Alconbury Dec 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 115 - Dec 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Style a

Festive Table Island Breaks for

Winter Sun

Win £100 in our Christmas 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...

How to Have a Pet Friendly Christmas....................... 29 The Car Industry’s Most Eco-Friendly Advancements.30 Wordsearch............................................................... 32 Partying in a Pandemic!............................................ 33 Seasonal Recipe........................................................ 35 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On in December............................................. 39 Wood Green: Here for Every Star this Christmas........ 40 £100 Christmas Prize Crossword................................ 42 Books to Gift............................................................. 44

Snuggle Up

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Setting the Scene........................................................ 4 What Wine? Ice Wine................................................... 8 Island Breaks for Winter Sun..................................... 10 Take Part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie........... 14 Support EAAA this Christmas.................................... 17 Time for a Party!........................................................ 19 Clutter Free for Christmas.......................................... 23 Snuggle up................................................................ 24 The Season of Giving..... to Nature............................ 27

Partying in a Pandemic

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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 - Katherine Sorrell, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings EAAA, Tracey Anderson, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Wood Green and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography - Standrets 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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Interiors

By Katherine Sorrell

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Setting the Scene Style a festive table for delicious meals with family and friends Whether you eat turkey and all the trimmings at 2pm or prepare a nut roast in the evening, a lavish meal is often the centrepiece of Christmas Day – not to mention other get-togethers around the dining table before the day itself. What could be nicer than enjoying a festive meal with your family or closest friends – perhaps with seasonal music and scented candles in the background adding to those Christmassy vibes?

Carefully setting and dressing the dining table for a Christmas meal can be as much a part of the ritual of Christmas Day as putting the turkey in the oven or opening gifts. To prevent it being a time-consuming chore it is best to plan ahead, consider how you will achieve the look you want and what key ingredients are required.

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First, decide on an overall theme. It could be something very simple and natural, in muted, neutral colours. Or a more sparkly feel with white and silver, frosting and tinsel. A classic look is always a good option, employing red, gold and deep green, perhaps with a touch of tartan, while for a modern effect you might choose pretty pastels or even bolder neons. The key is to stick to the theme pretty tightly so it all looks unified rather than thrown together.

The basis of everything is, of course, the dining table. If yours is not up to scratch, this is the perfect occasion for a tablecloth, which will disguise all manner of ills, including scratches, stains and even separate tables butted together for extra space (just make sure they’re roughly the same heights). Crisp, plain white cotton or unbleached, slubby linen are

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both classics – the former with a smarter look, the latter having a laid-back, Nordic appeal. You might add a slightly more decorative effect with a lace, embroidered or scalloped trim, or opt for a full-on festive effect with an all-over Christmas pattern.

Instead of a tablecloth (or perhaps as well as) you might add a slim runner along the length of the table. While fabric versions come ready-made, you can also improvise your own by arranging a narrow row of suitable decorations along the table – such as a garland of evergreen branches interspersed with pine cones and sprigs of berries, battery-operated micro lights, tea lights in little saucers, lanterns with candles, or seasonal floral displays.

An alternative to a runner is an eye-catching centrepiece. A classic wreath with candles always looks great, as does a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers and foliage (think eucalyptus, berried holly, spruce, viburnum, mistletoe, roses, ivy, carnations and gypsophila), or containers with Christmas bulbs such as amaryllis, paperwhites and hyacinths. Other variations could include a grouping of lanterns or pillar candles, a pile of small, beautifully wrapped presents, a bowl full of vintage, coloured-glass baubles or a wooden Christmas ornament.

If you are able to hang something above the table (perhaps from a pendant light – though beware of weight, and anything flammable) it is sure to make a dramatic impression. Ideas include a selection of greenery entwined around a slim metal frame, a scattering of origami stars made from metallic paper, a mobile made from baubles on ribbons hung from a foraged wooden bough, or a simple swirl of twinkly fairy lights. Delightful.

Similar ingredients can also be used, if desired, to decorate the backs of chairs – especially useful to unify mismatching seating or if you want to make an extra statement. Wreaths, baubles, pine cones, even small wrapped gifts, can all be tied to or hung from the back of a wooden chair for a very pretty look.

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2 Place mats and napkins – chosen to co-ordinate with the overall style – are important elements and, if you like, napkins can be folded or rolled and prettified with all sorts of sweet additions, such as cinnamon sticks, candy canes, mini wrapped gifts, tiny baubles, small wooden stars, velvet ribbons or coloured twine. And then, as the final components, it’s time to add crockery, cutlery and glassware. Use your best set (or sets – layering co-ordinated crockery can be so attractive), arranged super-neatly, with all extravagance possible: bowls on top of side plates on top of dinner plates; cutlery for all the different courses; glasses for water, wine and fizz, placed just so. The result? A gorgeous, welcoming Christmas table that’s full of impact.

1 Jazz up a simple wooden table with chunky crockery, golden goblets and baubles in bowls. Grey wooden micro star, £17.99; midwinter garland, £34.99; 50 warm white LED green micro fairy lights, £12.99; set of three antique gold glass baubles, £19.99; TruGlow® LED pillar candle trio, £26.99; Lights4fun: 01423 816 040; lights4fun.co.uk. Photograph: Oliver Perrott 2 Christmas-themed, red-and-white crockery for a warm and inviting table. Red and white Fair Isle 12-piece dinner set, £20; White Christmas Wreath 12-piece dinner set, £20; both George Home at Asda: 0800 952 0101; direct.asda.com.

