance. But most need to have a proper support, and it pays to put this in place before you plant. For lighter weight climbers some trellis, perhaps prettily painted will do the trick, but for heavier climbers such as a vigorous clematis, or wisteria, you will need galvanised straining wires.

Easy Access - If you use trellis as a support on a wall, it can be attached to wooden battens which are fixed to the wall using rawl plugs. Use a series of hinges to attach one edge of the trellis to the batten, and a few hooks to allow you to raise or lower the trellis for when you need to maintain the wall.

Planting Distance - Climbers won’t thrive if they don’t receive enough water at the base. The ‘rain shadow’ created by the house roof and the drying effect of the wall’s foundations can make the soil close-by extremely dry so plant a minimum of 45cm (18in) away from the base of the wall and fork in plenty of well-rotted bulky organic matter before planting too.

Train it well - If the climber is quite small, it may need to be trained in the right direction. A short bamboo cane or several for a multi-stemmed plant, can be angled from the base of the plant to the vertical surface, allowing you to tie in the stems and edge them towards the support. Once the climber has reached the wall, the enlarging network of stems may become congested if left to its own devices, so actively train the stems to grow in the direction you need them to.

Extra Care - Climbers planted against a wall will need extra TLC if they’re to look their best. Make watering them top-priority, especially for the first 18 months whilst they’re becoming established.

Apply a good, bulky organic mulch to a depth of about 8cm (3in) or so all around the rooting area, but take care to avoid the mulch coming in to direct contact with the stems.

Arches, Arbours and Pergolas - Climbers don’t just

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look good on house, garden and garage walls and fences, they can also be used to great effect over arches and pergolas or to clothe an arbour.

You may need to install some supporting wires here too, so go for galvanised wires and sturdy vine-eyes as fixings. Choosing a scented climber or two will add to the charm of a cosy arbour or archway.

Clever Combinations - If the surface that you want to plant up is big enough, try to use climbers that flower in different seasons as, chosen carefully, the plants you use will increase the period for which the arch, pergola, arbour, wall or fence, looks its best.

Bare Ankles - Many climbers do have a habit of becoming a bit bare at the base, especially after they’ve been in place for a few years. Try some seasonal bedding plants around the base, or plant a small and attractive shrub a little further away to hide the bare stems.

Ten Top Climbers Climbing roses Honeysuckle Clematis Hydrangea petiolaris Vitis coignetiae Solanum crispum Tropaeolum speciosum Akebia quinata Actinidia kolomikta Parthenocissus henryana Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com where you can sign up for her free newsletter, and buy a great range of gardening products including Nemaslug, caterpillar, ant, vineweevil and other Nemasys controls, snail and slug barriers, Enviromesh and Envirofleece.

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Rid your lawn of moss & weeds. Start today!

Local family business

Treatments include

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

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

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded.

Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs.

Inspection welcome. Boarding from £6.60/day.

Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded.

64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

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

The cattery for caring owners.

Comfort and security for your pet.

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HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go. Some numbers are already given.

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

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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.

Fun Quiz - Halloween 1. In Stephen King’s novel It, Pennywise was the name of a monster who disguised himself as what?

2. If your birthday was on Halloween, what would your star sign be?

3. On Sesame Street, what colour is the Cookie Monster’s fur?

4. How does the Wicked Witch of the East die at the start of the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz? 5. What is the only American state that does not contain any letters from the word “Halloween” in its name?

6. Found on the island of Madagascar, what animal is named after a type of ghost or spirit from Roman mythology due to its reflective eyes, nocturnal habits and a ghostly sound that some species make?

7. What word from the NATO phonetic alphabet is also the first name of Doctor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s famous novel?

8. In which 1999 film does Cole Sear say “I see dead people”?

9. True or False... Vampire bats feed on blood?

10. Which 1990s film features the character of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town?

1. A clown 2. Scorpio 3. Blue 4. Dorothy’s house falls on her 5. Mississippi 6. The lemur 7. Victor 8. The Sixth Sense 9. True 10. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Before

After

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Simple Car Checks

Everyone Should Know Dogs are meant to be a man’s best friend.

Unequivocally loyal, they stick by us through thick and thin. But have you ever wondered how you’d manage without your car? Equally constant and trusty, you can keep it that way with a few simple maintenance checks.

First things first though. If you want to reduce the risk of a breakdown, get your vehicle serviced regularly! Check your handbook for the manufacturer’s recommendations and then follow them. You don’t need to book your service with the manufacturer - there are plenty of local garages around who are more than up to the job.

Engine Oil Check engine oil levels fortnightly, or before a long journey, by removing the dipstick while the engine is cold, wiping it clean with a cloth, re-inserting it and then checking that the oil falls between the recommended levels marked on the stick. If it doesn’t, top up with a good quality engine oil that is the right grade for your car. Oil lubricates the engine parts and low levels could cause it to eventually seize.

