Alconbury Jan 2020

VILLAGER The

Issue 94 - January 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Shop Local in 2020

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Inside this issue...

East Anglian Air Ambulance

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The History of Dentistry.............................................. 4 A Taste of Mexico......................................................... 8 Win Tickets to Half a Sixpence Musical............ 10 Win Tickets to see Josie Long......................... 12 East Anglian Air Ambulance...................................... 14 How I beat Type 2 Diabetes....................................... 17 Style and Colour at your Wedding - Q&A................... 18 Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020...... 23 Cosy Up Your Home................................................... 24 High-Rise Edibles...................................................... 26

RSPCA....................................................................... 29 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.................................... 30 Everything you need to know about hybrids............. 32 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On.................................................................. 38 Villager Prize Crossword................................ 42 Book Review............................................................. 45 Classifieds................................................................. 46 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47

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Everything you need to know about Hybrids

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, John Spring, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, James Baggott and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Kennerth Kullman 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.

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History

The History of Dentistry Although most of us hate visiting the dentist, twenty-first century dental practices are a walk in the park compared to what our ancestors endured.

Common perception is that our ancestors must have suffered from terrible teeth. In fact, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans probably had better teeth than we do today due to the lack of refined sugar in their diet.

Like us, they cleaned their teeth with abrasive and breath-sweetening concoctions. Made from eggshells, soot, bones, pumice, myrrh or mint, they were usually applied with a cloth or the fingers.

The ancient Chinese had invented toothbrushes using pigs’ bristles but although toothpicks and even dental floss were around, they weren’t in common use in Europe until 1780, when William Addis manufactured the first toothbrush.

Toothache has long been a human scourge and there have been many outlandish remedies.

Scribonius Largus, (his real name, not a Monty Python invention!) was physician to the Roman Emperor Claudius. To treat toothache, he would fumigate the mouth with smoke produced by burning henbane seeds followed by an oral rinse with hot water. This was supposed to evict the

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tiny ‘tooth worms’ that for hundreds of years were believed to be the cause of cavities and toothache.

False teeth were also around in ancient times, usually made of animal bone, ivory or wood.

The Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization, were apparently particularly skilled at dentures using ox bone fixed in place by gold wire.

Traditionally, physicians would treat tooth problems but the medieval era saw the arrival of specialist ‘tooth drawers’, the best being retained by royalty (King Henry VIII was said to have one).

Travelling fairs and markets often featured a tooth drawer, usually identified by jester’s clothing and a string of teeth hanging around their neck.

Blacksmiths, jewellers and apothecaries would also pull teeth as a sideline using whatever instruments they had at their disposal.

In 1540, the Company of Barbers was merged with that of surgeons to create The United BarberSurgeons Company. Subsequently, high-street barbers were able to carry out rudimentary surgery that included dental work (hence the striped ‘blood and bandages’ barbers’ pole).

The first English book on dentistry was The Operator for the Teeth by Charles Allen, published

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in 1685. ‘Operators for the teeth’ were in fact the earliest dentists, as they were not only skilled enough to extract teeth but could also replace them with dentures or false teeth made from materials like gold, silver and ivory (from walrus, elephant or hippo). But by far the best material for false teeth was other human teeth!

Consequently a market quickly sprang up where teeth were either robbed from corpses or bought by extraction from the mouths of the destitute (as in when young Fantine sells her teeth in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables).

Allen also invented a recipe for whitening toothpaste made from powdered coral, rose water and a tree resin called ‘dragon’s blood’.

During the seventeenth century, French physician and dental pioneer Pierre Fauchard was one of the first practitioners to explain how sugar in the mouth forms acids that decay enamel and cause cavities. He also wrote about methods to straighten teeth using orthodontics in his book The Surgeon Dentist, published in 1728. Alongside other French dentists, Fauchard used dental fillings made from mercury heated together with other metals. This was later refined by an English dentist named Bell to produce amalgam.

The earliest dentistry lectures were by James Rae in 1764 at The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. By the nineteenth century, dentistry had become a recognised apprenticeship, so in 1858 The Dental Hospital and National Dental Hospital Schools opened in London.

There were still many rogue dentists around so in the 1870s the newly founded Dental Reform Committee decreed that practicing dentists had

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to complete a License in Dental Surgery in order to be officially registered. Unfortunately, the licence was only open to men so Lilian Murray, the first official female dentist in the UK, managed to qualify in Scotland where the barrier didn’t exist.

Many dental innovations were made during the Victorian era. By 1840 it was possible to have ether as a general anaesthetic and four years later nitrous oxide or laughing gas was introduced, whereas previous painkillers had been whisky or cocaine.

The invention of the foot-operated dental drill made filling teeth much easier, although with its slow cord-driven, skull-shaking vibrations, one can only imagine how unpleasant it still was. Following in the footsteps of an American company, in 1896 Colgate mass-produced the first commercially available toothpaste in a collapsible tube in the UK. Despite this, tooth health among the general population was far from ideal. In 1942 the Beveridge Report highlighted the need for regular dental check-ups for everyone, and in 1948 the formation of the NHS gave people free access to dental treatment for the first time. So many opted for dentures that the NHS was forced to charge for them from 1951.

These days, dentures have largely been replaced by dental implants, many children now have braces to straighten their teeth and most of us have a healthy smile. But who knows? Our descendants may look back at dentistry today and consider it as crude as a blacksmith yanking out a rotten molar.

By Catherine Rose

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Food and Drink

A Taste of... Mexico Mexican cuisine can be traced back several thousand years. Over the different regions, beef, pork and chicken, plus seafood, are extremely popular and some of the same dishes are often found throughout Mexico. Mexican foods offer ingredients of beans and corn, plus chilli peppers. These are regularly presented with meats, rice and spice. Red snapper, sea bass and prawns are very popular, too.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, is a redeveloped retail area. During the 19th Century this site was London’s coal store and has a very interesting history. www.coaldropsyard.com Today, this area provides popular shopping and dining experiences, that include independent shops, businesses, bars and restaurants.

Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor offer a warm welcome from Alejo and authentic Mexican dining, with dishes that include Tuna Tostadas, plus Tacos filled with marinated pork shoulder or fish, for example and their hugely-popular Ceviches. Starters include various Botanas, then on to Tostadas, that have Cochinita, Chicken Tinga and Tuna presentations. Very flavoursome Tortas (Mexican toasted sandwiches) are available, also. For Tacos the key is the salsa. Made fresh, in-house, these have Morita (Chipotle, tomatillos), Verde Fresca (Serrano chillies, tomatillos, coriander), plus Mexicana and Maya choices and more, through to El Diablo, which is made with some of the very hottest chillies known.

Tacos offer Baja Fish (Corona-battered sea bass, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, coriander) and Choripapa (Chorizo, potato, salsa verde, coriander), which are very popular, amongst an excellent array, with mushroom, prawn and chicken inclusions, plus Al Pastor (Mexico City favourite and inspiration for this restaurant’s name). From the Mexican-style rotisserie, half and whole chickens are often selected, with different marinades and accompaniments. Exceptional, complementing flavours and splendid presentation definitely warrant ‘Compliments to Chef!’ If sharing plates are favoured, then Hake, Short Rib, Steak and more, will most certainly impress and satisfy.

Dessert selections include creations of Fresh Pineapple, Corn Cake and Queso Fresco Cheesecake. Desserts pair wonderfully with cocktails and digestivos, too. Thank you to Lily and Maureen, for excellent service throughout. Popular with locals (always a good sign), a recommended restaurant to return to.

Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ Tel: 44 (0) 20 7018 3335 Email: info@tacoselpastor.co.uk www.tacoselpastor.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Photo: GILES SMITH

WIN a PAIR of TICKETS to see JOSIE LONG at the JUNCTION, Cambridge on 17th JANUARY 2020 Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long is finally back on the road with a brand-new show about the mind-bending intensity of new motherhood, but it is also about kindness, gentleness and joy.

A cult-optimist herself, Josie wants her audiences to feel optimistic about the future, although in this current day and age, that’s a big ask. But at the very least there will be some silly voices. Of course, its Josie Long: society’s biggest issues that we’re facing today, from climate change to Boris Johnson, cannot be ignored, but Tender’s main focus is about bringing new life into this ever-changing world.

Having started performing comedy at just 14, Josie went on to win the BBC New Comedy Award, Chortle Best Newcomer, Best Newcomer at the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and then was nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards three years running. She has since sold out West End runs, performed at the most prestigious comedy festivals in the world, written five solo tours and sold out shows in LA and New York.

On screen, Josie has been seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2), You Have Been Watching (Channel 4) and Skins (Channel 4), for which she also wrote. She has presented on BBC 6Music, was nominated for a Radio Academy Award for her adventurous short documentaries Short Cuts on Radio 4 and earned a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award nomination for her two short feature films, Let’s Go Swimming and Romance and Adventure and her recent feature film, Super November, was nominated for a BIFA Discovery Award.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for Josie’s Cambridge Junction tour date on Friday 17th January.

All you have to do is send in the answer to the below question!

JOSIE LONG COMPETITION ENTRY

How many times has Josie been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award?



For a chance to win tickets simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Josie Long Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 14th January 2020

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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Local News

East Anglian Air Ambulance East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is an incredible community-funded service in Cambridgeshire and here at The Villager, we are proud to announce that we have chosen to support this lifesaving charity as our charity of the year in 2020.

We will be bringing you regular features to learn more about the team at EAAA and all the amazing work they do, as well all the different ways that you can get involved and support the air ambulance.

You may not be aware, but over the last year (2018 / 2019), between its two bases and two helicopters (Norwich and Cambridge) the East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked 1,798 times by helicopter, 1,023 times by rapid response vehicle and attended 1,664 patients in total.

Of these patients there were 480 cardiac arrests, 355 road traffic collisions, 256 accidental injuries, 340 medical emergencies, 73 intentional self-harm incidents, 70 sporting incidents and 54 assault patients in the region. On top of this, the charity is striving ahead to become the first air ambulance in the East of England to fly 24/7.

EAAA is already incredibly well equipped to fly in the hours of darkness, landing at unlit sites, however they currently only fly until 1:30am in the morning, coming back online by helicopter at 7am. This means there is a five and a half hour gap in the region where there is no helicopter coverage if needed. EAAA Strongly believe the time of day should not dictate the type of emergency medical care available to you, and are passionate about raising an additional £1 million a year in order to fund the extra flying hours to

Barbara McGee Fundraising Manager

provide a 24/7 helicopter emergency medical service.

Barbara McGee, Fundraising Manager for Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, said: “The level of care our medical teams provide is absolutely outstanding and with the helicopter they can reach anywhere in East Anglia in 25 mins, taking the hospital to the patient and getting that patient the care they need as quickly as possible.

“We’re passionate about being able to provide this service, by helicopter, 24 hours a day and estimate that by doing so we could help hundreds more patients each year, which would be amazing. But we can only do this by raising more money, so we’re incredibly grateful to all of the support we get from the community – and to Charity of the Year partnerships such as this one – which help us to be there for our patients. So please come to one of our events, play our lottery, play our raffle, volunteer for us - anything at all that you can do to help us will make a huge difference to our work.”

Find out more at www.eaaa.org.uk/get-invovled

Sunrise at Cambridge Airport with Anglia Two, taken by Critical Care Paramedic Liam Sagi on a day shift in December

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Health

By John Spring

How I beat type 2 diabetes When his diabetes doctor suggested he should share how he put his diabetes into remission, John Spring went one better, he wrote a humorous book about it.

I’ve now been in remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D) for eight years, so I guess I must be doing something right.

Being in remission means that T2D isn’t damaging me anymore.

The newly diagnosed will have been made well aware of the longer-term havoc it can do to their bodies. Unless, when they were told, they put their fingers in their ears and started humming, “La, la, la, I’m not listening”. Which is exactly what I did for several years.

5% of the UK’s adult population have been diagnosed with T2D, and another 1.3% don’t know they have it yet. By the year 2035, 10% of us will be type 2 diabetic. That might make the recently diagnosed feel a little better, as there is some safety in numbers, but the NHS isn’t too keen on the prospect.

