VILLAGER The
Issue 120 - May 2022
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
A Joyous Jubilee Study for Success Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys ur and all surrounding areas Yo EE R py
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Inside this issue... Choose a BMAS Mobility Bathroom........................... 24 Making Positive Mental Space for Gardening............ 26 The Great British Spring Clean................................... 31 The Cars Best Suited to Longer Journeys................... 32 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On in May...................................................... 38 Villager Prize Crossword............................................ 42 The Book Nook.......................................................... 45 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47
Yoga for Beginners
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Niagara Falls............................................................... 4 A Joyous Jubilee!......................................................... 6 Yoga for Beginners...................................................... 8 Wines: Choosing a Selection..................................... 10 Study for Success....................................................... 12 Ahead of the Curve.................................................... 14 The Kimbolton Country Fayre.................................... 16 De-Clutter.... how to live with less............................ 18 Car Booty! A very British Treasure Hunt..................... 21
Car Booty!
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Get your business off to a flying start this year
Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Louise Addison, Katherine Sorrell, Kate McCarthy, Tracey Anderson, Bating Mobility Advisory Service, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, Catherine Rose and Kate Duggan
Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography - greir Design and Artwork Design 9 • Tel: 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com
Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
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Travel
Niagara Falls By Solange Hando
Straddling the Canada-US border, Niagara is one of the ‘World’s Big Three’, alongside Iguazu and Victoria, and for sheer power and popularity it is top of the list in North America. Draining the waters of Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the river is only thirty-six miles long but awesome from end to end. The Natives called it ‘Great Thunderer of Waters’, honouring the god dwelling in the cataract. According to historians, the first Europeans to view the Falls were a French explorer and his priest who spoke of waters that “foam and boil in fearful manner”. There was twice as much water in those days, prior to hydro-electricity production, but as you approach the Falls Mother Nature still sends shivers down your spine. Three falls will take your breath away. On the US side are the American Falls and beyond Luna Island the Bridal Veil with the best overall view from the Observation Tower. Then comes Goat Island with its shuddering Cave of the Winds and on the other side the Horseshoe, the biggest fall, 2,600 feet across and almost entirely on Canadian territory. It captures 90% of the water rushing over the ledge and drops 187 feet. How much water over the Falls? Almost enough to fill a million baths a minute, they say, but on March 29th 1848 it all stopped as ice blocked
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the upper river. This was the first time the Falls were completely frozen, having tumbled and roared ever since the Great Lakes were created at the end of the Ice Age and water carved its way towards the Atlantic. The best panorama is from Canada but cruising below the Falls is stunning from either side: turbulent water, rocks, islands, spray all around, then expect to get really wet (cape provided) when you reach the Horseshoe. It’s exhilarating and a highlight worth queueing for. Other attractions (Canadian side) include a ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ – follow the tunnels and see the Horseshoe plummeting right in front of you – and the Skylon Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Falls and the legendary Rainbow Bridge between the two countries. Then there are tales of daredevils who challenged Niagara, among them the amazing Blondin who performed myriad antics on a tightrope and sixty-three-year-old schoolteacher Annie Taylor who achieved the first successful barrel jump over the Falls. Tourist facilities are available on both sides but ground adjacent to the Falls has been secured for permanent parkland, with flowers and trees adding their own charm according to season. There’s a State Park on the American side and, along the escarpment in Ontario, a biosphere reserve listed by UNESCO. Meanwhile, beyond the Falls the river follows its course through a dramatic gorge, over six miles long, all rapids and whirlpool, before flowing into Lake Ontario in the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake. Erosion has slowed down in modern times so the Niagara Falls might be with us for another 50,000 years.
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Special Report
A Joyous Jubilee! June’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations mark an extraordinary 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, surpassing the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21st April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London, the girl nicknamed Lilibet wasn’t destined to be Queen. She was the eldest daughter of Prince Albert and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Duke and Duchess of York. The Duke, a shy man with a pronounced stammer, was the younger brother of Edward who was heir to the throne, and the family of four with their two daughters were anticipating a quiet life without the heavy responsibilities of rule. However, an event that shocked the nation was to propel Elizabeth into the spotlight and take her on a quite different path. Only twelve months after his coronation, Edward VIII’s love for a twice-divorced American woman, Wallace Simpson, led him to abdicate. It may seem strange to us now, but even into the 1960s it was strictly taboo for a sovereign, or member of the Royal family, to marry a divorcee. As second in line to the throne, Edward’s brother Albert had to take his place. Crowned King George VI on 11th December 1936 at 40 years old, Princess Elizabeth, then ten, became heir. From that point, her education and upbringing focused on the fact she would one day be Queen. In 1947, Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in Westminster Abbey. They settled in Clarence House and two years later Prince Charles was born. Although still only 55 years old, in the summer of 1951 King George’s health began to fail and the young Princess Elizabeth had to undertake her first official duty when she stepped in to represent her father at the Trooping of the Colour. That autumn, Elizabeth and Philip departed for a tour of Canada and Washington DC, where the young couple was enthusiastically received. In January 1952, they set out for another tour of Australia and New Zealand. However, on 6th February, while en route in Kenya, the King died of a coronary thrombosis at Sandringham. Elizabeth immediately flew back as Queen. She was just 25 years old. After three months of private mourning for her beloved father, Queen Elizabeth moved into Buckingham Palace and began to start the routine
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By Catherine Rose
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Coronation portrait, June 1953, London, England. duties expected of a monarch. She took her role seriously, conducting her first state opening of Parliament in November 1952. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953. Controversially, Prince Philip was instrumental in having the ceremony televised. Both the Queen and her husband subsequently worked to modernise the monarchy while retaining its traditional sense of public duty and creed of “never complain, never explain.” Like all of us, Queen Elizabeth has lived through difficult times, and last year lost her husband and life companion. But despite bouts of ill health herself, she has stoically continued her duties. Now, aged 96 and still head of the Commonwealth, she has lived a life of service to her country and is admired, respected and loved around the globe.
