NEST March/April 2016

MAR/APR 2016

T I M E TO H ATC H P L A N S

DESIRE TO RETIRE?

GRANTCHESTER James Norton makes a splash in the Cam

Could you afford to retire at 50?

A ÂŁ200 piece of designer furniture from Zespoke

MICHAEL MORPURGO OBE Why children and animals inspire storytelling

Find your perfect home

A hand-picked selection of the best properties to buy in Cambridgeshire

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Welcome

March/April 2016

P

lanning for the future and balancing this with the current needs of a family is a challenge for most people. We report this month on taking a fresh look at earnings for later in life and we bring you tips on starting your own blog, from one of the UK’s most successful new ‘mumpreneur’ bloggers.

Staying local, we visit Grantchester and meet the star of the ITV detective drama, James Norton, and we talk to the popular children’s author Michael Morpurgo about the influence animals have had on his story writing.

This issue we also offer a hand-picked selection of properties marketed through our Cambridge and Willingham offices and a Lettings selection. Whether you are buying, selling, looking to rent or are simply interested in ideas for your own nest, we hope you enjoy this issue.

If you have any questions about any of the properties, or would simply like some advice or a chat, we would be delighted to help in any way we can.

Jeremy Trott Educated in Linton, I returned to the area with my family after moving around in my early career, working in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Cambridge. I know the area well having lived in the north villages since 2002, and I moved into Estate Agency from Customer Services. I’m proud to say that from opening the Willingham branch of Hockeys in 2012, we are now the market leader in the area and I am delighted with the number of repeat business requests and customer referrals we receive. First class customer service is what drives my enthusiasm for the business and as I am responsible for valuations, I’m often the first point of contact you’ll have. I look forward to meeting you.

Jeremy Trott Director Hockeys Estate Agents 01954 260940

Vince Rogowtzow Born and educated in Cambridge, I began working in Estate Agency during 1987 and progressed from a role of trouble shooting to being responsible for twenty Estate Agency office branches in East Anglia.

Following this I set up my own business in 2004 and became involved with Hockeys in 2008 which I co-own, managing the Cambridge and Fulbourn offices. I have expert knowledge of the market based on my extensive local experience. Hockeys is a long established Estate Agency selling property since 1885 some 130 years and remains totally independent. I believe we offer a specialist service treating our clients on an individual basis, focusing on their specific needs and delivering a first class service based on traditional values but fitting in with modern day demands, technology and expectations.

Vince Rogowtzow Managing Director Hockeys Estate Agents 01223 356054

05 FA M I LY

17 HOME

07&14

PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH

18 TA S T E

10 LO C A L

COMPETITION

WIN a piece of designer furniture worth £200 Zespoke, a designer furniture company based in Northern Ireland, has its roots in traditional furniture making techniques, but with a very retro twist on the design to create something truly unique Set up by friends Stephen and Paul, their aim is to provide customers with beautiful, high-quality retro-styled furniture that they can customise themselves – all at an affordable price.

Stephen still uses the traditional techniques his father taught him as a child, with a modern twist. Stephen’s father began his furniture-making career working in the shipyards where Titanic was built, fitting out luxury ships, before returning to set up his own furniture business.

When Paul and Stephen met, an instant friendship formed and to this day, this lies at the heart of everything they do. The furniture collections include retro coffee tables, console tables, side tables and unique TV stands, all of which can be customised with over 30 different colours. A careful blend of traditional techniques, contemporary design and ingenious technology, all with a unique retro twist, has meant that Zespoke has gone from strength to strength, catching the eye of a number of high profile TV Shows.

To enter this draw, answer this multiple choice question:

Which famous ship was built in the shipyards where Stephen’s father worked?

A)Lusitania B)Titanic C)HMS Belfast Email nest@hockeys.co.uk no later than 30th April 2016.

