Yaxley Gazette December 2016

GAZETTE GROUP PUBLICATIONS gazettegrouppublications.co.uk

THE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE YAXLEY AREA including Farcet, Holme, Folksworth, Morborne, Conington, Denton, Haddon, Norman Cross & Stilton

ISSUE 92: DEC 2016

Merry Christmas to all our readers

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Whats' On

COUNTDOWN TO

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A crawl through history

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BLOG

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DREW PONTIKIS ON BRUSSELS

NEWS, VIEWS, HEALTH, PETS, HISTORY, EATING OUT & MORE

SEE PAGE 31

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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IN THIS ISSUE . . . to the December issue of the Yaxley Gazette.

In such a short time it will be Christmas! I hope you are all beginning to feel in the festive spirit and are in full swing with your shopping and celebrations.

If you are alone this Christmas and would like to spend your time helping others, or maybe you just need a bit of company and a home cooked Christmas lunch, Yaxley Partnership are reaching out to Yaxley and surrounding villages to invite our senior citizens who are living alone to join them,.

There’s more information on page 13.

Please remember to keep supporting local businesses, as our community is really thriving it’s great to be a part of it. Always let us know if you are investing in the local area, it would be good to hear your story.

We’d also like to learn about your triumphs and achievements as a community, charity work, forthcoming events and any information that you wish to share with our readers.

Thanks again for your continued support.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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The Yaxley Gazette is sourced and published independently by local people and is not on the back of any large organisation or society. Any reproduction of this magazine is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Views and opinions written in this magazine may not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The Yaxley Gazette cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. All artwork and design is the copyright of its respective owner.

Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior permission is given by the publishers.

 Community News 5  Blog 5  Library 6  Legal 8  Health 8  Schools 15  History 19  Local Business 21  What’s On 22  Farmer Tom 24  Pets 25  Food & Drink 27  Beauty 28  Financial 30  Items for Sale 30  Handy Numbers 32

PUBLIC DEFIBRILLATORS Yaxley Fire Station, Main Street, Yaxley PE7 3LB, Yaxley Group Practice, Landsdowne Road, Yaxley PE7 3JL and Farcet Post Office.

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T: 01733 890400 www.whiteknightcars.co.uk Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Village Amenities Manager vacancy

BLOG

by Drew Pontikis

What a year 2016 has been! We’ve lost countless stars from the world of music and show business, increasing the ratio of people with talent per Kardashian to worrying levels.

We’ve seen climate change potentially reach tipping point, with record high melt temperatures recorded at both poles and my living room during the summer.

What’s more, an overwhelming majority of slightly over half the people who voted came out and said ‘no – no longer will we suffer the economic stability and prohibitively low faecal matter per cubic litre of drinking water restrictions imposed on us by the EU; we’re leaving’. And leave we did (sort of); no longer bound to live under undemocratically imposed laws from Brussels, our first act was to appoint an undemocratically elected new Prime Minister, given the unenviable task of working out

why anyone would actually want to trade with us when the bigger and better EU is right next door.

We’ve seen the value of the pound plummet to levels not seen since the last ice age, Marmite briefly disappear from supermarket shelves, and that big bus with ‘let’s give the £350m a week to the NHS’ quickly and quietly pushed off the end of Brighton pier before anyone noticed it. Don’t even get me started on Toblerones.

Not to be outdone, our American cousins have decided that after eight years of stability and positivity under Obama, they’d rather go another way; as I type this Donald Trump has been confirmed as the 45th (and possibly last)

President of the United States. It seems like hate and bigotry really are all the rage these days.

Framed in this idyllic imagery is Christmas. Traditionally a time of turkey-based stress, paper cuts from cheap wrapping paper and violent Brussels sprout induced mood swings, this year is different.

This year, I will be happy – I will be surrounded by family and loved ones, I will be grateful for what I have, and I will appreciate all the people in my life. So let me end by saying that, in spite of all the hate and intolerance in the world right now, have a merry Christmas.

But I tell you right now, if I see one of those stupid, new shaped Toblerones ...

Stilton Parish Council is wishing to appoint a person to manage village amenities.

This is a new post and results from the construction of a brand new village hall and changing rooms called Stilton Pavilion. This new facility has been described many as ‘something special’. It is a high quality and high spec building, alongside the village field which has just been upgraded to match play standards for adults and young people’s sport. The Parish Council have other facilities including a Parish Room, Memorial Hall and nearby Skate Park.

This post offers great opportunities for anyone with provenly good interpersonal, organisational and administrative skills, together with a desire to provide opportunities for, and a service to, the vibrant and historic village of Stilton.

It is anticipated that this post will initially be for 15 hours per week at £15 per hour.

Further information can be obtained from the Parish Clerk, Mary Croll. 12 Cladecote Road, Stilton. T: 01733 241022.

E: stiltonpc@yahoo.co.uk

Neighbourhood watch Speedwatch has been active again. In the 65 minutes we were checking speeds, we checked 389 vehicles, of which two were classed as reportable.

The highest speed recorded was 52mph. This check was undertaken on London Road which has a 40mph limit. The kit is currently in for routine calibration, but we will be out again soon. Volunteers are always welcome, so please let us know if you are interested and we can arrange training.

We are considering the possibility of rolling out a new app for smart phones that will help people report issues; Trygve is an award-winning, free, digital tool that brings communities together to build a stronger, safer

society. Trygve creates an online ‘Neighbourhood Watch’, making your local community safer and more secure through a variety of exciting features. The link is available on our Facebook group to download.

Technology has been shown to assist in the failure of criminals this month, with CCTV cameras and intercom systems thwarting an attempt to steal a jet ski from a driveway in the village.

In the meantime, we are looking for more volunteers for Yaxley Neighbourhood Watch and Community Speedwatch.

Next Meeting 8 December, venue to be confirmed. Please check the website or Facebook group for details.

If you would like to join or find out more information, please join us at our next meeting or contact us via our website at www.yaxley.watch You can also engage in discussion on Facebook on both the Yaxley Community Watch group and the Yaxley Gazette group.

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

5

COMMUNITY NEWS

What’s on in Your Library Book and Biscuit Held on the first Tuesday of the month for school age children 3.30 – 4.15pm. Listen to stories and make new friends.

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

Storytimes

To find out more about all the adult and children’s events that Yaxley Library can offer please call in and speak to a member of staff.

Visit Cambridgeshire Libraries at cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library, or Cambs.net at cambs.net.gov.uk or take a look at Cambridgeshire Libraries Facebook Page.

Engage in the afternoon for adults

Walter & Beverley Hodson

They had seen each other on the bus quite regularly but hadn’t really spoken to each other.

Walter, who lived in Sawtry, hadn’t been out of the RAF for long and was working at Hotpoint, as was Beverley, who at that time was assembling parts for aircraft.

On New Year’s Eve 1953, Beverley was at a dance at Yaxley Public Hall and Walter was in The Chequers public house which was on Main Street. It was close to midnight and Walter and one of his friends decided to get to the Public Hall to see in the New Year and have the last couple of dances.

