VILLAGER The
Issue 123 - August 2022
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
Time to Re-Mortgage? Mesmerising Morocco Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and all surrounding areas Yo EE R py
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Inside this issue... Mesmerising Morocco
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Seasonal Recipe: Caponata with Tomato Sauce......... 24 There’s More to Gardens than Plants......................... 27 Green Fingers............................................................ 29 Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!................................................ 30 Megane E-Tech.......................................................... 33 Lions Roar 2022 Competition.................................... 34 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On in August.................................................. 38 Villager Prize Crossword............................................ 42 Book Review: Al Fresco Reading................................ 44 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47
Mesmerising Morocco................................................. 4 Riverside Miniature Railway........................................ 8 Brewing Today: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey............. 10 Happy Campers......................................................... 12 What is Value-For-Money in Clothing?...................... 15 Can Recycling Reduce my Carbon Footprint?............. 16 Money on My Mind................................................... 19 Time to Re-mortgage?.............................................. 23
There’s More to Gardens than Plants
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Get your business off to a flying start this year
Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Louise Addison, Jennie Billings, Martin Lewis, Caroline Knight, Alan Titchmarsh, RSPCA, Jack Evans and Kate Duggan
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography Ian Wool Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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Travel
By Solange Hando
Mesmerising Morocco Mazes of medinas, saffron-scented souks, sweeping deserts and epic mountain ranges: Morocco is a country of dizzying diversity. The landscapes here spell adventure and the cities are easily some of the most exciting in Africa. It’s not called the ‘Gateway to Africa’ for nothing. Just a mere three-hour flight away from London, a trip to Morocco is the perfect introduction to this mammoth continent, with a tantalising blend of adventure, culture and plenty of sunshine. There’s heaps to explore, so we’ve gathered together the most unmissable experiences to tick off while you’re there. Lose yourself in Marrakech’s medinas Marrakech is a city that sweeps everyone off their feet. Love it or hate it, it’s an assault on your senses, filled with enough sounds, sights and smells to keep
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you mesmerised for days. Trace intricate tilework, admire Islamic architecture, get lost amidst the city’s maze of power-pink medinas and stop for some retail therapy in Djemaa El Fna square – where shopping, street food and culture collide. Then there’s the souks: if you’re a sucker for exotic treasures and a bargain, you’ll be happy to hear that Marrakech is one of the best shopping destinations in the world! Soft leather bags, beautiful carpets, colourful spices and a whole host of North African flavours to try: a trip to Marrakech’s markets warrants plenty of extra room in your suitcase – and your stomach! Spend some time in the Sahara Imagine falling asleep beneath a glittering tapestry of stars in the world’s largest desert. Sounds like paradise, right? That’s because few places on Earth
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compare to the Sahara, a sprawling expanse of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that occupy nearly all of North Africa. You can experience the magic of the desert yourself in the south and east of Morocco, with heaps of tours departing from all of Morocco’s major cities. From camel trekking and quad-biking trips to sandboarding and immersive desert camping experiences, there’s something here for every type of traveller. Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen Nestled in the heart of the Rif mountain range, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed buildings easily make it the prettiest and most photographed city in Morocco. The reasons behind the blue aren’t entirely clear: some say the walls were painted blue by the Jews who settled there after World War II, while others swear they were painted this way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Put your camera to good use in the narrow, winding streets of the old medina, and browse the souks for traditional Moroccan trinkets and treasures. The city has become a big hit with backpackers in recent years thanks to its artsy bohemian scene, but it’s still managed to maintain a healthy balance between ease and authenticity. To top it off, Chefchaouen’s close proximity to the Rif mountains also gives you access to beautiful hiking trails, whenever you need them. Relax by the beach Boasting 2,500km of coastline, Morocco offers its fair share of blissful beaches too, but the most popular are found in the resort of Agadir in the south. This bustling city is framed by a beautiful stretch of sand, and is also a popular spot for golfers. Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’, Essaouira is another popular choice, particularly amongst windsurfers and kitesurfers looking to make the most of the port city’s gusty coastal winds. While the sands here are pleasant, Essaouira is more than just a beach resort. Despite a rise in tourism, the city’s culture and character have remained intact.
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Navigate the medina, admire the art galleries and watch the locals working on the electric-blue fishing boats that line the waterfront. Trek the Atlas Mountains Hiking a portion of North Africa’s highest mountain range is an experience not to be missed. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for almost 1,000km, spanning arid desert landscapes, snowcapped peaks and lush green valleys. The range is also home to Morocco’s nomadic Berber population, who have an indigenous history dating back to at least 10,000 BC. With an elevation of 4,167m, Toubkal in southwestern Morocco is the range’s highest peak and is well worth the three-day climb for the views alone. If you fancy something a little easier, don’t fear – there are scenic trails to suit every fitness level. The best time to visit is from spring through to autumn, although some may find it too hot to comfortably tackle the long-distance routes.