23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS

LAMBS LANE, COTTENHAM

£475,000

MANOR FARM CLOSE, OAKINGTON

£450,000

A five bedroom detached chalet style house at the end of a private driveway in this highly popular village

A four bedroom modern property offering spacious family accommodation and in a popular village location

• • • • •

• • • • •

Individual chalet style property Quiet cul-de-sac Accessible location to the village high street Living room with separate dining room Master bedroom en suite

Extended four bedroom home Popular village location Spacious Living Room Landscaped Rear Garden Storage Garage

CUNDELL DRIVE, COTTENHAM

£475,000

A four bedroom detached family home located in a small cul-de-sac in a central village location • • • • •

Quiet cul-de-sac location Central location in a sought after village Detached and extended family home Re-fitted bathroom suites Double Garage

Extended, spacious family home Located in this popular location, a small cul-de-sac in the centre of Cottenham, the property has been extended to make it an attractive proposition for a family. Downstairs, an entrance hallway leads to a study, downstairs cloakroom, kitchen, conservatory and living room and to the front of the property there is a double width driveway leading to a double garage. To the rear of the property, the garden is laid mainly to lawn with a circular patio area. On the first floor, the master bedroom has full-length fitted mirrored wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower cubicle.

Bedroom two also has fitted mirrored wardrobes and the bathroom has a panel enclosed bath with shower over and laminate wood flooring. The property is fully double glazed.

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FAMILY

A SPECIAL BOND

Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Joey’ from War Horse was brought to life on stage. Here he talks about the influence animals have had on his storytelling and charity

for them. I think they often bring out the Michael Morpurgo is one of the UK’s best in us because they listen without best-loved authors and storytellers. He passing judgment and accept us for who was appointed Children’s Laureate in we are without prejudice.

May 2003, was awarded an OBE for “For some people, this can be the most services to Literature in the Queen’s important relationship – a loving and Birthday Honours in 2007, and he has uncomplicated one. On the farms we run, written over 120 books, including Private I see children with their teachers, milking, Peaceful, War Horse and Shadow. feeding pigs and calves, and Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms for Until one has mucking out the sheds – they ectively become farmers.

City Children in 1976. They loved an animal, eff Watching these children and help to run three farms a part of one’s the animals they care for and around the country, in Gloucestershire, soul remains living amongst has inspired me to write many of my Pembrokeshire and North unawakened. stories, including War Horse.”

Devon. Each farm offers For more information on children and teachers from Anataole France Farms for City Children visit urban primary schools the www.farmsforcitychildren.org. Michael chance to live and work in the countryside Morpurgo’s latest book, a short story called for a week, and gain hands-on experience.

‘My Father is a Polar Many of Michael’s books reveal his Bear’, is a delightful interest in the relationship between tale of family bonds animals and people. He says: “I am really and love, for age 7+. interested in this relationship. Animals are Visit www. sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny and michaelmorpurgo. entertaining. We owe them a duty of care com to find out more as we do to children. Animals, like about his stories children, aren’t in a position of power as and background. we are as adults, and it is our duty to care

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82 Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1DP

UPPER CAMBOURNE, CAMBRIDGE

£319,000

FULBOURN, CAMBRIDGE

£90,000

A well presented and spacious three bedroom semi detached property set over three floors and built in 2013

A rare opportunity to purchase 3.36 acres of paddock land and stabling for four horses in a very convenient location

• • • • •

• • • • •

Three bedrooms Built by Taylor Wimpey ‘The Crofton’ renamed ‘The Friton’ Off-street parking for two vehicles Master suite with en-suite and Juliette balcony

LITTLE WALDEN HALL

£350,000

Paddock Lane Adjoining farmland with open views Private shared access Stabling for four horses Four miles South of the city centre

AINSWORTH STREET, CAMBRIDGE

£450,000

A first floor maisonette forming part of Little Walden Hall, with lovely countryside views and no onward chain

A well presented three bedroom property with period features, a landscaped garden and no onward chain

• • • • •

• • • • •

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Generous first floor apartment Period house in picturesque grounds Private garaging Share of the freehold No onward chain

Three bedrooms Wooden framed double glazed sash windows Pleasant landscaped rear garden Bedroom 3/study with good storage Modern kitchen with slate tiled floor

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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS

DAINTREES ROAD, FEN DRAYTON

£575,000

An impressive four bedroom family home in a popular village location with views over playing fields and a generous rear garden • • • • •

Popular village location Swavesey Village College catchment Views over playing fields Good sized rear garden Well presented detached family home

Excellent kerb appeal Overlooking attractive playing fields to the front and located in a very desirable road within this popular village, this impressive four bedroom family home offers excellent kerb appeal.