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Sport
Yoga for beginners Yoga has been practised for thousands of years. Modern yoga mainly focuses on Asanas (postures or poses) and Pranayama (breathing). Stressed? Achy? Stiff joints? You need some yoga in your life… What benefits do you get from yoga? Yoga can help to improve your flexibility, balance and muscle strength. It can also be a great stress reliever and may help to ease anxiety, lower your blood pressure and help you to get a better night’s sleep. Who can practise yoga? Yoga is a low-impact exercise that’s suitable for most people. No one will care that your downward dog pose isn’t perfect or that you wobble a bit doing standing balances. You’re never too old to start and there are even chair-based classes for people with limited mobility. Are there different types of yoga? There are several types of yoga. Hatha is the one most commonly practised in the UK. If a class just says ‘yoga’, it’s likely based on Hatha principles. Other styles include Vinyasa, Iyengar and Sivananda. Bikram and other forms of hot yoga takes place in a studio that’s been heated to 33-41°C. Is yoga the same as pilates? Pilates often incorporates yoga poses, but it’s also influenced by other exercises and tends to involve more movement. Pilates is less spiritual than yoga and places more focus on improving core strength. What should I wear for a yoga class? You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement, trip you up or fall over your
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head when you’re bending down. You can invest in exercise clothes designed specifically for yoga, but a T-shirt and pair of leggings will do fine to start with. Yoga classes often end with students lying still for a mindfulness or breathing exercise, so you might want to bring a jumper or light blanket in case you get cold. What equipment will I need? For most types of yoga, you won’t need any special equipment other than a yoga mat. This provides a bit of cushioning from the hard floor and helps prevent your hands and feet from slipping when you’re moving through the poses. Your instructor might suggest using other equipment, such as yoga blocks and straps, but these will usually be provided by the studio. If you’re planning to try hot yoga, you’ll need a towel and a water bottle. How can I learn yoga? It’s best to join a beginner’s class led by a qualified yoga instructor who can check you’re doing the moves correctly. Not only will this help you to get the most out of the poses, it’ll also reduce any risk of injury. Can I learn yoga online? If you can’t afford to sign up for a class right now or want to practise yoga more often, you could try a class on YouTube. Adriene Mishler is probably the best-known online yoga instructor and has hundreds of free videos on YouTube, many of which are suitable for beginners. Search for ‘Yoga with Adriene’.
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Food & Drink
Wines: Choosing a Selection
Sparkling wines are a very popular choice, for many people and make an occasion into an event and an event into a celebration. The popularity of sparkling wines increases yearly and they offer excellent value. Numerous countries, globally, have winemakers producing sparkling wines. These types of wines are widely available and I searched for a retailer, that offers a good selection of ‘sparklers’, as well as still productions. English wine is increasing greatly, in appreciation and recognition, gaining numerous awards, both in the UK and abroad. MORRISONS THE BEST ENGLISH SPARKLING BRUT VINTAGE (11.5% vol), I found to be very impressive. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes are utilised, to great advantage, culminating in a grand, finished product. This brut sparkling wine is stored for several years, in cool cellars, before being released. The fine bubbles receive much admiration, from sparkling wine lovers. A very good floral and citrusy bouquet continues to the mouthfeel and sensation for the palate. From France, I located MORRISONS THE BEST CRÉMANT de LIMOUX (12.5% vol). This brut sparkling wine is made in partnership with Sieur d’Arques. Dominant with Chardonnay and aged for a minimum of 12 months in bottle, this ‘sparkler’ is another extremely popular production, indeed, with a good ‘stream’ of bubbles, adored by many. A very good aroma of apple hints, extends to the fruity, citrusy pleasures, on the mouth. Italy is another country with an impressive history for producing sparkling wines. MORRISONS THE BEST PROSECCO VALDOBBIADENE DOCG (11% vol) has a great number of ‘devotees’, too. This production graces dining tables regularly and is very much appreciated and respected, having a good perlage to please the eye, then a most acceptable bouquet and mouthfeel of apple sensations, plus white fruits. I located these sparkling wines at a Morrisons store, in their ‘The Best’ range, which was developed by their wine experts. Perfect by themselves and also to accompany a lot of dishes, including fish, seafood and white meats. Dating from 1899, Morrisons have become a leading supermarket, providing a wealth of products, from everyday household essentials, through specific requirements, to an excellent range of wines, spirits and other beverages. For all products and information, please visit www.morrisons.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
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ey Trevor Langl
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Education
Study for