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Local News
Riverside Miniature Railway Since receiving permission to construct the railway in November 2016 we have worked hard to create the vital elements of a miniature railway. We opened briefly over the Easter holiday 2017, running trains on a short length of track. During this time, we carried in excess of 1,200 passengers. We opened on longer track in July 2017, with the full track opening in 2018. Riverside Miniature Railway is a ground level combined 5" and 7 1/4” gauge railway, with a minimum mainline track radius of 60 feet. The railway operates as an inclusive, sustainable, community railway project. We open on Sunday afternoons throughout the Spring/Summer season from Easter to October and on a Wednesday afternoon in the school summer holidays. (Volunteer dependent). Other events at the railway may occur to tie in with events in our town centre, such as the Dragon Boat festival, Armed Forces weekend or Members only days. We are looking for more volunteers who would like to get involved too! Whether you wish to be a Driver, Guard, or help with the maintenance, you will be working alongside a friendly group of volunteers sharing the same experience. If you have a Wednesday morning spare, then we need help with maintaining and developing our railway too. To enable us to complete our track extension, we also have a Track Sponsorship option. You can sponsor £25 per 1 metre length of track. This also will give you acknowledgement on a plaque within the station area, outlining your donation to the scheme. Each donor will also receive a 10 free ride tickets for our railway. We have other membership options at the railway too; Friends of RMR shows your support for our railway and contribute towards its future, without the commitment of volunteering.
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Membership is £10.00 per year and includes a membership card and a 5-ride train ticket. In addition you will receive a regular newsletter and invitations to Friends events throughout the year. Evie’s Club is our kids club for young supporters of the railway up to the age of 12. Evie the schnauzer belongs to our chairman and founder Ivan and she sometimes comes down to visit the Riverside station. Your child will receive an Evie’s club membership card, badge and a quarterly newsletter telling you about the adventures of the RMR engines and what is happening at the railway. With the newsletter, you will receive a printable colouring page (train related of course!). You will also receive 5 free train ride tickets. We have special events alongside the Friends members and these include free rides around the railway, as well as the chance to learn to drive the train! The price for the year is £10. Our Sunday opening hours are 12-4pm and from 27th, on Wednesdays from 12-3pm as well. (Volunteer availability dependent) Rides are £1 each and you get two laps around the railway. Under 2s are free to travel. Well behaved dogs are also very welcome to the railway and travel with their owners. There is no need to pre-book and for more information about our railway, events, memberships and more, please go to www.riversiderailway.co.uk OR visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/riversideminiaturerailway Or Instagram: @riverside_miniature_railway
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Food & Drink
Brewing Today: Mount Saint Bernard Abbey
A monastery can be a single building or, indeed, a collection of buildings that have living quarters and also places to work, for monks or nuns and usually a place for prayer – possibly a chapel or church, for example. Self-sufficient monasteries can include a school, plus agricultural aspects, manufacturing facilities, plus other activities and pursuits, too. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey is located near Coalville, Leicestershire. This Roman Catholic Trappist monastery was established during 1835. The Abbey Church is dedicated to the Greater Glory of God and recorded as being in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Bernard. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey offers many interesting features for visitors, from both the UK and worldwide origins, throughout the year. The Abbey Shop has numerous, most appealing items and products for sale, including a good number of books, with some authored by the monks. Cards, gifts, pictures, pottery and honey (from their own apiary), are all available and more, such as rosaries, chants and music – perhaps something for a special present? Award-winning TYNT MEADOW ENGLISH TRAPPIST ALE (7.4% vol) is a very popular production, by Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. During 2017/18 space was created for a new brewery, with the production of the beer being carried out by the monks. The labelling for the bottled beer bows to and honours a 12th century Cistercian script, created by Brother Anselm Baker, who was an early monk of the community and an artist of note. The name ‘Tynt Meadow’ reflects and respects connections with the land and monastic life here for nearly 200 years. This full-bodied beer is fermented twice and utilises English barley and hops, plus an English strain of yeast, all to great advantage. The deepish- brown colour has a reddened hue and entices to the gentle aroma, evoking thoughts of dark fruits. I found the beer to be well-balanced, having overtones of chocolate. The very pleasurable mouthfeel continues on, to the palate’s delight, for a memorable finish.
For more details, including Tynt Meadow ale stockists, the excellent website has all information. Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, Oaks Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 5UL Tel: +44 (0) 1530 832298/832022. E-mail: monks@mountsaintbernard.org E-mail: shop@mountsaintbernard.org E-mail: brewery@mountsaintbernard.org www.mountsaintbernard.org www.mountsaintbernardshop.org ways, Enjoy!