3 Glowing reds and golds with ornaments, gifts and baubles creates a dramatic table setting. Faux-fur stocking, £5; cable-knit throw, £15; fur-trim pillow, £10; stag ornament, £8; trio of frosted tree decorations, £8; all B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk.

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Food & Drink

What Wine?

IceWine

Canada, located in the northern part of North America, has English and French as two of the languages that are spoken, widely. Several other languages used include German, Spanish and Chinese. The history of Canada, plus cultures, religions, literature, music, the arts and sports bring countless visitors to Canada, year round.

Canadian wines have been produced for over two hundred years and are now recognised globally, with many receiving prestigious awards at competitions and events. I searched for wines ‘beyond the norm’ – to locate productions of Icewine.

Icewines are actually produced by a few countries. Canadian Icewines are high on the ‘leaderboard’ for quality and presentation, utilising fruits that have been frozen while still on the vine. The water content freezes, which allows for a more concentrated juice to develop. When the time is right for picking the fruit, the pickers have to be ‘ready for action’ at the optimum time. Canada is recognised as the largest Icewine producer, globally.

Lakeview Cellars is the oldest brand incorporated within the Diamond Estates family of beverages. Established during 1991, in Vineland, Lakeview Cellars continues to produce excellent wines. Splendid full-bodied red and full-flavoured white wines, from this company, are very popular and the wine productions accompany cuisine superbly, as well as being able to be enjoyed by themselves.

I found the luscious aged Icewines, produced by multi award-winning Lakeview Cellars, to be of exceptional quality and very impressive. White Vidal Icewine has the bouquet of sweet fruits and honey enticing to the grand mouthfeel. A wine that is great to pair with cuisine, wonderfully, including fruit desserts and also cheeses.

Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Franc Icewine is another truly fabulous production. This high-quality red Icewine is richly aromatic, with strawberry and cherry notes to please the nasal senses. The mouth’s pleasures follow on to enjoy the sensation, that include raspberries and red currants. When accompanying chocolate desserts and good cheeses, this makes them all perfect. Icewines increase in popularity every year and are a great ‘talking point’, always adding interest (and intrigue) to dining tables, plus occasions and events.

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc 1067 Niagara Stone Road Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario LOS 1JO Canada www.lakeviewwinecellars.com www.diamondestates.ca

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Travel

Mallorca

Island breaks for winter sun With summer well and truly behind us, many of us will already be missing the feeling of sun on our skin and sand between our toes. Sigh.

You don’t need to wait until summer to get your fix of sun, sea and sand though. While this time last year we were all stuck indoors watching Netflix and making banana bread, now that the world’s starting to open up again there are a handful of destinations across Europe that are welcoming British tourists with open arms.

And is there anywhere dreamier to escape to than an island? From the Mediterranean paradise of Greece’s sparkling shores to the sun-drenched Canaries off the west coast of Africa, here are some of the best islands to escape to this winter.

The Canary Islands, Spain If you’re searching for guaranteed winter sun close to home, the Canary Islands should be on your radar.

This cluster of islands off the coast of northern Africa are famous for their volcanic landscape and year-round sunshine. Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are the archipelago’s most popular islands, but the tiny isles of La Palma,

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La Gomera and El Hierro are also packed full of charm.

A favourite amongst British tourists, and for good reason, Lanzarote is so much more than a beach holiday. Although it doesn’t fall short on its selection of pristine, white and black-sand beaches, the island’s otherworldly landscape is signposted with walking and cycling trails to guide the more adventurous visitor. Head to Timanfaya National Park and feel the heat of the island’s most famous volcano, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the spectacular scenery: the choice is yours!

Just a few miles south of here lies Fuertenventura, the archipelago’s second largest island. Like Lanzarote, the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, and has some of the biggest and best beaches in the Canaries.

The Balearic Islands, Spain Made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, Spain’s Balearic Islands are synonymous with sun, sea and sand. In the winter months you can still expect averages of around 14-16°C and plenty of sunshine.

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Mallorca is by far the largest of the four, and also the most popular. With its postcard-worthy beaches washed by turquoise sea and strewn with hidden coves, it’s easy to see why! Although best known for its coastline, hordes of cyclists and hikers also flock here to conquer the island’s many mountains.

Its capital and historical heart, Palma, is definitely worth a visit; filled with markets, pretty churches and galleries, it’s also known for its up-and-coming drinking and dining scene.

Then there’s Ibiza. Although there’s more to this gorgeous island than first meets the eye, the party scene here is legendary, beckoning thousands of tourists each year.

Menorca sits on the other end of the spectrum.

Mallorca’s teeny neighbour, this distinctly rural island is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

Its endless beaches are some of the loveliest in the Mediterranean and the beautiful green countryside makes it perfect for cool afternoon strolls in the sunshine.

The Greek Islands, Greece A cocktail of history, sun-bleached beaches and aquamarine shores, Greece’s islands are nothing

short of paradise. From the gorgeous whitewashed houses of Santorini and historic remains in Corfu to the deep gorges, mountain peaks and turquoise lagoons of Crete, there’s a Greek Island for everyone.

Summer can be busy in Greece but you can expect a quieter vibe in the winter. Bars and restaurants will still be lively in the more popular islands, often with a more local scene, and you’ll have more personal space to explore safely and at your own pace.

