Alcon feb 18

VILLAGER The

Issue 71 - February 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win tickets to see

Phil Beer ‘String Theory’ Classic Films for

Valentine’s Day Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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Inside this issue...

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How to get a good night’s sleep Forgotten Foods...............................................................4 Wordsearch......................................................................6 Wine: Convenience Matters..............................................8 Beijing Temple of Heaven...............................................10 Win Tickets to see Phil Beer............................................12 What to do if your sight and hearing worsen.................14 Classic Films for Valentine’s............................................16 Fostering for Adoption Scheme......................................19 New Beginnings.............................................................20 Alice in Wonderland.......................................................21 Alternative Ways to Invest in Property............................22

How to get a Good Night’s Sleep....................................24 The Joy of a Greenhouse.................................................26 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..............................................29 Animal Heroes................................................................30 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................33 Gadgets your beloved will love......................................34 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 Fun Quiz.........................................................................41 Prize Crossword..............................................................42 Recruiting new Bellringers for 2018...............................44 Book Review..................................................................47

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The joy of a greenhouse

Get your business off to a flying start this year Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £37.50 +VAT per month 11,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Catworth, Covington, Dillington, Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, Ramsey, Riseley, Sawtry, Shelton, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean and Warboys (We also have over 150 distribution points, including pubs, garages, most shops, post offices, Supermarket Chains in all of the above as well as in Huntingdon, Lt Staughton, Grafham Water Visitor Centre’s and Kimbolton)

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Solange Hando, Sarah Davey, Sally Power, Tony Larkins, Alison Runham, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Nick Coffer and Kate Duggan Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 • nigel@villagermag.com Photography Subbotina Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

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.

Advert Booking and Artwork Deadline: Thursday 8th February for our MARCH edition

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History

Forgotten Foods In the era of supermarkets, ready meals and worldwide food imports, it is difficult to appreciate a time when people would not only have had to be thrifty with what they ate but creative too, cooking using the ingredients they had available. This month we look at some of the more unusual British dishes that were once common but have now disappeared from our everyday tables.

There is no doubt that although many of our staples have remained, the dishes we eat daily have changed drastically over the centuries.

Who would now enjoy a bowl of garum? Yet this fermented fish soup was a favourite of the Romans.

We tend to think of the medieval era as being typified by banquets overflowing with roast meat and washed down with endless tankards of mead.

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In fact, there were many cookery books kept at this time and dishes were often surprisingly complex, served with a great deal of visual wit.

Take for example the cockentryce. A capon, or castrated cockerel, was boiled, cut in half and sewn to the rump of a piglet. This was then stuffed and spit-roasted before being ‘gilded’ using egg yolk, saffron and (edible) gold leaf! The cockentryce was by no means unusual as rich and royal households loved nothing better than a chimera - combining the cooked meat of different animals and presenting the whole complete with head, tail and feet! Possibly the closest we get to this kind of combination today is our three-bird roast sometimes enjoyed at Christmas.

In those days, if you were offered custarde, you couldn’t assume it was the stuff we regularly pour over our apple pie. Custarde was a type of 15th century quiche made with eggs, veal and prunes. Medieval foodies loved nothing better than to combine fruit with their meat dishes.

For example, fish sausage made from a mixture of fish, currants, cloves, mace and salt, all squeezed into the traditional sausage skin of an animal intestine, was another favourite.

Puddings were equally creative, and some had wonderfully poetic names like ‘a dish of snow’ which was a concoction of whipped egg whites and apple purée. A Tudor recipe from The Proper Newe Booke of Cookerye describes how to make ‘Egges in Moneshyne’ (eggs in moonlight) by poaching them in a syrup of rose water and sugar to resemble moons.

Some of the dishes that were routinely served would probably not be considered very palatable today.

For example, in the 1700s, cows’ udder was a norm, either roasted or boiled with spices and served cold in slices coated with sugar or ‘white bread crum’. In his famous diary, it

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is mentioned as being much enjoyed by Samuel Pepys.

No native animal was spared in the days before intensive farming limited our regular choice to poultry, lamb, beef or pork. You would not go into a supermarket today and scour the meat counter for a cut of snake, but this was also a popular dish in the sixteenth century. Published in 1736, Richard Bradley’s The Country Housewife and Lady’s Director in the Management of a House and the Delights and Profits of a Farm (a title which is a mouthful in itself ) contains a recipe for boiled vipers which it states should have their heads cut off while still alive, the body cut into chunks and boiled along with their hearts.

In rural areas, both badger and hedgehog were eaten. Considered a delicacy, Bradley’s cookery book has instructions on how to prepare cooked badger by cutting off its ‘gammons’ (hind legs), stripping them and then soaking them in brine for a week to ten days, after which they should be boiled for four or five hours and finally roasted.

The hedgehog was a Romany favourite and would have been widely eaten in mid-Bedfordshire where there was once a thriving Romany gypsy population. The hedgehog would be caught, packed in clay and baked on the open fire. Once

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the clay had hardened it was broken away, which took the skin and spines with it, to uncover a meat said to look and taste like roast pork (hence the ‘hog’ perhaps).

Beestings (or beastings) pudding was another rural dish that was certainly eaten in this area and one that, post pasteurisation, most people will never have heard of. A milk pudding, it was made at home from the rich colostrum of a cow that had recently given birth.

The Victorians were adept at using every part of a slaughtered animal for food, from the brains to the hooves. Calves’ ears would be shaved, boiled and fried; offal made into various patés; and calves’ feet boiled to extract the natural gelatine, which was then used to make jelly and preserve foods in aspic. Bone marrow would not be wasted either and bones were stewed to make broth and gravy.

We could probably learn a lot from the Victorians in managing our food wastage today. And although there are undoubtedly still many people who have a passion for creative cooking, perhaps generations of future centuries will look back on our love of Super Noodles and tinned baked beans with both horror and amusement.

By Catherine Rose

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Food and Drink

Wine:

Convenience Matters Convenience stores have to be - well, convenient. Spar has several thousand, spread over 40+ countries and was founded during 1932. Communities matter to Spar and, when planning these stores, considerations include location, opening times and stock, etc. Spar not only provides essential daily needs, such as food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, as I found out, but numerous items, required frequently, have a place in the stores, along with offers and other services, also. Whether an electrical socket extension lead, dog food or anti-bacterial cat litter, to plugs and devices for modern technology are required, Spar has stocks of many, many readily available supplies. The stores and Spar’s own-brand ranges have gained a good number of awards and constantly continue to do so.

I searched for easy-drinking, fresh, smooth and elegant wines, of very good quality and value.