Success
By Louise Addison
Get the results you want with our top tips It’s been a weird couple of years when it comes to studying and exams. The 2022 cohort have had it tough, yet they will still be expected to sit external examinations in this gradual return to the ‘new normal’. It’s all a bit of a mish mash of assessments and examinations, and queries over what will be in the papers and whether students will have covered enough. Whatever the variety of opinions of how this year’s exams have been handled certain truths about revision hold true, no matter the circumstances. Preparation is the key to revising effectively. Make sure you know what type of exams you will have – short questions, multiple-choice or essays – and what topics they will cover. Organise your course notes and textbooks so that everything is easy to find. Work out how much time you have for each subject and don’t avoid the ones that you find particularly difficult – or easy. Make a timetable, but don’t spend so long making it look beautiful that you’re behind before you start! Remember to include your other commitments and try to maintain your normal routine of mealtimes, exercise and so on. Think about the time of day that you work best – some people are night owls while others get more done in the early morning. Plan a ten-minute break in every hour and don’t work for more than three hours at a time. Now divide the topics you need to learn into manageable chunks. To help memorise information, make notes and put as much as you can into your
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own words. Summarise key points and write them on index cards or sticky notes that you can put around the house. You may find that making a spider diagram or mind map is helpful. Try inventing your own mnemonics, such as Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the points of the compass. You can also visualise a scene that includes details you need to remember – a battlefield or mountain habitat, for example. Make the most of revision classes offered by your school or college. You could also revise with a friend – practice explaining difficult concepts and ask each other challenging questions. Get hold of as many old exam papers and example questions as you can. Familiarise yourself with the way questions are worded and make sure you understand exactly what they are asking you to do. Prepare draft answers to questions that come up frequently. When the exam gets close, complete a paper within the time limit to get an idea of how quickly you need to work. To keep motivated, reward yourself with a weekly treat such as a trip to the cinema or a favourite meal. But if it’s not going so well, don’t give up! Adjust your timetable and focus on the areas you find most difficult, or common questions. Keep thinking about what a good grade will bring – a university place or that dream job. The night before the exam, have a quick look through your notes, but don’t cram. Get an early night so you wake up refreshed and ready to go. Good luck!
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ONLINE FISH DELIVERY
Fresh Grimsby Fish delivered to your door www.kevgudefishsales.co.uk Email: kevgudefishsales@gmail.com Huntingdon, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, St.Neots, Hilton, Longstanton and surrounding areas.
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Home Products
Ahead of the curve
By Katherine Sorrell Float this elegantly curved sofa in the middle of your living room to anchor an organic furniture plan, or pop it in an underused corner to make a subtle statement. Ether curved sofa in graphite velvet, £4,725, Jonathan Adler.
Welcoming, comfortable and luxurious – one of this year’s top interiors trends is for elegant schemes, striking or subtle, that feature rounded, organic, curvy shapes. Contemporary design meets mid-century style in this cool printed cushion, available in canvas and faux suede. Thelma cushion, from £40, Gail Myerscough. This glamorous but understated occasional side table is made from solid American walnut, with a base in blacklacquered tubular steel. Pebble table, price on application, Ligne Roset.
Finished in toughened black glass, and with a black, polished-marble top, this statement sideboard has a distinctively curved shape and features two spacious cupboard areas and three drawers. The interior is in black stained ash. Anastasia black glass sideboard with brass details, £1,319.99, MY Furniture.
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Round and Round
This alluring headboard is made from a lightweight velvet in a glamorous, scalloped design, creating a sophisticated focal point for an elegant bedroom. Art Deco super-king headboard in beige linen, £1,500, Rockett St George.
This organic statement pendant is hand crafted in Stoke-onTrent from the finest bone china. Each ‘pebble’ is attached with brass slotted finials, with a matching brass ceiling rose and grey cotton braided cable. Pebble pendant, £1,649, Original BTC.
Contrasted with the straight, square lines of the window, the curvy pieces in this living room make an intriguing statement and have a welcoming yet stylish look. Gigi six-light ceiling fitting, £125; Arlo boucle compact two-seater sofa in ivory, £399; Arlo distressed faux leather chair in grey, £249; Enzo cage coffee table, £249; Contour abstract rug; from £109; all Dunelm.
This striking vase has a sculptural, organic feel that would work equally well on its own or combined with ceramics. Galwell curved glass vase, £65, Cult Furniture.