Water Check the coolant level when the engine is cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators, and top up as necessary. Adding antifreeze will stop the coolant freezing during winter and will also prevent the build-up of corrosion, so is important all year round.

Tyres Know the correct pressures for your car, and check them at least every two weeks (including the spare). Also check the tread and general condition, looking for cuts on sidewalls.

Lights With your car turned on and parked, have someone walk around to see that all your lights are working – headlights, indicators, brake, tail and fog lights etc. Replace bulbs as necessary, or get a local garage to do it for you.

Also give your lights a clean with a damp cloth, especially during bad weather.

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Wipers Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year for best performance.

Screenwash Water alone will not clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter. Use a good quality additive all year round to keep your windscreen clean and visibility clear.

Windscreen Check regularly for stone damage as this can impair vision and distract attention.

Minor chips can be easily repaired, but if left untreated, can develop into cracks that may require the whole windscreen to be replaced.

Bodywork Deal promptly with any damage to prevent rust setting in.

If carried out regularly, these checks will help you enjoy safe, worry-free motoring with man’s new best friend!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Be part of the challenge Stoptober is back. All over the country people will take the 28 day challenge to stop smoking during October. Last year over 160,000 people successfully quit smoking for Stoptober, thanks to the wide range of quitting support on offer.

For more information search ‘Stoptober’ online or visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober Alternatively, speak to your local stop smoking service or pharmacist.

219641_Stoptober_A4_Double_Sided_Poster_AW.indd 1

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09/08/2013 15:00

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what’S ON?

IN OCTOBER

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Bridge Club 7.30-9.30pm Roxton Village Hall Cost £3 Every Tuesday. Beginners welcome.

Tel: 01767 448526 Web: www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 2 October Flower Arranging Demonstration Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm Buckden Millennium Centre, Burberry Road, Buckden Tickets £9 includes glass of wine and light refreshments Brampton Flower Club invite guests to their annual Open Demonstration. Demonstrating this year will be Sarah Horne, an International Demonstrator, winner of the Interflora Florist of the Year Bridal Design 2011 and three times Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner, with ‘Never underestimate the Power of the Flower’. Trade stalls, sales table and raffle of flowers.

Tickets are available by post from Mrs J. Burnley, 35 High Street, Brampton, Huntingdon PE28 4TG. Please make cheques payable to: ‘Brampton Flower Club’, and include a SAE or see website for downloadable ticket application form and more information. Sorry no tickets available on the door.

Tel: Jacqui 01480 370996 for enquiries Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 2 October Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Annual subscription £6. Meetings with speakers £1 and £2 for visitors Speaker will be Peter Jackson offering advice on how to grow your own fruit and veg. Suitable for all levels of expertise. Refreshments included. New members and visitors always welcome.

5 October 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

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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 5 October Hardy Plant Society Talk 2pm The Wetherley Centre, Biggleswade Small charge for visitors Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society present a talk by Donald Everitt on ‘plants worthy of being grown more often’. Donald is a lecturer and grower of plants. He was trained at RHS Wisley. He will bring plants and bulbs for sale at the meeting. All welcome - small charge applies.

Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6 October Celebration of Harvest 11am St James’ Church, Little Paxton A service for all. Gifts of dry goods/toiletries and cash welcome in aid of Jimmy’s Night Shelter in Cambridge. Refreshments available from 10.30 am.

After the service, join us for a bring and share lunch.

7 & 19 October St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton Observing evenings. 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 9 October Kingfishers 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton Suggested donation Members £2.00, Non-members £2.50 The fascinating lives of kingfishers will be the focus of an illustrated talk to be given to the Wildlife Trust, Huntingdonshire Local Group. The beautiful bank-nesting birds are well known to the public, but are seen only rarely. They are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

We are delighted to welcome Jeff Harrison, who has been studying, monitoring and photographing Kingfishers at their nest sites for many years. Jeff is licensed by Natural England and the BTO and this has enabled him to get close enough to observe

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what’S ON? IN OCTOBER

those behaviours that remain a mystery to many of us. We are delighted that Jeff will unveil their secret lives tonight. Anyone interested in wildlife is most welcome to attend. Tel: Phil 01487 822835 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk 10 October Hunts Art Group 7.30-9.30pm Members £6, Non-members £8.50 Ink and watercolour painting demonstration by Caroline Furlong, anyone interested in joining our art group is welcome to attend. Please book by telephone or email. Tel: 01480 468952 Email: huntsartgroup@aol.com 11 October Bedford Brass in concert 7.30 pm Little Paxton School Hall Tickets £7 including refreshments Available also from The Anchor, Little Paxton.

