VILLAGER The
Issue 83 - February 2019
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
In this issue The History of
Hysteria
My Gardening
Valentine Win £25
in our Prize Crossword
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The Old White Horse • 1 High Street • Biggleswade • SG18 0JE Tel: 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.uk e: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk 2
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Inside this issue... Win a Bottle of Bedfordshire Bubbly and Vineyard Tour
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The History of Hysteria.....................................................4 That’s the Spirit - Gin........................................................8 Sing into Spring with Phoenix........................................10 Win a Bottle of Bedfordshire Bubbly.................. 12 How to Effortlessly Wear Living Coral.............................14 How did you sleep?........................................................17 Go for a Wild Work Out...................................................18 Spring Clean Your Finances.............................................22 My Gardening Valentine.................................................24 Greensand Country Announces 2019 Festival.................27 World Spay Day..............................................................28
Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................31 Canoe Team Charity Fundraising....................................33 2019 Wildlife Photography Competition........................35 Fun Quiz.........................................................................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 Foam-Tastic Fun Run - EACH...........................................40 Wordsearch....................................................................41 Prize Crossword................................................ 42 Book Review..................................................................45
Greensand Country 2019 Festival
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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 - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Jenne Billings, Dr. Michelle O’Reilly, Ann Haldon, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Nick Coffer and Kate Duggan.
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Kimbolton School Canoe Team Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk
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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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History
The History of Hysteria
By Catherine Rose Everyone knows the modern day meaning of hysteria. The Oxford dictionary defines it as ‘exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people’. But did you know it was also an old-fashioned term for a female medical condition during the 19th century? The following article contains sensitive material!
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The term hysteria comes from the Ancient Greek word for womb. Physicians believed that many female ailments were caused by a ‘wandering uterus’ that moved around inside the body resulting in blockages that caused all kinds of physical diseases. During the second century, a Roman physician, surgeon and philosopher named Galen
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hypothesised that the disease of hysteria was caused by sexual deprivation so was most prevalent in nuns, virgins and widows. During the sexually repressed Victorian era, doctors’ diagnosis of hysteria in female patients became increasingly common. In 1859, a French physician, Dr Pierre Briquet claimed that a quarter of Victorian women suffered from what he called hysteron-neurasthenic disorders.
Physicians believed that many female ailments were caused by a ‘wandering uterus’ It was believed that women were of a more nervous disposition than men and could develop any number of psychological symptoms from the simple fact they possessed a womb. Hysteria would be diagnosed from a range of physical symptoms such as feeling faint, anxiety, insomnia, fluid retention, muscle spasms, breathlessness, loss of appetite, emotional instability and irritability. It was therefore easy for a woman to be misdiagnosed with hysteria when she really had a serious physical condition such as epilepsy. The cure was simple however. The patient was advised to have regular sexual intercourse. However, for unmarried women, this simply wasn’t possible, so doctors would carry out pelvic massage to induce what they termed ‘hysterical paroxysm’. This seems shocking to us today, despite the fact we are far more sexually liberated and educated than these Victorian women were, many of whom led such sheltered lives they didn’t even know what sexual intercourse involved until they married. Other treatments for hysteria could include bed rest, bland food, isolation and lack of any mental stimulation. In extreme cases a hysterectomy was performed, or the woman was sent to an asylum. Contrary to what you might expect, physicians considered pelvic massage to be no more than a medical duty. In fact, it was looked upon as a tiresome task that often took time and effort to achieve. As a result, to meet the growing need for the treatment of ‘hysterical’ women, the first vibrator was invented – not the modern sex toy, but a bona fide medical aid.
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Initially, treatment was hydrotherapy-based. Hydrotherapy had in fact been around since the 1700s at bath houses for general massage and wellbeing (much as in spas today), but it was now specifically redesigned for pelvic massage via a jet of water attached to a special chair. Then in 1870, a clockwork vibrator became available. Three years later, an electromechanical device was invented and is said to have been tried out at an asylum in France. Rather frighteningly, an American doctor, George Taylor, came up with a steam-powered vibrator called ‘The Manipulator’ in 1869 that was the size of a dining room table and needed coal regularly shovelled into it to make it work! By the beginning of the 20th century hand-held portable electrical vibrators such as ‘Dr Harry F Waite’s Tissue Oscillator’ were now available to the general public so that women suffering from hysteria could treat themselves in the privacy of their own home. The development of psychology and increased understanding of the human mind meant that the idea of hysteria was replaced by more accurate diagnoses of either physical or specific psychological conditions such as personality disorders, anxiety and neuroses. As for vibrators, they gradually came to be seen not as health aids but as devices for sexual gratification and were appearing in pornographic films as early as the 1930s, long after respectable doctors had disowned them as a form of medical treatment. The American Psychiatric Society dropped the term ‘hysteria’ in 1952 and today it is no longer recognised as a medical condition. However, there are still psychological definitions related to the term. Histrionic personality disorder for example is said to affect around two to three percent of the population. People with this disorder tend to be overemotional and exhibit attention-seeking behaviour, amongst other traits. Psychoanalysis now uses the terms ‘conversion’ or ‘somatization’ disorder for people who are suffering from symptoms that are rooted in the mind and have no apparent physical cause, whether patients are women or not. A film with an all-star cast including Sheridan Smith and Jonathon Pryce about the invention of the vibrator was released in 2011. It was called ‘Hysteria’.
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Food and Drink
That’s the Spirit
Gin
Gin’s basic flavour is from juniper berries and gin making can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Today, many gins are widely available. There are different styles of gins, plus flavoured and very aromatic gins, too. Gin cocktails continue to be hugely popular, with many ‘devotees’.