Licensed Spar stores have something for all tastes and palates, having long-term, award-winning suppliers of wines. The single grape variety, ‘Letter Press’-labelled wines, I found to be excellent and very able to accompany numerous dishes of cuisine or to be enjoyed on their own, pleasing the wine lover that prefers a particular style and /or grape variety.

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are always very popular. These pair with fish dishes, seafoods and white meats, wonderfully. Pinot Grigio is often chosen and is really great and satisfying.

Tempranillo is a regular favourite and Pinot Noir, plus Merlot are other red wines, often selected. These are impressive accompaniments to red meats, etc.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Shiraz add fabulous, further choices, of reds. Medium and full-bodied, and selected on many occasions, these wines will not disappoint. Garnacha is a powerful red and has numerous connoisseurs and wine lovers choosing this, a lot. All have excellent fruit bouquets, plus splendid mouthfeels and palate sensations. If sparkling wines are a favourite, then Spar’s champagne and prosecco choices will most definitely satisfy, adding an extra ‘something’ to a dining occasion or event.

These are just some of the wines available within the Spar ranges. I found it most worthwhile checking out my local Spar shop. You could be surprised, too.

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Beijing Temple of Heaven All glistening blue and gold, the magnificent Temple of Heaven rises, almost defiantly, in modern Beijing, no longer a place of worship but still recalling the religious faith of the great emperors. It was built in the early 15th century by Emperor Yongle, at the same time as the Forbidden City but much larger to befit a celestial abode. Come the winter solstice, the Emperor, or ‘Son of Heaven’, would venture out of his secluded palace and make his way to the temple in a most splendid procession no commoner was allowed to watch. There he prayed for guidance and good harvests, worshipping Heaven in an ancient tradition which continued to blossom for many more centuries. The complex was extended and protected by inner and outer walls.

Step through one of the gates marking the compass points and in the cool oasis of ‘Tiantan’, you are greeted by Chinese gardens, pine woods and over 90 buildings sprinkled like magic among white marble steps and balustrades. Yet nothing here is left to chance as symbolism flows everywhere, from the use of numbers - 9 representing the Emperor, to the choice of shapes - circular for heaven, square for the earth, or colours - yellow for the Emperor, blue for the sky.

The three main groups are on a north-south axis, starting at the very top with the Temple of Prayer for Good Harvests.

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Topped by a triple-eaved umbrella roof, this is a lovely circular structure, made of wood without nails. It was destroyed by lightning in 1889 but rebuilt in the original Ming style. According to Feng Shui experts, it stands on the spot where Heaven meets Earth. Just east of the hall, the Seven Stars recall the Taishan peaks, also dedicated to Heaven worship.

From this norther point, a Sacred Way leads to the second group, the Imperial Vault of Heaven where imperial ancestors were invoked during the winter solstice. The surrounding Echo Wall carried prayers from end to end and even today the slightest whisper will travel around and amaze visitors.

To the south, you reach the awesome Circular Mound Altar, a five-metre high marble structure which makes full use of the imperial number, with 81 (9x9) stones on the 9th ring. Balustrades were designed to amplify the sound from the upper terrace, while in the centre the ‘Heart of Heaven’ is a round slate where animals were offered in sacrifice.

After the ceremony, the Emperor would retire to the Palace of Abstinence and fast to complete his mediation between Heaven and Earth.

His life depended on it. Only bountiful harvests would ensure continued respect from the Court and common people.

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COMPETITION Win 2 tickets

to see Phil Beer ‘String Theory’ 2018 Tour The Junction in Cambridge on Thursday 15th February

PHIL BEER COMPETITION ENTRY Name:



2018 looks set to be a different, yet very special year for Phil as he announces his solo tour ‘String Theory’ in February and March. The tour will feature material old and new, and showcase his exceptional skill on all-things-stringed. With the return of ‘Folkboat’ this summer, there are limited chances to catch Phil in 2018, so grab your tickets while you can!

When a musician’s CV drops names like Mike Oldfield, the Rolling Stones and Steve Harley, you know you’re dealing with a man at the top of his game. Phil Beer is one-half of the multi-award-winning acoustic folk and roots powerhouse Show of Hands, and he’s also in demand in his own right as a captivating solo performer.

So, what does a man as talented as Phil Beer do when he’s not selling out the Royal Albert Hall with Show of Hands? He embarks on an eagerly awaited solo tour, visiting a string of carefully selected venues throughout the UK. He’ll be delivering his unique recipe of rich vocals and flawless musicianship across a range of stringed instruments (slide, Spanish and tenor guitar, mandocello, viola, mandolin and South American Cuatro).

Alongside some Show of Hands classics, Phil will deliver his signature interpretation of much-loved folk and rock songs alongside a wealth of brand-new material, and there’ll be the odd laugh thrown in for good measure.

Phil says, “2017 was such a busy year with the Albert Hall show, festivals and band tours. This year I’m looking forward to something a bit different. There’s something about a solo tour which makes me feel really connected with the audience. I’m also planning the release of a very special 8-disc boxset and am looking forward to sharing new material from that.”

Following the tour, Phil will be focusing on ‘Folkboat’: a project which brilliantly combines his two greatest passions – music and sailing. Then in September he’ll return to the stage as Show of Hands prepare for a busy autumn.

“A Phil Beer gig is one spent in the company of a true craftsman, a master musician and consummate performer” Spiral Earth.

Simply send your entry by 12th February 2018 to: Phil Beer Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Winner will be drawn ramdomly.

Address: Tel: 12

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they can’t wait to come back!

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t: 01480 504007 e: info@nulookroof.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Health

What to do if you notice your sight and hearing are getting worse

Thousands of people in the UK are living with combined sight and hearing loss. But how can you tell whether you or someone you know has sight and hearing loss and what you should do about it.

Christine Hardy, Advocacy, Rights and Awareness Manager at Deafblind UK said: “Early signs of sight and hearing loss are not always as obvious as you think. Sometimes people may leave post unopened or become more hesitant to go out and about.

You may also notice they adopt an unusual head position or even have burnt fingers from misuse of the oven or hot water.

“It is vitally important to have regular eye tests to check for changes in your sight. These will also detect any eye conditions such as macular degeneration or glaucoma before you notice symptoms yourself. If you are over 60, eye tests are free on the NHS and there are services that can do an NHS sight tests in your own home.

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“Someone whose hearing is deteriorating may have difficulty following conversations or become uncomfortable in noisy situations like restaurants and shopping centres.

They may struggle to hear women and children and think that other people are mumbling.