New patients may not be feeling any immediate effects of T2D, so it becomes easy to be complacent. You can liken it to a mild acid flowing around your body, slowly eating away at your nerves, your organs and your eyes. It is the end of this slow production line of diabetic damage that the NHS is now contending with.

I’d read about rapid weight loss having a high success rate in putting T2D into remission and the NHS is now trialling liquid-based diets of 800 calories per day. There’s also bariatric surgery, but it isn’t infallible as a patient’s bad eating habits can find ways around it. Likewise, you probably don’t want to survive on liquids for the rest of your life, especially if they don’t contain alcohol.

I devised my own practical regime for losing weight fast. The most positive benefit of this

workable approach was that I learned how to avoid temptation by becoming the master of my own food. I also learned how to fit exercise into my busy life. These are the lessons that have kept me in remission.

I started by identifying the heavy hitters in my diet. I then developed workarounds to drastically reduce my consumption of those. I also preprepared my own breakfast and lunch, thus avoiding the calorific temptations lurking in coffee shops and lunchtime sandwich bars. My home cooked dinners featured healthier ingredients and I soon realised that there really is no such thing as a low-calorie takeaway. They are all evil.

I discovered convenient exercise by walking set routes every day and I built up to being the world’s most unlikely runner. After four months I had lost four stone and my blood sugar came down from 60 mmol to 42mmol (48 mmol is the diabetic threshold). Most importantly I’d also equipped myself with the knowledge of how to maintain that weight loss.

The low-calorie liquids or the surgeon’s knife may well kick T2D into remission, but they’re arduous procedures to undertake. Staying in remission is also hard work, but that has been made easier for me by using a new lifestyle to beat this lifestyle related disease.

‘How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes’ by John Spring is available on Amazon. £7.99.

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House of Colour

Style & Colour at your Wedding

Q&A

Q. How do I know what shade of white to choose for my wedding dress?

A: Prior to dress shopping, if you can see a colour stylist to establish which colours naturally complements your individual skin tone to make you look radiant and your eyes shine brightly on your big day. For example Winter palettes can wear pure white or silvery finish dresses whilst summers suit soft white and delicate powder pinks. Springs look best in creams or perhaps a dove grey, and Autumns suit oyster or a light sage perhaps. It makes wedding dress searching quicker and even more pleasurable to know exactly what suits you before you even go start wedding dress shopping.

Q. My partner feels stuffy in a suit, what are the wedding attire alternatives for him whilst still ensuring he looks smart?

A: There are lots of great alternatives for men, both contemporary and traditional. If you are getting married in warmer climes, perhaps he can work a linen shirt and chinos for the beach? Colourful, patterned pocket squares add interest as do unique button holes for more formal looks.

Some people ditch the jacket altogether and wear a waistcoat or braces for a fun twist. The key is to for the clothes to fit well and suit his body architecture and for it to be the right style to suit his personality. A great fit means the right sleeve, jacket length, button arrangement, shirt and trousers, but the texture and material are both key too.

Q. I want to look gorgeous for my partner when we are on honeymoon, what are your top tips?

A: Your partner will already think you gorgeous, but it is lovely to feel confident and chic on honeymoon to keep the wedding dream going!

Be organised and pair several gorgeous tops, skirts, trousers, shorts, swimwear and scarves in your wow colours and seasonal neutrals so you can mix and match to create a number of outfits. Don’t forget to pack some great jewellery to lift any look. It is fun to get a new dress for a romantic dinner on your honeymoon to grab your partner’s attention and don’t forget to choose some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie!

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Q. What quick tips do you have for bringing colour to the wedding venue?

A: Choose accent colours for your flowers, beautiful satin sashes on the wedding chairs and other decorations but everything doesn’t need to completely match. Choose maybe three colours that complement each other from your own season palette or have a range of similar tones so that there is coordination, but still some individuality. Use wedding menu ribbons, table decorations, wedding favours, flower centre pieces and napkins to add a pop of colour. Of course your own beautiful bouquet can have a stunning colourful impact.

Q. I am doing my own wedding make up, what are your top tips?

A. Make sure you choose cool make up colours if you are cool toned and warm make up colours if you are warm toned. Wear waterproof eye makeup and a good primer to ensure your make up stays on for most of the day. Add translucent powder in your perfect shade for extra staying power. Consider an illuminator on exposed shoulders, collar bones and cheekbones to bring a subtle but beautiful sheen. Always have access to top-up make up for a tidy up or after happy tears on the day.

By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Finance

Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020

By Ann Haldon

January is the perfect time to organise your financial life and carry out those onerous or boring tasks you’ve been putting off for so long. Making a will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and checking your credit file are just three important ‘bigger picture’ jobs that can set you up for a secure future, and offer a little protection from life’s uncertainties.

So here are the five tasks in more detail – tackle them in any order, and get your financial life organised in 2020.

1. Check your state pension forecast Checking how much state pension you might receive provides a clearer picture of how your financial situation could look in retirement. It also allows you to see if there are any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record.

This is important, as you may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill those gaps and complete your NI record before you retire. At the time of writing you need to make full contributions for 35 years to be eligible for the new full state pension,¹ so it’s definitely worth investigating.

2. Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) A Lasting Power of Attorney is an official document whereby you appoint one or more attorneys to help you make financial or healthrelated decisions, or to make them on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future.

You need to be over the age of 18 to make an LPA, and have the mental capacity at the time to make your own decisions. Drawing up an LPA is often regarded as unnecessary until later life, but it’s well worth considering at any time.

3. Write a will Making a will ensures your assets are passed down according to your wishes when you die, and with today’s complex family structures it can prevent a great deal of stress for those left behind. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance when making a will, particularly if you have a young family or your circumstances aren’t straightforward.

4. Take out ‘life event’ insurance Adverse life events such as chronic illness or

serious accident can derail your plans for the future. You may not be able to work or function in the way you used to, for instance, but if you’ve taken out appropriate insurance it can reduce some of the devastating financial impact for yourself and your family.

5. Check your credit report The state of your credit report affects your ability to borrow and obtain credit, and is a fundamental part of your overall financial situation. Lenders and credit card companies assess your creditworthiness by checking your credit file, and decide whether or not to sanction loans or grant credit based on its contents.