Warner Edwards are creators and distillers of hand-crafted, artisan gins. Their Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin is named because the original rhubarb crop, from which the current rhubarb crops are descended, was grown in the kitchen garden of Buckingham Palace, during Queen Victoria’s reign. The mouthfeel and palate enjoys the tangy sweetness. Also, prosecco makes a great mix with this gin. Other Warner Edwards hand-crafted gins include their splendid Harrington Dry. www.warneredwards.com The Cotswolds Distillery, established 2014, produces an excellent quality, hand-crafted, dry gin, which is unfiltered, so as to retain all the flavour of the botanical extracts and essential oils. This classic production is produced in small batches and is well-balanced, with an ‘inviting’ nose of citrus amongst the bouquet’s appeal. The mouthfeel and palate continue the enjoyment, which is clean and crisp. This exceptional gin is part of their range. www.cotswoldsdistillery.com Gordon’s is a very well-established company. Premium Pink Distilled Gin I found refreshing and aromatic. The inclusion of raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant ‘natural flavourings’, make for a superbly-balanced and often-selected gin production. Another impressive gin, inspired by Gordon’s original pink gin recipe of 1880. A company dedicated and committed to producing and supplying high-quality drinks. www.gordonsgin.com Chase Rhubarb & Bramley Apple is a single-estate production, from the Chase Distillery Company, Chase distils from the field to the bottle and has an excellent range of drinks. This gin is carefully crafted by distilling G B gin with freshly-pressed rhubarb and bramley apple juice, which comes directly from the farm. This impressive production is perfect anytime and great for spritz cocktails. www.chasedistillery.co.uk I located these gins at Waitrose, the food and retail division of John Lewis Partnership. Founded during 1904, Waitrose possesses a royal warrant to supply groceries and offers food and beverages of outstanding quality, many of which are multi award-winning. www.waitrose.com
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Local News
Sing into Spring with Phoenix!
Looking for something new to try? Do you love to sing in the car, or the shower? Or maybe you used to sing in a choir, and are looking for a new opportunity? Sing into Spring with Phoenix! Starting on 5th March, Phoenix Chorus are running a 4-week course in A Cappella singing. If you’re a fan of the Pitch Perfect movies or Pitch Battle and The Voice on TV, here’s your chance to try it. Indulge your love of music and singing Experience the unique 4-part a cappella harmony Make time for you at least one night a week for a month, to do something you really enjoy!
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We’re a Ladies A Cappella chorus based in Potton, Beds, but our members come from all over, most within a 25 mile radius. As long as you’re at least 16 we’d love you to join us in March so we can all learn a new song together and you can take part in a free ‘Friends and Family’ performance too. Have a look at our website https://phoenixladies. co.uk or call us on 07845 101799 for further information on how you can…… Sing into Spring! We’d love to meet you!
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WIN A BOTTLE OF
BEDFORDSHIRE BUBBLY and a Vineyard Tour for two at
Warden Abbey Vineyard Did you know Bedfordshire’s medieval vineyard is now an exciting community project? Nestled in the rolling Bedfordshire hills, this beautiful five acre field near Old Warden was first planted with vines in medieval times by monks at Warden Abbey - one of the oldest Cistercian settlements in England. Centuries later, the monks’ “Lyttel Vineyard” was re-planted and has produced award-winning wines ever since, with medals at regional, national and international level. Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity now lease the vineyard and run it as a “not for profit” community project, offering opportunities for learning, improving physical and mental wellbeing, and reducing isolation. All proceeds from wine sales go to keeping the project going. Today it’s an army of volunteers who turn out in sun, rain and even snow to tend the vines. They also promote the project, fund-raise, run tours and talks, a donate-a-vine scheme, school visits, as well as social and therapeutic horticulture, wildlife and heritage projects. Public and group tours are held on a number of dates each year (see website). Also, visitors to the annual Open Day on Sept 8th will be able to discover its history, tour the vineyard, taste wines and relax with local food and craft stalls, children’s activities and BBQ. Tel: 07981 113714 Email: info@wardenvineyard.org.uk Website: www.wardenvineyard.org.uk
Competition
(Entrants must be aged 18 or over)
To enter, answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Warden Abbey Vineyard Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th February 2019. Tour vouchers will be posted out to the winner, and the bottle of wine will be available for collection during their tour. Alternatively, the winner may arrange to collect the wine at another time. Please note the prize CANNOT be delivered.
WARDEN ABBEY VINEYARD COMPETITION ENTRY
Which well known Bedfordshire “Pilgrim” is the vineyard’s Nonconformist wine named after?
Name: Tel: Email: Address: 12
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House of Colour
How To Effortlessly Wear
Living Coral – The Colour of 2019 The Pantone Colour Institute has announced their colour of 2019 is the gorgeous Living Coral (16-1546) but can we all wear this warm and energising colour? Through their extensive research, The Pantone Institute chose Living Coral ‘partly as an antidote’ to the ‘cold and distant’ digital world and as ‘a shade of connection’. How to wear it…. 1. We associate coral with the fresh, warmth and sun-kissed coral seas of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines – but the gorgeous warm hue that is Living Coral will not work for all skin tones; particularly those that suit cool colours. Some of us have warm pigment in our skin which is yellow based, while others of us have cool pigment which is blue based. When you wear the right tones for your skin you will look brighter, fresher and younger but when a blue based cool skin undertone is wearing warm colours they appear sallow and slightly blurred. Equally when someone with a warm yellow based skin undertone wears cool colours they will appear washed out, older and tired. Coral is a warm yellow based pink and so will suit those with warm skin tones much better than those with cool. 2. Don’t despair though if you are cool toned ie if you have a Winter or Summer colour palette, blue based equivalents range from Winter’s shocking pink, magenta and ice pink to Summer’s softer rose, powder pink or raspberry. If you are cool toned but still want to wear the oh so modern Living Coral then an alternative is to wear a pattern with a splash and a dash of coral. 3. Springs and Autumns should check their own wardrobes before racing to the shops. You may
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already have variants of coral - which range from soft peach through to perfect coral and orange reds - which look gorgeous on you and are already within your capsule wardrobe. Shockingly 30% of the clothes in British wardrobes are rarely worn. If you do want to buy something of sartorial style in Living Coral consider whether you would better suit wearing Living Coral from head to toe in a gorgeous maxi dress or summer suit, but for others it may best work as a blouse or as summer trousers. As a pop of colour, coral looks gorgeous as a scarf, belt, shoes or handbag, particularly against a backdrop of a warm navy and maybe more in 2019’s spring and summer time which are the times of year when coral naturally finds its way into the shops. Using a pop of coral in these types of accessories will also work well with your neutrals for a memorable business look. Coral is also fantastic in a lipstick, blusher and on nails for those with warm colour tones. Just make sure you don’t go too orange, which can look exciting on some people but not on everyone. At a time when looking at how to drastically reduce pollution, plastics, disposal and carbon emissions is of critical importance, Living Coral couldn’t be timelier. Just as coral reefs are a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life, Living Coral reminds us of our precious world and our responsibility to protect it. By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant,HOUSE OF COLOUR www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2019
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Health
How did you sleep?