• A circular rug makes a nice change from the usual square or rectangle. And an organic, non-symmetrical shape would be even better still. • Organic, sculptural shapes can take centre stage in all sorts of other ways, from light fittings to mirrors and side tables, and even small accessories such as vases or candle holders. Add abstract artworks featuring fluid lines and flowing shapes to emphasise the look. • Think about prints: introduce a few curvaceous patterns, whether striking or subtle, on wallpaper, cushions or blinds. • Balance the look with clean, straight lines for added interest. To allow the scheme to shine, keep colours relatively neutral and monochrome, and minimise clutter. Overall, it’s an aesthetic that’s an appealing combination of bold and soft, retro and modern.
Made in the shape of an irregular pebble, the woollen tufts of this rug are sculpted in different heights, achieving the effect of topographical curves. Gavrinis 3 rug in beige, price on application, Ligne Roset. STOCKISTS Cult Furniture: 020 8185 6960; cultfurniture.com Gail Myerscough: 07914 264 973; gailmyerscough.co.uk Ligne Roset: ligne-roset.com/uk Original BTC: 020 7351 2130; originalbtc.com
• Specifically designed for comfort and relaxation, upholstery is, of course, inherently soft and at least slightly rounded. If, however, you are in the market for a new chair, sofa or headboard, you may wish to up the ante and choose a style that features heavily rounded outlines and extra-squidgy shapes.
Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Jonathan Adler: 020 7589 9563; jonathanadler.com MY Furniture: 0800 092 1636; my-furniture.com Rockett St George: 01444 253 391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk
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Local News
Sunday 10th July at Kimbolton Castle All Profits go to charities and good causes supported by Rotary On Sunday 10th July the annual Kimbolton Country Fayre is being held in the attractive 60-acre grounds of Kimbolton Castle. New this year: The Stannage Stunt Team, Welsh Axemen and a new Wildlife Display. We also welcome back the beagles. 800+ classic cars accompanied by their owners, over 50 stall holders, coconut shy, archery, secondary ring events, big band music, dancing, Dreamrides to mention but a few. We still have our favourites such as Beagles, Galaxy Big Band, Lindy Hop and Morris Dancers. Also new this year Barefoot Doctors blues band. As you would expect at such an event, the catering is important too. There will be both Beer and Tea
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Marquees available, serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and sandwiches in separate covered seated areas. Also, a wide selection of other food stalls including a burger bar, fish and chips and superior quality ice cream available throughout the day. Also new this year a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. For more details, visit our web
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Special Report
De-Clutter…
…how to live with less If you can’t lay your hands on items quickly because they’re buried under piles of junk; if you’re constantly moving things from one pile to a new ‘temporary’ pile; if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t throw this away, it might come in useful one day,” you’re probably a clutter victim. Californian blogger Dave Bruno set himself the yearlong experimental task of reducing his belongings to 100 items. Once his self-imposed year was up he opted to keep his new rules, citing a desire to fight American style consumerism and live a life of simplicity. Since then, minimalism has been trending continually, especially coming off the back of lockdown when we were all driven to distraction by the volume of our belongings. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things became one of the most popular documentaries on Netflix. Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus, who produced it call themselves The Minimalists and host a popular weekly podcast dedicated to helping us simplify our lives. I’m not suggesting we sell all our belongings and live in the life of an ascetic but most of us put far too much time, effort, and money into acquiring, keeping, and storing possessions. Sometimes it’s good to let go. If you’re ready to de-clutter, then we have a few simple tips. If you feel you need more professional help, there are experts in de-cluttering who will guide you through the process of letting go. De-cluttering Tips Deal with one room at a time The task will seem less daunting. Stick with that room until it’s finished.
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Choose a nice day Take the room contents outside. Psychologically it’s easier to sort and let go if you’re one step removed. It’s also less likely that the clutter will make it back inside. Sort everything into three piles Label them dump, donate, and keep. Be realistic: if the item in question hasn’t been used for over a year it is unlikely you will ever use it. Deal with the dump and donate piles Do this before anything comes back into the house. It’s much harder to mess up your good work if the stuff is physically gone. Sort and label Place the remaining items in clearly labelled boxes. Make sure there is one temporary box to house items which really belong in another room. As each room is sorted those items can be replaced, and other misplaced items can be housed there while the de-cluttering process continues. Replace everything that remains The maxim ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is a good one. House small items in clear plastic boxes and store them in cupboards or wardrobes. Now you’re done instigate a one thing in: one thing out rule. It will make you think twice about acquiring something if you know something else has to go. Finally, once a week, take two bags and go through your home. One bag is for rubbish, the other for items in the wrong place. When you’ve finished throw the rubbish away and replace the misplaced items. Follow these small steps and you too can de-clutter your life. By Kate McCarthy
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Special Report
By Tracey Anderson