With over 200 islands to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice of where to stay. Santorini is easily one of the most popular, thanks to its spectacular scenery and array of glamorous hotels. Zakynthos, or Zante for short, is hot on its heels. This is an island for beach lovers, home to one of the world’s most famous beaches – Smuggler’s Cove. Only accessible by boat, and surrounded by impossibly clear waters, its remoteness draws people in. Then there’s Crete with its tapestry of ancient treasures, vibrant cities, dreamy villages and splendid beaches. Oh, and did we mention the food? Crete also has some of the warmest temperatures during the winter months due to its southerly position.

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Local News

Take part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie Marie Curie is calling on flipping fabulous young fundraisers to step out this festive season and take part in a penguin parade for families affected by terminal illness.

The newly launched Penguin Parade will see young children go for a waddle of any distance at their nursery or primary school, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness.

The cute fundraiser is fronted by Penelope the Penguin, who will make an appearance in plush toy form at nurseries and schools taking part.

Peter Sara, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in the East of England said: “We’re so excited to be launching this brand-new fundraising event and hope our young supporters enjoy stretching their legs and going for a little waddle with Penelope.

“Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are bereaved, living with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one at the end of life. By taking part in the Penguin Parade, you can help us continue to be there for everyone who will need us now and in the future.

“Penelope hopes to join in on all the fun, but a little birdie tells us that stocks of Penelope the Penguin are limited, so pull your flipper out, and sign up now!”

The Penguin Parade is aimed at children aged 1-6 and the charity recommends taking part in small groups, such as nurseries or primary schools. Once signed up, participating nurseries and schools will get everything they need for the perfect Penguin Parade, including Penelope the Penguin a soft cuddly toy. Then all that’s left to do is raise as much as possible!

For more information on Penguin Parade and to sign up visit: mariecurie.org.uk/penguin-parade or contact your local Community Fundraiser, Peter Sara: peter.sara@mariecurie.org.uk or alternatively: 07887 625 449.

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At Oakleigh Residential Home we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of care for our residents. Our home is set out in large gardens with easy access, 24 bright and comfortable, single-occupancy rooms and in-house cooks who create appetising and varied menu’s.

01480 890248 stonnell.oakleigh@outlook.com 22 North Road, Alconbury Weston, Huntingdon, PE28 4JR.

We provide 24 hour care and can accommodate clients who require dementia care.

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05/12/2016 11:03

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Local News

Support EAAA this Christmas East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has launched the Gift of Life campaign to help its crews be there for someone in their darkest hour this Christmas. To date, the charity has treated over 20,000 patients and needs support from the public to keep flying and keep saving lives. Like their emergency services colleagues, the EAAA teams will be working around the clock over the festive period to provide critical care pre-hospital, 24 hours day.

At the heart of the Gift of Life campaign is fifty-oneyear-old Mark Drury who needed the advanced care of the air ambulance team last year when he suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. Mark had no prior health concerns or warning signs, but at about 1:30am that night his wife, Melanie, sensed

him stirring unusually in his sleep. She turned on the bedside light to see Mark’s ears and lips turning blue.

His heart had stopped and he was in cardiac arrest.

Melanie called 999 and pulled Mark off the bed – using strength she didn’t know she had – to start CPR on their bedroom floor.

An ambulance quickly arrived and were able to restart Mark’s heart with a shock from a defibrillator, but he became extremely agitated. The ambulance team requested support from EAAA as Mark was in a difficult and combative state, needing enhanced care in order to transport him safely to hospital and prevent another cardiac arrest.

EAAA provide life-saving critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and need to raise 15 million a year to deliver and develop the service.

Ways to support EAAA this Christmas • Order your EAAA Christmas cards by 10 December • Send a message for the crew to read on Christmas Day • Buy a virtual gift, such as a blizzard blanket, to help keep EAAA’s patients warm • Light up your house in aid of EAAA • Donate to the Gift of Life campaign • Join the EAAA weekly lottery A donation of £42 to the Gift of Life campaign could help to buy a breathing mask used to treat Mark during his cardiac arrest and help EAAA to save more lives. For more info go to www.eaaa.org.uk/giftoflife

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House of Colour

Time for a Party!

I am writing this in the confirmed hope that we will be partying in December. Time for the gladrags to finally come out of their wardrobe and into the spotlight, the dancefloor, etc.

If you’ve already been looking in the shops for evening wear you will have noticed that there is not much in the shops, the odd sparkly jumper and not much more. Understandably there has been hesitation on the part of retailers to commit to bringing out a lot and indeed online options are selling fast. So, if you are keen on something don’t hesitate as it won’t be there for long. The trends are highlighting a number of options which have been around and to some degree are perennials in the evening wear department so perhaps time to dig out what might be lurking in the absolute depths of your wardrobe.

Velvet - It suits everyone! The co-ord, suit option is featuring strongly this season in lots of jewel colours with something for all the seasons. I love this option as it has real flexibility, each piece can be worn separately. The blazer will look great more casually with jeans while the trousers can be worn daytime with any number of tops including knitwear chiming in with hi-low styling (adding the smarter element to something more casual in an outfit). Velvet wide leg trousers are a great addition if you need more volume in your style and are incredibly easy to wear from casual to more formal evening looks.

Sequins - Evening wear is bold this season and nothing says bold more than a few million sequins. A mainstay for evening but this season it can be found on flares in a variety of colours in addition to the camisole, and statement sleeve tops and dresses. For a more casual look add a white or cream shirt over a sequin camisole.