As al
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ey Trevor Langl
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Holidays
Happy Campers
One side effect of the pandemic was that it sparked (or in some cases rekindled) a fondness for being outdoors, and camping increased in popularity. Now, with the price of fuel and food soaring, most of us have less disposable income for the family holiday so camping is enjoying an extended renaissance. If you are trying family camping for the first time this year here are some top tips. Start small - Don’t plan a two-week family camping holiday on the Isle of White if the closest you’ve ever come to camping before this year is enjoying breakfast on a hotel patio in Majorca. Test the water - If it’s your family’s first foray into camping trip it’s probably best to try a couple of local excursions before embarking on a full-scale vacation, particularly if you have young children (or teens). That way if it’s a disaster it’s not too difficult to return home. Take company - Consider going with another family. Children in a group tend to occupy each other which leaves more time for the adults to relax. Plan for down time - Pack a couple of board games and books in case the novelty of camping wears off after a while, or the kids are tired or (heaven forbid) it rains! Be prepared - Pack a first aid kit which includes pain and cough relief, bug spray and plasters. And don’t forget lots of kid-friendly food and snacks. Don’t over-schedule - A camping trip is a chance to get back to basics in more ways than one. Building a campfire, bug hunting, pond dipping, or sitting on the bank of a river eating ice cream while dangling your feet in the water can all fill an afternoon and make wonderful memories. By Louise Addison The chances are that if you camp once you’ll go back for more.
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House of Colour
What is value for money in clothing? What is a wise purchase these days when we’re considering our budgets? Often our fashion choices are a multitude of trade offs and ‘that’ll do’. This path can lead us to a wardrobe which doesn’t get worn and is therefore really no value to us. The adage that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time highlights the issue. Buying cheaply is no guarantee of better value when we consider the number of wears we can get out of items, nor is necessarily buying more expensively but there are some tenets to consider which improves the value from our wardrobe: • Only buy an item on sale if you would have bought it at full price. It’s so easy to get swept away by the discount but once that thrill is over, are you actually going to wear it? It’s not a bargain if it sits unworn in your wardrobe. • Consider when, with your current lifestyle, are you going to wear that item. It sounds like a really simple piece of advice but again it’s easy to get side-tracked and interested in wonderful sparkly number but how often are you going to wear it? You might already have enough in that part of our wardrobe to cover those occasions. Often a new accessory can actually make older items in our wardrobe look instantly updated, so they can be a better choice. • You might consider renting items for occasion wear dressing. This is often an area which requires more budget but gets the least wear. With the growing rental options available this could be a better choice. • Are you buying quality or are you buying branding? Quality can be found in your local charity shop or boutique but the brand name isn’t always a great guide to quality. Check the seams and how well finished they are. Look at zips and fastenings to make sure they work and are secure. • Natural fibres – they last better and feel better. When you consider how most of our synthetic fibres are versions of plastic and contribute to the microplastics in our oceans and food chain it makes sense to consider whether they’re our best choice. • Comfort – as I mentioned natural fibres often feel better, keep us cooler in summer, and warmer in
winter. Beyond the material mix do ensure that whatever you’re buying is comfortable when you first try it on. There is no substitute for trying an item on and I would never recommend anyone to buy without trying on. Move around in it and make sure it’s not pulling, and that it sits well. Apparently, we wear an uncomfortable item three times at most before that’s the end of it. Can we afford to be that wasteful? • Make six outfits with any new item you buy. We need our clothing to work hard for us so put it together with other clothes as soon as you can. If it doesn’t work consider whether the colour or style is right for you and whether it should stay in your wardrobe. The best way to avoid a wardrobe you don’t wear? Understand from a professional what suits you. Know what colours and styles suit you so you’re not wasting money on clothes that you don’t end up wearing. That’s the best investment. Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist
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Environment
Can Recycling Reduce My Carbon Footprint? Amazed at the effect they are having on the environment, one of the #HuntsWasteBusters has shared some facts and tips in the hope to inspire others: Did you know? • Recycling a single aluminium can will save enough energy to power a TV for up to 3 hours • Recycling everything you could in your kitchen recycling bins could power a TV for 6 months • Recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a laptop for half an hour • Recycling paper takes 60% less energy to produce than it does to make it from raw materials • Recycling or composting our food waste could reduce our CO2 emissions by up to 25% It is reported that British households generate over 26 million tonnes of waste each year, equating to the weight of around 260 large cruise ships. England alone, only recycles around 44% of waste, leaving the bulk to go to landfill, a large contributor to greenhouse gases.