As they got to hall the revelers had just started to form the circle to do Auld Lang Syne so Walter and his friend broke into the circle and Walter was then holding hands with Beverley, which became their first meeting. After seeing in the New Year together it was then announced that the final dance, or the last waltz as it was called, was going to be played so they had this dance together as well. After the dance they arranged to meet each other again the following day in Peterborough to go to the cinema.

As a courting couple they enjoyed going out to dances with their friends to the local haunts, Lutton village dances being one of the more popular ones.

In late 1956 they decided to get married at Fletton Registry Office and after a reception at Hillcrest Avenue mostly paid for by Walter’s 6 6

winnings on the Peterborough Pools. Their first night was spent at Walter’s parents’ house in Sawtry which at that time still hadn’t got electricity, so their first night was spent romantically by candle light.

After a couple of months with Walter’s parents they got their first house in Back Lane, Yaxley.

Get into the festive spirit!

Come along and join in with a Christmas Quiz on Wednesday 14 December at 2pm. There is a prize for the lucky winner.

Rhymetimes Held every Friday morning ( term time only) from 10.30 – 11.00am for children aged 0 to 18months.

Come along and meet new mums whilst singing old and new rhymes with your child.

Computer basics / researching family history Our Computer Buddy can offer FREE basic help to beginners and our Family History Volunteer can help you get started with tracing your ancestors.

Please ask a member of library staff for more information.

Christmas opening hours All Cambridgeshire Libraries will close at 1.30pm on the 24 December and re-open on 3 January.

Don’t forget to visit the Library and stock up with exciting books to read over the holidays!

All the Staff at Yaxley Library would like to wish all our customers and very Happy Christmas.

For information, opening times, or to renew or request books, T: 03450 455225 or visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/library

Yaxley Parish Council Retirement of councillor Rees

After 9 years serving the parish Ann Rees has retired from the council and is moving away from Yaxley. Ann has worked hard for the council and community and we wish her the best in her new life. Thank you Ann.

Co-option of councillor

Walter and Beverley went on to have 4 children, who have given them 11 grandchildren, who in turn have given them 11 great grandchildren, so far!

Walter and Beverley celebrated their Diamond Anniversary together at a surprise 1950s themed tea party with family and friends at Yaxley British Legion.

Held every two weeks 10.30 – 11.00am for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Come and join in the fun at our next session on Tuesday 13 December

Following the retirement of Ann we now have a councillor vacancy.

Following adverts for election we are now able to co-opt a member to the council. If you have an interest in serving the community please contact the clerk for an application form. Contact details below right.

Any identified issues will be raised with family members to resolve, or in the case of urgent safety, temporarily made safe, awaiting resolution by the family.

Street lighting If you notice any street lights not working please report online via Cambs County Council website (www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ highwayfaults) This can also be used to report issues such as dropped kerbs, potholes, trees and bushes overhanging the footpath/ highway and many other safety related issues.

We hope you all have had a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a Prosperous New Year

Cemetery Safety Inspection We are to commence inspection of the monuments in the cemetery.

This is to check for movement of headstones/monuments in the interests of safety for all visitors.

Contact details for our clerk Helen Taylor T: 01733 241958 E: clerk@yaxleypc.org.uk 48 Main Street, Yaxley

Yaxley Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

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www.peterboroughchristmastrees.co.uk /peterborough.xmas.trees.co.uk Yaxley Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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LEGAL ADVICE

HEALTH

HEALTH MATTERS Arrangements for your children As Christmas approaches I am often contacted by distressed parents who are unable to reach an agreement with their former partner as to the arrangements for their children generally and over the Christmas holidays.

When parents separate they still each independently retain any parental responsibility that they have for their children but in many cases the parent with whom the children live may try to take control of all decisions, leaving the other parent feeling isolated and frustrated. At special times of the year this frustration is exaggerated.

When considering what arrangements should be in place over the Christmas holidays it is best to put yourself in the children’s shoes – would they want to be moving from house to house on Christmas day, or would they prefer to have “two” Christmas days and a relaxed enjoyable time with each parent and each side of the family?

Equally when considering general weekly arrangements these need to be agreed with your children’s best interests at heart and allow flexibility for special occasions and changes as they get older and their needs change.

If you are struggling to reach agreements which allow you to spend time with your children then you can take action to resolve this. The best way is always to try to communicate

with the other parent to see if you can reach an agreement.

As your child’s parents you two know better than anyone what is best for them. However if communication has broken down and an agreement cannot be reached then a Resolution accredited lawyer may be able to assist you to negotiate an agreement fairly and amicably via correspondence and this is the best way to resolve matters so you get to spend time with your child quickly.

Unfortunately agreement is not always possible and the next steps would be to consider mediation – where both you and your former partner sit down together with an independent mediator to discuss matters and see what agreement can be reached. Court proceedings are a last resort.

“Abby just so your aware I would highly recommend you to anyone of my friends and family, or indeed anyone who knows me. Abby your advice has been really helpful to me and I want you to know I really do appreciate everything you have done for me.”

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For advice on divorce or any family law issue contact Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation.

Call 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk

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FREE initial telephone advice For further information, contact our local Family Law Specialist, Abby Smith T: 01480 270499 M: 07948 533 610 E: abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

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Splenectomy/Low Functioning Spleens We are currently carrying out a search into patients who have had a Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) or have low functioning spleens.

If you are living without a spleen it is important that you:  Receive information and advice about infection risk  Receive up-to-date vaccinations as there has been new guidance on this from public health  Take low-dose antibiotics for the rest of your life to prevent bacterial infections.

Dr. Madhuri Gupta Thank you During both open Flu Clinics on Saturdays 1 and 15 October members of the Patients’ Association were selling raffle tickets to raise valuable funds for the surgery.

All prizes were generously donated by local residents and businesses. We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of them for their support and generosity which is greatly appreciated.

The draw was made on the 20 October and the lucky winners were notified. A list of the lucky winners is on our Patients’ Association noticeboard We want to thank everyone who so generously bought raffle

tickets and helped us to raise a superb £813.95 !

Taking some time out…

I remember when I was 10 years old, a teacher at my school said that when we were older we would find time would feel as though it was going quickly as opposed to how it would appear to almost stand still at our age.

Those words of wisdom certainly seem to be true as I am fast approaching the age of 60.

Luckily in my practice we have a system of sabbaticals and I will shortly be stepping out of the busy world of general practice for three months and enjoying a slower pace of life for a while.

I will be returning to work mid-February with the batteries recharged and despite rumours circulating I have no intention of retiring any time soon!

Dr Richard Withers Christmas Closures We will be closed on Sunday 25 December 2016 Monday 26 December 2016 Tuesday 27 December 2016 Monday 2 January 2017 Please make sure you have sufficient medication to cover the festive period.

The doctors and staff wish you all a very happy and healthy festive season.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue It is the time of year when we’re enjoying a tipple with friends, cooking heaps of delicious food and decking the halls.