It has two en-suite bathrooms and comprises spacious living room with a conservatory, large kitchen/diner, study and a generous rear garden. On the ground floor, the spacious living room has a double glazed bay window to front aspect and double glazed doors leading to the conservatory. Wooden flooring in this room leads to tiled flooring in the conservatory. A modern kitchen/diner offers integrated appliances and a five burner gas hob. This leads to the utility room, which has a range of matching base and wall mounted units and work surfaces.

Private outdoor space Outside, the property is approached via a large driveway, which provides generous off-road parking and leads to a double garage. A gate leads to the rear garden, which has a patio with timber bin store, door to the garage and is mainly laid to lawn with mature trees and shrubs.

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23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS

HONEY HILL, FENSTANTON

£280,000

A picturesque grade II listed cottage with original features located in a highly desirable road • • • • •

Picturesque grade II listed property Highly desirable road Popular village location Offers convenient access to the A14 Large rear garden

Charming cottage with large rear garden This charming cottage offers original features in addition to a beautifully presented large garden and three bedrooms.

Characteristic of this type of property, there is an inset fireplace with log burner and exposed wood flooring in all bedrooms. Downstairs, the front door leads into a cosy but light living room and then to an inner hallway with built-in cupboards. The ground floor bathroom has a partial exposed brick wall, modern three piece suite and a wall mounted shower. The kitchen, with windows to the rear, has a ceramic tiled floor and an integrated extractor canopy, and outside, the property has both a front and rear gardens. The rear is large, laid to lawn with raised beds and is well stocked. There is also a brick store, shed, patio and pedestrian access to the side.

WILLINGHAM

OFFERS OVER £330,000

CHAPMANS WAY, OVER

A character property overlooking the village green with period features and renovated to a very high standard

A four bedroom detached property with scope for improvement and extension. Viewing advised

• • • • •

• • • • •

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Individual character property Enviable position overlooking the green Modern kitchen with hi-spec finish and appliances Mezzanine bedroom and exposed beams Enclosed patio garden and shed

Detached family home Offers potential for improvement Swavesey Village College catchment Large garden Re-fitted bathroom suites

£375,000

23 Church Street, Willingham, CB24 5HS

THE LANES, OVER

£325,000

A three bedroom new build property built to an excellent specification with spacious living on a corner plot • • • • •

Second of two new build properties Built to an excellent specification Offers spacious living accommodation Corner plot position South facing rear garden

New build hi-specification house on a corner plot This attractive new build property occupies a corner plot and is enclosed by fencing with trees bordering. A block paved driveway provides off-road parking for two vehicles and the adjacent lawned garden is south facing and generous in size.

The house is built to an excellent specification with inset LED spotlights, wood effect flooring and in the kitchen/diner, a range of matching base and wall mounted units with integrated appliances. A useful utility room, adjacent to the kitchen, offers further work surfaces and an integrated freezer.

An impressive master bedroom with double wardrobe has an en suite bathroom with double shower cubicle and a natural light sun tube. Two further bedrooms have use of a family bathroom with shower and bath cubicle.

ROCKMILL END, WILLINGHAM

£550,000

MARGETT STREET, COTTENHAM

£365,000

A four bedroom period home on a large plot with spacious accommodation and a long rear garden

A three bedroom detached bungalow in an excellent location with no onward chain and attractive gardens

• • • • •

• • • • •

Beautifully presented Period home Large plot Re-fitted kitchen Fitted appliances

Excellent access to local amenities Detached bungalow Well established gardens No onward chain Garage

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10

LOCAL

IT’S A GRANTCHESTER SPRING James Norton (Happy Valley, War and Peace) returned to his role as Sidney Chambers, the charming, loveable, jazz-loving, booze-drinking, crime-fighting clergyman this month, in the second series of ITV’s Grantchester

The series attracted an average of 6.6 million viewers when it debuted in October 2014, and is based on The Grantchester Mysteries by James Runcie.

The six new episodes have been filmed in London, Cambridge and Grantchester, and take us back in time to the mid 1950s, when murderers were still hanged.

In this new series, Sidney and Geordie have to face up to the consequences of becoming such an accomplished crimefighting duo. For Sidney, in particular as the vicar in a small village, this becomes increasingly difficult.