“For every action, there is a reaction” A few simple changes to our waste routine can have dramatic effects in the form of reducing our individual carbon footprint. Increasing the amount of items you recycle reduces the amount of raw materials required, whilst also reducing the energy needed to physically manufacture the product. This could vastly reduce production costs, driving down the price of everyday items as well as reducing our carbon footprint, assisting greatly in creating a more sustainable environment. In many cases, certain items that are not accepted within your household recycling bin, used to require a great amount of research and travel to reach specific drop-off points. It is quickly becoming easier and more convenient to recycle, with many supermarkets across Huntingdonshire taking in soft plastics, making it easy to drop off when doing your weekly or monthly shop. Pharmacies have also followed this trend, offering the ability to drop off medicine blister packs and cosmetics, again increasing the convenience of recycling. There has been an increase in many Huntingdonshire residents, utilising food caddy bins to dispose of our food waste, which can be easily emptied into your garden waste bin and taken away for composting. Over the last few years the ethos of ‘doing your bit’ for society has been installed across the world. It is now time to adopt this ethos for our environment and do what we can, on an individual basis, to reduce waste and increase recycling for the betterment and sustainability of our region, country and world. Making simple changes to your everyday habits can, and will, go a long way in reducing your personal impact on this earth. So why not challenge yourself today, to increase what you recycle and reduce your carbon footprint and play your part in a cleaner and greener future. If you are concerned about environmental issues surrounding recycling, waste and littering, why not join the Hunts Waste Busters. Meeting virtually once a month to discuss actions can be taken to educate our district on how to minimise waste and increase recycling alongside arranging events and liaising with local groups to encourage change. To find out more, email WasteMinimisation@huntingdonshire.gov.uk. *Statics credit to www.recyclingbins.co.uk/recyclingfacts
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Money
Money on my Mind The Martin Lewis column He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert - a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers. In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how we can repair our credit score. Let’s be honest, the last couple of years haven’t been kind to our finances. The good news is the ability to rescue and repair that credit rating is within our own hands. First, check your current rating – with the likes of Experian or Equifax – and know what you’re dealing with; then see about disassociating yourself from others who may be pulling you down with their own chequered credit history. Next, get yourself signed up on the electoral roll. It’s a great way for credit agencies to be able to verify who you are and adds a layer of authenticity to any application.
Spring cleaning your finances is another sensible option – ditch cards and accounts you don’t use; and begin using a card for everyday purchases on the specific understanding you’ll clear the balance at the end of each month. Doing this will boost your credit rating and prove to any lender that you can be trusted. Mending your credit score won’t be achieved overnight, but your future self will thank you for your efforts today!
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Finance
Time to remortgage? When a cost goes up tenfold in six months, it’s never good news. The Bank of England base rate that influences most mortgages is only moving in one direction, but what does it mean for homeowners? The Bank of England base rate has gone up four times since December, taking it from 0.1% to 1%. While that technically affects the cost for banks to borrow from the Bank of England and each other, the base rate is also a key component in how much banks charge for mortgages. How does that affect me? To sum up the effects: ‘tracker’ mortgage rates will increase automatically after a base rate rise. Variable rate mortgages are at the bank’s discretion but usually change in line with the base rate. While fixed rate mortgages remain unchanged, the base rate will affect the deals on offer for people looking to remortgage. Should I fix now? Unless you think the base rate is going to fall significantly in coming years – and there’s still not much room for any decrease – remortgaging may well save you cash and give you peace of mind. Don’t forget to take into account any fees, such as an exit fee for ending your current mortgage or an early repayment charge, if you want to leave before a fixed-rate period is up. The latter means you need to time things carefully to minimise overall costs. Working out the best deal and weighing up these
charges can be complicated, so it’s worth considering using a mortgage broker, particularly if you have nonstandard circumstances such as being self-employed or having a patchy credit history. If you’ve still got several years left in a fixed deal, it’s unlikely remortgaging is going to save you money right now. Congratulate yourself on your foresight and/or luck and make a note in your calendar to start planning your next move when you have six months or so left to go. If you are on a variable deal right now, the base rate rises should be a reminder to take another look at fixing. To put things in context, if you’re on a tracker or variable deal with more than £133,333 left to repay, the base rate rises since December are already costing you £100 more each month. And remember that none of that extra money is paying off the loan itself. Every cloud… The good news for all homeowners looking to remortgage is that you’re now a safer bet for lenders than when you first bought. That’s because the amount you still owe (and would need to borrow to remortgage) has fallen while, in most cases, the value of your home has increased. That dramatically reduces the risk for the lender that they’d be unable to recoup their money if they had to repossess and sell your home. There’s no guarantee, but that could mean you can secure a more favourable rate.
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Seasonal Recipe
Caponata with Tomato Sauce
Want to keep that summer feeling after your holiday? Try our delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Caponata - Caponata is a Sicilian dish consisting of chopped fried aubergine and other vegetables, seasoned with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery, olives, and capers. Delicious served hot or cold, it is the ideal dish for making ahead. Ingredients 2 medium aubergines, cut into 3cm pieces 3 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1 onion, chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 1cm pieces 4 celery stalks, cut into 1cm pieces 100ml white wine or red wine vinegar 1 tbsp tomato puree 2 tbsp capers, rinsed 10 green pitted olives 2 tbsp sugar 30g pine nuts Tomato sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 anchovy 1 tsp garlic, chopped 800g passata Salt and pepper
Serves 4 as a main dish (8 as a side) 1. Heat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6. Place the aubergine pieces on 2 large baking trays. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season. Bake for 20 minutes until just turning golden. 2. Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan (large enough to also hold the aubergine). Add the anchovy and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the passata and season, then simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce. 3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion, pepper and celery for 5 minutes to soften. Tip the onion mixture into the tomato sauce with the remaining ingredients and the aubergine. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes. 4. Serve hot or cold.
