Alconbury November 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 92 - November 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Thanksgiving Win ice skating tickets to

The North Pole 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...

Win Ice Skating Tickets to the North Pole

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The History of Thanksgiving........................................ 4 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...................................... 8 Roman Site in Morocco.............................................. 10 Win Ice Skating Tickets to the North Pole.................. 12 A Taste of France....................................................... 14 The Fall of the Berlin Wall: 30 Years On...................... 17 Presents and Parties.................................................. 18 Too late to save for retirement?................................. 20 From Open Plan to Broken Plan................................. 24 Winter Hanging Baskets............................................ 26

Animal Know-How.................................................... 29 Here’s how to buy a car.............................................. 30 Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre..................... 33 Fun Quiz.................................................................... 33 The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth................................ 35 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On.................................................................. 38 Prize Crossword......................................................... 42 Book Review............................................................. 45 Useful Numbers........................................................ 47

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Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre

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, Solange Hando, Nick Coffer, Trevor Langley, Nadia Houston, Kate Duggan, Ann Haldon, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, James Baggott, and Robert Grant

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

By Catherine Rose

On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans abroad and in the UK will celebrate Thanksgiving. Similar to Christmas, there is a traditional meal of turkey, but what were the origins of this national holiday?

Thanksgiving is believed to have born with The Mayflower – the ship that sailed for America carrying the Pilgrim Fathers to a new life after persecution in Europe. The American and Canadian celebration is said to have originated with the Pilgrims’ first harvest and is known in American history as ‘The First Thanksgiving’.

This harvest festival lasted for three days in October 1621 when 53 Pilgrims sat down with 90 Native American Indians and their chief, Massasoit, from the Wampanoag tribe – indigenous people who had lived in the region for centuries.

The shared feast was said to have been prepared by four Pilgrim women – Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster and Susanna

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White, along with their daughters and servants.

It took place as the result of an agreement made between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in March 1621 to work together for mutual protection and food.

The agreement came after the Plymouth settlers had suffered a harsh winter for which they were unprepared when half of them died, while the Native Americans had already lost many of their tribe to disease.

Sadly, this was one of the rare occasions where white Europeans and Native American Indians forged such a collaborative bond.

As well as fish and venison, the feast included turkey. In his account of that time, Pilgrim Father William Bradford wrote: “…as winter approached… there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many…”

And Pilgrim Edward Winslow’s account of the First

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Thanksgiving says: “…Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might…rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as...served the company almost a week….many of the Indians coming amongst us…. whom for three days we entertained and feasted…”

Thanksgiving celebrations later became commonplace across New England but these were based on religious fasting rather than feasting.

Following George Washington’s official declaration in 1789 that a day of thanksgiving should be celebrated by every American to mark independence, in 1817 New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday.

In 1863, after more than 30 years of pressure on the government by writer and journalist Sarah Josepha Hale (most famous for the nursery rhyme ‘Mary had a Little Lamb’), President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be a federal holiday to take place on the fourth Thursday of November.

It was intended to help boost morale and “heal the wounds of the nation” due to the Civil War as well as give thanks to “our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens”.

Today, Thanksgiving is regarded not as a harvest celebration or one of fasting but the commencement of the winter holidays that include Christmas and the New Year.

Over the long Thanksgiving weekend, families come together to eat traditional Thanksgiving dinner which consists of turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, candied yams (sweet potato) and squash, corn on the cob and Brussel sprouts, which it is custom to precede

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with a Thanksgiving prayer. Other traditional fare includes green bean casserole, fruit plates and pumpkin pie. Forty-six million turkeys are eaten in the US over Thanksgiving.

Traditional Thanksgiving parades take place in many cities such as New York, Detroit and Philadelphia, the earliest having begun in 1920.

Some of these parades also feature Santa Claus linking into Christmas festivities, and cities are usually decorated in lights from this time.

American football games feature highly in the celebrations both by amateur groups, known as ‘Turkey Bowl’ games, and professional leagues.

For these reasons, Thanksgiving is sometimes said to be about the three F’s: Food, Family and Football and as a non-religious celebration, Thanksgiving is important as it includes all American (and Canadian) citizens.