Car Booty! A very British treasure hunt Late spring is the time when car boot sales pop up all over the country. There is something very British about wandering through a field full of cars, poking around in cardboard boxes of other people’s belongings hunting for treasure. We probably all harbour a secret fantasy of appearing on The Antiques Roadshow and saying brightly “I bought it at a car boot sale for 10p,” just before the expert responds, “Well it’s actually a 17th century masterpiece, very rare and if it came to auction it would sell for thousands.” Ok that’s unlikely to happen but you might be able to refurnish your home and replenish your wardrobe for just a few pounds, and if you want to make a few pounds from your own decluttering and don’t mind an early start, holding a car boot sale can be quite lucrative. If you’re buying the best deals are usually found at the beginning and end of the sale. The best quality items are usually found at the start, while the best prices are found as proceedings are wrapping up. It helps to know broadly what items you intend to buy before arriving because it’s easy to get carried away. Haggling is expected, but don’t insult sellers by offering too little: Items are very low-priced to begin with. If you are going to sell at a car boot sale you need to be prepared. Decide whether you want to clear your clutter or make money: you can’t always do both. Remember no matter how cheaply you price your goods, people will haggle. You could have a ‘Rembrandt’ on sale for a pound and someone
would offer you fifty pence. Price labels are useful. Block price some items such as “all books fifty pence, three for a pound”. Clearly mark anything not included in the block pricing system. Take lots of change with you, plenty of carrier bags and some old newspapers with which to wrap fragile items. Going in with a friend is a good idea, both for the company and also to help out when either of you need to nip to the loo, or want to browse other stalls. Make sure you pack your table in the car last, so it’s the first item to come out and not buried under everything else. Be warned; on arrival at the sale ground you may be mobbed by a canny crowd of experienced ‘booters’ hunting for bargains. These folk tend to be dealers and they can be intimidating. They are after cheap buys to resell. Consider waiting in your car for a while to give them time to disappear before you unpack. Busy stalls attract more people so pile it high and sell it cheap. Welcome everyone who approaches your table with a warm smile and a cheery greeting. As the end of the day approaches, cut your prices if you don’t want to take everything home again. Whether selling or buying, with the current economic climate, and energy prices soaring, this could be a bumper year for car boot sales. People are much more clued up about collectables and antiques now, so it’s harder to find ‘real treasure’. But you never know, there’s always a chance we may see you on The Antiques Roadshow!
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Bathing Mobility
Choose a BMAS mobility bathroom for independent living in the home you love
Wet Room
Walk in shower
Are you thinking about renovating your bathroom? Your current bathroom may be tired and in need of updating, or you may be planning for when getting around the house becomes more difficult. Or you may have an immediate need, unable to get in and out of your traditional bath or finding the shower difficult to use. Whatever the reason, it makes sense to speak with a bathing mobility specialist who has the expert experience to design and install your bathroom. When using the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS), you really are in safe hands - their sole focus is designing and installing mobility bathrooms. Managed by Lee Brand with 26 years’ experience in the adaptation industry, they have been installing safe, easy access bathrooms locally for over two years, with over 200 bathroom projects already completed. Regain your bathroom and your independence Their passion is to provide you with a safe bathroom environment that will improve your everyday life and indeed, your quality of life. BMAS listen to you so that the bathroom they create will meet your individual requirements exactly. Even though a new bathroom may seem an extravagance, it can mean someone has more years of independent living and brings peace of mind to the whole family. Wet rooms are the ultimate accessibility solution, offering total level access, but BMAS also install bathrooms with low level shower trays and walk in baths. Combined with specialist slip-resistant flooring, easy-clean hygienic wallboards, safety grab
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rails and fold down shower seating, your bathroom can become fully usable again. A complete service for your convenience BMAS provides an end-to-end service, starting with the initial free consultation to providing a well thought-out, accessible bathroom design and a comprehensive quote. They supply all the products and carry out all the necessary works themselves, including removing the old bathroom and any building adaptations and electrical works. Importantly, they manage the whole process for you, so you won’t have to arrange multiple tradespeople and payments and they will be there to answer your questions every step of the way. Works can be completed in as little as four days and your home will be kept clean and tidy throughout. To find out how BMAS could help you visit the BMAS showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB, call 01462 889 097, email them at herts@bathingmobility.co.uk or see bathingmobility.co.uk
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Gardening
Making positive mental space for gardening Make mental space for gardening Phrases come and phrases go and ‘cancel culture’ is one of the current expressions thst tends to arouse passion. Within the gardening community we prefer to think in terms of ‘subtraction satisfaction’. What is this and how can it help improve mental health (another well-used phrase that uses loaded language)? Simply put, most of us need to do less. Many people seem to have too much going on. The digital age and our comparatively luxurious lifestyles mean there are multiple demands on our time. There’s always another gadget to buy, ‘life-enhancing’ changes to make to the home or that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holiday to save for (these things always happen more than once). We work more in order to play more and often give in to peer pressure urging us to join in with a greater number of things. This lifestyle suits a wide range of people, but very rarely is it perfect for gardening folk. So, this wonderful time in spring is the very best time to