Jewellery - A statement piece of jewellery can instantly add the evening glamour to an outfit. If it suits your clothing personality go big – crystals in all their forms are being liberally added to jewellery in all its forms. Adding a new piece of jewellery can be a relatively inexpensive way of updating your look. You might be a fan of the layered necklace look which is set to continue. For evening you’ll be adding as many glittery smaller pieces as you fancy.

I think it works best if there are differing lengths to ensure each piece can be seen. It’s a great option for those who need a smaller scale look.

Shoe buckles - So many elegant evening shoes feature a beautiful buckle this season. You don’t

necessarily need to buy a new pair of shoes but add a buckle to an existing pair of court shoes. Look on etsy for lots of options.

Relaxed styling For the ultimate in easy styling a feather hemmed pyjama style silk cropped trouser is a really fun option. Paired with a rib knit and jewelled heels for easy glamour. Check out Kitri.

I spent a few months in Paris as a student and a friend and I used to marvel at the style and glamour of the Parisian women. When analysing this closely we noticed that they didn’t restrict in any way the number of accessories they put on. No British restraint there. It became our mantra, ‘when in doubt, put it all on’. I think we need it this season, if it sparkles, shines and dazzles put it on!

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-astylist

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Clutter-free for Christmas

Time of Year

By Tracey Anderson

Look around your house. Would you be able to invite people in without a second thought? Or would unexpected festive visitors send you into a panic?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by clutter but follow these simple ‘no extra mess steps and you’ll soon be ready to open the front door with a smile.

Grab a bin bag. Go quickly through the house from room to room and put in anything that is obviously just rubbish: empty packets, wrappers, junk mail etc.

Once you’ve done it, go through again and see whether you’ve missed anything. The chances are that going through the first time has opened your eyes to other things which can just be thrown away.

Now do any washing-up or load the dishwasher. Clearing the kitchen surfaces makes a huge difference.

Grab another bag. Go through the house again and this time look for items of clothing that need to be washed. Pop them in the bag and take them to the washing baskets.

Take couple of empty and go through yet again, this time looking for items that are easy charity shop donations - things you won’t need or use again so don’t want to waste time finding a home for, but which are too good to throw away. These might be old toys and games, CDs, DVDs, books, extra pots and pans etc.

By now things will be looking much tidier. At this point grab another box and go through one last time and look for things that are obviously out of place but which you know have a home. Put them in the box and rehome them as you go round the house.

Then do the washing and drying, and fold and put away the items Hopefully by now you should feel more in control of your surroundings and will be able to see a way forward Obviously if your clutter is such a big problem that you are still overwhelmed speak to your doctor about seeking professional help. https://helpforhoarders.co.uk/

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Home Products By Katherine Sorrell

Snuggle up Perfect for those special small gifts.

Faux-fur stockings, £25 each, John Lewis.

Pull on your PJs and make a mug of hot chocolate: it’s time to get cosy. And for that extra-inviting touch, just add a few irresistible items made from sumptuous fake fur.

To appreciate the tactile quality of fake fur, the bedroom is a great place to start. Faux-fur throw, £20; fur-trim cushions, £8; bedding set, from £20; all B&M. The gorgeously shaggy pile of these faux-fur Mongolian cushions will add texture, trend and a pop of colour to your room.

Mongolian faux-fur cushions, £14 each, Julian Charles.

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Using faux fur in your home

Who needs glass baubles when you can add fluffy ones? Faux-fur hanging bauble, £2, Habitat.

Lift your interior with a brightly coloured, snuggly cushion. Burnt orange faux-fur cushion cover, £26, Audenza.

Sink into a sumptuous faux sheepskin bean bag and you’ll never want to get up again. icon® Yeanling faux-sheepskin bean bag, £99.99, BeanBagBazaar.

A graphic pattern makes this cushion as eye-catching as it is tactile. Madison faux-fur cushion in rust, £10, B&M. Boasting a luxe-glam style straight out of old-school Hollywood, these pieces are handmade in the UK. Oyster Bay accent chair, £695; Oyster Bay fabric bench; £495; both Furniture Village.

Affordable and ethical, this fauxsheepskin rug will also be cosy on your toes. Faux-fur rug, £34.99, Homesense.

STOCKISTS Audenza: audenza.com Bean Bag Bazaar: 01670 330 499; beanbagbazaar.co.uk Habitat : 0345 640 2020 ; habitat.co.uk John Lewis: 03456 100 336; johnlewis.com

• Faux fur adds a sense of luxury and opulence without concerns about animal cruelty. Add it to any space that is lacking in texture for an instant feeling of cosiness and richness.

• Fake fur in interiors can take various forms, from small rugs to inviting throws, cushion covers to bean bags – and even entire stools or chairs. A little tends to go a long way, however.

Just a couple of furry accents is probably the ideal number, though at Christmas you may want to go a little more over the top and add in some fluffy baubles, stockings or even a furry tree ‘skirt’.

• If realism is an important consideration, look for longer hair and a variety of tones within the fur. Natural shades are, obviously, the ones to choose, bearing in mind that creams and ivories look more lifelike than bright white. Faux furs also come in a wide range of interesting artificial colours and, in winter, brighter, jewellike tones can add welcome notes of warmth.

• To make sure your faux-fur rugs, cushions, throws and other items last as long as possible, always follow the instructions on the care label. Usually, you’ll be able to put them in the machine on a cold, low-spin, delicates cycle, with mild detergent, then press excess water out and air dry to ensure they remain the right shape. You can detangle and tease the pile back into fluffy softness, either before or after washing, by using a wide-tooth comb or brush.