Since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has given the US President one live and two dressed turkeys for Thanksgiving. After President John F Kennedy stated that he would not eat the live bird, it has since become customary to grant a ‘turkey pardon’. This official ceremony was made a permanent presidential tradition in 1989 by George W. Bush. The pardoned turkeys are usually sent to petting zoos – although that doesn’t guarantee they won’t be eaten the following year!

Although it leads into Christmas, Thanksgiving is the more important winter celebration in the US and Canada, even though presents are not exchanged. The day after Thanksgiving has become known as Black Friday, when stores sell goods at a massive discount in the run up to Christmas and gift-giving.

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Food & Drink

Crab cakes, pickled kohlrabi

and mooli, chilli and tarragon mayonnaise

This is such a lovely recipe. Full of colour, flavour, texture, crunch and a sweet and sour hit. It’s the creation of local chef Tom Brittain, who spent years honing his trade before rather romantically going back to his home village and working at the Lytton Restaurant at Chalfont Dene in Chalfont St Peter.

The thing I like about recipes like this is the fact that all the elements are interchangeable and can be incorporated into other dishes. Plus, the vegetables and vibrant mayonnaise would go just as well with breaded chicken or a large breaded mushroom.

For the crab cakes 400g handpicked white crab meat (or tinned crab) 400g mashed potato 100g coriander 100g fresh chilli 100g spring onion 250g panko breadcrumbs 1 egg For the pickled mooli and kohlrabi 1 mooli 2 heads kohlrabi 1 habanero chilli 1 litre white wine vinegar 1 litre water For the chilli and tarragon mayonnaise 150g fresh chilli 1 bunch tarragon Half a litre good quality mayonnaise Salt and pepper 1 tsp lemon juice

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Extra leaves for serving 1. For the crab cakes, combine all ingredients into a bowl. Use your hands to shape into balls and season to taste.

2. Peel and dice the kohlrabi into fine strips.

Using a potato peeler shave strips off the

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mooli. Bring the water and vinegar to a boil and leave to cool.

Once the water and vinegar has cooled, combine with the kohlrabi and mooli in a kilner jar and leave in the fridge. The longer you leave it the better it will be in truth.

Make the mayonnaise. Finely dice the chilli and tarragon together, fold into the mayonnaise, add lemon juice and salt and pepper to finish. The mayonnaise will keep and can be used in other dishes, as can any excess pickled vegetables too.

Cook the crab cakes in a deep fat fryer at 180C for 3 minutes. You can pan fry them if you prefer.

Make a bed of the pickles, place the crab cakes on top and add some leaves for colour and flavour too. Drizzle with a little of the pickling juice and serve.

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

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Roman Site in Morocco Rising above the fertile plain near Meknes, Volubilis scatters its ruins on a lonely hilltop with superb views all around. There are oleanders morning glory and olive groves, and beyond the gently rolling land you can see Mount Zerhoun and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. But Volubilis stands in a class of its own, listed by UNESCO for “its outstanding importance at the frontier of the Roman Empire”.

First settled by local tribes, the ancient capital of Mauretania flourished from the third century BC, trading with Carthage until the Romans annexed it in AD 40. The Berbers took it back around 285 and in the late eighth century, Volubilis became the capital of Idriss the First, founder of the Moroccan State. Yet by the end of the fourteenth century it was abandoned and later destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake.

The 1920s excavations revealed a 42-hectare site once enclosed by a massive wall dotted with bastions and gates. Much remains to be unearthed but as soon as you reach the entrance, the House of Orpheus takes your breath away with its hammam – hot, warm and cold rooms – and its fabulous mosaics of dolphins and local fauna charmed by Orpheus playing the lute. Then beyond the Thermal Baths and their communal toilets – a most sociable place for the Romans – you are in the heart of town, gazing at the paved square of the Forum once decorated with statues, the Capitol dedicated to three gods and the

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impressive remains of the Basilica where justice was delivered and, today, storks build their nests on top of the columns.