If you blitz these jobs in January, you can relax for the rest of 2020 knowing that some of the mundane but very important financial issues that can affect your life so seriously are all under control. www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/your-nationalinsurance-record-and-your-state-pension www.moneywise.co.uk/work/everyday-life/10financial-chores-you-need-tackle-now www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article6422421/I-incomplete-years-NI-record-late-fill.html www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2019-0301%E2%80%8C%E2%80%8C/deal-week-get-free-willwritten-you-march

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Interiors

Cosy up your home 1

By Katherine Sorrell Spring may still be a while off, but there are many ways to make your interior more inviting, even in the midst of winter.

Long, dark nights and chilly mornings can be made more bearable by some clever thinking in your home. To start, make sure your lighting is up to scratch. A well-designed lighting scheme reinforces a sense of security, comfort and vitality, and making dramatic improvements could be as simple as adding a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading lamp next to a favourite armchair. For the best effect, layer lighting in the same way that an interior designer layers fabrics and textiles, ensuring

that light comes from a variety of sources and directions. For a quick upgrade on a budget, replace main light switches with dimmers, and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps at strategic points. Check that your bulbs give off the correct amount of illumination for the task at hand, and also that, where appropriate, they are a ‘warm’ white in colour rather than ‘cool’. Add the leaping flames of a log burner or a few pretty tea lights or candles (safely positioned, of course) for an atmospheric evening in.

Colour can make all the difference to the feel of a room, and a quick paint job – perhaps just on one wall – can be

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transformative. Earthy or spicy colours such as claret, mustard, ochre or chocolate are great choices, while navy or dark grey are more neutral and perhaps easier to live with all year round.

Don’t be afraid of trying out darker shades – not only are they very on-trend, but they are really effective at creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. Think about the other main colours and textures in each room. For warmth underfoot, throw down a deep pile rug or two to add extra softness, while at the windows it may be possible to swap sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier and in a bolder shade – think wool,

tweed, velvet, even felt, denim or mohair.

In the bedroom, replace pale linens with sheets or a duvet cover in a deeper shade, piling on quilts, eiderdowns, bedcovers, throws and blankets, combining colours, patterns and fabrics for a glorious mixture that feels truly sumptuous. And in the living room, pile up cushions on sofas and armchairs for a sense of cosy luxury, then add some generously sized throws over the back: great for snuggling under. You could use a length of tweed edged with velvet ribbon, chunky knitting or crochet, fake fur or soft fleece. Draw the curtains, light the fire, pull on some fluffy socks, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book or a favourite box set – baby it may be cold outside, but inside it’s warm, cosy and welcoming.

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How to increase your home’s heat efficiency • Insulate your loft. Use 300mm of quilt insulation, but retain some ventilation so as to avoid condensation.

• Deal with draughts. At windows, fit rebated seals, secondary glazing or wellfitting shutters (which can be as effective as double glazing).

Or use the old-fashioned method: heavy, floor-to-ceiling curtains with a thermal lining.

Venetian blinds can come treated with a special coating to add more insulation, or you can invest in made-to-measure blinds that feature a cellular structure to retain warm air.

• Doors will also benefit from seals or a curtain – a rising door curtain rod (aka a portiere rod) will hold the curtain out of the way when the door is opened.

• If the suspended timber floor is draughty, seal any gaps at the bottom of skirting boards with foam strips, silicon mastic or slivers of timber. For gaps between floorboards you could use fillets of wood, pack the gaps with string or cord and finish with wood filler, or try a special gap filler that comes on a roll with its own applicator.

• When fitting carpet, look for underlay with the highest possible tog rating.

• Bear in mind that woodburning stoves are far more energy-efficient than open fires.

• Help prevent heat loss from radiators – especially when fitted on an outside wall – by fitting tin foil (or special radiator reflectors) behind them to reflect the heat back in.

1. Curtains: Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; cushions left to right: Moda fabric in Gilt, from £36 per metre; Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; throws: Asami fabric in Gilt/ Willow, from £42 per metre; all from the Orientalis collection by ILIV: 01772 651199; i-liv.co.uk 2. Venetian Thermostop® blinds in Dove Grey, from £107 for a made-to-measure 400mm x 600mm blind, Style Studio: 0141 814 3500; stylestudio.co.uk 3. Beaumont 8 series wood-burning stove, from £1,800; with the Burlington limestone fire surround, £1,995; both Chesneys: 020 7627 1410; chesneys.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Gardening

High-Rise Edibles

By Pippa Greenwood Use high-rise gardening to give extra space, with hanging baskets, wall troughs and window boxes as homes for vegetables, herbs and even fruit. So, what does it take to succeed?

Larger containers allow for more room for your crops’ roots and easier maintenance, as they will run out of moisture and fertiliser less frequently.

Use suitable supporting brackets and screws for hanging baskets, window boxes and wall troughs, as they must support the weight of fully grown plants laden with crops, which will be heavier after watering. Check walls, balconies and windows sills will not be overloaded and consider using lighterweight loam-free or peat-free composts with lightweight containers made of bamboo, plastics or fibre glass.

You’ll need to use good quality compost and feed crops in high-rise planters regularly and, as they’re more susceptible to drying out, regular watering is essential.

The dwarf runner bean ‘Hestia’ is perfect for containers and can be sown directly into the compost in April, or raised in small pots or trays and then planted out into the high-rise planter.

Dwarf French varieties such as ‘Duel’ or the purplepodded ‘Purple Tee Pee’ do well in a good sized window box Wall baskets, troughs and hanging baskets can play host to strawberries, which trail naturally over container edges. Plants can be bought from garden centres or by mail order at this time of year.

There’s a huge selection of lettuce and other salad leaves available in a wide range of colours and leaf shapes. Fast-germinating and fast-growing, you can either buy small plants or sow the seed

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directly into the compost.

Creeping or trailing forms of herbs are a must for a basket, trough or window box, and thyme in particular is ideal for a container in a sunny spot.

As it’s hardy it can be planted out at any time of year. Parsley, sage, tarragon, chives and basil all look good in wall baskets or window boxes and thrive in a sunny spot.