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make space for gardening. Subtracting commitments from the diary will help you to do it. Gardening cannot be rushed! A garden is a healing, nurturing place where mental health is soothed and the soul is fed with contentment. Tend to your green carpet in glorious spring This is the month of plenty, so it’s vital to allow yourself time to enjoy it. Garden tasks can feel overwhelming because everything is growing so fast. Prioritise the lawn, if you have one, because it will provide a visual feature during the months to come. Cut and reshape the edges, it’s amazing what a difference this makes. Gradually lower the cutting blade each mowing time, aiming for grass length of around 6cm – don’t be tempted to take it too low. Most importantly, leave some patches of longer grass for wildlife. At least one square metre is recommended. Joyful garden tasks for late spring The long days mean that summer is almost here and early spring growth in the garden can be tidied up to
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make way for the glorious summer show. Springflowering shrubs often benefit from being pruned back to healthy buds, but take time to check the most effective method for each species. In the case of forsythia, for example, best results are achieved by taking out some of the older stems, right down to the ground. This thins the shrub whilst still allowing it to adopt its natural form. What you don’t want is a ‘mechanical massacre’ whereby everything is rounded into a blob. Take a walk around your local modern housing estate to see it! Abelia, choisya, helichrysum and chaenomeles can also be pruned now. Climbers such as clematis need you to be wise. Some of them can have a light clip at this time of year, but not those that are about to flower! The easy-to-remember advice “if it flowers before June, don’t prune” will tell you what type of pruning group your clematis falls into. The early-flowering clematis only need a very light clip after flowering, whereas those that flower after June will mostly benefit from a harder prune next February. This will encourage the plant to produce flowers all the way down the stems rather than purely on the newer top growth. Celebrate the season by planting out your annuals towards the end of the month, when all danger of frost has passed. Hanging baskets and bedding will provide vibrant colour and interest right through until October. Jobs in the kitchen garden • If you are growing strawberries, lay straw between the plants and the soil. It will lessen the chance of mould spoiling the crop and will keep those luscious red fruits clean, too.
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• Did you know that you can achieve greater yields from your vegetable beds if you plant in triangles rather than rows or squares? Stagger your plants, but don’t plant too closely. The crop is far better when there’s a bit more space in between. • It’s time to make supports for runner beans. Allow about 2.5m of height and plant just one bean per support. These can go in the ground at the end of the month. • Chit and plant potatoes, if you haven’t done so already. They like soft, crumbly soil. Always avoid planting them in boggy sites. • Get weeds under control this month and it will make the rest of the growing season much easier. Hoe when the weather is dry, as this stops weeds in their tracks. Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk
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Pets
The Great British Spring Clean
Between 2020 and 2021 we received a staggering 7, 500 calls about animals that were injured or caught up in litter. This equates to an average of 10 incidents per day! And this is only the ones that we actually know about. The RSPCA have therefore launched a national campaign to help address this upsetting statistic and to raise awareness of litter’s impact on our environment, ecosystems and wildlife. Our plea to prevent animals from suffering is simply to join us in the Great British Spring Clean and to help us Keep Britain Tidy. Our team of inspectors on the frontline are regularly responding to wildlife emergencies. They are rarely surprised by the entanglements and litter traps that they release our wildlife from. We are heavily reliant upon on the eyes and ears of the general public, and for them to report such cases. As a result, many will go unseen and the only way the suffering will stop is if we are more mindful about our litter and how we dispose of it. Litter is still an ongoing issue across the country. We are now seeing a new menace on our streets. We are all used to wearing face masks to help us all keep safe but the disposable face masks are not always being disposed of responsibly. They are being seen far too often discarded as litter and not placed in bins. This worrying new trend that is emerging requires a swift response. We are advising that you must ‘snip the straps’ before disposing of the face mask, to reduce any likelihood of it causing distress to an animal. Similarly, animals can also get entangled in the plastic hooped packaging around tins and cans. They can suffer deep wounds or even choke. Help prevent suffering by always cutting the loops before recycling. Animals looking for food can get trapped in cans or injured by sharp edges. To help prevent harm to animals, clean and empty containers after use, pinch cans shut and cut containers in half
before recycling whenever possible. Balloons. While a nice touch at a party, animals can actually try to eat balloons and then choke or become impacted by discarded decorations. You can help protect animals by cutting up balloons before putting them safely into your bin. It’s really that simple! Balloon releases are also very threatening to wildlife. Always deflate balloons and bin them once the party’s over. Sadly, even balloons marked as degradable may take a number of weeks to degrade - yet it only takes a second for an animal to swallow a balloon. Everyday objects that seem perfectly safe can sadly become hazardous when found by animals. By disposing of our rubbish safely instead of littering, we’re making choices that could save many lives. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 266965 / 01234 930304
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Motoring
The cars best suited to longer journeys For many people, long-distance driving is a common occurrence. Be that for work or personal reasons, sometimes doing big miles is a part of daily life – and a car that’ll conquer big trips without breaking a sweat can make a real difference. So here, we’re going to be looking at the cars that’ll take the backache out of long-distance journeys.
Citroen C4 If you’re after all-out comfort then Citroen has historically been one of the best options. Its latest C4, despite its distinctive design, has kept this time-honoured tradition to heart, maintaining high levels of comfort and refinement. There’s also an electric version that, with its 217-mile range and rapid charging capabilities, isn’t just restricted to local drives.