Nutrition per serving: 336kcal, fat 23g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 25g (of which sugars 21g), protein 5.4g
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Gardening
Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk
There’s more to gardens than plants There’s more to gardens than plants Plants are the linchpin of a garden, the lifeblood of a space, lending movement, atmosphere, colour and soul. They provide calm energy and an essence of spirit, making a garden pulse with life, including the society of tiny creatures that coexist with vegetation and flora. But there is more to a garden than these essential, addictive growing forces of nature. It hinges around design and layout. It’s all about interest. If you can see everything at a glance, then your space could be improved. The eye likes to be led from one thing to another and a sense of intrigue is always a positive thing. Every garden can provide a desire to explore. A change in levels always helps, so a flat space might benefit from a step up to a patio or a step down to a seating area. It provides somewhere to ‘go’ and a reason to move throughout the space. If the garden has potential for a circulation route, provide one. A different entry and exit point will enable you to travel around the garden rather than stepping in and out via the same route. Then there is the illusion of blurring the boundaries. Nobody needs to feel confined by fences or walls. Those fences can be partially, if not wholly, hidden. Use climbing plants that are suitable for the aspect and the height that you need. There are clematis for north-facing sites as well as sunnier situations. Climbing roses can be secured to steel planting wires
or trellises, or choose something that is self-clinging such as Hydrangea petiolaris or a beautiful ivy with variegated leaves. Did you know that our native ivy, Hedera helix, is hugely beneficial to wildlife, supporting at least 50 different species? The value of adornments Sculpture, mirrors, ornamental pieces and trinkets can look wonderful… or not. Placement is key. Smaller items need to be partially hidden so that they seem to be part of the garden landscape, rather than appearing to have dropped out of the sky. Any number of statues can be placed amongst planting so that you barely know it is there. You might glimpse a beady eye when you’re admiring the geums or catch a flash of light from a mirror concealed within ivy. Introduce water, seating and shade Water adds a further dimension and even a tiny bowl can enhance the quality of any garden because it is a world in itself. Ponds can help to improve mental health in addition to lowering blood pressure. Don’t forget to provide somewhere to rest, in which to feel safe and relaxed. Give yourself a protective screen and something to lean against. In an overlooked space where prying eyes seem to be watching you, consider a canopy, sunshade, pergola or tall shrub. Think of a garden boundary as the room, the hard landscaping as furniture and plants as the beautiful, soft interior furnishings that give the wow factor. Enjoy yours this summer!
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Gardening
GreenFingers The Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about the most common mistakes we make in our gardens. I always say, as a golden rule, prevention is better than cure, so with that in mind here are my top seven gardening mistakes… and how to avoid them! Firstly, you can have too much of a good thing! Less is more when it comes to good gardening, and if you cram too much together it’ll look a mess, or worse still, will die! Another big error is over- and under-watering. Be regimented over your watering routine and adjust it depending on rainfall to ensure your garden is nicely hydrated at all times. Next, always ensure what you’re pulling up are weeds and not slow-developing flowers. We can sometimes find ourselves being particularly ruthless with what grows in our gardens, so remember, everything grows at a different rate and sometimes the most mundane of plants will flourish to become the most beautiful… but only if they’re left in the ground! Another big thing is failing to prepare your soil. Give your plants a chance by ensuring the soil they’re in is in good condition. A simple testing kit will let you know if you need to re-compost, add fertiliser, or simply switch to a different soil type.
You should also steer clear of what I call ‘the bullies’! Japanese knotweed and Russian vine are particularly unruly and will literally undermine not just your flowers, but nearby buildings too! And the same goes for our animal friends. Sure, we may like to see a hedgehog, bird life, even the odd fox, but the best gardens are those that manage to protect the food supply present! My final piece of advice is to try to spread the love around your garden. Few of us have an endless budget with which to run riot in our green spaces, and it’s better to do a little at a time across the board, than blow it all in one part of the garden, leaving the rest of it looking forlorn and bereft. Remember, no two gardens are the same, in much the same way that no two gardeners are the same, and you’re never going to get it right all of the time. The most important thing is to be organised and put the effort in – if you do that, the rewards will very often follow close behind.