Tickets: Jenny Gellatly 01480 219022 12 & 13 October Arts, Crafts, Food & Drink Fair 10am-4pm Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester Adults £3, Concessions £2.50, Accompanied children under 5 free Whatever the weather you can visit the indoor arena and sample and buy from a wide range of arts, crafts and gift stalls as well as food and drink.

Web: www.oakleighfairs.co.uk 13 October Beacon Antiques Fair 10am-4.30pm The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook Admission £3 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of quality antiques so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this unique fair is the place to visit.

Refreshments including tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks served throughout the day.

Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 14 & 28 October Line Dancing for Beginners 7-8pm Tilbrook Village Hall No partner necessary. Please wear flat/low heeled shoes (or cowboy boots).

Tel: Pauline or Terry 01480 861767

16 October Researching Ancestors in British India 7.30-9pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Non-members welcome - £1 donation appreciated Huntingdonshire Family History Society talk by Penny Tipper on ‘Researching Ancestors in British India’. Web: www.huntsfhs.org.uk/ 18 October Man of Steel Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £4, Concessions £3, Children under 16 £2 Kimbolton Community Cinema. Licensed bar and refreshments. Tickets available from Dixie’s Deli, Watson’s or Bytes Café or on the door. Limited tickets so book early.

Tel: 01480 860297 for further information 24 October St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Non-Members £2.50 which includes refreshments and a raffle ticket Climbers for all aspects with Nick Hamilton.

26 October Cambridgeshire Family History Society – Family History Fair 10am-4pm Girton Glebe Primary School, Girton, Cambridge Free admission. Lectures £2 per person.

Free internet research room run by CFHS researchers. Free parking.

26 October Shepreth Village Hall Market 10am-12.30pm Lots of lovely craft stalls to give you ideas for early Christmas present shopping and the usual fresh, local produce from around the area. Tim and Lisa’s Basket and Apple juice gazebo will be outside at the opening to the hall welcoming you in!

Refreshments and hot sausages in rolls by Shepreth W.I. Tel: Jane. 07554207580 Web: www.stallsinthevillagehall.co.uk 16 November Christmas Gifts and Craft Market 11am-3pm Shepreth Village Hall

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 18th September 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Cook from Godmanchester For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Employed (4) 3 Loyal (8) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Big (5) 11 Ceremonial leader (5) 12 Save (6) 14 Twist together (6) 16 Thick oil (6) 19 Steps (6) 21 Friends (5) 24 Not dead (5) 25 Beginning (7) 26 In company (8) 27 Small insect (4) Down 1 Utmost (8) 2 Not late (5) 4 On a ship (6) 5 Relates (5) 6 List of ingredients (7) 7 Vegetable (4) 8 Round container (6) 13 Communications (8) 15 Zero (7) 17 Wealthier (6) 18 On land (6) 20 Distinguished (5) 22 Alliance (5) 23 Silly (4)

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

ROOFING & SCAFFOLDING LTD 01223 207586 Fax: 01223 750203

Tel:

Unit 9, Road Farm, Ermine Way, Arrington, Royston, Herts, SG8 0AA

Established 1985

www.apexroofingandscaffolding.co.uk

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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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:

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07521 442 050

brian@brianbulley.co.uk

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BOOK REVIEW

BY Bruce Edwards The Perfume Garden Kate Lord Brown Corvus £14.99 p/b This book should not be confused with another bearing a not dissimilar title from another era.

If there’s a glimmer of recognition in your mind, that’s fine - for the Richard Burton version is mentioned - but here our author has penned a very different tale. This story hovers between the mid 1930’s Spain of the Civil War (remember the Capa photograph of the dying soldier?) and London and the modern Spain of the early 2000’s.

There’s a fascinating glimpse into the worlds of the parfumerie and the chaotic era of Spain’s conflict (said to be still smouldering today). The immense strength of this story derives from the intermingled love-lives spanning the years. These wonderfully woven romances are not, however, as straight forward as they initially appear. Emma is a great girl - a well rounded character with a strength of purpose and an enviable attitude who - - - but no, I must resist the temptation to spoil the story with further compliments. Suffice to say she shrugs off the disaster of a loss from the fall of the Twin-Towers emphasised by her condition, to follow in the footsteps of her forebears. Freya is amongst them and carries her secret well amongst the shadows of the evils of those tragic days. Eventually Emma uncovers her true incredible identity from the past and though her rival in both love and the perfume business almost wrecks her plans, she begins to rebuild a live worth living.

TABLE TOP SALE Every Sunday at Papworth Village Hall Set Up from 7.00 am Public from 8.00 am Close 1.00 pm

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