“There are twelve hours in the day, and above fifty in the night.” (Marie de Rabutin-Chantal) Sorry to be nosey, but did you sleep well last night? The answer to this will have huge implications not just for getting through your day today, but also for your future physical and mental health. In our caffeinated, over-stimulated, 24-hour day world, only a lucky few of us seem to escape the all-enveloping clutches of disrupted and inadequate sleep. The consequences are simply staggering. An explosion of biological evidence in recent years shows that inadequate sleep ambushes your immune system, even increasing your risk of cancer. While you sleep, your body produces cytokines, which help to fight off infections and illness. Sleep loss also puts the health of our hearts at serious risk; short sleep increases the likelihood of our coronary arteries getting blocked, leading to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart failure. Insufficient sleep is also known to increase our risk for weight gain and obesity (short sleep raises the levels of the hormone ghrelin that makes us feel hungry) and diabetes (too little sleep disrupts our blood sugar levels). Our brains are extremely vulnerable too. Recent neuroscientific evidence shows that getting too little sleep across your lifespan will significantly raise your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Our mental health is jeopardised; sleep problems contribute to depression, anxiety, even suicidality. Too little sleep affects our ability to remember, as suggested by studies showing that sleep helps consolidate long-term memory. Neuroimaging studies have established that just one night of sleep deprivation impairs learning and encoding -related activity in the hippocampus, a structure that is associated with memory and is located deep within the middle of the brain. Other cognitive abilities are also in the line of fire, especially attention i.e. our ability to focus, to ignore distractions, and to multi-task. Neuroimaging research shows that activity in the frontal parts of our brain during attention tasks is reliably affected by sleep loss. Tragically, these attention deficits are implicated in the huge numbers of traffic accidents and fatalities caused
by sleep-deprived driving. Sleep loss triggers changes in how we process our emotions too. Only one night of sleep deprivation resulted in a 60% increase in reactivity of the part of the brain responsible for processing emotion (especially fear and anxiety): the amygdala. This occurred in response to negative images such as spiders, snakes, and mutilations. The reward system of our brain also gets highjacked by a bad night’s sleep. Does reaching for another chocolate when you’re tired sound familiar? The reward network in the brain also shows sensitivity to sleep deprivation; this susceptibility is due to altered function of the dopamine neurotransmitter and leads to changes in risk-taking behaviours, sensation-seeking, and impulsivity. So what can poor sleepers do about this quite alarming constellation of risks? Thankfully, there are many different ways to improve our sleep. In my next article here next month, I will set out the methods that are backed up by solid scientific evidence for getting a restorative night of sweet, precious sleep.
by Dr. Michelle O’Reilly Ph.D. Neuroscientist, science writer and lifelong insomniac.
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Local News
New Year Resolutions Go for a Wild Work Out! What better way to start 2019 than making a resolution to ‘give time’ to a charity - volunteering for The Wildlife Trust involves meeting like-minded people, having a great outdoors work out (free!), as well as helping the local environment – a win, win, win scenario! The Wildlife Trust relies on a wonderful army of volunteers who are very highly valued; joining a work party on a nature reserve is the ideal way to get some fresh air, keep fit and make a huge difference for local wildlife. Many volunteers feel a tangible, positive benefit from their involvement. “Volunteering at the reserve helps me keep fit and meet new people and it’s also great to see so much wildlife.” WT BCN Senior Reserves Manager Nancy Reed says: “Since I started working in conservation nearly 15 years ago, I’ve seen many times how helpful and even transformative volunteering can be for people struggling with their mental health. My life has been changed by it and so have many others. There’s something about being outdoors, carrying out physical work with a group of friendly, welcoming, like-minded people, that can just help to lift your mood. It needn’t be the start of a career, like it was for me, it might just be a hobby, but it’s one that can lead to a lifelong interest and better mental health – and that’s a scientific fact!” Volunteering with the Trust’s work parties is both sociable and varied - often involving cake and a cuppa along the way. www.wildlifebcn.org/get-involved/volunteer www.wildlifebcn.org/get-involved/volunteer/ work-parties
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Beds Wildlife Trust Conservation Taster Day Saturday 5 January, 10.30am-3pm Totternhoe, Want to learn more about conservation? For a great start to 2019 experience doing something great for wildlife in the great outdoors! Join The Wildlife Trust BCN for the first volunteer task of the new year to see if practical conservation volunteering is for you. To discover if you would like to get more involved with the Trust’s work come and join Rich and his team of volunteers to give it a go. Come along for the morning or bring a packed lunch and stay longer; please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sensible footwear - all protective equipment will be provided. For further info call 01525 817314 or email toddington@wildlifebcn.org www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2019-01-05conservation-taster-day
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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.
www.oakleighresidentailhome.co.uk ESTABLISHED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1988 Oakleigh Residential half page.indd 1
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
Spring Clean Your Finances for a Richer 2019 Spring is the season when we give our homes a good clean and tidy up, so why not do the same with your finances? There are many ways to take control of your financial life, and the majority of them are so easy it’s worth looking at all the possibilities. Get organised -Financial decluttering offers a clearer view of your overall financial situation and valuable insight into unhealthy spending habits. Begin by finding all your relevant paperwork such as mortgage statements, insurance policies, credit agreements and utility bills, and decide which documents you need to keep. Reduce outgoings and make paying easier - Not only can you save money by cancelling subscriptions that you no longer need, sorting out your paperwork highlights any excessively high payments you’ve been making and allows for tighter financial control. You can sign up to receive paperless bills and bank statements, which helps to declutter your physical living space.