Most oriental vegetables, such as the pak choi varieties ‘Red Choi’ and Mizuna (including the purple-veined ‘Mizuna Purple’) do well in a sheltered window box or wall trough. The two look stunning combined together, with the Mizuna positioned to ‘flop’ attractively over container edges. For a red and spicy theme use ‘Mustard Red Giant’.

There are several varieties of tomatoes well-suited to containers such as hanging baskets, including the classic ‘Tumbling Tom’, available in both red and yellow varieties, and the red-fruited ‘Tumbler’.

Raise them from seed sown now or buy plants to put into containers in late April or May. If you like tiny fruited tomatoes, consider ‘Hundreds and Thousands’.

Chilli pepper plants such as ‘Super Chilli’ packed in a window box or wall trough will look stunning when covered in their glossy fruits. Chillies are tender so buy plants in May or June or sow seeds now.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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I Do Solemnly Swear I Am Up To A LOT OF Good!

Harry Potter references aside, the beginning of a new year sees an abundance of people making new year’s resolutions. Promises and pledges to make positive changes in their lives. Afterall, the beginning of January is the ideal time to pause and reflect once the Christmas festivities have ceased for another year. If thought out carefully New Year’s resolutions can be very positive and a force for good.

Many of you will have already had the conversation with yourself about what your new year’s resolutions will be this year. While others haven’t really given it much thought. So here we have a list. For those of you who enjoy setting yourself goals and wishes, here are a few more suggestions with an RSPCA twist.

1) Have an early Spring clean.

Eliminating clutter and unwanted ‘stuff’ from your house can feel very liberating and rewarding. So, this year why not vow to visit the RSPCA shop with all of your unwanted items; clothes, shoes, jewellery, books, DVD’s, CD’s.

Don’t forget to fill in our gift aid form when you do. You could even keep a curver box under the stairs for charity items, when its full, bring it in.

2) Volunteering your time All of our shops rely on the dedication of our volunteers, who we could not operate without.

They all do an incredible job. I regularly hear from our volunteers how rewarding it is working for the RSPCA, and many love the flexibility of the role. So it you have some regular spare time, why not pop down to your local RSPCA shop to find out how you can help.

3) Recycling Christmas presents Every now and then we receive Christmas presents that we are grateful for but didn’t ask for and will therefore never use. They end up at the bottom of the wardrobe or at the

Pets

back of a drawer collecting dust. We keep these gifts as we do not want to appear ungrateful nor do we want to upset anyone.

Sound familiar? Well pop into your local RSPCA shop with any unwanted Christmas gifts and put them to good use.

4) Holding a sponsored event at work Organising and participating in a charity event at work is so uplifting. It raises team spirit and valuable amounts of money are raised in the process. So why not this year, hold an event at work to raise money for the RSPCA. Big or small we are incredibly grateful for all of our donations. You could hold a coffee morning, sponsored walk, golf tournament, an auction, football match, car wash or a bake sale.

5) Be a foster carer The RSPCA are really lucky to have an amazing group of foster carers that provide temporary homes for animals. Fostering an animal is incredibly rewarding and can help the animal to recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury.

Fostering also provides people who would normally be unable to have an animal long term with an alternative.

6) Buying from charity shops more often Finally, one resolution you can make this year is to buy from charity shops more often, and to have them more in the forefront of your mind.

So when it is World Book Day and you are being asked to magic a costume out of thin air – go to your local RSPCA shop! If you are after a new coat – check out your local RSPCA shop first.

Whatever you decide your new year’s resolutions are going to be this coming year, see if any of them can have a ‘caring for animals’ theme.

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Food & Drink

Portuguese Custard Tarts It’s been said over and again, food takes us back to a place, back to a memory, back to a moment in time.

Whenever I smell fresh biscuits baking, I’m right back to my grandma’s kitchen. Whenever I smell a fresh baguette, it takes me back to my time living in France and that unmistakable early morning aroma which fills the villages and towns (often mixed in with the smell of strong coffee too!). So often on my Weekend Kitchen radio show, I am taken back to happy places by the food which my guests make. One such happy place is Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, where I have spent days and days enjoying the perfect weather, wonderful hospitality and amazing fresh food. And nothing personifies Portugal better than their traditional custard tart - moreish, light, and with the signature dark brown top crust, they will brighten any dark day. They’re also surprisingly easy to make - as shown in this brilliant recipe by Victoria Chidgey. She’s a highly talented young cake maker and baker, with her own thriving business called The Tring Cake Company. These tarts will put a smile on your face.

Ingredients 1 block of puff pastry Icing sugar for dusting 6 egg yolks 185g caster sugar 50g cornflour 600ml whole milk 10g vanilla extract 1. In a pan, bring together the yolks, sugar, cornflour and vanilla. Slowly stir in the milk.

2. Put the pan onto a moderate heat and stir continuously until big bubbles appear in the middle.

3. Take off the heat, pour the mix into a bowl and cover with clingfilm.

4. Put this bowl in the fridge to chill while you roll your pastry.

5. Roll out the puff pastry using the icing sugar to dust the surface and rolling pin.

6. Cut the pastry in half and place one half of the pastry on top of the other.

7. Roll the pastry again until 5mm thick.

8. Roll the pastry into a tight sausage and cut into 16 discs.

9. Push the pastry into each hole of a cupcake tray, applying pressure around the sides so that they are evenly covered, all the way to the top edge.

10. Dust with icing sugar.

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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31

Motoring

Everything you need to know

about hybrids Looking to move into the world of electrification?

Here’s all you need to know about hybrids.

With all the talk of electrification of cars and everyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint, hybrid models have become more and more popular with buyers.

If you’re interested but are not sure what they are and what different types are available, we’ve got you covered.

What is a hybrid?

As the name suggests, it’s a hybrid of an electric vehicle and an internal combustion engine (usually powered by petrol or diesel). It will have a batterypowered electric motor that will work in conjunction with the combustion engine to power the wheels.

Generally, the idea is that the electric motor takes care of the driving at low speeds or while accelerating, because that’s when a combustion engine is at its most inefficient. Then, once up to speed, when the engine can run at low effort to keep things ticking along, it takes over.

The result is better fuel economy – always a good thing!