Mercedes S-Class We’re starting with a car that is famed for its comfort and refinement. The S-Class – which was recently revised – has always brought a sumptuous quality to driving and this latest version is no different. Thanks to air suspension and armchair-like seats, the S-Class is a car with which the hours will fly by – be that for passengers or drivers.
BMW 8 Series BMW has a fine history when it comes to making comfortable yet involving grand tourers and the 8 Series is a great extension of this. It’s superb to drive and will monster even the longest stints with no hesitation. There’s also an excellent diesel that, though not the most sporting of options, gives the 8 Series excellent long-range abilities.
Skoda Fabia Cars don’t need to be large in order to be comfortable. The Fabia is a great example of this, packing big-car refinement into a compact set-up. It’s surprisingly spacious, too, while a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines means it’s not expensive to run, either. Skoda has also kitted the Fabia out with loads of features, ensuring that those long journeys remain as comfortable as possible.
Audi Q5 Audi’s extensive line-up of SUVs might mean it’s tricky to choose, but we’d still opt for the Q5 given the choice. A mainstay of the firm’s range for many years now, the Q5 is a great option for families or those who need a little extra space. But if you’re after the best possible ride comfort, don’t be tempted to opt for a Q5 on larger alloy wheels – they tend to upset the suspension somewhat.
Peugeot 3008 Peugeot, much like Citroen, has many years’ worth of experience when it comes to creating cars that are comfortable over long distances. The new 3008 is no different, with well-sorted suspension combined with comfortable chairs in one refined package. Many drivers will appreciate the somewhat raised-up driving position it offers, too.
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Easy Sudoku
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Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 36
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN MAY 1 MAY The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk 10.30am Free event – donations welcome Experience the sight and scent of a carpet of bluebells in the ancient Brampton Wood. Meet at Visitors Barn, Brampton Wood (TL184698). What3Words plates.plodding. photocopy. Park in the Trust car park. Everyone welcome. Tel: George 01480 450809 3 MAY Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Members £1, non-members £3, under 18s free Guided walk in Brampton Wood, a haven for nature. Learn about the conservation work within this very beautiful site from the experts. Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com for more info/to book 3, 10, 17 & 24 MAY St Neots Sinfonia 7.45-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Tuesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotssinfonia.org.uk 4 MAY Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, Brampton High Street Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome. 4, 11, 18 & 25 MAY Kimbolton Bridge Club 10am-12pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday for friendly, social bridge. Players of all standards are welcome with or without a partner. Just turn up!
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4, 11, 18 & 25 MAY St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 5 MAY Roxton & District Local History Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall Members free, visitors £4 Talk by Ken Lewis ‘The History of National Service. Did it make or break you’. Email: mariascreen1@gmail.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAY Riverport Singers 10.15-11.15am The Corn Exchange, St Ives Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Come along and sing a range of songs (folk, pop, musicals) in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Tel: Agi 07757 811802 Email: agipeach@icloud.com Web: Facebook.com/ riverportsingers 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAY Bingo 7.30pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club Eyes down for the weekly Bingo session! Web: www.assc.org.uk 6 MAY St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘The Facts and Folklore of the Littleport Riots 1816’ by Dr Maureen James. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk
6, 13, 20 & 27 MAY Great Fen Little Bugs 10.30am-12pm Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights Wildlife Trust BCN child member £5, non-member £7 A fun and sociable morning of exploration and discovery for preschool children and their guardians. Web: wildlifebcn.org 7 MAY The World of Gilbert and Sullivan 6.30pm St Botolph’s Church, Stow Longa Tickets £15 Performance by the well-known singing group ‘The Wandering Minstrels’ who will sing, act and dance their way through a selection from eight of The Savoy Operas. A must for G&S fans so get your tickets early. Proceeds to St Botolph’s Church. Tel: Tickets 01480 860263, 01480 860519 or 01480 860018 7 MAY Jubilation! 7.30pm-9.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £19.50 A massed bands concert by the Band of the Grenadier Guards and Huntingdonshire Concert Band. Jubilation! will include an exciting programme of music for everyone spanning 70 glorious years. Raising funds for ‘SAFFA’ (The Armed Forces Charity). Web: www.hcband.co.uk Tickets: https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/pac/t-yrlqnk 7 MAY Huntingdon Comedy Club 7.30pm Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Tickets £13 + booking fee With Troy Hake, Alison Spittle, Stephanie Laing and Adam Beardsmore. Line up may be subject to change. Web: www.chuckl.co.uk/ huntingdon-may
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What's On
WHAT'S ON IN MAY 8 MAY Hinxton Watermill Open Day 2.30pm-5pm CambridgePPF members free, nonmembers - adult £3, child £1 This stunning working watermill dates to the seventeenth century. On six Sundays during the summer the mill is opened and guides will show you how the mill works and tell you the history of this incredible building. No need to book. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org 9 MAY St Neots Astronomical Association 7.30-9.30pm Paxton Pits Visitor Centre ‘Snowball Earth’ by Paul Fellows. Meets first Monday of the month (second if bank holiday). During the summer months we have visiting speakers covering a range of Astronomical subjects with spectacular slides. No astronomical knowledge needed to appreciate the talks. Non-members welcome first visit free. Web: snaa.co.uk 14 MAY Jumble Sale 10am. Entry 20p Keysoe Village Hall Organised by The Village Show at Keysoe to raise funds to finance the show in September. Tel: 01234 378878 17 MAY 10am-12pm Dementia Café St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers. Tel: George 07725 588145 Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity 18 MAY Godmanchester WI 7.30pm Church Hall, Chadley Lane, Godmanchester Spring flower arranging. Meets the third Wednesday of the month. Regular speakers and activities. New members welcome.