“If you notice a drop in hearing, visit your GP who may refer you to an audiologist. If you need a hearing test, this will happen in a sound-proofed room where you will be asked to respond to different sounds. From this test the audiologist will determine whether hearing aids will be appropriate.”

If you recognise any of these signs in people you know, there are lots of small things you can do to make a big difference to their lives; from adjusting room lighting to using 3D stickers around the house.

For more details visit www.deafblind.org.uk or contact Deafblind UK on 01733 358100 or info@deafblind.org.uk.

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Fiddle Daemons Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass

Contact: Jackie@fiddledaemons.com 01767682693 or 07814970635 Professional repairs, restorations and set ups Quality instruments for sale and hire to suit all ages and experience Part exchanges possible and instruments purchased Free valuations

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Classic Films for Valentine’s You could go out for an expensive meal, or buy a bunch of overpriced red roses…or you could curl up with a glass of wine in front of a classic romantic film. There’s something for everyone, whether coupled-up or happily single.

Annie Hall – This was probably the father of all romantic comedies. Alvy (Allen) is a cynical pessimist while Annie (Diane Keaton) is a ditsy, clumsy talented singer and photographer. If you’ve never seen it, don’t expect a neat ending (this is Woody Allen) but it showcases love in all its messy absurdness, and is sharp, funny and never cheesy.

Ghost – This was 1990’s second highest grossing movie (Home Alone came out top). Patrick Swayze plays Sam, murdered in the opening scenes. His spirit tries to warn his grieving lover (Demi Moore) that her life too is in danger. To do this he enlists the help of a reluctant psychic played by Whoopie Goldberg. The result is by turns tender, funny, and bittersweet. You will never hear Unchained Melody again without shedding a tear.

Pretty Woman – This is rather cheesy but has survived the test of time (mostly). It’s a Cinderella story really as Vivian (played by Julie Roberts), a prostitute with a heart of gold, is hired by a businessman (Richard Gere) as an escort and turns his life upside down.

As Good as It Gets – No cheese here, just dry wit

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and snarky humour, delivered perfectly by Jack Nicholson playing Melvin Udall, a misanthropic author with OCD who falls for Carol (Helen Hunt), a waitress who can’t stand him. It’s a story of redemption.

Moonstruck – If you like your romances complex then this is the film for you. Italian-American widow Loretta (played by Cher) accepts a marriage proposal from her doltish boyfriend, Johnny, but then finds herself falling for his younger brother, Ronny (Nick Cage). She resists, but Ronny blames his brother for the accident in which he lost his hand and has no scruples about pursuing her in Johnny’s absence. As Loretta falls further in love she learns that she’s not the only one in her family with a secret romance. Cher is a surprisingly good actor and the chemistry between the leads is great.

The Wedding Singer – This engaging film is actually a parody of all things eighties. But the leads play their roles sincerely and that’s what makes this work. Robbie (Adam Sandler sporting a fabulous mullet) is a singer, while Julia (Drew Barrymore) is a waitress. They are both in relationships with the wrong people but fortune intervenes to help them discover each other. This is pure romantic cheese, but it’s top quality cheese so serve with only the best crackers.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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Extensions & newbuilds Design & Planning Approvals Building Regulations Project Management Professional service Fully insured as featured in Channel 4’s The Best Laid Plans

www.rgharchitects.co.uk Tel 01462 790808

RGH Architects QP.indd 1

09/01/2018 15:32

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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Local News

Local family supported Fostering for Adoption scheme and have never looked back

Sarah and Neil felt Fostering for Adoption was right for them despite the uncertainties they faced. “We were aware the baby might be returned to their birth family and we knew we would be sad if this happened. But right from the start we felt really positive about Fostering for Adoption because we feel it is the right thing for the babies and children involved, as they do not have to move often.

Paul was 36 hours old when we collected him from hospital. At this stage, we were his foster carers and attended regular contact visits with his birth parents. I would think to myself, ‘They’re his parents. I’m helping with the baby while they’re sorting themselves out’.

We are pleased that we had the chance to meet his birth parents and see how much they loved him. As he grows up we can give her a much clearer picture of them because we met them ourselves.

Paul is now six months old and we couldn’t be happier that he is a permanent member of our family.”

There was one moment, when Paul wasn’t sleeping and we were lying on the bed and I was pretending to sleep to try and get him off. He reached out and touched my face. And I thought, “Who are you kidding, you love this baby so much”.

In some cases children are placed with families who can foster them while the court decides whether they can be returned to their birth families or whether they should be adopted. If they cannot return home they will then stay with their foster to adopt family which means that they will benefit from continuity of care.

To find out more visit www.coramcambridgeshireadoption.org.uk or call us on 0300 123 1093.

We are looking forward to hearing from you.

A chance to play again “Since adopting Amy and Jason our home has become a much more exciting place. There’s been a farm in the kitchen, a fairy castle in the living room and pirate ships have captured the bathroom! I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

We find forever families for children who need permanent, loving homes. If you think you’ve got what it takes to adopt a child or siblings, we’d love to hear from you…

Visit www.coramcambridgeshireadoption.org.uk or call 0300 123 1093 today.

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Finance

Alternative Ways to Invest In Property Although property remains a popular long-term investment, lending restrictions make it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Furthermore, the introduction of a buy-tolet stamp duty surcharge, and reduction of mortgage interest tax relief, have made buy-to-let less lucrative.

So are there any other options that could be suitable if you’re interested in property investing?

Here are a few alternatives that might appeal, but as with any other form of investment, it’s crucial to carry out plenty of research.

Property crowdfunding involves investing in property itself, as opposed to peer-to-peer lending where you invest in the mortgages provided to buy-to-let landlords and property developers. So how do these systems work?

Property equity crowdfunding Each property is held within its own limited company - you purchase a share of the company and own a small part of the property along with fellow investors. After registering on a property crowdfunding website, you can search for properties of interest and then make the investment online.

• You receive a return on your investment via rental payments and also, potentially, capital gains.

• You can spread your investment across a number of different properties.

• Fees include a fundraising/finder’s fee, along with property management fees.

• A share of the profits is also deducted by the crowdfunding platform at the end of each investment term.

Peer-to-peer lending Rather than investing in the property itself, you and other investors provide the money for loans and mortgages that buy-to-let landlords and property developers use.

• Return on investment comes from interest paid on the loan.

• Platforms provide details of any payment defaults by borrowers, so you can make a more

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informed decision on whether to lend.

• Investments may be made over a shorter term than property crowdfunding, which is important if you don’t want to tie up your money for too long.