The Fire Service has these messages to make sure your festive cheer doesn’t go up in smoke:  Kitchens are a fire hotspot, so take care while cooking festive fancies. Never leave cooking unattended and turn off appliances when not in use.  Switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure they conform to the British Standard and never overload plug sockets.  Be careful when drinking alcohol while smoking or cooking.  Finally, make sure you have a

working smoke alarm which is correctly fitted and works. And NEVER take the batteries out to power presents!

Find us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram cambsfire.gov.uk For more information on fire safety call 01480 444500.

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

WI NEWS

SPORT

SPORT

Bowls club With the season finished, a working party was commissioned to help our grounds an with some of the 'heavy' work that needs to be done, to ensure that the green starts in tip-top condition next year.

Yaxley WI In October our speaker was Robert Parker whose talk entitled 'The Lopsided Barge' didn't seem remotely connected with his subject of genealogy.

All was explained later as he spoke of his ancestors and showed various documents he had used in tracing them.

Like most good speakers there was humour involved and a light hearted quiz about his talk followed. He very generously donated a prize of access to his website so the winner will be able to trace her family tree.

Our report for November will be in next month's magazine.

Yaxley Yaks The Yaks have been busily welcoming new members and preparing for their first season of rugby in 2017.

Our next meeting will be held on the Thursday 8 December, 6.30 for 7.00 and we will be entertained by Rock n Roll Bingo!

Holme WI Simon Watts was our speaker in November, He had made the most wonderful film on the wildlife and beautiful scenery of the Welsh coast around the area of St David's.

As he showed the film he spoke as if we were all there watching as he filmed, we were on the lookout for a rare and lovely bird.

The red-billed chough has glossy black plumage and a red bill and red legs, they can only be found in Wales and just a few pairs in Cornwall. This rare and beautiful bird is now on the increase in these parts of the country. It was a most enjoyable evening.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 1 December, 7.30pm at Holme village hall, our speaker will be Linda Scoles on the subject of ‘Disastrous Christmas gifts’ come along in your favourite Christmas jumper!

James Warrener told us “Things are going really well for us. We are currently training at Yaxley FC on Saturday mornings between 0900 and1000 and we have a core of players coming along to learn the game and develop.”

One of the most surprising elements has been the demographic of players.

“We have been really pleased and encouraged by the take up from whole families. Some of the mums are really decent players and the fact that parents and children can join in together is a real selling point. It’s something that sets Yaks apart and we are really proud” The Yaks are developing the club via touch rugby which is a fast paced non-contact version of the sport.

“My kids play” James adds “It’s an amazing feeling for us all to join in and have a great hours workout in the fresh air. Although we are all ready for a hot chocolate after!”

You can join in by searching Yaxley Yaks on Facebook or Twitter, or clicking on the club website… www.pitchero.com/clubs/yaxleyyaks It cost £1 per player to train and as its on astro turf, please no boots only trainers.

Many volunteers helped and were rewarded with the satisfaction of a job well done, plus of course, a cup of tea and a biscuit.

With winter approaching we look forward to our own club presentation night which again will be held at Yaxley Football Club.

Of course, we will have Christmas Party before then.

The quiz night held in the pavilion was well attended, some challenging and interesting questions were asked and after a close contest, our president's team just ran out the winners.

Many of Yaxley bowls players compete indoors in the winter, some at the Peterborough rinks, others and Whittlesey or Stamford.

We wish all of our players good luck for the indoor season and hope to report on some success later in the year.

The finals night league and cup presentation was held at Parkway Bowls Club, and Yaxley were well represented, collecting trophies both the league and cup. A good night was had by all.

The big news is that we successfully nominated our Chairman Mr. Bruce Saint to League President for 2017. This means that many of the team finals in 2017 will be played at Yaxley. Let's hope that we will be represented in those finals.

Picture is Kathy Browning, winner of the clubs Ron Leeder and Ladies 4-wood singles competitions, with our 2016 President Rob Dearnley.

Yaxley FC The Cuckoos have been flying recently (bad joke!) before a sticky patch that saw them exit the Hunts FA Cup at the quarter final stage.

Results and attendances in the league have been strong and the club is poised to assault the top four in the second half of the year.

Elsewhere, the ladies’ teams have been performing with great distinction as have a number of the junior teams who continue to populate the upper reaches of the league tables.

Our Wembley dream is over for another year though, after Stanway Rovers won 1-0 at Leading Drove in the FA Buildbase Vase. It was a difficult result to take after a run of 8 league wins on the bounce.

As the weather is starting to close in we have a number of seasonal and potential festive products on the website club shop. Go to www.yaxleyfc.com to have a look at hats and scarves in club colours all featuring the Cuckoo crest.

There are a number of tasty local derbies over Christmas including the big one at home to Huntingdon Town on Tuesday 27 December with a 7:45pm kick off. Why not dust off the sherry and turkey by coming along and ensuring bragging rights stay within the village?

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

11

as & Christm ar y r r e M New Ye Happy

12

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

CHURCH

St Peter’s Church I read the other day about a baby who was born in June for a second time. When the child’s mother from Texas was 16 weeks pregnant doctors spotted a tumour on the baby’s spine which was life threatening. Surgeons cut the baby out of the womb, operated on her and then returned her to her mother’s body. Five months later she was “born again” and is now doing very well.

This child was removed from the safety of her mother’s womb in order to save her life. At this time of year we celebrate the birth of a baby who was removed from the safety of heaven in order not to save his life, but to save all of our everlasting lives. Jesus gave up all the comfort of heaven to be born as a helpless baby, to live and then ultimately to die for all of us. As St John writes, God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. Jesus was given to all of us and promises everlasting life in his

Yaxley Methodist Chapel Kingdom for all who believe and trust in him.

You would all be very welcome to join us over Christmas (and indeed throughout the year) as we celebrate the love of God and his son Jesus Christ. We celebrate that because of his infinite love for us all Jesus was willing to be removed from heaven so that we might live forever. I am delighted that for the first time this year we will be celebrating Jesus’ birth with Beer and Carols at the Three Horseshoes on Wednesday 21 at 8pm.

Services at St Peter’s are shown below. Do come and join us. Please contact me for service details for elsewhere.

Please don’t forget our Christmas Fayre on December 3 from 10am1pm and A Stylish Christmas event for women over 18 on Friday December 9 at 7.30pm (featured here last month).

Sunday 4 December 11am All age nativity service

Saturday 24 December 4pm Crib service

Friday 9 December 9.30am SPARKS Christmas party

Saturday 24 December 11pm Midnight communion

Sunday 11 December 4pm Christingle service

Sunday 25 December 9am Holy communion

Sunday 18 December 7pm Carol service (followed by mulled wine and mince pies)

Sunday 25 December 11am All age celebration

Wednesday 21 December 8pm Beer & carols at The Three Houseshoes

Christmas begins with Christ Have you seen our banner on the Chapel? If not, look out for it when you are next on Main Street, especially in the evening or on a dark gloomy morning when it is lit up for all to see. Sometimes the World can feel dark and gloomy but Christ brought light and hope into the world. Come into the bright warmth of the Chapel and join in some of our celebrations of the birth of Christ during December.

We have the Yaxley Singers holding their sing along Christmas evening on Friday, 16th at 7.30.