Becoming debt-free is a liberating and important element of a financial spring clean Make a new budget - Whether or not you already operate a budget, making a new one can instil fresh life into your finances. Ensure you factor in all important annual events including birthdays, Christmas and holidays in the budget, so you arrive at an accurate plan for monthly expenditure.
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Plan finances ahead - If you’re planning a big purchase in 2019 – say a holiday or a car - in conjunction with your new budget, saving a little each month can help to achieve your goals without going into debt. Maybe you could open a new savings account for each prospective large purchase or use a traditional piggy bank at home and watch your savings grow the old-fashioned way. Track your spending - With so many personal finance apps and tools now available, you can track your spending wherever you are. You might prefer to use a spreadsheet, or write down your spending in a notebook. Whatever you do, keeping track of your spend helps you stick to your budget and deal confidently with the inevitable financial setbacks we all experience. Tackle debt - By tackling debt, you free yourself from the threat of serious financial difficulty and provide new opportunities to save. You might choose to use the ‘debt snowball’ method of paying off the smallest debts first or get stuck right in and pay off the largest debt. However you decide to approach it, becoming debt-free is liberating and an important element of a financial spring clean. Overhauling your finances can make a significant impact on life in general and helps you to make the most of your money. Start your spring clean this month and you’ll be reaping the rewards not only in 2019, but for many years to come. http://tiny.cc/Clearscore-finance http://tiny.cc/Goodhousekeep
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Garden View
My Gardening Valentine By Rachael Leverton
In the run-up to Valentine’s Day someone always asks me what they should buy for the gardener in their life. It’s a tricky question to answer. Many people think we must like cut flowers, but actually I’m not keen and most gardeners I know aren’t either. We have gardens full of the things after all, and we tend to prefer our plants living and breathing in their natural environment, rather than imported from abroad and wrapped in cellophane. Unless you know a bit about gardening, and the tastes of your own particular gardener you’re probably best-off avoiding plants too. The nongreen-fingered venture into dangerous territory when they try to buy plants because there are so many variables. Will it suit the soil? Is it too invasive? Will it poison the gardener’s dog…or children…eek? It’s a thorny issue (pardon the pun) so here is my go-to gift list guaranteed to make you the Valentine hero of your gardening amour. Don’t buy a sweatshirt which declares ‘headgardener. They are naff, and most gardeners prefer old, comfy clothes which do the job better. However, if you present your gardener with a tough tunic or gardening apron, which is thornproof, and which has lots of deep pockets to house secateurs and trowels, they will love you forever. Then there are wellies. Who knew wellies could be romantic? But gardening folk drool over wellies the way Supermodels drool over Jimmy Choos. And there’s so much wellie-choice now. We all prefer something with a thick sole but there are bright and colourful wellies and traditional ones.
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For the ultimate in warmth and breathability I can recommend a proper Gore-Tex pair...sheer luxury. Mine remain the favourite Valentine gift my husband ever bought me. He knows how to romance a woman! A proper long-necked watering can, with a brass rose will also earn you Valentine brownie points. Bigger isn’t necessarily better though unless your Valentine boasts big biceps! Watering cans are heavy when full. I find 3-4 litres is about the right size. A bunch of long-stemmed red roses will set you back at least £40 and they might last a few days. For a similar price you can buy the gardener in your life Felco secateurs (with Valentine red handles) and they’ll last forever. I know which I’d prefer. Garden trugs are so practical. Most gardeners I know would be delighted to receive one. The trug is a great gift but even better when filled with a few gardening goodies such as packets of seed, water retaining granules, plant food etc. You could add some hand tools too, such as a trowel and a fork. Make sure they are stainless steel and have long handles for ease of use. And insulated mug or a good flask will always warm the heart of your Valentine because hot drinks don’t remain hot for long outside, even on a warm day. Finally, don’t forget gardening vouchers. Often us gardeners spot the perfect plant or gardening accessory when we’re strapped for cash, so vouchers are a perfect gift to save for a rainy day... and gardeners love rainy days, Valentine’s or not.