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Pets
Feeling
Hot Hot Hot! Last month, we experienced soaring temperatures that reached the mid to high thirties, making the UK feel more like the Maldives or the Bahamas! August may follow suit and if it does we need to take great care of our furry friends. Holidays and Days Out - Up to 30 million Brits are expected to holiday in the UK in 2022. So as the Great British staycation is here to stay it’s likely many of us will be taking our four-legged friends along with us. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t welcome everywhere, so we would strongly advise that you plan your outings carefully. A little forward thinking could save your dogs from heatstroke this summer. It is a staggering statistic and possibly not a widely known one, but when it is 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach 47 degrees within one hour. A lot of people assume it’s ok to leave their dog in the car if they have parked in the shade or if they leave the windows are open. However, a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn’t feel that warm. It’s very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm. Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999. Travelling With Pets - Whether you are travelling with your dog for a day out or to go away on holiday, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, think about what time of day you are planning on being in the car to travel there and back. With temperatures lower before 8am and after 6pm could your travel arrangements take advantage of these cooler temperatures in order to keep your dog safe and healthy? Secondly, think about where on your route you can stop off and have a comfort break. Not just for the driver but for your dog to get some
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fresh air, cooling water and to stretch their legs. Last, but not least, make sure you take plenty of water for your dog to drink while they are travelling and their water bowl. Many camping shops now stock portable water bowls made of silicone that can collapse and fold flat. Pets At Home - Our advice would be to never leave animals in conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day, even if it’s just for a short while. A common cause of dogs suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion is being taken out for a walk when it is too hot. A simple test before heading out on a dog walk is feeling the pavement outside. If it is too hot for a bare hand being held for 5 seconds, it is too hot for a dog. Top Tips for Keeping Pets Cool 1. Try using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin. 2. Make sure they have plenty of shade. 3. Give them constant access to fresh water. 4. Put ice cubes in their water bowl. 5. Give them damp towels to lie on. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, please contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.
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WO PINEE CAOD RE TRE What we do? • Tree Felling • Thinning and Pruning • Lopping and Topping • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding • Power Washing • Gravelling Why choose Pine Wood? • Competitive rates • Free estimates and advice • References on request For a FREE estimate with no obligation E: andrewwinters83@outlook.com
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Motoring
First Drive: Does the Megane E-Tech Electric show the future of Renault?
Jack Evans test drives the new Megane E-Tech
What is it? The Megane E-Tech Electric is the first of a new generation of Renault EVs. So, what can it deliver? What’s new? Crucial to the new Megane E-Tech Electric is the CMF-EV platform underpinning it, which is dedicated to electric cars and results in better packaging and a more efficient layout. Fitment of the batteries underneath the car’s floor should give better handling and improved cornering. What’s under the bonnet? There are two powertrains, offering either 129 or 215bhp, plus options of a 40kWh or 60kWh battery bringing respective ranges of 186 or 292 miles. 0-60mph takes 10.3 seconds or 7.2 seconds respectively. Renault gives an eight-year battery warranty and it’ll replace it should the battery drop below 70 per cent of its nominal capacity. It can accept a charge of up to 130kW, meaning 186 miles of range added in 30 minutes to the smaller battery option via a rapid charger. A full charge via a 7.4kW home wall box will take just over six hours for the smaller battery version or just over nine for the larger. What’s it like to drive? Our most powerful version of the Megane E-Tech has good power and brisk acceleration. Renault has quickened the steering and though this is helpful around town, it can feel a little light at greater speeds. Through fast, flowing bends it felt composed and settled, and it’s also fantastically quiet and refined. How does it look? It’s great-looking, with interesting features and
futuristic touches. The design makes it seem a little bigger than it actually is. At the back is the now ever-present light bar and a quite high boot line, giving the car a raised-up appearance. What’s it like inside? The regular Megane focused on practicality inside a relatively compact package, but headroom and legroom are quite tight for rear passengers, while the letter-box-sized rear screen means restricted rearward visibility. The front passenger and driver have a good view ahead and plenty of space. The 440 litre boot has a very high load lip that drops into a deep area. There’s under-boot-floor storage for the cables, though you’ll need to empty the boot to access them. What’s the spec like? The Megane E-Tech adopts a new, good-looking, twin-screen wrap-around – the main infotainment screen is detailed but easy to operate and the driver display is much the same. The infotainment setup adopts Google’s technology, and features such as Maps or Spotify are well-integrated. We wish Renault had cleaned up the stalks at the side of the wheel; three on the right-hand side is too many. Verdict The Megane E-Tech Electric is a progressive step forward for Renault. It looks great, will have enough performance for most and has a good rate of charge. Practicality needs improvement but it’s likely that Renault will correct that and deliver a car with more space. But, as the first push into a new age of electric Renaults, the Megane is a very exciting prospect.
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Local News
Lions Clubs launch Lions
Roar 2022 Competition Lion Jennie Fisher, President of Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club says “the club are delighted to be sponsoring Wyton on the Hill Primary School and Sawtry Junior Academy for the Lions Roar 2022 competition. As a club it’s exciting to be able to support such an initiative, whereby children are given the opportunity ‘to think big and create world changing ideas’.” The Lions Roar 2022 Competition is an inspirational and fun learning experience, run in partnership with the education company, 8billionideas. The competition allows children to discover how to use their imagination in exciting new ways. Children
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gain all important life skills from taking part in the competition. Aimed at 7-11 year olds, children learn how to work together in teams, develop their communication and presentation skills, whilst boosting their self-confidence and selfesteem. There are around 20,000 pupils taking part in over 100 schools sponsored by Lions Clubs across the British Isles. If you would like to know more about the Lions Roar 2022 competition, please view the site www.lions-roar.com/ Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club work on a range of projects where you can get involved. Please contact us on 0345 833 7516.