B & M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Furniture Village : 0800 804 8879 ; furniturevillage.co.uk Homesense: 01923 473561; homesense.com Julian Charles: 0330 053 7501; juliancharles.co.uk

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Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

The season of giving… to nature The gift that keeps on giving There’s no better time to start giving to nature on a permanent basis. Most of us could improve our habits, so that we give more than we take.

Within around two years, new developments in England will be expected to demonstrate that their projects will increase biodiversity by at least ten per cent. Known as Biodiversity Net Gain, this is a big change from what happens at the moment. The new Environment Bill will make it necessary for developers to use ecological features and environmental enhancements to protect and improve existing natural habitat and green infrastructure.

Anyone with a garden can start right away, as we should all be nurturing nature so that biodiversity can triumph. You need to select plants with ample benefits for insects, allow wood piles and untidy areas to become part of the border, and use vertical fences and walls for further planting.

Best plants for wildlife Most gardens have room for a tree, if only a small one. Trees and shrubs can support a remarkable number of living things, so if you only have time to plant just one thing in your garden, make it a tree, a shrub or something that provides positive benefits for small creatures. If you have a little more time, a mixed hedge is just about the best you can offer wildlife.

• Betula: there are 521 species of invertebrates that are known to feed on birch trees and more than 100 of these are exclusive to that particular type of tree.

• Sorbus, the rowan tree: provides food for at least 160 species of insect and, of course, birds and small mammals love the berries.

• Malus, the native crab apple: provides homes for at

least 90 insect species. Many different insects visit the spring blossom, then birds and other creatures eat the fruits. Even ornamental varieties of this delightful tree provide rich biodiversity benefits.

• Amelanchier, the June berry or serviceberry tree: has something to offer wildlife during several seasons. Early spring flowers for pollinators make this small tree look like a white cloud. It also provides multiple nesting opportunities for birds and juicy berries during the late summer.

• Conifers: really are worth having! Some have earned negative press over the years but this doesn’t detract from their value to wildlife. There’s probably no better tree for providing nesting sites and protection for a wide range of creatures.

• Flowering shrubs and perennials: choose single flowers over double, every time. They have an open shape that allows access for the pollinators and nectar-drinkers. Look for yellow stamens within a flower; these will support insects.

• Purple and blue flowers are best for bees! buddleia, catmint, lavender, pulmonaria, penstemon, allium and purple-flowering hardy geraniums can all be seen clearly. Ensure there is something flowering from early spring through to autumn and winter.

• Butterflies love hebes, sedum (Hylotelephium varieties), Verbena bonariensis, Origanum, Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’, buddleia, scabious and many wild flowers such as knapweed.

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Pets

Sprouts, Stockings and Tinsel

How to Have a Pet Friendly Christmas We all love Christmas! But, whilst we’re busy getting wrapped up in the festive fun, we may forget to think about the effect Christmas can have on our pets and other animals too.

This month we are sharing popular gift ideas, along with tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm during the holiday season.

Gifts For Dogs If you find yourself in a pet shop during the month of December, the chances are you will be greeted with a vast array of festive fun and edible treats. From flashing snowballs to squeaky sprouts. The range of dog toys at Christmas is tree-mendous.

Why not treat your dog to some new toys this Christmas? Do a quick audit before you leave for the shops to see what needs mending, washing or throwing away. Coats and jumpers for dogs are a great investment and definitely something they will appreciate on their Christmas Day walk.

Designs range from Christmas trees to fur lined tartan ones. Edible treats are popular all year round, but at Christmas the selection is incredible. Dog friendly advent calendars, rawhide reindeers, stockings and specially formulated mince pies.

Gifts For Cats Cats can sometimes be hard to buy for. However, if you spend some time in your local pet shop, you will discover the variety is actually much more abundant than originally thought. Why not a festive collar, new bedding or a scratching post? Toys with a Christmassy theme will sneak into most cat owners homes this year, along with a selection of treats.

Alternative Gifts If your furry friend has plenty of toys, jumpers and festive bedding, then perhaps a less traditional gift is what you need this year. Why not treat your dog to a spa treatment for Christmas this year, or pamper them at home with a massage. Specially formulated bath oils can be purchased and added to their bath water if your dog has a dry coat or dry skin. Indoor floor to ceiling cat trees have made an appearance on this years wish list, along with portable pet teepees that provide your small pet with the personal space to either sleep or hide in.

Pet Friendly Christmas Christmas can be stressful for pets. The change in routine, visitors, loud music and decorations can all cause distress. Planning ahead can help reduce stress for pets and ensure they have a happy home at Christmas too. Try to find somewhere in your home that your pets can escape to if they need some time out. Lastly, don’t forget there are some foods that dogs mustn’t be given because they are either toxic or very unhealthy for them – chocolate, dried fruit, gravy, stuffing, pigs in blankets and some nut varieties.

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, contact; 0300 1234 999.

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Motoring

The car industry’s most

eco-friendly advancements Climate change is a hot topic in the car industry, but it’s not just the powertrain that’s the focus.

Manufacturers have been working to make the whole car-building process more eco-friendly.

Here, we take a look at some of the ways cars are getting greener.

Mini Strip The Mini Strip is a one-off concept car that prioritises sustainability above all else.

Features include an unpainted body with just a film to protect it from corrosion, recycled Perspex for the panoramic roof, all but the necessary interior trim removed, and cork used throughout.

Despite remaining a concept, the British firm says it can be used as a “catalyst for more sustainable use of resources in automotive design”.