Types of hybrid Mild hybrid (MHEV) The mild hybrid takes the hybrid principles but utilises them in the mildest of ways. They typically have a small battery and an electric motor that can take over running the car’s ancillaries, such as the headlights and air conditioning.

This means the engine can be turned off to save fuel at times when it is not needed, such as when

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decelerating or when stopped. The important distinction is that the wheels cannot be powered by the electric motor.

While it tends to mean the engine isn’t being used at times when it’s not being particularly inefficient anyway, the economy gains are fairly small. However, as it’s the batteries that tend to add cost to hybrids, mild hybrids tend to be less expensive to buy than other models.

Hybrid When you hear a car referred to as simply a ‘hybrid’ alone, it tends to mean that it has the capability to run on pure electric but the batteries can only be recharged through regenerative braking.

This is when motors in the wheels ‘harvest’ energy that would normally be lost when decelerating and braking and uses it to replenish the battery charge.

This is where the term ‘self-charging hybrid’ comes from – you never charge the vehicle from an external source, it recharges itself through regeneration.

On the positive side, hybrids are much more economical than a mild hybrid, because you can drive on electric only, providing there’s enough charge, and they tend to be less expensive than plug-in models.

However, because they rely on deceleration to charge, if you do a lot of motorway miles at a consistent speed you could find the battery is dead once you get to a town where you could use EV mode.

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Motoring

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Plug-in hybrids are the ultimate form of hybrid models, because they can plug into an external source of electricity to charge the batteries.

This means you can top the batteries up to full charge overnight and thus maximise the electriconly range. If your daily commute is quite short you might rarely need petrol power, saving you lots of money in the long run.

The downside is that the charging technology tends to make PHEVs pricier than other hybrids, and if you have no means to charge the battery yourself, you might as well save that initial cash and go for a normal hybrid.

Frequently asked questions What is a self-charging hybrid?

In truth, there’s very little to separate a ‘self-charging’ hybrid from a regular hybrid. They still use a single or pair of electric motors to assist the petrol (or, in small numbers, diesel) engine, and they can’t be plugged in to top up the batteries, either.

So how do you charge them? Most hybrids come with the option to use some of the engine’s power output to charge the batteries, therefore reserving some electric power for later use. In addition, nearly all hybrids harness the energy generated when braking and coasting, pushing this kinetic energy into the batteries. So really, a ‘self-charging’ hybrid is just a hybrid car that can’t be plugged into the mains.

Would a hybrid benefit me?

This really depends on your daily journeys. Those who do shorter trips day-to-day are definitely candidates for the swap to a hybrid, as the vehicle can run on all-electric power alone, meaning that emissions are practically zero and overall

consumption of fuel will be as low as possible.

In contrast, if you’re travelling further afield more regularly while at higher speeds, then a conventionally powered car may still be better.

Hybrids struggle to run on electric power at motorway speeds and for long distances, after which the smaller combustion engine is left to deal with propulsion all by itself, resulting in higher emissions and poor fuel economy.

Are hybrid cars reliable?

Despite a complex powertrain and the multitude of new technologies incorporated into a hybrid’s setup, they are as reliable as a conventional car. In fact, many older hybrids have achieved high mileages with little to no fuss, and because of the stronger regeneration you get from a hybrid there’s less stress on the brakes too.

Do you get a plug-in grant?

Sadly, no – in March 2019 the government announced that it was axing the plug-in grant for hybrid vehicles following a surge in their popularity.

Only all-electric vehicles now qualify for the grant.

Are they eligible for exclusion from low emissions zones?

Some hybrids are eligible for an exclusion from London’s low-emissions zone charge, but the rules are far more stringent than previously. Now, only hybrid cars which emit less than 75g/km CO2 and have a minimum zero-emissions (or all-electric) range of 20 miles will be completely exempt from the charge. As a result, older vehicles may not get the discount.

Plus, in 2021, London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone is set to extend to the north and south circular, and no hybrids will get an exemption from the charge.

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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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n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 January Friends of Paxton Pits 10.30am Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Friends of Paxton Pits. Tick 'n' Twitch with local guides. How many kinds of bird can you see, 20 or 30? We are aiming for 50! Pay 10p for each bird species seen.

Don’t forget your binoculars and your money. Walk starts at the Visitor Centre. Tel: 01480 406795

1 January New Year’s Day Walk at Coton Countryside Reserve 11am-1pm As a perfect antidote to the festivities, why not welcome in the new year and blow off the cobwebs by joining us for a free, sociable ramble through Coton Reserve and the surrounding countryside.

You’ll enjoy the stunning winter landscapes at the same time as kick-starting that resolution to get more exercise in 2020! The walk is free but donations towards the upkeep of the reserve are always welcome. Meet outside The Plough, Grantchester Road, Coton, CB23 7PZ at 11am.

Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on 3 January St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, PE19 2TD Members free, non-members £3 ‘St Neots 1949 - A Snapshot in Time’ by Rodney Todman. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 31 January Computing problems?

10am-12.30pm Bytes Café, Kimbolton Bytes Café is open in the small hall behind the Mandeville Hall. Volunteers can help with your computing problems from the simplest to the more challenging. Colour and black and white printing, enlarging A4 to A3 and laminating at a reasonable price. Drop by and see what is available.

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January Friday Night Drinks 7.30-11pm Buckworth Cricket Club, Church Road, Buckworth, Huntingdon Join us at the Club to celebrate the end of the week, have a drink with friends and relax.

Web: www.buckworthcricketclub.co.uk 4 January Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton Buffalo. Bring and share lunch followed by activities from 1.30pm. Suggested donation £1.

Tel: Helen Young 01480 216255 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 January Huntingdon parkrun 9am Hinchingbrooke Country Park Free, weekly, timed 5k run for anyone aged 4 years and over. Email: huntingdon@parkrun.com

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4, 11, 18 & 25 January parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 5k timed run.

Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate

5, 12, 19 & 26 January Jubilee Junior parkrun 9am Jubilee Park, Huntingdon Free, weekly, timed 2k run for 4-14 year olds.

Email: jubileejuniors@parkrun.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 January Junior parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 2k timed run for 4-14 year olds.

Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate-juniors 6 January St Neots Timebank Evening 7-9pm Tesco Community Room Members evening. NIA dance with tutor Ildiko Miklos certified Brown Belt Nia Technique Teacher.

Classes £5 each. Nia is a mindful dance fitness practice. It is for anybody seeking a gentler movement class to complement and facilitate healing of body, mind, emotions and spirit. Suitable for all ages and abilities. No need to book – just come along. Tel: 07590 909057 Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 January 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 6, 13, 20 & 27 January West Hunts Friendship Club 9.30am-3pm Great Staughton Village Hall Meets every Monday except Bank Holidays. We are looking for new members who are retired to join our happy team. Members can participate in a range of activities, such as music and singing exercises, quizzes, card and board games as well as enjoying 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 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club 6.30-9pm Godmanchester Town Hall £1 for Whist drive inc. tea & biscuits If you are feeling lonely and over 55 years of age, then you will find a warm welcome waiting for you in the Senior Citizens Club. The club has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of activities. Monday 6.30-9pm is Whist Drive, Tuesday 2-4pm is Bingo and Friday 1.30-4pm is another opportunity to play Whist. Members also meet on a Saturday morning at 10am for games, chat, tea and biscuits. Nonmembers are welcome to visit on Saturday mornings to find out more.

Email: johnseal25@virginmedia.com Web: www.godmanchesterseniors.weebly.com

6, 13, 20 & 27 January Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Godmanchester Monday evenings. Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St. Neots & District Camera Club 7.15 for 7.30pm St. Neots Bowling Club (beside the tennis courts) Free entry. Everyone welcome, no experience is necessary. All you need is an interest in photography.

Web: www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January 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 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St Neots Folk Club 8pm The Priory Centre, St Neots Tickets: 01234 37278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St Ives Photographic Club 8-10pm Winter programme - see website for full details.

Email: events@stives-photoclub.org.uk Web: www.stives-photoclub.org.uk 8 January Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat Second Wednesday of every month. Monthly meetup for adults with M.E. and partners/friends.

Web: www.crmetea.org 8 January Brampton Flower Club 7.15pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Visitors £6 on the door. Stephen Hall will present a talk on his Chelsea gold medal winning landscape designs. The evening will commence with a fish and chip supper at 7.15pm for members (pre-paid in December). Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 8 January Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall Suzanne Edgington will be talking about ‘Complementary & Alternative therapies’.

The group usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 8 January Wildlife Trust 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton £5 per person. ‘Fascinating Fungi - An Introduction to Mycology’ an illustrated talk by Peter Walker.

Peter has a wealth of knowledge and will present an absorbing talk about these diverse organisms that often appear only transiently before disappearing again to spend most of their lives hidden underground. Tel: Alistair Grant 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Hemingford Ladies Choir 10-11.30am St Ives Free Church A small choir who sing a wide range of music in support of local charities. Tel: 01480 417925 Email: vivienneoxley64@gmail.com

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Wednesday Walk 11am-12.30pm Wimpole Estate Join us for a different walk each week, showing off some of the best views, woodland paths and secret seats in and around Wimpole's parkland.

Walks range from 3-5 miles and are often muddy.

Experienced Walk Leaders will guide you through the estate, pointing out interesting features in the landscape, wildlife and tantalising snippets of Wimpole's history. Guided walk is free but there is a parking charge for non-members.

8 & 22 January Knit, Stitch & Natter Group 1.30-3pm St James Church, Little Paxton £2 inc. tea, coffee, cakes & biscuits. Why not come and join us?Tel: June Griffin 01480 39977

13 January Adult Learning St Ives First day of the term for adult evening/daytime/ Saturday courses. Start dates vary – see website for information. Web: www.aclearning.org.uk

20 January Little Paxton W I 7.45pm St James' Church Little Paxton WI meets every third Monday of the month, except December when it meets on the second Monday. Email: evans-margaret@sky.com

13 January Godmanchester Trefoil Guild 7.30-9pm Godmanchester Football Ground Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguiding for Adults aged 18+. They meet on the second Monday of the month. Email: jeanmking@outlook.com

22 January Roxtonettes Monthly Music Evenings 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Do you enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument? We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month. 7.30pm onwards for instrumentalists and 8pm onwards for singers.

Under the guidance of Eamonn Nicholson-Clinch, we are an informal community singing group. You do not need to read music! Tel: Eamonn 07780 954314

15 January Carers Coffee Club 2-3.30pm The Royal Oak, Hail Weston Are you caring for a loved one with a memory loss?

Then come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in a similar situation.

Our informal group meets on every third Wednesday of the month. Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 Email: kimpigfarmer@tiscali.co.uk

16 January Winter Tree Walk at Wandelbury Country Park 10am-12 noon 11 January Wandlebury Country Park, CB22 3AE Hemingford Village Market Free – donations welcome. Join one of our wardens 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey for a gentle guided walk around Wandlebury to Second Saturday of the month. Food, crafts, plants learn how to identify winter trees. Meet at the and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford noticeboard in the car park. www.cambridgeppf.org Grey Parish Council surgery should you wish to meet councillors to discuss local issues. Refreshments 16 January available in the Hemingford Garden Room.

Friends of Paxton Pits Guided Walk 10am-12.30pm 11 January Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust Mindful Wintry Wander £2.50 on the day. Explore Paxton Pits Nature Reserve 10.30am-midday Trumpington Meadows, with experienced local experts. Walks start at the Grantchester Road CB2 9LH Visitor Centre and last approximately two hours. No £5 per person. Mindful walking and nature need to book. Tel: 01480 406795 connection have the power to revive on cold dark days, with much evidence of the benefits of getting 16 January outdoors for physical and mental health. Join Claire Love’s Farm Women’s Institute Thompson, author of Mindfulness of the Natural 8-10pm St Neots Football Club World and Becky Green, Wildlife Trust Senior Ranger Meets on the third Thursday of the month. at Trumpington Meadows, for guided mindful walks Tel: Nikki Jackson 07563 715043 at the reserve this month. Walks will include guided Email: lovesfarmladieswi@gmail.com mindfulness practices and periods of silent walking bringing opportunities to engage senses and 17 January connect with ourselves and winter wildlife wonders All is True on the reserve. Tea and biscuits will be available to 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton warm up at the end!