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LESTER O’DRISCOLL CARPENTRY Door Hanging, Skirting, Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Fencing, Decking, General Carpentry, Bespoke Timber Garden Offices, Workshops & Garden Sheds
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Easy Sudoku
Hard Sudoku
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST 1 AUGUST St Neots Astronomical Association 7.30-9.30pm Paxton Pits Visitor Centre Meets first Monday of the month (second if bank holiday). No astronomical knowledge needed to appreciate the talks. Non-members welcome - first visit free. Web: snaa.co.uk 1-31 AUGUST Holiday Bushcraft 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park £38 per child/day Experienced qualified teachers will inspire children aged 5-12 and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild. Dates throughout the summer holidays. Book online. Web: wildthymeandembers.co.uk 2 AUGUST Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group Visit to c Bakers Lane, Tempsford. An enchanting, wildlife friendly garden with lots of interesting and unusual plants with different areas to explore. Lifts will be available from the Village Hall for anyone wishing to car share meet 7pm. Cost £6 (for NGS charities). Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com for more info/to book 3 AUGUST Aircraft Enthusiasts' Group 1pm Shuttleworth Guests £5. ‘Keys Don’t Float’ by Bryan Pill of the Mission Aviation Fellowship. Meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Entry to Shuttleworth £19.50/£17.50 online in advance (valid for 30 days). Email: 99aegr@gmail.com Web: www.a-e-g.org.uk 3 AUGUST Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, Brampton High Street Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome.
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3, 5, 8 & 10 AUGUST Mini-Wild Wardens Paxton Pits Education Centre Fun activities for children to help them discover a little more about being a warden managing a nature reserve! Tel: 07734 478475 or 01480 473161 Web: wildlifebcn.org 3-9 AUGUST Wonderful Woodland Animals Activity Trail 11am12pm Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine £3 per child (age 1+) Can you find the woodland friends hidden in the sensory garden? Book online. Tel: 01234 767037 for more details Web: www.marstonvale.org 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUGUST Kimbolton Bridge Club 10am-12pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday for friendly, social bridge. Players of all standards are welcome with or without a partner. Just turn up! 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 AUGUST The Connection Bus Project 7-9pm Little Paxton Village Hall car park Free entry. Youth club is aimed at school year 7 and above. Games consoles, music, karaoke, sport activities, internet access, crafts and tuck shop and the usual friendly youth workers. Providing facilities for young people is important and the Connections Youth Bus is brought to the village with the financial support of Little Paxton Parish Council. 4, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST Riverport Singers 10.15-11.15am The Corn Exchange, St Ives Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Tel: Agi 07757 811802 Email: agipeach@icloud.com Web: facebook.com/ riverportsingers
4, 11, 18 & 25 AUGUST Bingo 7.30pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club Eyes down for the weekly Bingo session! Web: www.assc.org.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 AUGUST Cambourne Little Bugs 9.30am-11am Cambourne Nature Reserve Join Wildlife Adventurer Becca Badger for a stroll around Cambourne Nature Reserve, and some simple outdoor activities for children aged 18 months-4 years. Booking essential. Web: wildlifebcn.org 6 AUGUST-8 OCTOBER Crazy Lego! St Neots Museum Free entry A fun and family friendly temporary exhibition featuring mountains of Lego and Duplo that visitors can use to create buildings, animals, vehicles – anything that can be made from the standard bricks. A Lego model of a Roman Villa discovered in Eynesbury in the 1960s will be on display. Book online. Web: stneotsmuseum.org.uk 7 AUGUST Hinxton Watermill Open Day 2.30-5pm CambridgePPF members free, nonmembers - adult £3, child £1 This stunning working watermill dates to the seventeenth century. See the mill working and hear the history of this incredible building. No need to book. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org 10, 17 & 24 AUGUST Summer Organ Recitals 12.15pm St Neots Parish Church Free entry – donations welcome 10 August – David Smith, Christ Church, St Leonard’s on Sea. 17 August – Harvey Stansfield, St Augustine, Edgbaston. 24 August Lloyd Barnett, St Neots Parish Church. Refreshments.
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST 13 AUGUST St Neots & District Gardening Club Annual Summer Show 2pm Jubilee Hall, School Lane, Eaton Socon Open show anyone can enter. Classes restricted to horticulture and floral art. Subject to no restrictions. Email: peter.walker@ stneotsgardenclub.org.uk 13 AUGUST Bands in the Park 2.30-4.30pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Little Paxton Parish Council event with City of Cambridge Brass Band. Free outdoor summer concerts. Bring along deckchairs, picnic rugs and enjoy a musical afternoon. Refreshments available. 13 AUGUST in situ presents Ghost Stories II 8pm Leper Chapel, Cambridge Tickets £15 Ghost Stories II: told by Richard Spaul. Song and story combine in a spinetingling performance of spooky classics. Tel: 01223 211451 Web: www.insitutheatre.co.uk 13, 14, 7 & 28 AUGUST Jail Break 3 St Neots Museum It’s Spring 1996 and St Neots Museum has just opened. You have booked a private tour but the assistant curator has forgotten and gone home. Faced with spending the night in the museum you desperately search for an exit but you soon realise that the only way to break out ……is to break in! Web: stneotsmuseum.org.uk 13 & 27 AUGUST St Neots Farmers & Craft Market 8am-1.30pm Products from local food producers and craft makers.