James, who studied Theology at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University after attending boarding school in the North of England, says: “Grantchester village is lovely and feels like home from home. First time around, I think the villagers initially were slightly wary but this time, for them to have gone through the experience of one series, watched it and enjoyed it and then have us back again, was great. It was lovely because they seemed really happy to have us back, which makes such a difference.

Our relationship with the village is so important to the show. When I stand up in

front of the congregation most of them are the real villagers from Grantchester (they were invited to be extras) and they are the same faces from the first series. It’s so nice for me to see them again and to get to learn more of their names and have relationships with them as individuals – it helps it become more like a true village church in the 1950s.”

Diving into the River Cam this series was something he had to fight for, admits James. “I love stunts. The little boy in me is excited. It’s like a boy’s dream. I wasn’t allowed to dive into the river last year.

I spent hours trying to persuade Emma (Kingsman-Lloyd), our producer, to let me dive in when we filmed series one. I said to her, ‘I spend my life jumping into rivers, I love wild swimming, I have books on the stuff, I go and swim in the River Cam in my own time anyway,’ but for insurance reasons I wasn’t allowed. This time I was allowed to! It was great.”

Co-star Robson Green has enjoyed filming in Cambridge again as well. “There are very few parts of the country that are so quintessentially English, and it is. The meadows are beautiful. It’s timeless really.

It’s picture postcard. The backdrop of

Cambridge and what it represents – the university and everything that is going on there or has gone on there. Grantchester itself is this place that I don’t think exists anywhere else in Great Britain.”

Think you know James Norton? He...

• inherits his love of chatting from his grandmother • grew up in Malton, North Yorkshire • was a member of the Marlowe Society theatre club, Cambridge • lives in Peckham • has played a viking, a vicar, a psychopath and a prince • had a role in Doctor Who • had university lecturer parents • isn’t religious but is fascinated by religion • is a member of the National Trust • loves wild swimming

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What sets Hockeys apart from many of our competitors?

It is our belief in ‘traditional’ values and our commitment to keeping a promise. We have, over many years, built our business around a set of principles designed to ensure our clients receive the best level of service from start to finish.

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A seller using Hockeys can expect the following:

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A call back! If you call us – we will call you back.

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To deal with the same person throughout your sale with verbal feedback at every stage of the process.

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The benefit of a city centre (Regent Street) office.

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Professional marketing for every property including high quality photography.

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The full attention of a very experienced team who will work tirelessly, sometimes in the most complicated of circumstances, to ensure a successful conclusion.

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Viewings undertaken and performed by a competent Estate Agent.

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To have their sale monitored from start to finish – from checking the buyer’s credentials and financial situation at the outset, to speaking with and chasing up the solicitors. Hockeys recognise that the job doesn’t stop once a buyer is found – we’ll follow things through, assisting where necessary and updating all parties in the process.

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Their sale to go through - in 2015, 94 per cent of sales agreed by Hockeys proceeded to completion.

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Bespoke property finding service to help our sellers find their next home.

As much advertising as required – our website feeds numerous internet property portals, including Rightmove, and we run a prominent advert in the Cambridge News ‘Homes Now’ supplement on a weekly basis.

82 REGENT STREET

14 HIGH STREET

23 CHURCH STREET

Cambridge CB2 1DP 01223 356054

Fulbourn CB21 5DH 01223 880884

Willingham CB24 5HS 01954 260940

Over the last 130 years Hockeys have established an enviable reputation for selling property in Cambridge and the surrounding villages. With offices ideally located in Cambridge, Willingham and Fulbourn we pride ourselves on treating our clients as individuals with a truly personal and professional service.

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Hockeys Lettings offer the same individual, personal and professional service in property lettings, property management and buy to let investment.

Whether you are a current tenant, a property owner looking to let your own home, an existing landlord or investor in the Cambridge area then Hockeys Lettings is the company to use for a first class service.

3 Hockeys Lettings offer a wide range of services to include marketing only, tenant find, rent collection and full management packages allowing total flexibility to meet the specific needs to each individual landlord and tenant.

Please contact us and we will be pleased to assist.