Direct commercial property funds You can invest in commercial property via unit trusts or open-ended investment companies (OEICs), but you should seek professional advice on the best investments for your particular circumstances.

Your money is combined with that of other investors and fund managers decide on the best investments. These could be solely in the UK or internationally, depending on the property fund you’ve chosen, and may be in retail, office or industrial property.

• You’ll pay a fee for the fund to be managed.

• Capital gains tax and tax on dividends received will need to be taken into account.

• You may be able to hold a property fund within a stocks and shares ISA. • You can either pay a monthly amount or a oneoff investment sum.

The concept of small investments spread over a diverse property or loan portfolio runs through these options, but what if you do want to purchase an entire property rather than use these ‘hands-off’ alternatives?

Furnished holiday lets Buying a property as a furnished holiday let avoids some of the drawbacks of buy-to-let investment.

It offers specific tax advantages and can bring a higher overall return than buy-to-let.

Holiday let mortgage providers generally require a deposit of 25%-40%. The amount they’ll lend depends on the existing rental income, or the income as estimated by an experienced local holiday letting agent.

Furnished holiday lets haven’t been affected by the clampdown on tax relief faced by buy-to-let investors. Although they require more work in terms of regular marketing, they’ve become a popular way to earn money from property.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

EBAY COLLECTIONS

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Local & Reliable

23

Health Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk

How to get a

Good Night’s Sleep You may view a poor night’s sleep as just an inconvenience. But research has shown that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can contribute to serious health problems, including: • Weight gain and obesity.

• Weakened immunity.

• Increased risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease, heart attack and stroke (over 45s who sleep less than six hours a night are 200% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke).

• Reduced fertility and libido.

• Reduced memory, concentration and reaction times.

• Increased risk of depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic episodes.

This means it’s vital that we all get enough good quality sleep, which for most of us means at least seven hours. However, it’s not always that easy.

The Enemies of Sleep • Burning the candle at both ends, trying to fit in work, domestic or family duties and that

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TV programme we don’t want to miss.

Sleep disorders: night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep paralysis, teeth grinding, restless limb syndrome and sleep apnoea.

• Needing the toilet.

• Pain e.g. from arthritis.

• An uncomfortable or unsuitable bed, mattress or pillow.

• Hormonal changes: temperature control and production of melatonin (a ‘body clock’ hormone) are affected by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, and pain or heavy bleeding can disrupt sleep too.

• Stress or depression.

• Snoring.

• Too much blue light.

• Smoking and alcohol.

• GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) or LPR (laryngopharyngeal or ‘silent’ reflux, in which stomach acid damages the airways rather than, or as well as, the oesophagus, causing asthma-like symptoms).

•

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Ten Tips to Help You Sleep: 1. Stop snoring.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help to prevent snoring. You can try sleeping on your side, nasal strips, sprays or mandibular adjustment devices, but if these don’t work, consult your doctor. Not all snoring is harmless; you may be spending part of each night receiving a reduced oxygen supply, which can have serious health consequences.

2. Don’t go to bed hungry - but don’t eat late.

Try to leave at least two hours between your last meal or snack and your bedtime.

If you feel hungry in the evenings, choose something light and easily digestible.

Milk can make you feel full and contains tryptophan, which can help sleep - but it’s absorbed poorly (eating a carbohydrate-rich snack at the same time may help).

3. Stop smoking and eliminate or reduce evening alcohol and caffeine.

Both nicotine and alcohol can affect the quality and length of our sleep and caffeine is a stimulant. All three can also contribute to GORD and LPR, two of our ‘sleep enemies’.

4. Look after your body and your body clock.

Our bodies are designed for, and need, exercise and daylight during the day and a more relaxed, dim environment in the evening. The hormones that regulate our body clock are responsive to these conditions. Try to make your environment as peaceful as possible during the evening.

5. Avoid blue light within two hours of bedtime.

Blue light, more than any other type, interferes with production of the sleepinducing hormone melatonin. That means no TV, no tablets, no computers and no Smartphones. While blue light filters on these devices help, most reduce the blue light rather than eliminate it entirely.

6. Declutter your brain.

Try talking your worries through regularly with a sympathetic friend or family member, or write them down before bed - if you can write a possible positive action beside your worries, even better. If your mind is full of todo lists, write them down too; knowing you don’t have to try to hold those ‘must-dos’ in your head should help you relax.

7. Have a night-time routine.

When bed time is just an hour or two away, choose relaxing activities like reading (titles that get your adrenaline pumping are best avoided). Try having a warm (not hot) bath and/or a massage, using relaxing aromatherapy oils.

8. Make your bedroom a haven.

Try to avoid using your bedroom as a work space or dumping ground; being surrounded by work to be done or clutter to be cleared isn’t relaxing. Ensure your bedroom is well ventilated and not too hot or cold and keep the lighting low, using lamps and a blackout blind or lined curtains. Earplugs are useful if you have noisy housemates or neighbours.

Try to invest in a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows. Adjustable beds can help if a fully horizontal sleeping position isn’t right for you, and orthopaedic pillows or memory foam pillows will ensure your head and neck are well supported.

9. Try not to worry about it.

Lying there worrying about not sleeping isn’t helpful. If it’s just not happening, try to do something relaxing, such as reading a magazine or doing a jigsaw, until you feel sleepy.

10. Finally, see your doctor.

If hormonal problems, night time toilet trips, mental health issues, GORD, LPR or pain are the problem, or these tips don’t work, visit your GP. They may be able to find an underlying cause you’re unaware of, and can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to help.

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25

Garden View

The Joy of a

Greenhouse

By Rachael Leverton I am an impatient gardener. By February I am always eager to get started and my greenhouse means that I can do just that.

A greenhouse means that I don’t fear the weather, I can potter in my garden all year round and I can grow a range of plants that would not survive without protection. Most gardens have room for at least a tiny greenhouse and its well worth trying to incorporate one into your space.

Before choosing a greenhouse, check whether your local planning authority places any restrictions in terms of size or position. Usually there are no problems.

Ideally a greenhouse should be placed in a bright spot because poor light and heavy shade will mean sickly spindly plants. Buy as big a greenhouse as you can accommodate because I guarantee that no matter how big it seems at first you will fill it.

You can make a greenhouse from poles and polythene but it won’t last more than a couple of years and won’t be pretty to look at. Fully glazed aluminium greenhouses are good value, and if you like wood then go for western red cedar, which ages well and lasts a long time. It’s important to have level foundations You don’t have to heat a greenhouse but I like

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to because it lets me get an early start in spring, and keeps my tender pot plants alive through the winter. When I had an unheated greenhouse my frost-tender plants rarely survived.