Kimbolton Community Cinema. Tickets available Email: clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com from Oliver’s, Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or on Web www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2020-01-11the door. Bar, ice creams and free popcorn. mindful-winter-wanders Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ 11 January themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 20 January 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, St Neots Royal Naval Association 7.30pm Biggleswade The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots ‘The Chrysanthemum in Art and Culture’ with Twigs St Neots & District Branch of the Royal Naval Way. Twigs is a writer, researcher and speaker on Association meet on the third Monday of every garden history including landscapes in art and month. Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 literature. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com

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23 January Huntingdonshire Fauna & Flora Society 7.30pm Countryside Centre, Hinchingbrooke Country Park Members free, Visitors £2. ‘Murderous Monarchs, Toxic Smogs and Texting Cows: The History, Wildlife and Ongoing Management of Epping Forest’ by Gordon Wyatt. Visitor fee is refunded if you join on the night. Web: www.hffs.org.uk 23 January St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 inc. refreshments & raffle ticket. ‘History of Peter’s gardens 197-2019’

by Peter Walker. www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk 26 January Wildlife Trust Mindful Wintry Wander 3-4.30pm Trumpington Meadows, Grantchester Road CB2 9LH £5 per person. Mindful walking and nature connection have the power to revive on cold dark days, with much evidence of the benefits of getting outdoors for physical and mental health. Join Claire Thompson, author of Mindfulness of the Natural World and Becky Green, Wildlife Trust Senior Ranger at Trumpington Meadows, for guided mindful walks at the reserve. Tea and biscuits will be available at the end!

Email: clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com Web www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2020-01-11mindful-winter-wanders 28 January Huntingdonshire Diabetes Group 7.30pm Millennium Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden Email: hunts.diabetesuk@gmail.com Web: huntingdonshire.diabetesukgroup.org 31 January The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Adults £15, Groups 20+ £10 each, Under 21s £5 Alexandra Lomeiko, violin with Christine Zerafa, piano; Richard Zhang, solo piano.

Tel: 01480 375678 (9am-3pm) Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac

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N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

INSULATING SPRAYFOAM • BBA APPROVED SPRAYFOAM • CAN GREATLY REDUCE ENERGY BILLS • UPGRADE YOUR PROPERTIES ‘U’ VALUE • ELIMINATES DRAFTS OR ‘DRAW’ FROM THE ROOF SPACE • MESS & HASSLE FREE • QUALIFIES AS AN ESM • FIRE SAFE

0800 046 1080 30% OFF ORDERS PLACED IN JANUARY hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 40

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Crossword Solution for The Villager December Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Heather Urquhart from Hitchin Cambridge Gliding Competition Winner - Mrs Beverley Sale-James from St Neots Christmas Quiz Competition Winner - Mrs P Davies from Biggleswade

December’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th January 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Swollen (5) 9 Tract of level high ground (7) 10 Examinations (5) 11 Restored to health (5) 12 Exact (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Sudden bursts of light (7) 20 Contest (5) 22 Strongly flavoured edible bulb (5) 23 Interconnected system (7) 24 Traffic light (5) 25 Changes to fit purpose (6) Down 1 Collision (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Slim (7) 5 Loosen (5) 6 Popular style (7) 7 Keeping down (11) 8 Pale or colourless (5) 14 Ingredient of nuclear power (7) 15 Restricted (7) 16 Happening, underway (5) 17 Trembles (6) 19 Thus (5) 21 Unit of soldiers (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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Book Review A Year of Reading Aloud

by Georgina Rodgers (editor)

If you love poetry, try this collection of ‘52 poems to learn and love’, where you’ll find well-known names such as Sylvia Plath, E.E Cummings, William Blake and Maya Angelou alongside newer poets. Most of the poems are short enough to learn without too much difficulty, and they’re accompanied by a paragraph about the poet and the reason why the poem has been selected. Take up the challenge of learning one each week, or just dip in and out when you need an extra dose of beauty in your life.

Grow Cook Eat Diary 2020

by Sarah Raven

If you love gardening and cooking this could be the diary for you. Each month has a short list of what to sow, plant and harvest in your garden, along with other garden-related tasks and a simple recipe using in-season produce.

Dishes range from Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry to Beef Carpaccio with Fennel Flowers. As you’d expect, there are plenty of stunning flower photographs throughout the diary, with one image for each week.

A Year of Living Thankfully

by Lois Blyth

Can being more grateful change your life? According to this book it can, and Lois Blyth is on a mission to show you how. Each week, you’ll work through an activity to help you embrace gratitude and take pleasure in the little things.

There’s guidance on turning negative thoughts around, learning to appreciate what you have and not letting others spoil your mood.

Books

By Kate Duggan

365 Days of Creativity

by Lorna Scobie

As the blurb says, “Creativity is not just about making your mark on the paper. It’s about looking at the world a little differently.” If you’re stuck in a creative rut, this book might help you get out of it.

The daily artistic challenges are split into how they help you feel, so you can choose one based on whether you want to feel calm, inspired, energetic or reflective. They range from drawing patterns on a snake to capturing the view through a doorway.

Whether you take five minutes or five hours on each one is up to you.

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating

by Joa Studholme

Planning to redecorate this year? This book might help you come up with a plan. There are thirteen case studies, from city centre apartments to a classic Georgian house, as well as tips and tricks for decorating each room of your home. There’s also plenty of advice on decorating in general, including making small rooms look bigger and using colour to make an impact.

Booker Prize Shortlist 2019 Various

Looking for a new fiction book to lose yourself in on a long winter’s night? Fancy trying something a bit different to your usual genre? Treat yourself to the six novels from the Booker Prize shortlist.

Stories range from Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities to Elif Shalak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. Read them all to see whether you agree with the judges’ final decision.

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Cleaning Services

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

Electrician

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established in 1996 Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111

Your Perfect Loft Access and Storage Solution Our services include: Loft Ladders Loft Hatches Insulation Loft Boarding Loft Lighting Balustrades We are a family run business who comply to building regulations, where our fitters are fully insured and all of our work is guaranteed.

Covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk 46

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

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