This event is always very popular with a mixture of songs, carols and fun. Some people that attended last year enjoyed it so much they have become members of the Yaxley Singers themselves.

The Autumn Fayre we held in November was well attended (hope you enjoyed the mince pies).

Proceeds from our December Coffee Morning will be donated to the Night Shelters. We support the Night Shelters that are caring for homeless people during the Winter . Money raised will be donated to help with food, clothing , bedding etc. Our nearest Night Shelters will be at Southside Methodist Chapel on the London Road and St Margarets in Stilton. People with little hope or light in their lives will be brought from Peterborough Streets to these or other Churches near the City and will be offered a bed, hot food and someone to talk to.

We will still be collecting for the Foodbank for people who are struggling, especially at this time when others are celebrating Christmas around them. Just a small donation of unperishable food would be gratefully received.

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas with light, warmth and peace.

Yaxley Singers Concert 17 December 7.30pm Nativity Service 18 December 10.30am Carol Service 18 December 6.30pm Christmas Celebration Service 25 December 9am

Minister: Gareth Baron T: 01733 314147 E: Yaxleymc@gmail.com

KEY TO SYMBOLS Service / event particularly suitable for children and families.

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Vicar: Jon Randall T: 01733 240339 E: vicar@saintpeters.co.uk www.saintpeters.co.uk Further details of all these events and services are on our website www.saintpeters.co.uk

Christmas Day - are you on your own?

The Yaxley Partnership and Yaxley Scouts and Guides believe that local elderly people should not be on their own on Christmas Day (unless, of course, they want to be).

This is why we are laying on a traditional Christmas dinner at Gault Park, Yaxley (building at the junction of Main Street and Windsor Road) on 25 December.

We are reaching out to Yaxley and surrounding villages to invite our senior citizens who are living alone to join us.

Thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses the donations of food, drink and help are already coming in.

If you would know someone or are someone who is alone this Christmas and you wish to join us, please call Sally on 07949 744982. We would also appreciate more volunteers and donations.

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

SCHOOLS SAWTRY VILLAGE ACADEMY T: 01487 830 701 E: office@sawtryva.org www.sawtryva.org HOLME VILLAGE PRESCHOOL T: 07842 192 052 E: admin@holmevillagepre-school.org.uk www.holmevillagepre-school.org.uk FOLKSWORTH C OF E PRIMARY T: 01733 240 562 E: office@folksworth.cambs.sch.uk www.folksworthprimaryschool.co.uk STRETTON PRESCHOOL Main Street site T: 01733 248048 Fourfields site T: 01733 746521 E: stretton.preschool@yahoo.co.uk www.stretton-pre-school.co.uk FOURFIELDS T: T01733 703 611 E: office@fourfields.cambs.sch.uk www.fourfields.cambs.sch.uk YAXLEY INFANTS T: 01733 240 918 E: office@yaxley.cambs.sch.uk www.yaxley.cambs.sch.uk

Stretton Pre-school Holme Village Pre-school

Folksworth Pre School

Folksworth Preschool are very busy this term, we are revising shape names, matching pictures for language development, looking at rhyming, creating shape pictures, studying the difference between heavy and light and a whole lot more.

We have decided recently to introduce a new uniform in the hope that it saves our clothes from all of the fun messy stuff we get up to at preschool. Fun is important after all. This can be purchased online from Tesco.

On 10 December, it is our annual Christmas Santa Float starting at 3pm from the church.

There will once again be a fully licensed bar, a bbq open at 5pm, the big man himself and of course his very special reindeer. New to this year will be a super huge raffle with the chance of winning £500 just in time for Christmas.

The children have been enjoying themselves with a wide range of activities this autumn term. From dressing up in Halloween outfits for spooky fun, to exploring colours and sounds for fireworks and making lanterns for Diwali the festival of light.

Our younger children have enjoyed collecting autumnal items like leaves, stones and conkers in our outdoor area whilst our older ones we have supported with counting these items and first phonetics such as 'c' for conker.

We also held our 40th birthday raffle prize draw and raised an amazing £1,428 for the Pre-school; we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supported us with amazing prizes and buying our raffle tickets.

We also have held and have more planned our taster sessions for the Pre-school offering an informal drop in whilst the pre-school is in operation so you can see what we are like. We operate a waiting list and as some pre-school sessions are already full we recommend you get in touch as soon as possible to ensure we can meet your needs. Also, if you are looking at Holme C of E as an option for your child’s school we do start our transition sessions soon and these fill very quickly.

By the time this month’s Gazette is printed and distributed we will have just held our Christmas Fayre which we are sure will have been a great success. Details about how much we raised to follow in next month’s gazette.

The committee and staff would like to thank their families and the local community who come along and support all their events and help to raise money to buy new toys and equipment for the pre-school.

Our children have been busy and have had a wide range of activities to do recently.

Our older children have been learning all about fire engines, farms and reading ‘The very hungry caterpillar’ book. Our younger children have enjoyed learning about Winter and using their imaginations to create boats, racing cars, dens, tents and shelters out of boxes.

The children will soon start to concentrate on Christmas activities which they always enjoy a lot. From everyone at Stretton Pre-school we would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas, and all the very best for 2017.

Yaxley Infant School The second half of the Autumn Term is always filled with fun and excitement as we approach Christmas, and this year is no exception as our youngest children in school prepare for their first nativity ‘Happy Birthday Jesus’. The sound of their singing resonating through school put us all in a Christmas mood probably a little too soon!

Our Key Stage 1 children have been busy researching the history of Yaxley. We were delighted to welcome our guest

historian, Margaret Long, into school and the children quizzed her with amazing questions about how Yaxley has changed over the years. Margaret shared some wonderful old photographs and showed them some old ice-skates. It was very hard to believe that the villagers of Yaxley would ice-skate on the fields! Year 2 enjoyed a trip to the fire station as part of their research and found out lots about the history of Yaxley Fire Service.

Yaxley Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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LOCAL FRIENDLY PENSION ADVICE Thank you, it’s been a pleasure working with you in the past year.

We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Wayne and Helen Clark

Wayne Clark Independent Financial Adviser

T: 01733 620209 E: info@heartstonefs.co.uk www.heartstonefs.co.uk

Springfield , Manor Farm Court , Haddon , Peterborough PE7 3TR Heartstone Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref: 628608.

stmas & Merry Chri Year w Happy Ne

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

SANTA’S RIDE This year’s dates are: Monday 12 December Tuesday 13 December Wednesday 14 December Thursday 15 December Serpentine Green: Sunday 18 December.

Colour routes are the same.

Times have changed. The ride now leaves around 6.15pm each night.

The three charities are: l The Fire Fighers Charity l Macmillian Cancer Support l Yaxley Scouts and Guides

D&A Sanders

Cosy Cat Indoor

Boarding Cattery

Fully licensed indoor family run boarding cattery Manager: Shannon Sanders

Your local Pet shop, we stock everything a pet would want from Chicken feed to Dog Food David Sanders LCGI MINSTLM VNA Veterinary Nutrition Advisor

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Wong’s

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Voted 2nd Best Chip Shop in Peterborough

One stop shop, open 8am – 10pm We are not just a wine shop, we sell everything from Milk to the Lottery, great deals on wine, beer, chocolate, food and even slush puppies for the kids & adults!