23 MAY Wild Babies at Paxton Pits 9.45-11.30am Paxton Pits Education Centre, Little Paxton Bring your pre-walking aged baby along in a buggy, pram or sling for a gentle relaxing stroll with plenty of chance to chat to other 'wild baby' parents. Web: www.wildlifebcn.org
28 MAY Wandlebury Wildlife Day 11.30-4pm Wandlebury Country Park Fun and informative nature activities for all ages. Free, drop-in event. Part of the Cambridge Nature Festival. Activities include pond dipping, sweep netting, nature trail and much more. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org
26 MAY St Neots & District Gardening Club Meetings 7.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 ‘Cacti and Succulents’ by Barry Gayton. Visitors welcome. Web: www.stneotsgardenclub.org. uk
30 & 31 MAY Holiday Bushcraft for 5-12 years 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park £38 per child/day Experienced qualified teachers from Wild Thyme & Embers will inspire children and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild. Focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach. Web: wildthymeandembers.co.uk
27 MAY Knit, Lit and Natter 2pm Huntingdon Library Do you love to knit, crochet or sew? Do you also love to read? Get together with other crafters to work on projects and chat about books. Call or pop into the library to join up. Tel: 0345 045 5225 27 MAY Quiz Night 8pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club £3 each. Maximum six in a group. Prize for the winner. Web: www.assc.org.uk
5 JUNE Jubilee Flying Circus Air Show 9.30am-5pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade From the moment you arrive, circus performers on the ground and in the air will leave you with wide eyes and open mouths, whilst a circus skills workshop will teach your children the ropes. A truly unique day out and memorable occasion for all the family to celebrate. Web: www.shuttleworth.org/ jubileeflyingcircus
27 MAY-30 JUNE Cambridge Nature Festival The Cambridge Nature Festival is a celebration of nature on our doorstep, as well as the wonderful people and organisations that work tirelessly for the natural world. Nature-based activities and events will be held in and around Cambridge and will include BioBlitzes, guided nature wanders, live music, wildlife ID workshops, art installations and much more. Web: www. cambridgenaturenetwork.org
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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Jane Grumball from Great Ashby, Stevenage
April’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions
Easy
Hard
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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Across 1 Stove (4) 3 Confessed (8) 9 Remove (7) 10 Tall structure (5) 11 Current (12) 14 Married woman (3) 16 Smooth surface (5) 17 Perceive (3) 18 Clarifications (12) 21 Fine porcelain (5) 22 Passion (7) 23 Calamity (8) 24 Small room (4)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
16th May 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.
Down 1 Conquer (8) 2 Devoured (5) 4 Small spot (3) 5 Road junction (12) 6 Defeats (7) 7 Terrible (4) 8 Butterfly larva (12) 12 Simple (5) 13 Private (8) 15 A swinging time? (7) 19 Small fruit (5) 20 Not alkali (4) 22 Female sheep (3)
Name:
Address:
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G.B.BUILDERS NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing
Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk
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Books
The Book Nook Stories of bravery, determination and resilience… Nightcrawling Leila Mottley
17-year-old Kiara’s mother is in prison and her brother looks set to follow. When their landlord puts the rent up, it’s down to Kiara to find the extra money. With no qualifications or work experience to her name, she has little choice other than prostitution. And when she’s picked up by the police, things look even bleaker. A harrowing book, but one with glimpses of light and hope, Nightcrawling is a masterpiece.
Bravely Being Me Sam Langley-Swain, Nicci Martin
Bravely Being Me celebrates the stories of people who have been adopted, including chef Lorraine Pascale, presenter Toby Anstis and comedian Dara Ó Briain. It’s aimed at children who have been adopted and each story is beautifully illustrated. Bravely Being Me is only available from www.adoptionuk.org and all proceeds help to support the Adoption UK charity.
The Return of Faraz Ali Aamina Ahmad
As a small boy, Faraz was ripped from his home in Lahore’s red-light district. Many years later, he’s sent back to cover up the murder of a young girl. Corruption is rife and the life of a prostitute is seen as having little value, but Faraz can’t bring himself to obey orders. Meanwhile, Faraz’s sister is trying to escape their birthplace with her young daughter before it’s too late. An epic, historically rich story that will sweep you away.
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