I prefer electric heating, which doesn’t smell and doesn’t produce the excessive amounts of water vapour associated with paraffin. Make sure you use a qualified electrician and that all the sockets are rated for outdoor use. Fit a thermostat and the heat will only come on when necessary, making it very economical.

At the other end of the year make sure you have ventilation, or your plants will cook. If you can afford it go for the automatic arms which open ventilators if the greenhouse reaches a certain temperature. Also consider blinds to help prevent sun-scorch.

I arrange my greenhouse with staging on one side and a soil bed on the other for my tomatoes to grow in, and I’ve attached some guttering and a downpipe to a water butt so I can collect rainwater. It’s my little haven in February; where I plant seeds and imagine what my garden will look like in a three months’ time.

Happy Gardening

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27

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Local News

Rehoming Appeal This month’s rescue animal looking for their forever home is Annie

Annie has come into us as her owner is in hospital long term and can no longer care for her.

She is 5 years old and a very friendly girl who loves to be fussed and she is very playful. She is a very bright and lively cat and is longing for a new home where she can get lots of attention.

Annie will make a lovely family pet and companion.

If you would like to find out more about Annie, please contact Liz on 01767 681157.

Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook : www.facebook.com/ratscharity

GILKS FENCING LTD

All Types of Fencing, Gates & Railings, SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Call for a FREE Survey & Quotation Visit our Display Area at:

Gilks Fencing

Drove Road, Gamlingay, Sandy, Beds SG19 2HX Tel:

01767 650 615

Email:

gilksfencing@hotmail.com

www.gilksfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

29

Pets

Animal Heroes

New Year, New You?

Last year, across the country, 129,602 animals were rescued and collected by the RSPCA. The cost of doing this was primarily provided by people like you. Our work relies on an army of wonderful volunteers and supporters. So, if you’re looking for a new focus in 2018, why not get involved?

There are many ways you can help, but here are a few simple fundraising ideas to get you started: My Big Walkies – could you walk 10,000 steps a day for a whole month? Join us in October and you can even get your dog involved! You can walk at your own pace, in your own time, and we’ll help you with your fundraising.

Run – apply for one of our charity places to run high profile events like the Brighton, Yorkshire or London Marathons – or you can register to run for us at your own pace at a run of your choice!

Great Big Picnic – why not host an RSPCA Great Big Picnic and invite your friends and family round to enjoy the weather and have some fun?

Cake sale – the key to a great bake sale is to recruit your bakers early and ask them to bring variety to the table. You could even raise the stakes by selecting a winner at the end, Great British Bake Off style!

Give something up – we’ve all got that habit or thing that we “couldn’t live without”, so why not put it to the test? Instead of spending the money you normally would on chocolate, coffee or whatever your “thing” is – you could donate it instead – and get people to sponsor you. Or, give something away and donate to our charity shop in Bedford?

Raffle – simply charge a fee for tickets and the winners get a prize. You could use unwanted presents as raffle prizes or ask your friends and local businesses if they’re willing to give you prizes.

Auction – if you have a collection of interesting

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items that you’re willing to let go of, an auction could be perfect. However, if you couldn’t possibly part with your most treasured possessions you could hold a promise auction, where you can auction off your time or skills.

Charity game – organise a charity game of your sport of choice such as football, Minecraft or even a Monopoly tournament. Invite friends and family to take part and ask them for a donation per entry.

Quiz night – all you need is a suitable venue and then ask your guests to pay to play. Look online for example questions, or if you’re feeling creative you could write your own quiz.

Sponsored event – there are countless things that you could do and get sponsored. You could go down the extreme route and ask for sponsorship for things like skydiving. Or you could go down the slightly safer route – like a sponsored silence. The possibilities are endless!

Fundraising does wonders for rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming thousands of animals every year. By raising money for us, you’ll join animal lovers from across the nation, determined to stop animal cruelty and neglect. Together, our voice will be stronger and more powerful than ever.

This is your chance to feel great, get fit, have fun and be creative. Why not be an animal Hero this year?

More information, and fundraising packs, can be found on rspca.org.uk Call 01234 266965 or email donate@ rspcabedsnorth.org.uk with any enquiries.

ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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III SHIRES PEST CONTROL Call Matthew 07836 754014 / 01480 811330 Control of Wasps, Ants, Bees, Fleas, Bedbugs, Moths, Carpet Beetles, Cockroaches, Rats, Mice, Squirrels and Birds Suppliers of UV Fly Killers CRB Checked and Fully Insured Prompt and Discreet Professional Service Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural

E: enquiries@3shirespestcontrol.co.uk W: 3shirespestcontrol.co.uk

Business gone a bit slow?

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Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

31

NEW FOR 2018

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Providing great espresso coffee to people at their place of work, and available for Weekend Events, residents of St Neots and surrounding areas can now experience great tasting coffee as the world’s largest mobile coffee company, Cafe2U, has launched with Charlie Fox and his Red Cafe2U Van. “I provide the highest quality espresso coffee, hot chocolate, premium teas and snacks to people in locations where they might not normally be able to get them. Customers know my routes and when I will be stopping by, so they can get at least one great cup of coffee each day.”

Charlie is also available for Event Bookings at weekends. The Cafe2U offer is a popular addition to any type of outdoor function – sporting, trade days, fairs and many other events where a premium style coffee offer will add to the enjoyment of customers.

You can contact Charlie if you want him to visit your place of work during his Cafe2U round or to discuss an Event Booking at stneots@uk.cafe2u.biz or via telephone on 07549 516 274 Further information can also be found at www.cafe2u.co.uk, 0113 2320118.

32Café2U HP advert.indd

1

12/01/2018 15:25 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Beef Gulasz

Three Counties Radio

with Cracked Barley Groats, Sour Cream and Dill We are lucky in the Three Counties to have a wonderful variety of food available and I love featuring different cuisines on the Weekend Kitchen. Back in 2010, I welcomed Ren Behan from St Albans on to the show. She had given up a career as a lawyer and was looking to build a new career as a food stylist and writer. I strongly encouraged her to write a book on Polish food and, 7 years later, she fulfilled her dream and her book was published. Ren is passionate about her Polish roots and is keen to show that Polish food is imaginative, vibrant and delicious. This gorgeous and simple recipe comes from her book, Wild Honey and Rye, and is a perfect winter warmer.

1. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron pan, add the onions and cook for 10 minutes on a low heat until golden and soft. Add the celery and carrots and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, coat the beef in the flour, season well with salt and pepper. Add a drop more oil to the pan with the onions, turn up the heat and brown the meat all over. Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato puree, stir and then pour in the beef stock, add the bay leaf and stir again.

3. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 1 ½- 2 hours over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Or, transfer to a slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours.

4. Cook the barley or buckwheat according to the instructions on the packet. Serve the barley with the beef gulasz, drizzle over the sour cream and garnish with fresh dill.

Ingredients 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 onions, peeled, chopped 1 stick celery, washed, chopped 2 carrots, peeled, chopped 2 tbsp plain flour 500g beef braising steak or feather steak, cubed Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 250g mixed or chestnut mushrooms 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, de-seeded and chopped 2 tbsp tomato puree 500ml beef stock, made up 1 bay leaf To serve: 200g crushed barley groats/pearl barley or buckwheat cooked according to the packed instructions (Kasza Jęczmienna).

Fresh dill and Sour cream

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

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33

Technology

Gadgets your beloved will love

How to choose gifts that’ll last much longer than flowers.

It’s that time of year again: mountains of chocolate and teddy bears in every shop, toobusy restaurants churning out tenuously-themed Valentines meals, awful romantic comedies at the cinema, supermarkets full of really horrible cards and garages licking their lips in anticipation of panicking guys who forgot to place an Interflora order. Why not show your love for your partner by giving them the gift of gadgets instead?

Let’s start with the basics: pinkified, prettified versions of ordinary things such as MP3 players or power tools are a no-no unless your partner genuinely loves pink products, and you should steer well clear of anything that could be misinterpreted no matter how clever it may be. Leave the fitness watch (subtext: you’re fat!), the Wi-Fi scales (you’re fat!) and the cordless vacuum cleaner (I don’t think of you in a sexy way any more!) for another day.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get something practical. Quite the opposite: a thoughtful, well chosen present is much better than something useless with a love heart and

a teddy bear on it. Think noise cancelling headphones for their travels (£159 for a set of BOSE QuietComfort 2, or £59.95 for in-ear ones that won’t give them headphone hair; other manufacturers such as Sony can be even cheaper) or a nicer case for their laptop. Barbour does a particularly luxurious leather one for £249, but there are plenty of options in all kinds of fabrics ranging from the fashionable to the fully functional. Watch out for fake leather, though: “bonded leather” is synthetic leather, aka pleather.

If you’re struggling for ideas it’s always worth looking at their existing gadgets to see if they’re worth upgrading or replacing.

An old Kindle is a great device, but the newest versions have much sharper screens and much better backlighting. The midrange Paperwhite is currently £109.99, rising to £229 for the top-end Oasis, but Amazon discounts Kindles regularly so it pays to plan ahead and try to nab an early bargain. Just be careful if you’re browsing eBay or other sites for used devices: older Paperwhite models don’t have the same hi-res screen as the 2017 model, so read the specifications carefully. If

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the gadget itself is still current then accessories can be worth considering: for example NotOnTheHighStreet does some lovely leather Kindle cases for around £23, and iPad cases from as little as £13 to £360 for a personalised leather case that comes with power bank, travel adaptor and a Moleskin notebook. If you think that’s expensive, the RRP is even higher: £450. Once again there’s a huge range of products from various manufacturers at all kinds of prices.

Of course, there’s another kind of gadget for the one you love: what used to be described euphemistically as “marital aids”.

The Amazon of that market is Britain’s LoveHoney.co.uk, which takes a cheerful and down-toearth approach to a potentially embarrassing subject and provides straightforward advice and reviews from real people.

We’re no prudes but we’d offer some well-intentioned advice: don’t order anything if you’re not sure your partner would appreciate the sentiment let alone the product, and maybe leave the most expensive and faintly frightening products for when you’re window shopping together.

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

Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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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37

n O s ’ t Wha In February

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

2 February The Big Sick (15) 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Community Cinema.

Tickets available from Oliver’s, The Swan Pharmacy, Kimbolton Courtyard Kitchen, Bytes Café, and on the door if available. Movie & Meal tickets available from Courtyard Kitchens and Bytes Café.

Tel: 01480 860297 Email: kimbolton.cinema@gmail.com Web: e-voice.org.uk/themandevillehallkimbolton/ community-cinema

5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 & 27 February St Neots Badminton Club 8-10pm One Leisure, St Neots Play badminton to a good standard and interested in joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays.

Email: Committee@stneotsbadminton.org Web: www.stneotsbadminton.org

5, 12, 19 & 26 February Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club 1.30pm Afternoon Bingo 6.30pm Whist Drive 2 February Godmanchester Town Hall St Neots Local History Society £1 for Whist drive inc. tea & biscuits 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School If you are over 55, you’ll find a warm welcome at the Annual General Meeting followed by ‘The Poppy Trail Senior Citizens Club. The club has a lively atmosphere of St Neots’ by Sue Jarrett. and a wide range of activities. Members also meet on a Saturday morning for games, chat, tea and 3 February biscuits for 50p. Non-members are welcome to visit.

Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 or 07515 881209 Free Church Hall, St Ives Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola. 5, 12, 19 & 26 February Comrades Chess Club 3 February 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Basket Weaving at Wandlebury 10am-4pm Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except £45 per adult or accompanied child aged 14+, Bank Holidays. Seeking new members – novice or CambridgePPF Members £40, Parking £3 per vehicle experienced. Ozzie: 01480 414623 CambridgePPF members free Email: ozzie.day5@gmail.com Experiment using willow to weave a simple basket as you learn the basic techniques, guided 5, 12, 19 & 26 February by an experienced basket weaver. Beginners and Scottish Country Dancing improvers welcome. Tools, tea, coffee and biscuits 8-10pm Judith’s Field, Godmanchester will be provided, but bring a packed lunch. Meet at Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe on 01480 453774 the Stable Rooms. Wear warm clothes. Places are Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com limited so book early. Bookings must be made and paid in full 48 hours prior to the event. Wandlebury 6 February-6 March Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the ‘St Neots Now and Then’ Photographic Exhibition Addenbrooke’s roundabout. CB22 3AE. Parking is Tues-Sat 11am-4pm available on site. Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 St Neots Museum, The Old Court, Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org 8 New Street, St Neots Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on Locals free, Adults £3, Seniors £2, Children £1 An exhibition showcasing photographs from our 3 February historic collection of local images and highlighting St Neots Timebank Coffee Morning the changes that have taken place in the last 100 11am-1.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall years. To tie-in with this exhibition we will be Handicrafts sale. Web: stneotstimebank.org.uk launching a new service providing 20 of the most attractive images of the area for sale.