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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Head 2 Head have opened the long awaited Barbers. Rob, Liam and the team are amazed at the support they have received from old and new customers. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

BARBER’S SHOP Selection of own branded products from Beard Oil to Hair Wax

Experts with kids’ cuts

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

HISTORY

PUBS OF YAXLEY

A crawl through history

The latest issue of CAMRA’s ‘beer around ere’ includes an article on the emergence of the micropub. The 2003 Licensing Act, which came into effect in 2005, was instrumental in spawning the micropub model, which has seen the opening of 200 miniature public houses across the country.

W

hilst the philosophy of simplicity and authenticity might seem to be riding the wave of artisan and hipster culture, the model is not a new one. Before publicans were suffering under the weight of sky high rent and rates and before the emergence of mobile phones and social media, villages like Yaxley were home to many ‘micro’ public houses. Unburdened by competition from cheap supermarket alcohol and home entertainment, the humble pub was at the heart of the community or as Samuel Pepys described them “the heart of England”. Yaxley even had its own craft beers, brewed at three businesses along Main Street. Inns were also used to the purpose of the administration of local justice, for the staging of auctions and for coroner’s inquests. Now at the beginning of the 21st Century we sadly only have two traditional pubs in addition to our member’s clubs and restaurants.

Let’s take a walk along Main Street for a whistle stop tour of Yaxley’s surviving and forgotten drinking houses.

Travelling from the part of Yaxley once known as Chapel End, we begin at the Duck and Drake. This building once overlooked the water course called the new Nene Cut, which connected the village by water to the Whittlesea Mere and Peterborough.

This passed under the Cow Lane bridge at the junction of Windsor Road and Great Drove. This building

was once a Northampton Brewing Company inn and wore the Phipps signage across the end of the premises.

Opposite the entrance of the Yaxley Infants School car park is the building that was once the Chequers Inn, a favourite drinking place for visitors from Cambridge University including one Charles Babbage, the man who proposed the idea of a programmable computer. The Chequers was famous for its pies and a favourite haunt for academics and botanists.

Across from here, close to the site of the old school house was the Swan Inn, one of the village’s oldest recorded pubs.

As we approach the village green we will pass by the birthplace of the astronomer Olinthus Gregory, marked by a Fenland Trust heritage plaque. This property was once the Royal Oak, a place reputed to house a cock fighting pit and a bareknuckle boxing ring.

At the village green you can still see the bracket from which the sign of the Recruiting Sergeant once hung. On the green is also the wonderful property that was once the Bluebell or Bell Inn. Walking westwards to the bottom of Middletons Road you can see Balcony House, or the Red House, which has been in its lifetime a fish and chip shop and newsagent, but was reputedly also a public house called The Bull. Many locals

will also have fond memories of the old Royal Oak at 106 Main Street, which has been sensitively restored and is now a handsome residential property.

As we stroll further along Main Street we arrive at three places that play an important role in the history of Yaxley’s fraternal organisations. The RAF Lancaster Club in a previous life was the King William IV and was the meeting place of the Ancient Order of the Foresters and later the Ancient Order of the Druids. The Royal Antideluvian Order of the Buffaloes preferred to meet across the road at the Three Horseshoes. During the occupation of the Napoleonic Prisoner-of-War Depot at Norman Cross, Freemasons from both sides of the English Channel also used at least one of the pubs for meetings in addition to the New Inn at Norman Cross. Close by is arguably Yaxley’s most important forgotten inn. The George and Dragon was once owned by the Greetham maltster and entrepreneur Thomas Waite, whose famous boat competed on behalf of Yaxley at the annual regattas on the Whittlesea Mere. The Feast of the New Club and Yaxley Regatta was coordinated from here and attracted interest from as far away as the Americas. The George and Dragon Society, later evolving into the Prometheans still has at least one member in the village, though much of the lore and customs have long since faded from memory.

At West End there was once another public house bearing the name of the Royal Oak and the site of the original Hatchet and Bill, which was relocated to Broadway in 1937 and is now the Farmers restaurant.

Though Main Street (Town Street) was the original spine of the village and therefore was home to many of its oldest inns, we should not forget the Royal British Legion on Broadway. The car park of the building was once home to a windmill, the millstone from which can be seen propped up against a tree at the nearby nursey. The Legion also once ran a bar at the territorial army premises on Chapel Street (Dobbs Lane). There was also the sadly lost Norman Cross Inn and English Garden Hotel at Norman Cross.

A final curiosity is the New Coffee Tavern, which stands opposite the entrance to the Clark Drain site at Station Road.

Originally a temperance tavern and the last surviving relic of the Yaxley and Farcet Railway Station, it was built and managed by a Church sponsored, Flettonbased Committee for Social and Evangelistical work among railway and brick workers. According to some unconfirmed reports it also later served refreshments for brick workers of the alcoholic variety and was known locally as Hughes Public House.

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

Whats Hot ...

D&A Sanders

LOCAL BUSINESS FEATURE

Yaxley Wines

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Lights, baubles, Xmas Novelty items we have everything you need for Christmas.

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Christmas annual s along with the naughty and nice egg timer and colouring bo ok. One of the annuals depicts a year in Santa’s life at the North Po le and the other annual shares som e of the magical mysteries behind Christmas.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Senior Citizen Discounts Locally run Monday to Hairdressing Thursday.

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Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk Yaxley

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EVENTS

Whats' On December

Christmas Fayre

SPARKS Christmas Party Friday 9 December 9.30am St Peters Church

Saturday 3 December 10am – 1pm St Peters Church

Christmas Fayre

More information www.saintpeters.co.uk

Spiritual evening with Dave Townsend Friday 9 December 7.30am - 10.30am Upstairs at Lancaster Club, Yaxley Ticket only event

Tickets Ticket can be purchased from Kirsty at Lancaster club or Dave on 07810128047 tickets are £7.50 each limited seats.

Friday 9 December 3.30 - 5pm Farcet C of E Primary School includes Tombola, fun and games, refreshments and food.