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Local News
Greensand Country Announces 2019 Festival Following the huge success of the first Greensand Country Festival in 2018, the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is planning an even BIGGER and BETTER programme of events for 2019, and extending the Festival to run throughout May. The Greensand Country Festival, from 1 – 31 May, will encompass a wide variety of events, provided by our partners, local businesses, special interest groups, clubs and visitor attractions across the landscape, from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. The Festival is a celebration of Greensand Country, helping to encourage those living within this distinct landscape to get out and explore the beautiful countryside on their doorstep. There are a variety of events already scheduled, including open gardens, churchyard tours, history talks, nature walks, village treasure trails, introductory sessions for bowls, photo and poetry competitions, art workshops, children’s activities and traditional country crafts. Lindsay Measures, Events and Engagements Officer at the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership
explains: “We were overwhelmed with the fantastic response to our first Greensand Country Festival and have therefore decided to extend the programme this year. With family fun, trail runs, countryside walks, horse-rides, guided trains and nature activities, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” The Greensand Country Festival is a great opportunity for local organisations and businesses to promote our shared landscape for the benefit of everyone. If you have an idea for an event or would like to run an activity, please contact lindsay@ greensandcountry.com The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is led by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and the Greensand Trust and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is made possible by National Lottery players. Without them we couldn’t fund the project. For further information about the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership visit www.greensandcountry.com and for regular updates follow @greensandsocial on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Pets
World Spay Day The last Tuesday of February, every year, is World Spay Day. Originally started in 1995 by the Doris Day Animal League in America, it is now recognised and supported by animal charities in 70 countries worldwide, and this year on Tuesday 26th February, it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The purpose of World Spay Day is to raise awareness of the importance of neutering and encourage more owners to snip or spay their cat. It is estimated that there are between 9.5 and 11.6 million owned cats in the UK, 75% of these cats are acquired as kittens. Although a large majority of these will be neutered, sadly not all are which has lead to the cat population in the UK reaching crisis point. The National RSPCA reported that in October the RSPCA as a whole took in more than 12,000 cats in just four months. Although not a direct solution, owners can help tackle the cat crisis by ensuring their cats and kittens are neutered. There are many common myths surrounding cat neutering, the most prominent being that cats should be allowed to have a litter of kittens before spaying. This is not true. Allowing a cat ‘one litter’ gives a very small window to neuter because of the need to wait until her kittens have been weaned; by which time the cat may be pregnant again. The probability of an unneutered cat getting pregnant is over 80% and 85% of these are either unplanned or unwanted litters. A cat or kitten can be neutered from 4 months old or otherwise determined by your vet. Although the most obvious benefit of neutering a cat
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is to prevent it getting pregnant, there are actually many other positives to getting a cat snipped or spayed; so here are the facts. • Female cats are spayed, meaning the womb and ovaries are removed • Males are castrated or snipped, meaning the testicles are removed • Spaying prevents females coming into season, where they would ordinarily attract unwanted male attention • Neutering prevents the risk of testicular cancer in males and uterus infections and cancers in females. • Castration prevents males urine marking and roaming • Neutering will protect cats from the disease FIV • Neutering in some cases can also reduce the risk of a cat being stolen for breeding To promote the importance of cat neutering, most animal charities have schemes in place to support the public and their cats, and our local Branch is no different! RSPCA Bedfordshire North are offering cat neutering vouchers to the public to help with the cost of neutering, and support the cat crisis. The vouchers are for the value of £30 to go towards the cost of a spay or neuter at one of our participating vets and are available to members of the public in receipt of benefits. If you would like support getting your cat neutered, or have a general enquiry regarding spaying or castrating, please contact the Branch via email info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk
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Three Counties Radio
Caramel Drip Cake
As we head into a New Year, this is a show-stopper cake to banish all the blues. What is great about it is how you can make it look so spectacular with relatively easy techniques. It’s the creation of a lovely cake maker, Hayley Pfeifer, from the Dunstable Cake House, who is a regular on my Weekend Kitchen show. She likes her cakes big, bold and glamorous and this caramel drip cake fits the mould perfectly! For the sponge: 450g caster sugar 450g self-raising flour 450g butter 450g eggs (approx. 8 Large Eggs) A tablespoon of store-bought caramel from a jar A little drizzle of caramel flavouring Buttercream 500g butter 1000g icing sugar Drizzle of caramel Flavouring Extra caramel from the store-bought jar for filling and drip effect Flake chocolate for decorating Pre-heat oven to 160C/ Gas Mark 3
1. Line 3 x 8” tins 2. Mix the butter and caster sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the sieved flour gradually, then add the eggs, the caramel and flavouring. 3. Divide the mix between the tins, then put them into the oven. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer comes out of the sponges clean. 5. Leave the cakes to cool on a wire rack. 6. Mix the butter and icing sugar together for the buttercream filling and add a drizzle of caramel flavouring. 7. Take one cake. Spread caramel on top, then buttercream.Top it with another cake, then repeat the caramel and buttercream filling.Top with the last cake. 8. Add buttercream to the top and sides and create a smooth finish using a side scraper or a pallet knife dipped into some hot water. 9. Pour lots of caramel onto the top centre of the cake and use a pallet knife to ease the caramel towards the edges to create the drips. Be creative - it’ll look different every time. 10. Sprinkle some chocolate flakes on the top and it’s ready to serve.
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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Local News
Canoe Team Charity Fundraising How does spending 15 hours a week canoeing for charity through rain and snow sound? For the Kimbolton School Canoe Team, it sounds like an inviting way to prepare for the 125-mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race. Each year this group of local students fundraise for charity whilst participating in numerous races such as the National Schools Kayaking Championship and Watersides series. Taking part in these races necessitates a considerable amount of training to the point that the team are out paddling every Saturday for 8 hours. This commitment on the part of the team is necessary to prepare to canoe for Devizes to Westminster; A four day race along the canals and the Thames with overnight camping. It has been affectionately dubbed “Kayaking’s Everest” by the Telegraph. In addition to the training that the team are eager to undergo; their main focus aside from kayaking is fundraising for charity. Last year they managed to raise £3300 for Magpas, Teenage Cancer Trust and Cransley Hospice whilst this year they are raising money for: Scoliosis Association UK, Help for Heroes, Young People’s Mental Health and the British Heart Foundation. If you would like more information or you would like to help them
in their fundraising efforts for these worthwhile causes; posts about their training and links to our GoFundMe page can be found on their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/KimboltonD2W/
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Local News