3 February Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire 6, 13, 20 & 27 February Hardy Plant Society Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm 2pm Weatherley Centre, Roxton Parish Hall Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday Andrew Humphries, a well-known head gardener, evening. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 talks about ‘Creating Beautiful Gardens from Scratch’. Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk Plants for sale. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 7 February 4, 11, 18 & 25 February Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club Coffee Kingfisher Church Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noon 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Godmanchester Town Hall Every Sunday - all welcome! Tel: 01480 476811 Annual membership fee is £10.

Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 or 07515 881209

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7 February Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 7 February Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2, Annual membership fee £7 Philip Waites, Head gardener from Wimpole Hall for over 30 years will talk about Wimpole Past, Present and Future. There is a busy and varied programme planned for 2018 with interesting speakers booked.

Tel: 01480 218805 or 01480 215201 7, 21 & 28 February Little Fishes 10am-11.20am Grafham Village Hall Stay and Play Tots Session during term-time. Babies welcome too. Just turn up. Sessions include free play and craft activities, bible story and sing along.

Tel: Jean Clark 01480 890033 for more information Email: robnjeanclark@tiscali.co.uk 7 February The Stukeley’s W.I. 2-5pm Great Stukeley Village Hall The Stukeley’s W.I. will be 100 years old on 7 February. Come and see our display and join in our celebrations. Tea and cupcakes will be served.

Tel: Jan on 01480 450197 for further info 7, 14, 21 & 28 February St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury C of E Primary School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury St Neots Choral Society is in its 46th season. New members are very welcome to join and there are no auditions to frighten you but an ability to read a little music is helpful! There is an annual subscription once you decide to join the Society.

Tel: 01480 212298 Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 11 February St Ives Antiques Fair – Special One-Day Only Fair 9am-4.30pm Burgess Hall (One Leisure Centre), Westwood Road, St Ives Adults £2, Concessions £1.50 Around 40 dealers offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces including ceramics, glass, silver, china, jewellery, small items of furniture, paperweights, postcards and other interesting treasures of yesteryear at prices.

Dealers welcome from 8am upon production of business card. Tel: 01480 896866 Email: parkhousepr@aol.com Web: www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk Facebook: www/facebook.com/stivesantiquesfair Twitter: www.twitter.com/StIvesAntiques

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n O s ’ t Wha In February

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

11 February St Neots & District Indoor Bowling Club Open Day 10am-2pm St Neots & District Indoor Bowling Club, River Road, Eaton Ford Tel: 01480 391868 12 February Perry WI 7.30pm The Baptist Church, Perry For all women aged 18+. Guests are very welcome, so come and “try before you buy”. The subject this month is “kilt-folding and tartan” with Pat Wallace.

13 February St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30-9pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Visitors £6. Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands-on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugarcraft. The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 14 February Wild Wednesday 10am-2pm Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £1 per person. Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts.

Meet at Discovery Den. This event takes place indoors and is suitable for all abilities. No need to book.

Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk 14 February Wildlife Trust 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton Entry £2.50, Accompanied children free A talk on “dormice” will be given by Ian White of the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species, and Gwen Hitchcock, who is responsible for dormouse monitoring for our Trust. Ian has been involved with the introduction of Dormice throughout the UK and he monitors both nationally and locally. He will reveal the secret lives of these enchanting animals and the progress that has been made with their re-introductions. Booking is not necessary.

Tel: Tim Fryer 01480 457795

15 February Phil Beer 8pm The Junction, Cambridge Tickets £17 Multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer is one-half of awardwinning powerhouse ‘Show of Hands’ and is equally as in demand for his solo shows.He sets out to share some of his most-loved songs at carefully selected venues across the UK. With the odd laugh thrown in for good measure, Beer’s flawless musicianship and rich vocals will leave you wide-eyed and wanting more. Web: www.junction.co.uk 16 February Make a bird box 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £6 All materials and tools provided. Meet at Discovery Den. This event takes place indoors and is suitable for all abilities. Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk 16 February Dunkirk Doors open 7.30pm, film starts 8pm Corn Exchange, St Ives Tickets £5 + booking fee Directed by Christopher Nolan.

UK/France/Netherlands/USA 2016 106mins. 12A “All the realism, action, fear, danger, noise, pain and bravery of one of the most important operations of WW2”. Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 17 February Adult Sailing Taster £25 Nene Outdoors, Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough A taster session introducing the basic concepts of sailing. Learn about personal preparation, balancing and turning the boat through the wind. Suitable for aged 16years +. This course may not be suitable for all abilities, please call to talk to our instructors.

Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk

17 February Birdwatching for Families 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm £2 Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough 15 February Come along to see how many different species of Happily Ever After 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm bird you can spot and how you can help them in Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £3 winter. Meet at the Visitor Centre. This event is on Join us for stories and activities based around Beatrix surfaced paths and suitable for all abilities including Potter’s tales of Mrs Tiggywinkle. This event is on wheelchair users and buggies. No need to book, this surfaced paths and suitable for all abilities including is a drop in event. wheelchair users and buggies. Booking essential.

Tel: 01733 234193 Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk 19 February 15 February St Neots Royal Naval Association 8pm Love’s Farm Women’s Institute The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots 8-10pm St Neots Football Club Third Monday of every month. For further details The Love’s Farm Ladies is Love’s Farm’s new WI group, contact the Secretary Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 meeting on the third Thursday of the month.

Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com Tel: Nikki Jackson 07563 715043 Email: lovesfarmladieswi@gmail.com

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21 February Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Talk by Stuart Orme on ‘A History of Crime & Punishment in Peterborough’. Non-members most welcome - £1 donation at the door appreciated.

Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 Email: secretary@huntsfhs.org.uk Website: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 21 February Ghost Walk 7.30pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Tickets £5 Discover the haunted buildings, ghostly secrets and spooky stories of St Neots on our ghost walk. Join our 90 minute walk through the town. Meet at the museum. Please book by email. Tickets available from the museum. www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk 23 February The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concert - Anna Tsybuleva 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke Park Road, Huntingdon Tickets £15, all 5 concerts £60, under 21s £5, groups of 20+ £10 each. We are privileged to host Anna, the 2015 winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition at the Performing Arts Centre. She is an exceptionally fine artist with the ability to make the instrument speak with her own very distinctive and compelling voice. Tel: Box Office 01480 375678 (Monday to Friday 9am-3pm) Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac 24 February The Illusion of Loneliness 10.30am-1pm Huntingdon Library, Princes St, Huntingdon £15 or £25 for both courses. Drolma Buddhist Centre Meditation and Mindfulness Courses. Discover how our perception of ourselves as separate from others is an illusion, for in truth we are all naturally and profoundly interconnected. Second course is on 24 March ‘Inner peace - one breath at a time’. Everyone welcome. www.meditateinpeterborough.org.uk 24 February Family Bushcraft Fun 11am-3.30pm Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge £30 per family/small group, Parking £3 per vehicle Have fun learning essential bushcraft skills: making shelters, starting fires, cooking on open fires and using camouflage. Booking essential. Children must remain accompanied. Dress accordingly and bring a packed lunch and a drink. Meet at Wandlebury Stable Rooms. Wandlebury Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout. CB22 3AE. Parking is available on site.

Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

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January’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs P Anderson from Biggleswade Made In Dagenham Helen Burr from Meppershall

Golf Competition Mr Christopher Glover from Flitwick Easy

Hard

Fun Quiz - Nicknames

1. On which TV show might you come across people nicknamed the Beast, the Governess, the Dark Destroyer, the Sinnerman and the Vixen?

2. Taken from the small red flower he would draw on his messages, what is the nickname of the literary character of Sir Percy Blakeney?

3. In January 2009, it was revealed that Prince Charles referred to an Asian member of his polo club by what nickname - a nickname that a number of people deemed to be racist?

4. Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 2006, which national football team are nicknamed the Soca Warriors?

5. Completed in 2003, the London skyscraper called 30 St Mary Axe is commonly known by what food-related nickname?

6. Which 1997 film has a two-word title that is a nickname for the US government agency called the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System?

7. Which snooker player is nicknamed 00-147?

8. Gripper, Gonch and Zammo were all nicknames of characters in which BBC TV series?

9. In which district of London would you find Aorangi Terrace, a grassed banked area that has been known by a number of different nicknames in recent years?

10. Which blues musician was born McKinley Morganfield in 1913, but took his stage name from a childhood nickname he got given due his habit of playing in a local creek?

1. The Chase 2. The Scarlet Pimpernel 3. Sooty 4. Trinidad and Tobago 5. The Gherkin 6. Con Air 7. Nigel Bond 8. Grange Hill 9. Wimbledon (it has been known by nicknames such as Henman Hill, Rusedski Ridge and Murray Mound) 10. Muddy Waters

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 7 Red fruit (6) 8 An agreement (6) 9 Water activity (4) 10 Pieces (8) 11 Non-attendance (7) 13 Slightly inebriated (5) 15 Quarrel (5) 17 Brine (7) 20 Holding tightly (8) 21 Pain (4) 22 Customer (6) 23 Soak up (6)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before



16th February 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Spider’s trap (6) 2 Tepid (4) 3 Neat (7) 4 Begin (5) 5 Determined (8) 6 Smells badly (6) 12 Supplied with (8) 14 Line drawing (7) 16 Infrequently (6) 18 Cling to (6) 19 Unclean (5) 21 Plus (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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45 Viking Way, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8EL To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

43

Local News

Huntingdonshire’s part in National Campaign

to recruit new Bellringers for 2018 Armistice Day ‘Ringing Remembers’

The sound of English style bellringing has been a special part of our heritage for over four centuries and now our local church bell towers need some more people to help us keep the tradition going for the future.

This is especially true in 2018 as this year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. 1,400 bellringers lost their lives during the First World War and, to honour their memory, a national campaign to recruit 1,400 new volunteers has started. Although none of the 1400 have been found to be directly linked to one of our local towers, just in the area within 5 miles of Huntingdon and Godmanchester we will need over 50 bellringers to be able to ring the bells in all the towers on Remembrance Sunday 11 November 2018. Many more are needed if we are to ring in the area covered by The Villager. Our current numbers are not sufficient to enable us to do this, we are looking for some volunteers to come and give it a go, see if they would like to become bellringers and help us commemorate the centenary of Armistice Day. There are lots of reasons to have a go. Perhaps you’d just like a new hobby in 2018, are looking to make new friends or join a bunch of friendly people (like you!) for regular practice of bellringing which can be described as a sport, an art, a mental challenge, a

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spiritual pursuit, a hobby, ‘giving something back to the community’ or all of them - you decide!

So what is bellringing?

It’s a team activity that uses a unique combination of skills, layered on each other.

• Control – likened to riding a bike, you feel what the bell is doing and guide it to do what you want.

• Timing – to within hundredths of a second achieved by rhythmic anticipation, as when playing a tennis or golf shot.

• Rhythm – a whole body relaxed rhythm in time with what you hear, like dancing giving a feeling of being at one with the bell • Mental – layered on the top once you ring with others and start using predetermined patterns to create different sounds knowing what your bell is needed to do next.

It’s a traditional skill which is used to commemorate ’highdays’ like weddings and holidays such as Christmas and New Year, as well as Sunday service ringing. Bells are also rung for notable secular annual days, church festivals, historic festivals and public events.

Who can learn?

It’s open to people from all walks of life and ranging in age from early teens to eighties or even occasionally nineties. You don’t need to be religious or musical but a minimum height of 4’ and 6 or 7 stone in weight as well as a willingness to climb stairs will help.

To find out more Please contact Jez Bottley (07702 959066/ jez. bottley@gmasil.com) or Frances Smith (07909 647070). If you have been in ringer in the past and need a reason to get back on the end of rope, please take this as a nudge that you are welcome too.

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Firewood

Hidden Gems

This month we’ve scoured the back catalogues for a few gems you might have missed.

Why Mummy Drinks

by Gill Sims

Gill Sims is the author of a hugely successful Facebook blog – Peter and Jane’s Mummy.

Why Mummy Drinks was released last autumn and quickly became a bestseller.

Written in diary format, it tells the story of Ellen, a 39 year old mum of two, who’s trying to balance work and children, while navigating playground politics, irritating in-laws and an exboyfriend. The ensuing drama is extremely funny and very relatable if you’re a parent who isn’t quite ready to hang up her dancing shoes.

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Use your local removal company

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The Mysterious Affair at Styles

by Agatha Christie

If last year’s hit film Murder on the Orient Express has tempted you to dip into the works of Agatha Christie, why not start with her very first novel? Published in 1920 and set during World War I, it introduces readers to the brilliant mind of Belgian refugee Hercule Poirot.

The murder of a woman has everyone pointing the finger at one man. It’s down to Poirot to find out the real culprit before it’s too late. While The Mysterious Affair at Styles is not considered Christie’s finest work, there are still plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.

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15/01/2018 15:44

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