Price / Booking Stalls cost £5 and must be paid by 5 December. To book your stall please call 01733 240337

A Stylish Christmas

Friday 9 December 7.30pm St Peters Church Event for women over 18 More information www.saintpeters.co.uk

Traditional pub food, value for money served in a relaxed environment. Homemade, seasonal and where possible, brought from local suppliers Food is served Tues-Sat 12–2pm and Sun 12–3pm £5 Lunch menu available Tues - Sat 12–2pm

mas & Merry Christ Year w Happy Ne

WINTER

WARMER

MENU

Available Tue–Sat Nov through Jan £7.95 1 Course £10.95 2 Courses £13.95 3 Courses

NOW BOOK U MAS MEN

SPECIALS y 1 main meal Tuesday night - Bu half price d on get the sec ht Steak Nig Wednesday for £7.50 mp Ru z 8o ial ec Sp and Chips Friday Night - Fish battered er Be Night Special cod, chips and peas £10 1 x £6.50 and 2 for d ve ser ast Ro Sunday every Sunday 12-3 nu alongside main me

SK

Y & S BT PORT

t. 01733 240291 e. thetalbotinn@gmail.com www.talbotstilton.co.uk 5 North Street, Stilton PE7 3RP Follow us on facebook: @talbotstilton

CHRIST ble from Availa ec – Fri 23 D

ov Tue 29 NSundays, available g (excludin ing only) pre-book through

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WE A

HAVLSEO

Yaxley Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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EVENTS

The Lancaster Club Function Room & Bar Christingle service

Sunday 11 December 4pm St Peters Church More information www.saintpeters.co.uk

Christmas Carol Service ‘Cromwell Carols’

Thursday 15 December 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Huntingdon Mulled wine, minced pies, carols and a special performance by the Cromwell team. All invited and welcome (well behaved dogs invited too)

A Christmas Sing-along Friday 16 December 7.30pm Yaxley Methodist Chapel, Main Street, Yaxley With the Yaxley Singers Methodist Chapel Tickets Adults £5 under 16 £2 includes refreshments. Tickets at Door or 01733 241000

Yaxley Singers Concert

Saturday 17 December 7.30pm Yaxley Methodist Chapel, Main Street, Yaxley

Nativity Service

Sunday 18 December10.30am Yaxley Methodist Chapel, Main Street, Yaxley

Carol Service

Sunday 18 December 7pm Yaxley Methodist Chapel, Main Street, Yaxley Followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

Beer and Carols

Wednesday 21 December 8pm The Three Horseshoes, Main Street, Yaxley All are welcome for an evening of festive beer (or whatever happens to be your tipple!) drinking and carol singing.

More information Contact Mark Fuller at markfuller@saintpeters.co.uk

152 Main Street, Yaxley, PE7 3LB • LARGE BEER GARDEN • FREE MEMBERS WIFI • FUNCTION ROOM HIRE (up to 70 guests) • MEETING ROOM (up to 12) MONDAY Quiz Night (open to all) & Darts League TUESDAY Bingo (open to all) WEDNESDAY Crib League THURSDAY Dominoes League FRIDAY Meat Raffle 7pm SATURDAY Entertainment starting 9pm LAST FRIDAY OF MONTH Golf Society Applications for Club Membership welcome from everybody

T: 01733 240987

E: thelancasterclub@gmail.com Search ‘Lancaster Club’ for event updates & changing ales

CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR 2018 AVAILABLE NOW Single £10 Joint £17 OAP £5 FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE Adult Party £1oo (up to 120 guests) Child's Party £60 (up to 120 guests) Disco available £80 REGULAR ACTIVITIES Tues: Mixed Doubles Darts Team & Bingo Wed: Men's Darts Team Thurs: Pool Team and Ladies Darts Sun: Steal or No Steal

NEW YEAR'S EVE

A great night of entertainment with the band Easyersaid and Tom from the East of England Pipe Band playing in the New Year.

Ticket Prices: Members £4 (Children free) Non Members £7 (Children £2) Visit the Club or phone to book.

Happy New Year The Village Club Farcet

@FarcetClub Free members Wifi

T: 01733 240 184 E: the vclub1972@gmail.com 1 Cross Street, Farcet, Peterborough PE7 3DE

The Three Horseshoes SATURDAY GIGS 3 December - Bad Monkey 10 December - Holly Jean 17 December - Agi Jarocka XMAS EVE Open: 11am until late, food served from 12pm - 6pm.

XMAS DAY Open: 11:30am - 2pm BOXING DAY Open 12pm - 11pm, food served 12pm - 6pm.

SUNDAY ROAST OFFER 2 for £10 QUIZ NIGHTS every Thursday FREE POOL Mondays and Tuesdays

T: 01733 242059 179 Main St, Yaxley, Peterborough PE7 3LD

Yaxley Yaxley Gazette Gazette || December December 2016 2016 || T: T: 01733 01733 757342 757342 || E: E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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FARMING

F

Happy Christmas, and God bless us, everyone.

Tom Farmer

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Roy L. Smith ew people relish the chance to work on Christmas Day; Father Christmas would perhaps…but I think farmers too. Farming is a way of life, you see, and with animals needing feeding whether it’s Christmas Day or not, as children we’d all be first called to help push up the hay for the cattle, or to check the sheep, before church and presents and food consumed the rest of the day.

Looking back now, however, it wasn’t a chore; it was a chance to get outside, to see the cattle chewing the cud, to be reminded of that first Christmas (“The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes” etc), and to have a little peace. Yes, peace in the farmyard!

On the farm throughout December, we’re getting ready, but not just for Christmas. With the frosts really starting to bite we’ll be checking water pipes to ensure they don’t freeze, the last of the cattle will likely be coming indoors to the barns for the winter, and during the hardest frosts or wintery weather, our sheep – happy out in the fields – may want some extra hay. It’s

especially important to get the hay out to hungry sheep or they may find food in the next field (or the next one!), and that’s a real headache!

So what do farmers want for Christmas? A fair price for our produce, a long-term plan for the countryside from the government, healthy livestock, and for dog walkers to close gates!

So if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit, don’t forget to buy local, British food and drink, look out for great gifts at farmers markets, and give us a smile! And if you want to buy your local farmer a pint, I’m sure he or she would be only too pleased!

Here are some seasonal, British food, in season right now, and perfect for your Christmas lunch: wild duck, goose, pheasant, swede, parsnips, kale, cabbage, pumpkin, celeriac, apples, and of course Brussels sprouts!

Farmer Tom is on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FarmerTomUK) and Twitter @Farmer_Tom_UK

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PETS

top5

Christmas cautions!

It’s true to say there are hazards for our pets at all times of the year, whether they be seasonal hazards like grass seeds in the summer or everyday substances that are poisonous to our pets such as rat poison or lilies. But winter, it seems, does have more potential perils than any other season.

S

adly, every winter vets all over the country need to treat pets with poisonings, injuries and gut blockages, many of which are preventable given the right precautions.

Bones - choke or blockage As we treat ourselves to our lovely family roast dinners, please remember to discard the leftover bones correctly. We’re sure your pet would love nothing more than to chew on them but the pieces they break off can be a choking hazard or worse, cause a blockage in their digestive tract. Cooked bones are also likely to splinter leaving sharp edges which can cause no end of injury.

Chocolate - poison Most people know chocolate is poisonous to dogs but did you know it’s also poisonous to cats and interestingly, in high quantities, us!? The culprits are the chemicals theobromine and caffeine which naturally occur in chocolate. The difference is our body size and our metabolism. Cats and dogs are smaller than us and metabolise (or break down) the chemicals slower than we do, which is why we can safely eat chocolate and they cannot. How much is toxic to our pets depends on the chemical content of the chocolate (dark chocolate is higher than milk) and the size of the pet, but be warned

some pets can be especially sensitive and it can be fatal.

Raisins & grapes - poison Scientists are not really sure what it is in raisins, sultanas and grapes that is toxic to our pets. What is clear is that it can fatal! There also appears to be some irregularities in how much – some dogs seem to be okay after eating a whole bunch of grapes whereas others a small handful has been fatal. Best to keep those mince pies and Christmas cake well away from your pets.