16 AUGUST Dementia Café 10am-12pm St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person For people with dementia and their carers. Tel: George 07725 588145 Web: facebook.com/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity 17 AUGUST Godmanchester WI 7.30pm Church Hall, Chadley Lane, Godmanchester Meets the third Wednesday of the month. Regular speakers and activities. New members welcome. 17-23 AUGUST Dinosaur Activity Trail 11am12pm Forest Centre, Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine £3 per child (age 1+) Can you find the dinosaurs hidden around the sensory garden? Book online. Tel: 01234 767037 Web: www.marstonvale.org 19 AUGUST Kimbolton Community Cinema Doors open 7, film 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, concessions £4, children £2.50 (subject to classification) Death on the Nile. Tickets from Bytes Café Monday and Friday mornings, online or on the door if available. Small booking fee applies online. Email: kimbolton.cinema@ gmail.com Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ mandeville-hall-kimbolton 20 AUGUST Live Music 3-11pm Buckden Village Club Tickets £7, children free Starring Blacktop Sunrise, Lucy Lock, Layla Jane and Upon this Rock. Food and drink stalls. Advance tickets only available from Buckden Village Club. In aid of Parkinson’s UK.
24 AUGUST Children’s Multi Sports Activities 2-4pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Free multi-sport activities for children aged 5-11. Bring a water bottle. Booking essential as limited numbers. Contact the Clerk to book - include full name of child, parent/ carer’s name and contact telephone number on emails. Tel 01480 470193 Email: clerk@ littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.uk 27 AUGUST Castle Comedy Doors open 7.30pm, show 8pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Rd, Biggleswade A great night out in a friendly environment with some of the UK's finest comedians on the bill. Web: www.castlecomedy.co.uk 1 SEPTEMBER Sandy Astronomical Society 7pm Zoom general meeting followed by ‘Listening to Einstein's Universe: the Exciting Dawn of Gravitational-Wave Astronomy’ by Prof Martin Hendry. Email: info@sandyastro.co.uk Web: sandyastro.co.uk 3 SEPTEMBER The Village Show at Keysoe Keysoe Village Hall Free entry. Please contact Penny for a schedule. Tel: 01234 378878 Email: penny.heming@btinternet. com 4 SEPTEMBER Claude Bourbon Guitar Concert 7.30 pm St Peter’s Church, High Street, Offord Darcy Tickets £10 inc. complimentary drink Claude is known for his amazing guitar performances that have Blues, Spanish, Gypsy, Jazz, and Russian influences. All seats unreserved. Parking available. Tel: 07776 426103 Email: /ticketoffice.stpeters@gmail. com
The deadline for What’s On entries is Wednesday 10th August. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.net To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our July Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Jocelyn Rowe, Old Stevenage
July’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Complete the crossword and fill in your details below, before
16th August 2022 Either cut out this page and send to Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd. 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Or photograph your entry and email to competitions@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries.
Across 1 Deprive of food (6) 4 Scribble (6) 9 Complicated (7) 10 Meal of raw vegetables (5) 11 Additional (5) 12 Exactly alike (7) 13 Meeting (11) 18 Down-payment (7) 20 End of day (5) 22 Type of oil (5) 23 Result (7) 24 Process (6) 25 Holds firmly (6) Down 1 Private (6) 2 Allow to enter (5) 3 Krakatoa (7) 5 Beginning (5) 6 Sea mammal (7) 7 Not youngest (6) 8 Test (11) 14 Young dogs (7) 15 Hideous beast (7) 16 Fools (6) 17 Speaks (6) 19 Kind of turnip (5) 21 Increases in size (5)
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Books
Al fresco reading By Kate Duggan The Change Kirsten Miller Jo, Nessa and Harriet find themselves at the age where society has all but dismissed them. But along with the hot flushes comes an awakening of power. Nessa is called to by murdered girls. Jo is learning to channel her rage into superstrength. And Harriet has ways of punishing those who need to be punished. Together, the women need to stop a murderer – for good. A brilliant, character-driven novel that will keep you reading long after the sun has turned in for the night. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone Benjamin Stevenson Ernest is at a family reunion. Tensions are high, as a few years previously Ernest’s conviction put his brother in jail. Now a serial killer is on the loose and Ernest believes it’s one of his family members. But who? Part classic whodunnit, part dark comedy, fully original, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a whole lot of fun. Worn: A People’s History of Clothing Sofi Thanhauser Worn offers us a thoughtprovoking look at clothing fabrics – wool, linen, cotton, silk and synthetics. It explores the history of each fabric, how they’re produced today, and what that means for the people who grow and make them, and for the environment. While the focus is on the USA, Worn is nevertheless well worth a read. Much of it is quite disheartening, but there are glimmers of hope for a more sustainable clothing industry.
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