Synthetic fuel Alternatives to electric vehicles are being considered, with a less talked-about option being synthetic fuels or e-Fuels.

Essentially no different from the petrol and diesel that comes from crude oil, they are instead produced from carbon dioxide and hydrogen using renewable energy.

Porsche and Siemens are two big companies working together on this technology. Although it is currently more efficient to use that renewable energy to charge an electric vehicle, e-Fuels are a sustainable way to fuel the millions of existing petrol and diesel vehicles.

Volvo’s wool interiors Volvo has been one of the manufacturers most committed to electrifying its line-up, but it’s also focused on sustainability elsewhere, offering a unique wool upholstery. It’s a blend that’s 30 per cent wool and 70 per cent recycled polyester,

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available at no extra cost on some vehicles.

Seaqual Yarn Last year, Fiat became the first manufacturer to use Seaqual yarn for its seat upholstery, with the Cupra Born’s bucket seats also using the material.

Seaqual is an initiative based in Italy focussed on fighting plastic pollution in the ocean. Its ‘Yarn’ product is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, with about 10 per cent coming from upcycled marine litter.

Eco-friendly production Most major car manufacturers have announced plans to electrify their range and set targets for carbon neutral production at their factories. This is being achieved in various ways, such as powering factories with renewable energy.

Toyota uses water-based paints on cars, removes pollutants before they are released through smokestacks, cleans wastewater on-site before it is released, and grows forests inside its factory sites.

Last year, the Japanese company announced plans to build a “prototype city of the future” at the base of Mount Fuji. It will be fully connected and powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Bentley of the future Bentley is a luxury car firm, with a mission to make sure it builds more sustainable cars. In 2019 it revealed the EXP 100 GT concept car, an autonomous electric vehicle.

Everything about its construction had sustainability in mind. For example, some of the furnishings used a dyeing process that strives to achieve zero discharge of chemicals into the environment, while others come from a material called Vegea, which uses the by-products of winemaking. It also uses wood from naturally felled trees.

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Merry Christmas

and a

Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers.

From the team at The Villager x

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Time of Year

Partying in a Pandemic!

I love to throw a party. Every year I’d host a festive bash for our friends. Then last year COVID happened. This year I’ve been looking forwards to throwing my party again but actually the virus is still rife in the community. The kids and staff at my son’s senior school are dropping like flies, and I realised that it simply wouldn’t be sensible to gather 15-20 people I care about in a confined space.

I felt a bit deflated until one of my friends asked, ‘Are you going to do your outdoor thing again? It was so much fun last year.’

I was a little taken aback, then I realised that I’d been so focussed on getting back to ‘normal’ I’d completely forgotten that amid all the darkness last year we’d actually had some great times, and one of them was my Christmas Party in the Yard. Back in 2020 when I’d realised we couldn’t host our friends in the usual way I decided to get creative. “I need to think outside the box,” I’d said to my husband…” In fact, I need to think ‘outside.’” He looked horrified, “You can’t host a Christmas party outside in the UK in December!” he said.

Well, I couldn’t host a conventional party sure, but they were unconventional times. I canvassed my friends, and they were on board. We decided that we would meet up in the afternoon to go for a lovely walk, then come back and hang out on my friend’s allotment because we’d already be dressed for the weather and allotment gatherings of more than three households were actually allowed!

I decided if we were going to do it, it would have to be full on magical. So, we hung outdoor fairy lights

all-round the plot for a Winter Wonderland feel. We begged and borrowed outdoor lanterns and placed candles in jars on the table. We made garlands of pinecones, spruce clippings, eucalyptus, and ivy. My husband had the brilliant idea of tying star anise and cinnamon sticks to the garlands to make a really Christmassy smell, and he dragged out the summer gazebo We fired up BBQs, Patio heaters and a firepit and put all the garden chairs in the warmest area. And we made festive sausages with apple sauce and cranberry sauce instead of ketchup. There were mince pies and popcorn and we even roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallows.

For drinks we made spiced apple cider, hot chocolate with chocolate liqueur and squirty cream and mulled wine.

And there were blankets, rugs, and fleecy throws. We played music on an old battery operated CD player and laughed and talked until late.

My mistake was to think of this as a poor substitute for my usual Christmas party. My friends on the other hand thought of it as something quite lovely in its own right and were keen for a repeat in 2021, only hopefully in my garden this time, with easy access to posher plumbing when nature calls!

So, this year, we’re not risking an indoor party again yet, we’re going to repeat the outdoor get together, and it will be exactly what we make it, a wonderful celebration of friendship and joy, exactly as Christmas should be.

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ONLINE FISH DELIVERY

Fresh Grimsby Fish delivered to your door www.kevgudefishsales.co.uk Email: kevgudefishsales@gmail.com Huntingdon, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, St.Neots, Hilton, Longstanton and surrounding areas.

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Seasonal Recipe

Fed up with the usual turkey recipes? Try these delicious turkey burgers topped with cranberry sauce and a Brussels sprout coleslaw.

Turkey Burger with Cranberry Sauce

and Brussels Sprout Coleslaw Burgers 250g turkey breast mince ½ red onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, grated 1 egg, beaten 1 small apple peeled and coarsely grated 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper Olive oil (to cook) Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw 125g Brussels sprouts, trimmed ½ red onion 1 carrot, peeled 50g Greek yoghurt 30g mayonnaise 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp lemon juice Salt and pepper ¼ tsp ground cumin Handful of chives, chopped Handful of parsley, chopped

Rolls, lettuce and cranberry sauce, to serve

Serves 2

1. Place the mince in a bowl with the remaining ingredients for the burger and mix well. Shape the mixture into two burgers about 3cm thick.