Christmas decorations & presents - choke or blockage You name it, a pet has eaten it!

Who knows why some dogs eat inanimate objects but if they do it can cause blockages and need to be surgically removed. Also be cautious of any gifts of chocolate under the tree!

Fireworks and/or changes to routine - stress & discomfort The festive season usually means a big disruption to routine. Family and friends coming and going, cats especially can become stressed with the disturbance. These days, much to the dismay of many pet owners, fireworks seem to persist throughout the winter - meaning many more scared and stressed pets. There’s many things you can do to keep stress to a minimum – speak to our team for advice.

We invite you to celebrate Christmas with us at our Carol Service on Thursday 15 December 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Huntingdon. Come along and enjoy mince pies, mulled wine, carols and a special performance by the Cromwell Team. We hope to see you soon.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas from everyone at Cromwell Vets!

If you have any questions about any of the above information, please don’t hesitate to speak to the Cromwell Vets team or call us on 01487 800199. As always and throughout the festive season, our Veterinary team are available 24/7 at our Huntingdon Hospital. 24hr Emergency Service: 01480 52222 Watch out for our Top 5 Winter Warnings in the January edition!

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk info@yaxleygazette.co.uk || www.yaxleygazette.co.uk www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

Easy Christmas cake recipe This delicious Christmas cake is packed with great flavour and fruit but it doesn’t need aging. This is perfect to be served over the Christmas period and you can easily add your own twist to this simple recipe. This serves up to 12 people.

Method

Christmas

cake

The Christmas cake that we know and love today can be dated back to two customs which merged into one in around 1870. The two customs were the eating of a plum porridge on Christmas Eve, and a fine cake.

1. Preheat the oven to 220 C / Gas 7.

2. Line and grease a 25cm (10 in) cake tin.

3. Rub the margarine into the flour then add the sugar, fruit spice and almonds.

4. Pour the eggs into the mixture and add a little milk. Beat well so that the cake mixture should just be able to drop off a spoon, adding a little more milk if necessary.

5. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin.

6. Bake in the middle of the oven for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to 120 C / Gas ½ for a further two hours until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

7. Cool on a rack before decorating.

EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY CAFÉ MEAL DEALS

Ingredients 225g (8 oz) margarine 340g (12 oz) plain flour, sifted 225g (8 oz) caster sugar 1 teaspoon mixed spice 110g (4 oz) glace cherries, halved 110g (4 oz) mixed peel, finely chopped 225g (8 oz) raisins 225g (8 oz) currants 225g (8 oz) sultanas 110g (4 oz) blanched almonds, finely chopped 4 eggs, beaten Full fat milk

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FOOD & DRINK

COUNTDOWN

TO

It is probably the biggest meal you will cook all year, and it is all too easy to get completely stressed out. But don’t panic, Our Christmas dinner timetable reduces everything down to manageable chunks.

Early December

Order your turkey or buy a frozen one now. To work out what size you need, count on serving 450g per person. A frozen turkey will need 4–5 days to thaw.

Make and freeze your mince pies.

Early December

Order your turkey or buy a frozen one now. To work out what size you need, count on serving 450g per person. A frozen turkey will need 4–5 days to thaw.

Make and freeze your mince pies.

Christmas Eve morning

Pick up fresh turkey. Do last minute shopping if you’re brave enough! Prepare turkey gravy. Defrost mince pies. Prepare your chosen pudding and refrigerate.

If you’re serving a traditional pudding, make brandy butter and refrigerate.

Christmas Eve afternoon

Prepare stuffings. Don’t refrigerate, but leave covered in a cool place. The stuffing’s should not be too cold when you stuff the turkey. Prepare the vegetables. Peel potatoes and put in cold water in the fridge. Prepare other vegetables and store in plastic bags in the fridge. Make Bread sauce. Cover tightly with cling film and store in the fridge. Set the table and have a drink....

Christmas Eve evening

Take the turkey out of the fridge, cover with foil and allow it to come to room temperature. Do the same with the stuffing and butter so that it softens for the morning. With all the newly created space, fill up the fridge with wines, mineral water and fresh juice.

Christmas day: lunch to be served at 2pm

7.30am: Preheat the oven and prepare the Turkey 8.15am: Make the bread sauce if you haven’t already. If you are using a warming oven, put in the required plates and serving dishes. Set up coffee and tea trays for later.

Noon: Start steaming the Christmas pudding if you’re drinking red wine with your meal, you may want to give it time to breathe. Open now. You’ve survived the morning, well done! Pour yourself a glass of bucks fizz to celebrate if you haven’t already!

12:45pm: Make the roast potatoes and prepare saucepans of boiling water for sprouts and any other vegetable.

1:15pm: Remove turkey from oven, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest.

1:45pm: Put sprouts on to cook and gravy on to heat. While they are cooking, dish up food into serving dishes and carve the turkey. Check Christmas pudding.

2pm: Tuck in and enjoy!

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Essential oils have been used for years for health and medicinal purposes, such as beauty, aromatherapy and as natural medicines. Extracted and distilled from various parts of plants like flowers and stems, they are highly beneficial thanks to their special properties.

Essential oils Do they work?

Essential oils come from a natural source; they are antibacterial, antioxidant and super healthy, as well as proven to provide powerful results.

Because of their gorgeous fragrances, essential oils are beneficial for your health and general well-being as they evoke the senses. Lavender is one of the most powerful essential oils and is very popular because it is a highly effective stress reliever.

Its calming aroma relaxes the body and is even used to treat insomnia – just pop a few drops of it on your pillow for a better night’s sleep. Another powerful essential oil is lemon; proven especially effective for cleaning round the house because of its refreshing scent.

Base oils

These come in many varieties...

Argan, almond, Jojoba to name a few...

These are great to add your favourite essential oil to and make excellent hair treatment! It smooths, softens and adds shine to hair, making it so much easier to style. But it’s not only beneficial for your hair alone – argan oil can also be used as an effective moisturiser, as its high vitamin E content hydrates the skin. Another benefit is that it increases the elasticity of the skin, meaning that it is the ultimate protection against stretch marks during pregnancy.

It seems that essential oils can really make a difference in so many ways, whether that be cosmetic purposes, cleaning products or to simply pop in your medicine cabinet! Essential oils are no longer a thing of the past – its time to bring them from the hippy scene and into to your home.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

the

T

factor

here’s no quick fix or single solution but if you incorporate some of these simple tips into daily life it can make a difference (not just at Christmas but all year round!).

Positive energy is contagious. If you do something nice for someone today, you’ll feel good and the chances are that before the end of the day that person will do something nice for someone else... sharing and spreading the feel good factor!

countdown

Christmas

feel good

Are you full of joy and cheer as you get ready for Christmas 2016 or do you feel like hibernating during these short winter days? Whilst this is an exciting time for young children it often brings added stress and anxiety to those of us who are preparing for the Christmas festivities!

For your Mind

For your Body • Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace. Slow down!