2019 Wildlife Photography Competition This year’s Wildlife Trust BCN Photography Competition is now open and closes 15 April (much earlier than last year). With generous sponsorship from Fuji, the prizes are significantly more prestigious (eg camera equipment worth £300 for first prize) and Fujifilm will produce large scale prints of the top three winning images in super quality. As with the last two years, a selection of the best images will be chosen to feature in the Trust’s 2020 Wildlife Calendar. The theme for 2019 is Contrast in Nature, wide open to interpretation with the aim of inspiring interesting juxtapositions. It could mean incorporating a high contrast technique – say crisp contrasted with fuzzy focus, comparing large with small, male with female or capturing something wild in a contrastingly urban background – or anything else that works. The theme is deliberately very broad and designed to evoke a broad range of interpretation; the judges will be looking for unusual, innovative images which stand out from the crowd. This year’s Wildlife Trust BCN Photography Competition is now open and closes 15 April (much earlier than last year). With generous sponsorship from Fuji, the prizes are significantly more
Last year’s stunning winning entry Little Owl, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire by Simon Wantling prestigious (eg camera equipment worth £300 for first prize) and Fujifilm will produce large scale prints of the top three winning images in super quality. As with the last two years, a selection of the best images will be chosen to feature in the Trust’s 2020 Wildlife Calendar. All photos must be taken in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire. For further info, terms and conditions, please visit Wildlifebcn website www.wildlifebcn.org/get-involved/photo-competition
Fun Quiz - Poetry 1. In the poem The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, what type of bird does the mariner shoot and kill? 2. The novel Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald took its name from a line in which famous poem by John Keats? 3. What type of poem shares its name with the third most populated city in the Republic of Ireland? 4. Well known for the many love poems she wrote for other women, on what island was the ancient Greek poet Sappho born? 5. As well as the title characters, what other two types of animal feature in Edward Lear’s poem The Owl And The Pussycat? 6. Celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Burns Night occurs on the 25th of which calendar month? 7. The epic poem The Iliad by Homer is set during a ten-year siege of which city? 8. Inspired by the final two lines of a poem by William Ernest Henley, “I am” is the motto of which international sporting event? 9. What is unusual about the entire content of a poem by Demetri Martin called Dammit, I’m Mad? 10. In a famous poem by Rudyard Kipling, complete the last line of the verse that begins “Man’s timid heart is bursting with the things he must not say, for the Woman that God gave him isn’t his to give away, but when hunter meets with husbands, each confirms the other’s tale”... 1. An albatross 2. Ode To A Nightingale 3. Limerick 4. Lesbos (leading to origin of the term “lesbians”) 5. Pig (whose ring in its nose is used as a wedding ring) and Turkey (who marries them) 6. January 7. Troy 8. The Invictus Games 9. It is a palindrome (i.e. it reads the same backwards as it does forwards, as does its title) 10. The female of the species is more deadly than the male
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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. 36
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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
1, 8, 15 & 22 February Friday Night Lights 7.30-8.30pm Longsands Academy Astro, Longsands Road, St Neots Friday Night Lights aims to provide the local community of St Neots with the opportunity to experience hockey in a casual, relaxed and family orientated environment. Tel: Chris 07792 044878 Email: cjbryden08@hotmail.co.uk
4, 11, 18 & 25 February West Hunts Friendship Club 9.30am-3pm Great Staughton Village Hall We are looking for new members who are retired to join our happy team. Members can participate in a range of activities as well as a hot meal at lunch time. Transport can be arranged for those who live within a six miles radius of Great Staughton. Tel: Annabelle Blackham 07527741495
2 February St Neots Timebank Coffee Morning 11am-1.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, St Neots Table-top sale, new and used. If you would like to reserve a table for £3 to sell your goods then contact us. Non-members welcome. Tel: 07590 909057 Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk
4, 11, 18 & 25 February Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except Bank Holidays. Ozzie: 01480 414623 Email: ozzie.day5@gmail.com
2 February Arts and Crafts Winter Fair and Preloved Sale 11am-4pm Roxton Village Hall Free admission. Local artists, crafters and a preloved sale all under one roof. In aid of the Village Hall Trust. Contact roxtonhall@gmail.com
4, 11, 18 & 25 February Oakington Singers 7.45-9.30pm Oakington Parish Church Oakington Singers invite new Tenors and Basses to join them on Mondays. Their accompanied and unaccompanied repertoire includes Rutter Anthems, Queen, Folk Songs, Spirituals, international songs and much more! Email: paul.tann@btinternet.com
2 February Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton For adults of all ages with lunch and various activities available. Tel: Leisa Hunt 01480 471748 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 2 February Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 7.30pm Peterborough Cathedral The Sixteen performs one of the most magnificent pieces of the classical repertoire, Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, famed for its thrilling rhythms, grand choruses and beautiful solo movements. Web: https://thesixteen.com 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Huntingdon Music School 8.30am-1pm Hinchingbrooke School The music school operates lessons and ensemble groups on Saturday mornings during term-time. They also offer music lessons in Huntingdon area schools. Tel: 01480 584867 or 07719 835472 Email: enquiries@huntsmusicschool.org.uk Web: www.huntsmusicschool.org.uk 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 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 4, 11, 18 & 25 February Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com
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5 February Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2. Talk by Andrew Sankey on ‘How To Cope With A Dry Garden’. Raffle. All welcome. Tel: 07706 198807 Email: lizbacon187@gmail.com 5 February Huntingdon and District Branch of the Royal Air Force Association 7.30pm for 8pm First Wednesday of the month. Tel: Tony Perryman, Secretary 01480 465395 Email: rafa.huntingdon1@btinternet.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 February Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday evening. Tel: Mary 01480 212552 Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk 5 & 24 February Comberton Ramblers 10.15am 5 Feb - Anstey, 5 miles. 24 Feb – Linton, 6 Miles. Walks are 5-7 miles, usually ending near a public house. New walkers are welcome to join us with up to 2 free walks. Annual membership £8.50 per person. Tel: Stella (Secretary) 01954 210049 Email: stella.ramblers@hotmail.com Web: www.combertonramblers.org.uk 6 February Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club Coffee Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noon Godmanchester Town Hall Monthly coffee morning and raffle. Annual membership fee is £10. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697
6 February Volunteer Woodland Work 10am-3pm Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge CambridgePPF event. Come and help us care for our green spaces and the wildlife that thrives in them. This February our volunteer work party will be assisting with vital woodland work. All instruction, equipment and tools provided. Wear tough clothing and footwear, and bring a packed lunch. No need to book, just turn up. Meet at the car park noticeboards. 6 February St Mary’s Afternoon WI St Neots 2pm St Mary’s Church Rooms, St Neots First Wednesday of the month. Speaker is Hon. Sec. of Jane Austen Society with ‘Jane Austen & Marriage: Fact & Fiction’. Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Marys-AfternoonSt-Neots-Womens-Institute-238190076940278/ 6, 13, 20 & 27 February St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members are very welcome to join and there are no auditions to frighten you. There is an annual subscription once you decide to join the Society. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership or information Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Healthy Walking 10am or 10.30am-11am Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Free event. CambridgePPF event. Keep fit and join our healthy walkers every Thursday. Meet at the Stable Rooms at 10am for a longer walk or 10.30am for a shorter stroll. Walks end around 11am with tea and coffee in the Stable Rooms. All welcome, suitable for all abilities. Free of charge and no need to book. Donations towards the upkeep of the park are always welcome. 9 February Hemingford Village Market 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey Second Saturday of the month. An opportunity to buy food, crafts, plants and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford Grey Parish Council hold a surgery at the market should you wish to meet councillors to discuss local issues. Refreshments available all day in the Hemingford Garden Room. 11 & 25 February Nature Tots 10am-11.30am Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £3 age 2 years+ A fun outdoor parent and toddler group. Each session has a nature theme and will include a messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and song-time. Adults may bring up to two paying children. Accompanying siblings below the age of 2 years may attend at no cost. Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk
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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
12 February St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugar modelling. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 for more info
13 February Wildlife Trust 7.30-9pm Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton Entry £2.50, accompanied children free Speaker will be Dr. Edgar Turner on ‘Butterfly’s Eye View of Conservation’. Ed has been involved with the Wildlife Trust since 2006 when he worked as Ecology Groups Officer on a project studying Duke of Burgundy Butterflies. Since then his research has concentrated on the impacts of deforestation and palm oil expansion in Southeast Asia. Tonight’s talk will centre on these beautiful butterflies and the impact of conservation on their success in the UK. Tel: Tim Fryer 01480 457795 15 February St Neots Timebank Members & Friends Group 11am-1.30pm The Priory Centre, St Neots The more people that come the merrier it is. Enjoy a free cuppa with friendly people. Meet the coordinator who’s happy to listen to your needs. 15 February Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (PG) 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Film tickets Adults £4, 16 and under £2, over 60s £3 “A jukebox musical romantic comedy film.” Five years after the events of Mamma Mia (2008), Sophie prepares for the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna as she learns more about her mother’s past. Bar, ice cream, and free popcorn. Tickets available from Oliver’s, Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or by email. Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema 15 February Screen St Ives Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm The Corn Exchange, St Ives Early Man (Nick Park 2018 US/UK/France 89mins) Cert PG. Set at the dawn of time when prehistoric creatures and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, we meet Dug, who along with his sidekick Hognob, unite their tribe to save their home against the mighty and awful Lord Nooth. If you love Wallace & Gromit, Shawn the Sheep and Nick Park’s other wonderful characters you’ll love this! Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 18 February St Neots Royal Naval Association 7.30pm The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots St Neots & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association meet on the third Monday of every month. Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com
18 & 19 February February Half Term Holiday Bushcraft 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Holiday Bushcraft at Wandlebury is designed for children ages 5-12 and is run by experienced, qualified teachers from the outdoor learning experience group, Wild Thyme & Embers. All basic bushcraft techniques suitable for this age range will be taught. Booking essential. Web: wildthymeandembers.co.uk for further info 18-22 February Wildlife Trust Family Fun Drop-in Sessions 10am-2pm daily Paxton Pits Education Centre, Little Paxton £5 per child. Indoor and outdoor activities for half term to engage children and families. Tel: 01480 473161 for further info Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2019-02-18paxton-pits-family-drop-sessons 19 February Volunteer Work Party - Scrub Clearance 10am-3pm Coton Reserve, Grantchester Road CambridgePPF event. Help us care for our green spaces and the wildlife that thrives in them. Get active, meet new people and enjoy learning about your local environment assisting with vital scrub clearance. Please come along and lend a hand! All instruction, equipment and tools provided. Wear tough clothing and footwear, and bring a packed lunch. No need to book, just turn up. 19 February Wildlife Trust Spring Fun at the Fen 10.30am-3.30pm Countryside Classroom, Ramsey Heights £4 per child. Get set for spring with half term activities. Tel: 01487 815524 for further info Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2019-02-19spring-fun-fen 20 February ‘Mooch and a Moo’ Walk at Wandlebury 10.30am-12 noon Wandlebury Country Park, CB22 3AE CambridgePPF event. Join one of our wardens on a guided walk as you make the acquaintance of the Country Park’s resident highland cows. Suitable for ages 5+ to 90+. No need to book. Meet at the car park noticeboards.
20 February Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Speaker will be Gill Cable on ‘Mapping Your Ancestors’. Non-members most welcome - contact the Secretary to attend. £1 donation at the door appreciated. Please check website for any last minute changes to programme. Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 for more details Email: secretary@huntsfhs.org.uk Website: www.huntsfhs.org.uk
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21 February Monthly Meander 11am-12 noon Trumpington Meadows, Granchester Road, Trumpington The best way to get to know the reserve! Regular Wildlife Trust BCN guided walk with the rangers, who will show you all the seasonal wildlife. 22 February Build a Nest Box 1-3pm Trumpington Meadows, Granchester Road, Trumpington £10 per nest box. Celebrate National Nest Box Week with the rangers. Build a box to take home or help build some for the reserve. 23 & 24 February St Ives Antiques Fair 10am-4pm Burgess Hall (One Leisure Centre), Westwood Road, St Ives Adults £2.50, Concessions £2. Fun and friendly Antiques Fair with around 50 dealers offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces. Ample free parking, wheelchair access from street level, on-site catering and licensed bar. Dealers welcome from 9am 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 26 February Little Paxton Pictures Doors open 1.45pm St James’ Church ‘Little Paxton Pictures’ has arrived at St James’ Church - a new community cinema project, kindly supported by Little Paxton Parish Council. We are looking to run our Film afternoon/evening on the last Tuesday of every month. Refreshments provided. All donations welcome. Any thoughts on films‑, please fill out a slip and pop it in the box at the back of the church in Little Paxton or send to the contacts below. Want to know more or get involved? We’d be delighted to hear from you. Web: www.thepaxtonsbenefice.org Email: Anita Bailey ajlbailey@aol.com or Nicci Jones admin@thepaxtonsbenefice.org 26 February 2019 Huntingdonshire Diabetes Group 7.30pm Millennium Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden AGM Monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of each month. All welcome: diabetics, family, friends and carers. Email: hunts.diabetesuk@gmail.com Web: huntingdonshire.diabetesukgroup.org 27 February Roxtonettes Monthly Music Evenings 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton £2.50 inc. refreshments. We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month. 7:30pm onwards Instrumentalists and 8pm onwards - Singers. Under the guidance of Eamonn Nicholson-Clinch, we are an informal community singing group. Tel: Eamonn 07780 954314 or Susie 01234 376098
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Local News
Photo: Vancouver Quarter
Huntingdon set for bubble bonanza as EACH announces details of foam-tastic fun run Huntingdon will be awash with bubbles when East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) brings another exciting fundraiser to the town. Bubble Rush is a 5k fun run with a difference as participants head off amongst a sea of bubbles, before passing four bubble stations where cannons pump out coloured foam to create a four-foot (1.2-metre) deep bubble bath! EACH will be hosting the event at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday, 9 June. Runners will go off in two waves, with the first starting at 11am and the second at noon. It follows an Inflatable Colour Dash at the racecourse last year that was attended by 551 and raised an incredible £23,974. Karen Newton, EACH Cambridgeshire Fundraising Manager, said: “Bubble Rush is sure to be a spectacular sight and lots of fun for all involved – we can’t wait! “There’s no race element, so participants are welcome to run, jog, walk, dance or toddle through the foam. It’s a completely natural and safe mixture. “Merchandise, catering and other amusements mean this is sure to be a great family day out. Come along and soak up the colourful atmosphere!”