Chill for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas mark 5. Place the burgers on a lined baking tray and brush the tops lightly with the olive oil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through cooking, until cooked through.

3. To make the coleslaw, grate the Brussels sprouts, onion and carrot in a food processor. Place in a bowl.

Mix together the yoghurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cumin. Pour the yoghurt mixture over the vegetables and coat thoroughly. Stir in the herbs.

4. Serve the burgers in buns with lettuce, a spoonful of cranberry sauce and the coleslaw.

Nutrition per burger with coleslaw: 340kcal, fat 14g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 15g (of which sugars 13g), protein 36g, fibre 3.8g

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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.

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FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED Tel: 07502 253276 Web: www.meltonheating.co.uk Email: info.meltonheating@gmail.com meltonplumbingandheating

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER 1, 8 & 15 DECEMBER St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members. Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time.

Tel: 01480 212298 for enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk

UNTIL 4 DECEMBER Bring It On The Musical 2.30pm and 7.30pm New Theatre, Peterborough Tickets from £18 Amber Davies and Louis Smith are ready to BRING IT ON as the smashhit Broadway Musical backflips into the UK. 2 DECEMBER-29 JANUARY Aladdin Cambridge Arts Theatre Suitable for ages 1-101!

Tel: 01223 503333 Web: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 3 DECEMBER St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm. Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘Hereward of the Fens’ by Mark Steinhardt, story teller. The surviving text of our most important regional story is interesting because of the way it moves back and forth between verifiable history and legend. But Hereward valued above all the hope of surviving in legend, so does it matter which bits are true?

Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 3-5 DECEMBER Christmas Tree Festival St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Grand opening Friday evening.

Seasonal refreshments available throughout. www.kymchurch.org.uk 4 DECEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Timothy Walker, retired Head of Oxford Botanic Gardens and wellknown speaker. Visitors welcome Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

5 DECEMBER Warden Abbey Vineyard Christmas Wine Sale 11am-4pm. The Garden Suite, Shuttleworth House, Old Warden Free entry. Local food and crafts.

Tel: 07981 113714 Web: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk

10 DECEMBER Kimbolton Community Cinema 7pm. Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, concessions £4 The Man Who Invented Christmas (PG). Bar, ice cream and free popcorn.

Tickets from The Flower Shop, Bytes Café, Old Swan Pharmacy, or on door.

5 & 11 DECEMBER Winter Wreath Making Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge £18 per family. Cambridge Past, Present & Future event.

Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

10 & 11 DECEMBER A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) at the Leper Chapel 7.30pm. Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge Adults £14, Under 18s £10 Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Festive play as Dicken’s performed it himself. One man, one stage. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

7 DECEMBER Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, non-members £3 ‘The 12-Month Garden - Colour All Year Round’ with Geoff Hodge.

Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com for info 7, 14 & 21 DECEMBER St Neots & District Camera Club Via Zoom.

Regular talks and competitions.

Web: www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 8 DECEMBER The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Talk 7.30pm on Zoom. Free event Fascinating talk on the more unusual aspects of wildlife that we may sometimes overlook by Brian Eversham, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

Email: jp.doody@ntlworld.com 8, 12 & 17 DECEMBER Willow Wreath Making 10am-12 noon or 1-3pm The Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre, 2 Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights Wildlife Trust BCN members £10, non-members £15. Enjoy a guided walk around the Ramsey Heights nature reserve collecting natural materials to make your own festive wreath decoration. Booking essential.

Web: eventbrite.co.uk/e/willowwreath-making-tickets-177239065817

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11 DECEMBER Open Mic Poetry Event 2-4pm. All welcome Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Come along to enjoy a wide selection of poems. Share a poem or join the audience and listen to the poems.

11 DECEMBER Family Christmas Concert 4pm. Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Adults £15, Children/concessions £5 An enchanting children’s concert

by Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir who will bring to life the adventures of Paddington Bear as he leaves home, meets his new family and enjoys his first concert.

Tickets available on the door (cash only) or online. www.huntsphil.org.uk 21 DECEMBER Dementia Café 10am-12 noon. St Ives Free Church, St Ives. £2.50 per person For people with dementia and carers.

Tel: George Smerdon 07725 588145 Web: facebook/stivesdementia friendlycommunity u3a Bridge Group Guest Hall, Priory Centre, St. Neots.

Mondays & Thursdays.

2pm - 4.30pm. With a cup of tea/ coffee and biscuit thrown in.

All for £1.50. Interested?

Contact Jenny O’Dell 01480860339 Email jennyodell@mypostoffice.co.uk

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Local News

Wood Green: Here for every

little star this Christmas

For many homeless pets, kindness goes a long way in restoring their trust in humans. For Nora, a 10-yearold Terrier cross who was brought to Wood Green, The Animals Charity’s centre in Cambridgeshire after she was abandoned and tied to a farm gate, it was lifesaving. She was cold, wet, and in a very vulnerable condition. Worse still, Nora was almost completely blind, so the whole experience must have been terrifying.

Clarissa Luck, a Dog Carer at Wood Green, was one of the first to meet Nora. She recalls: “Her skin was infected, causing it to be painful and itchy. Her coat was matted all over, even on her paws, causing her discomfort with every step”. Nora had entered a state known as ‘emotional shut down’, where a dog’s needs have been neglected for so long that they won’t eat, walk or play.