HOCKEYS LETTINGS (HEAD OFFICE), 14 High Street, Fulbourn CB21 5DH

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82 Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1DP

GILBERT ROAD, CAMBRIDGE

£600,000

A large, well proportioned property which would benefit from being updated and improved. The property is in an excellent location and has a large garden • • • • •

Three bedrooms Scope for improvement Parking and single garage Long rear garden with mature borders Easy access for Cambridge city centre and all main road links

Spacious property in excellent location, in need of updating This substantial property has three bedrooms, a driveway, garage and large garden. It benefits from an excellent location on Gilbert Road which runs between Milton Road and Histon Road (city end), allowing easy access to the city centre, local amenities, schooling, River Cam and all main road links. An enclosed entrance porch leads to a spacious entrance hall with turning staircase to first floor and a character, original stained glass panel to the front door. The sitting room is bright with an open fireplace, picture rail and a large bay window to the front, whilst the dining room at the rear of the property benefits from views over the garden and also has an open fireplace. The kitchen has wall and base units ,with space and plumbing for a washing machine. Bedrooms are accessed by a large landing with loft roof space access.

Outside space A front garden sets the property back from the road and is laid to lawn, with a driveway to the side. Rear gardens with a paved area have steps down to the lawn and beds, borders, mature tress, shrubs, flower beds and hedging and extends to 150 feet in length.

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82 Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1DP

FULBOURN, CAMBRIDGE

£530,000

A well presented four bedroom home with parking, garage and in a popular village location. Viewing advised • • • • •

Four bedrooms Master bedroom with en suite Single garage and driveway Lawned rear garden Good access for A11 and City Centre

Modern home in convenient location This well presented modern property occupies a most convenient and popular location and offers four bedrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, dining room and master bedroom en suite. The sitting room has a bay window to front aspect and a gas coal effect fire and double doors lead to the dining room with patio doors to the garden. The kitchen has a tiled floor and a four-ring integrated gas hob and hood over an electric double oven. Upstairs, the master bedroom en suite has been recently re-fitted with tiled walls, tiled floor, large walk-in shower and under floor heating. Two bedrooms have built-in wardrobes and there is a family bathroom with panel enclosed bath. The front garden is hard landscaped with parking for two cars. The rear garden is laid to lawn and has a sunny aspect.

AINSWORTH PLACE, CAMBRIDGE

£350,000

A top floor apartment in a small block of only seven properties. Potential investment opportunity with parking • • • • •

Open-plan top floor apartment Two bedrooms Allocated parking space Wooden floor coverings throughout Convenient City Centre location close to railway station

Modern top floor city centre apartment The only top floor apartment within this block of seven similar properties, the accommodation has lift access and is set out as follows; landing area, entrance hall, open-plan living/kitchen area, two bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and bathroom. The property has double glazing and has been previously rented out achieving £1350 PCM. The apartment has a landing with access only to number 14 by stairs and lift.

Wooden floors throughout create a spacious, light environment and all rooms have radiators. Outside there is a bin/waste store, cycle store and allocated space. Ainsworth Place is located just off Ainsworth Street, within easy reach of Mill Road, Cambridge railway station, many local amenities and the city centre. This is a smart property and offers an investment opportunity.

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Thinking of a move? We are happy to offer you a free, no obligation valuation of your property.

Call our Cambridge office for a free valuation

(01223) 356054

Call our Willingham office for a free valuation

(01954) 260940

PELHAM WAY, COTTENHAM

£380,000

A four bedroom detached property with ample off road parking and a large driveway, in a popular village location • • • • •

Popular village location Four bedroom detached home Large driveway Convenient access to the schools Single garage

Spacious family home This detached property offers spacious accommodation, perfect for a family home. Downstairs, an entrance porch leads to the hallway with parquet flooring, cloakroom, study, and a lounge/diner with double glazed sliding doors leading to the conservatory. This leads to the rear garden, landscaped with patio area, pergola, small pond and shrub borders. The kitchen has integrated appliances and also leads to the garden. A utility room, also with a range of matching base and wall mounted units and sink, has a door to the garage and sliding door leading to a brick outhouse with double glazed windows.

Bedrooms have built-in cupboards and the fourth bedroom has a built-in shower cubicle with wall mounted shower. A family bathroom has a three piece suite and heated towel rail.

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HOM E

Could you

Retire at 50?

How much money would you need to enjoy the lifestyle you want throughout retirement?