Photo: Rose Peasgood
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Photo: Vancouver Quarter Ticket prices are as follows: Ticket Adult (16+) Child (5-15) Family (Two adults with two children) Team (Six people or more)
First Second 500 tickets 500 tickets £18.00 £20.00 £7.50 £9.00 £48.00
£55.00
Final tickets £24.00 £10.00 £62.00
£16.00 £18.00 £22.00 per person per person per person
Karen said: “We’d like everyone to raise as much money as possible, as registration fees help cover the costs of putting on this event. A nice minimum target to set might be £30 as this year is the 30th anniversary of our hospice in Milton that provides care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and support for their families, across Cambridgeshire and West Essex.” All entrants will receive a T-shirt and a medal. Children aged under five can take part for free. Those aged under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Head to www.each.org.uk/bubblerush for more information. Online registration will close at 11am on Friday, 7 June. Sponsorship packages are also available for Bubble Rush. One Broker is already onboard. For more information contact Karen on 07894 899244 or at karen.newton@each.org.uk.
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January’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs D Roberts from St Neots Henlow Building Supplies Competition Winner Rob Lumkin from Shillington Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
ÂŁ25
Across 1. Chewing (6) 4. Acquiesced (6) 9. Garbage (7) 10. Religious images (5) 11. Points on a saw (5) 12. Rising (7) 13. Impersonations (11) 18. Evolve, mature (7) 20. First-rate (5) 22. Arm joint (5) 23. To carry out, to perform (7) 24. Robin red-_____ (6) 25. Modifies for purpose (6)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th February 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Down 1. Explodes, pops (6) 2. Item of furniture (5) 3. Not that or this (7) 5. Sorrow, sadness (5) 6. Wearing away (7) 7. Blueprint (6) 8. Deep thinker (11) 14. Mobile, transportable (7) 15. Alternatively (7) 16. Word describing an action (6) 17. Crawls, inches (6) 19. Grassy gardens (5) 21. Rotund (5)
Name: Tel:

Address:
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Let us help you get your business off to a flying start VILLAGER The
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Book Review By Kate Duggan
Books
This month’s books are perfect for discussing at your book club, dissecting over dinner and chatting about on social media. The Silence of the Girls By Pat Barker
The Silence of the Girls is a vivid retelling of Homer’s Iliad. However, this time the focus is on the minor characters, namely the women taken as ‘spoils of war’. Queen Briseis is taken as a sex slave by Achilles when he destroys her city. Through Briseis we hear of the other female slaves in the encampment – women who are forced to serve the men that killed their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons.
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
Codename Villanelle By Luke Jennings
If you loved the BBC’s Killing Eve, don’t miss the book it was based on. Villanelle is a cold-blooded assassin who you just can’t help but root for. Eve is the woman tasked with stopping her. The storyline is quite different from that of the TV series and has less dark humour, but there’s still plenty of suspense to keep you reading.
Roar by Cecelia Ahern
From 100 hour weeks to moral conundrums and emergency operations, the life of a junior doctor is far from easy. Adam Kay reveals all through six years of diary entries. Surprisingly, This is Going to Hurt is an incredibly funny book, particularly the numerous footnotes explaining hospital lingo. However, Kay also gives us an insight into the stark reality of life on the frontline of the NHS.
Ahern’s latest book is a collection of satirical short stories. Each focuses on an unnamed female protagonist and most are a literal interpretation of a stereotype or saying. The trophy wife’s partner builds her a shelf to sit on, where she can be admired by his friends and family. The woman who feels invisible to society starts to slowly disappear. There are plenty of themes to digest and discuss and a lot of enjoyment to be had in each tale.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Sunny Side Up by Susan Calman
A man stumbles into The Swan inn carrying the body of what appears to be a dead girl in his arms. A few hours later, the little girl stirs. But who is she? Part adult fairy tale, part folk tale, Once Upon a River celebrates the art of storytelling and weaves numerous stories into one rich tapestry. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Comedian and Strictly star Susan Calman is on a mission to encourage ‘joy, kindness and community’ with her latest book. There are anecdotes from her own life and examples of random acts of kindness that have been shared by her fans. Sunny Side Up is full of warmth, positivity and (of course) plenty of humour.
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Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Use your local removal company
Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894 Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk
Sleep Practitioner
Web: www.goodnightsolutions.co.uk Tel: 07810 641929 Children’s sleep practitioner covering Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Sleep and emotional wellbeing service from pregnancy to school-age children Sleep packages from 6 months Feeding and wellbeing support – birth to 6 months Home visits and phone/email support offered
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Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk
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