Nora was a little star throughout her treatments Despite having a list of problems that ran from nose to tail, Nora was incredibly gentle while Wood Green worked tirelessly to bring her comfort and relief.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the charity was able to dedicate time, effort and resources to cut away the mats in Nora’s coat, clip her overgrown nails and give her regular medicated baths to soothe her itchy skin.

Experts at Wood Green attended to Nora’s infected ears, removed seven rotten teeth and treated her severely dry eyes. Unfortunately, the severe glaucoma that caused her to go blind was creating a build-up of pressure in her eyes, and the only way to

Nora before surgery

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ensure a pain-free future for Nora was to surgically remove both eyes. As she was already blind, this would at least prevent any further discomfort.

A whole new chapter was about to begin With daily checks, ongoing medication and a lot of patience and love, Nora quickly bounced back from her surgeries and was ready for rehoming. Despite her ordeal, Nora soon began to take pleasure in human company – and she always loved a fuss. While taking on a blind dog isn’t as hard as some people imagine, Nora had some special requirements for her retirement home.

Thankfully, patient owners Chris and Karen ticked all of Nora’s wish list and told Wood Green: “Nora has taken us on as her people. She doesn’t let anything that has happened in the past affect her and she really seems to enjoy life; her tail is always wagging and she even looks like she is smiling a lot of the time.”

Will you help more little stars like Nora to shine again?

Nora’s transformation is a wonderful turnaround and shows what the charity can achieve, thanks to the kindness of supporters. Gifts to Wood Green really do make such an impact so, if you can, please support the Little Stars Appeal this Christmas.

Your donation will enable the charity to continue caring for abandoned strays who need urgent care in the months ahead. To support Wood Green, and make a real difference to pets like Nora, please visit www.woodgreen.org.uk/littlestar

Nora after surgery

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our November Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mike Read, Meppershall

November’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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Win £100 in our The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Christmas Crossword

ACROSS 1 Harbour (4) 3 Precious stones (8) 9 Implement (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Coarse (5) 17 Pronoun (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Modify (5) 22 Design (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Musical instrument (4)

DOWN 1 Imagining (8) 2 Wash (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Sizes (12) 6 Créche (7) 7 Vomit (4)

8 Adequately (12) 12 Enumerate (5) 13 Pest (8) 15 Make ready (7) 19 All (5) 20 Imitation (4) 22 Vegetable (3)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, and send your entry to: Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Closing date: 16th December 2021 Name: Address: 42

Tel:

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Books

Books to Gift Books make great presents, especially when you can borrow them back in January…

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon James Norbury

Fans of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, and other illustrated books will love this new offering by James Norbury.

Each of the hand-drawn illustrations is accompanied by a short conversation between a panda and a dragon, offering words of wisdom we can all learn from. A book to treasure and to dip into time and time again.

Freckles Cecilia Ahern

Allegra has made a life for herself in Dublin, working as a traffic warden with a sideline as an artist’s model. She enjoys the routine and the rules, but she’s in Dublin for a reason and needs to pluck up the courage to see her mission through. A chance encounter with an angry driver makes Allegra re-evaluate her life and gives her a new purpose.

A light-hearted, humorous tale with some darker undertones, Freckles is sure to appeal to a range of readers.

The Exiles Christina Baker Kline

Buying for a fan of historical fiction? Exiles is a solid choice.

Several characters’ lives become entwined when pregnant Evangeline is sentenced to hard labour in Australia in 1840. On the ship, she meets teenage Hazel.

Meanwhile, Mathinna is faced with losing her family and indigenous community when the governor and his wife decide she needs ‘refining’. A rich, multilayered story with some shocking plot twists, The Exiles is the perfect book for curling up with on Boxing Day.

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By Kate Duggan

All In Billy Jean King

Former tennis pro Billy Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in what would become known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Since then, King has fought many more battles, from striving to be taken seriously as a female athlete to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights.

Her long-awaited autobiography also reveals the more personal challenges King has overcome, from an eating disorder to near-bankruptcy. A must for tennis fans and autobiography lovers.

Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad

If you’re buying for someone who loves poring over recipe books, you can’t go wrong with Ottolenghi. For his latest book, Ottolenghi has partnered with head chef Noor Murad. The result is a book packed with recipes to help home cooks to impress with less stress. The recipes are also adaptable, so the reader can bring their own twist to a dish or use up leftovers. Just make sure the person you’re buying for promises to make you the Upside-Down Lemon, Maple and Vanilla Pudding…

The Replacement Melanie Golding

A delicious thriller for a reader to sink their teeth into on a cold winter’s night, The Replacement centres on Ruby and her sister, Joanna. The book starts as Ruby claims a seemingly abandoned child as her own. Soon after, police detective Joanna is called to investigate the attempted murder of Ruby’s neighbour. Elements of folk lore and mythology are woven into the story, adding a unique twist to a familiar genre.

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Healeys Stoves Ltd QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED HETAS INSTALLER FULLY CERTIFIED AND INSURANCE APPROVED Excellence and Professionalism are first when it comes to installing your new wood burner.

With over 13 years experience, covering all areas in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire.

• Wood Burner Installations • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue systems • Prefabricated Chimneys • Fireplace Renovations and Restorations Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote to discuss your ideas.

Healeys Stoves Ltd www.healeysstovesltd.co.uk (M) 07596 996039 (T) 01480 510161

G.B.BUILDERS NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing

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