A recent HSBC global retirement report seems to show that nearly 1 in 5 people are worried they will never be able to afford to retire. If that sounds like you, have you estimated the actual cost of your desired lifestyle in retirement, taking account of inflation and life expectancy, and building in some margin for error? Remember there is no age associated with retirement – it’s up to you and your vision of life after work.

Alan Dick CFP TM (Certified Financial Planner) and Chairman of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) stresses the fact that as human beings, we are naturally scared by the unknown. “If you don’t know how much your retirement is likely to cost, it is natural to assume the worst. The only way to find out and relieve the stress of the unknown is to carry out a proper financial plan (including a lifetime cash flow forecast).

“Changing life expectancy along with the death of the company sponsored final salary pension scheme means that individuals need to take control of their own financial planning and they need to do it early in life – even though there are

competing financial considerations earlier in life, such as funding immediate needs: food, housing, and possibly raising a family.”

Many people in the HSBC survey pointed to a desire to travel more, pursue other interests and to spend more time with friends and family. While this is not surprising, it does raise the question of whether working your fingers to the bone in the commercial rat race, to allow you to retire earlier because you are stressed and burnt out, is the best approach?

Alan Dick says: “It may be better to change your work-life balance early in life and enjoy more travel and time with family, even if it means working longer as a result. It might be better to work part-time until age 70, rather than causing stress by trying to fund retirement at 50. A carefully constructed financial plan, built on reasonable assumptions, should help you put those difficult decisions in context and let them make informed empowered choices today.”

£ DID YOU KNOW? • The number of over 65-year-olds who are self-employed has more than doubled in the past five years.

• Barclays Bank and coach operator National Express launched apprenticeship schemes aimed at older workers last year. They join B&Q, McDonald’s, JD Wetherspoon and Lloyds Banking Group in taking steps to encourage older employees.

• There is no longer a legal default retirement age, so staff cannot be forced out at 65. The state pension ages for women and men will be 66 in 2020 and 67 by 2028.

• Some employees of retirement age agree to job-share.

Useful websites www.gov.uk/plan-retirement-income www.unbiased.co.uk www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk If you are considering investing in property to fund your retirement, find out about the latest investment opportunities in Cambridge, Willingham and Fulbourn – call 01954 260940 or visit www.hockeys.co.uk

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TA S T E

SOUTHERN ‘FRIED’ CHICKEN WITH SKINNY FRIES

The Slimming Foodie In two months, Pippa Payne’s hobby food blog went from zero to 5,000 followers. Here she shares one of her recipes and some tips to get would-be food bloggers started In early 2015, after putting on weight after two pregnancies, Pippa joined Slimming World. “I had taken the concept of eating for two a bit too literally and knew that I needed to get myself back to a healthy weight – not only for my health but also my self-esteem,” she says.

Her revelation at this time was that she didn’t need to ‘diet’; she simply needed to adjust the way she ate. “I’ve always loved food and I didn’t want to make eating forbidden and shameful, so I started to create dishes that were health-conscious but still delicious – dishes that were still a treat!” Pippa puts the success of her blog down to the fact that she is on the same journey as those who follow it. “I’m cooking food that looks and tastes good, and it is also healthy without being too worthy! I think about my favourite dishes and styles of cooking and try to adjust them to cut down on fat and sugar. I often use Pinterest for inspiration and then construct the recipe myself to keep it healthy and balanced.”

and a challenging time for them. “I just hadn’t been able to face thinking about weight loss. When I joined Slimming World I started a Facebook page sharing what I was cooking and eating, and after a month or so it suddenly started to gain followers – in the first two months it went from zero to 5,000, and it now stands at more than 60,000. In spring 2015 I started the blog.

I’m still pretty new to blogging, and learning as I go.” Pippa shares her tips here for aspiring hobby bloggers:

GETTING STARTED In late 2012 Pippa and her family left behind their lives in London and moved from Zone 3 to a converted Victorian psychiatric hospital on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It was a big change

5. Use as many of the social media channels as you can – Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram all drive traffic.

1. Blog about something you are passionate about; it takes a lot of time and you don’t want it to be a chore!

2. Be genuine – readers will quickly know if you aren’t and it’s hard to maintain a ‘voice’ that isn’t your own.

This is one of my favourite weekend ‘treat’ dinners.