• Take notice of any tension in your body (jaw, neck, shoulders, etc.)

Breathe deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas.

• Be aware of your posture, breathe tall and straighten out those slouching shoulders!

• Gentle exercise stimulates the body and senses, do something you find enjoyable, try swimming, walking or yoga.

• If you notice your mind racing or worrying about anything and everything, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and gently. Focus only on your breath, breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety and stress.

• Focus only on the good things in your life.

• Focus on what you have achieved today rather than what you have not!

• Relaxing the mind through meditation is a wonderful way to restore balance and harmony.

Listen to music or imagine a favourite place that signifies peace and tranquillity, find a gentle way to quieten the mind.

For your Soul

• Add something beautiful to your life on a daily basis, appreciate who you are!

• Walk outdoors, get some fresh air and be in touch with nature, notice the colours, scenery, etc.

Breathe and feel connected to your surroundings.

• Avoid holding in feelings day after day, but instead, find a safe place to feel, express and embrace them.

• Count your blessings! At the end of each day think of ten things that you are thankful for… these could Wishing all Yaxley Gazette readers a be the littlest things. Expressing very happy Christmas and a healthy gratitude can bring powerful positive change. and prosperous New Year!

• Smile. The more you smile the happier you will feel.

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29 29

FINANCIAL FINANCIAL

MONEY MATTERS

by Pete Bird, Bird & Co Certified Public Accountants

Do you have any tax or business questions? If so email Pete Bird of Bird & Co info@birdandco.ltd and if of general interest we will publish them here.

May we also wish our clients, friends and colleagues a very happy Christmas and New Year?

Question I’ve heard every tax payer has an online tax account – how do I access it?

Answer To access your personal tax account to check your records and manage your details with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), you will need to create a Government Gateway account at www.gov.uk. Once you have your login details you will then be able to sign in securely.

Claiming VAT back on a Motor Car Purchase

Generally speaking, the purchase of any vehicle where there is any element of private use means any reclaim of VAT may be restricted.

HMRC’s website offers the following guidance: • You may be able to reclaim all the VAT on a new car if you use it only for business • The car must not be available for private use, and you must be able to show that it isn’t, e.g. it’s specified in your employee’s contract • Private use includes travelling between home and work, unless it’s a temporary place of work Due to the private use restriction, it is usual that no VAT can be recovered on the purchase of a car. However, you may be able to claim all the VAT on a new car if it’s mainly used: • As a taxi • For driving instruction • For self-drive hire If you are buying a commercial vehicle, you can usually reclaim the VAT e.g. a van, a lorry or a tractor. You can only reclaim the VAT if you use the vehicle in a VAT registered business.

Dates to remember - December 2016 Don’t forget the Christmas party! Even the smallest business can host an annual tax-free social function for its entire staff, including the directors and their partners. As long as the cost per head is less than £150 (including VAT), employees are not taxed for having a good time and the company benefits from full tax relief on the expense incurred.

1 December 2016 Due date for Corporation tax for companies with an accounting period ended 29 February 2016.

7 December 2016 Due date for filing and payment of VAT for the period ended 31 October 2016, unless you submit a paper return then the date is 30 November.

30 December 2016 Latest date for filing your 2016 online tax return if you have less than £3,000 tax due and wish to pay it through your PAYE coding during the 2017/2018 tax year.

Monthly dates: 19th of the month: Due date for postal payments of PAYE, NIC and CIS deductions and online filing deadline for CIS300 monthly return to HMRC. 22nd of the month: Due date for electronic payments of PAYE, NIC and CIS deductions to HMRC. Certified Public Accountants supporting local businesses with cost-effective accountancy and taxation service for many years.

We specialise in sole traders, partnerships, small limited companies and all types of self-employed businesses, as well as all aspects of accountancy and taxation concentrating on the personal approach.

Speak to Pete any time, for a free initial chat.

T: 01733 248 180 F: 01733 248 190 E: pnbird@birdandco.ltd or info@birdandco.ltd 30

www.birdandco.ltd

Dreaming of the Perfect Christmas Tree?

Peterborough Christmas trees are back!

We are now in our sixth year of providing local people with only the highest quality, ‘non-drop’ Danish Nordmann Firs & Potted Norway Spruce in a range of sizes.

Our trees are hand pruned each year to ensure they grow to the perfect shape. Over recent years, the Nordmann has risen in popularity due to its fantastic needle retention, uniform shape, wonderful smell and the needles are not sharp, so safe for children too.

Our customers return to us year after year, take a look at our

Facebook page and read some of the lovely comments and photos our customers have posted.

Not only will we help you find the perfect tree, we will trim it to ensure it will continue to take water, net it and carry it to your car! Leaving you to simply decorate and create a tree that will be the envy of all your friends.

It’s all just part of our excellent customer service, making your Christmas that bit more special!

Please see our ad on page 7

For further information call 07504 205155 www.peterboroughchristmastrees.co.uk

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STAFF TRAINING

Want to keep your staff?

Then keep training them…

40% of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year (research by  ClearCompany) with a lack of investment in skills, training and development the top reason people gave for leaving.  The average cost of replacing a departing staff member is £30,614 according to Unum and  Oxford Economics so recruiting and keeping the right candidates for your business really matters,  whether you have 2 employees or 200! So can a good training programme really help you keep your talent?

Research tells us that over 70% of learning happens informally and “on the job” however formalising and streamlining your approach to training and development can have many benefits including; • Increased employee motivation and morale • Improved competitive advantage, attracting skilled employees with a willingness to learn and develop • Increased efficiencies in processes meaning better financial results

• Reduced employee turnover • Equality of opportunity for employees That all sounds brilliant but the truth is many businesses simply don’t know where to start with their staff training. Many organisations continue with their tried and tested methods while their business is growing more and more successful but their employees simply stay the same. This often leads to a situation where managers become disgruntled with staff who are unwilling to change or who “don’t get the vision” and staff feel let down as they haven’t been given adequate resources or development to keep up with the changes. In a bid to keep up organisations can get in to a vicious circle with staff leaving as they struggle to find the right people to fit the business.

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We are currently looking for a hard working, reliable electricians mate.

All interested parties please email your CV to robert@cowlingelectrical.co.uk

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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NDY NUMBERS  A NUMBER FOR EVERYTHING  HANDY NUMBERS  A NUMBER F FENCING AND GARDENING

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Weddings • Funerals • Occasions • Commercial • Other Events 34

Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

R FOR EVERYTHING  HANDY NUMBERS  A NUMBER FOR EVERYTHING  HANDY OVEN CLEANING

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Professional pre-tenant and post-tenant cleaning, call for prices Professional carpet cleaning first room £30 then £15 a room Domestic cleaning from £10 per hour Professional oven cleaning from £40

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T C PLASTERING All plastering work undertaken free quotes no job too small Tony Coyle - Plasterer 15 Violet Way, Yaxley PE7 3EX 01733 759180 or 07516 432641 tonycoyle2012@hotmail.co.uk

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk

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Yaxley Gazette | December 2016 | T: 01733 757342 | E: info@yaxleygazette.co.uk | www.yaxleygazette.co.uk