It feels indulgent but you’ve cut out all of the oil that you would get with takeaway fried chicken and chips.

Ingredients for the chicken: • 4 weetabix • 12 chicken thigh fillets, excess fat trimmed away • 1 large egg • 6 potatoes • 1 beef Oxo cube • Low calorie cooking spray Spice mix ingredients: • 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs • 1 tsp chilli powder • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp onion granules • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 chicken stock cube • 1 tbsp paprika • zest of 1/2 lemon

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180c 2 Peel and chip 6 potatoes. In a large pan, cover with cold water and sprinkle in a beef Oxo cube. Bring to the boil, and then simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and allow to steam for a few minutes. Spray all over with cooking spray, tossing a few times, spread on a pizza tray or baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

3 While the chips are cooking, put the weetabix, all the herbs and spices, and the lemon zest into a food processor and whizz until well combined.

4 Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, shake off the excess, and then roll in the weetabix mix to cover thoroughly.

3. Don’t take negative comments to heart – generally they won’t be constructive.

5 Place on a baking tray covered in greaseproof paper, sprayed with cooking spray.

4. You need a very large volume of traffic to make money from a blog. Do it for the love of it – anything more is a bonus.

6 When all the chicken is coated, spray it all over with cooking spray, and pop into the oven for 20-25 minutes.

To see Pippa’s recipes visit her blog at www.theslimmingfoodie.com.

7 When it comes out, the chicken should be cooked through, and the coating crunchy.

Serve with sweetcorn, fresh salad and cherry tomatoes.

Serves 4

*Terms and Conditions for Nest magazine competitions. On completing and submitting this competition, you will automatically be entered into a draw for one of these prizes. No correspondence will be entered into and the winners will be notified by post or email within 28 days of the closing date. The competition is not open to employees of Hockeys Estate Agents or participating companies. No cash alternative will be offered. The prize(s) described are available at the date of publication. Events may occur that render the promotion or the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond Hockeys’ (publisher of Nest magazine) control, which may at its discretion vary or amend the promotion and the reader agrees that no liability shall be attached to Hockeys as a result thereof. Proof of emailing will not be accepted as proof of delivery and no responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed, mislaid or for any technical failure or for any event which may cause the competition to be disrupted or corrupted. Where for any reason there are more winners than prizes on offer, the Editor reserves the right to conduct a simple draw to determine the winner or winners of the prizes. Unless otherwise stated, entry to all competitions is restricted to entrants of 18 years of age or over. If the winner of a competition is unable to take up a prize for any reason, the Editor reserves the right to award it to an alternative winner, in which case the first winner chosen will not be eligible for any share of the prize whatsoever. The Editor’s decision is final and it is a condition of entry to any competition that the entrant agrees to be bound by these rules whether they be published or not, and that the decisions of the Editor and judges on any matter whatsoever arising out of or connected with the competition are final. No purchase of the magazine is necessary and no more than one entry per household. Competitions open to UK residents only, unless otherwise stated.

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82 Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1DP

LITTLE WILBRAHAM, CAMBRIDGE

£675,000

A characterful four bedroom home with period features and set back from the street having extensive driveway parking and large rear gardens. Viewing advised • • • • •

Four bedrooms Grade II listed, re-built in 1980s Period features Double length garage Large rear garden backing on to rural views

Character property set back off the road This charming property offers period features such as a thatched roof, exposed beams, timbers and inglenook fireplaces but has well-proportioned accommodation following a re-build in the 1980s. The living space comprises entrance hall, cloakroom, large living room, dining room/study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility area and on the first floor, a landing and four bedrooms. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and there is a further family bathroom. The sitting room is a super space with a large Inglenook fireplace currently housing an LPG gas stove, and French doors lead to the rear terrace area with views over the garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room has a butler style sink, granite work surfaces and space for a range style cooker.

Extensive lawned gardens with views over farmland The property is nicely set back from the street by a lawn and a wide paved driveway to the side, providing ample parking which leads to a double length garage. There is a secluded paved terrace, extensive lawns and views over open farmland.

Come and see us in action, any day of the week! www.whitehallschool.com tel: 01487 840966 email: office@whitehallschool.com nursery@whitehallschool.com Whitehall School, Somersham, Cambridgeshire PE28 3EH