Then a Triumphal Arch honours Emperor Caracalla near the House of the Acrobat and that of the Dog, best known for the giant rock phallus that identified the brothel. Other attractions include the North Baths and olive press and more houses famous for mosaics such as the Labours of Hercules, Dionysus and the Four Seasons, Nymphs Bathing and Wild Beasts. But best of all perhaps is the romantic House of Venus with erotic designs sure to entertain its royal resident Juba II, a King of Mauretania loyal to Rome.

These luxurious dwellings were in the northern district crossed by the main ‘highway’, the Decumanus Maximus as straight as an arrow, lined with columns and so well-preserved it sends shivers down your spine. Few visitors venture this far in the blazing sun but it’s the most inspiring place to reflect and feel the past almost within reach. Best time to visit is in the spring when the grass is lush and green and poppies splash colour among daisies and asphodels. All you can hear are storks rattling their beaks or the occasional bleating of sheep in the meadows.

Meanwhile, down in the valley, be sure to enjoy the ‘golden apples’ so loved by the Romans – we call them oranges – and when you sip a glass of wine, remember they planted the first vineyards almost 2,000 years ago.

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THE NORTH POLE

CAMBRIDGE IS BACK!

The Villager Magazine is offering two lucky readers the chance to be part of the festive fun with a prize draw competition to win FREE ice skating tickets for a family of four worth £40!

This November, Parker’s Piece Park will be transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland for The North Pole Cambridge.

Families, couples and groups will be able to take to the rink under the sun, moon and stars in the centre of Cambridge this winter, getting outdoors for some festive fun on the ice, before extending the seasonal spirit with a visit to the Alpine pop-up food and drink stalls, plus a funfair for some traditional family entertainment. Open from 16 November 2019 to 5 January 2020, visit thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk for more details and to pre-book your tickets and skate aids now.

Terms: There are two prizes of one family ticket for a 45-minute ice skating session at The North Pole Cambridge. Each prize is worth £40 and includes entry to the rink for one ice skating session for four people.

Prize does not include skate aids or entry or access to other attractions within The North Pole Cambridge which are run independently to the ice rink.

The promoter will not accept responsibility for any technical, or other reason that affects entry being made or the winner being notified or drawn within the specified time period.

Promoter: Arena UK & Europe, Needingworth Industrial Estate, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 4NB.

THE NORTH POLE COMPETITION ENTRY



For a chance to win a family ticket simply complete the form below and send to: The North Pole Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th November 2019.

Winners will be notified via email and advised how to redeem their prize.

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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For full terms and conditions please go to www.villagermag.com

21 OCTOBER TO 20 NOVEMBER

Godmanchester Maths and English Study Centre

01480 414417 Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

kumon.co.uk

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Food and Drink

A Taste of....

France

France is renowned, globally, for many aspects. From history and architecture, through arts, literature, music, fashions and so much more, there is something to interest all. French wines need little introduction and the cuisine of France is now available around the world.

Le Garrick Restaurant is recognised as an ‘institution’. Very popular with theatrical actors and actresses, Le Garrick offers all-day dining, in a venue that has a lot of history. This ‘little piece of France’, in the West End of London, is known for its excellent, regional French food, service and atmosphere.

Having a ground floor, with window tables, plus a downstairs restaurant area, with intimate candlelight alcoves, Le Garrick offers character, exceptional dining and splendid cuisine. Being in close proximity to many theatres, pre and post-theatre dining is very popular.

The menu is undoubtedly French. Les Entrées has selections that include Scallops and an Assiette de Charcuterie, for example. Boeuf Bourguignon (slow-cooked beef marinated in red wine and served with new potatoes, vegetables and lardons) is extremely popular for a main course – compliments to chef! Other mains have ‘devotees’ for their succulent Honey-glazed Duck and Fish dishes. Tender Steaks have ‘followers’, too and are served with a choice of sauces, plus French fries. The team of chefs ensure all cuisine is cooked and/or presented to perfection. The complementing flavours of the dishes are outstanding and impress, constantly. Desserts have something for all tastes and Tarte au Citron or a Chocolate creation will certainly not disappoint.

Champagne, plus high-quality wines/drinks, that are elegant, light, rich and powerful, have something for all palates. Having a good number of theatres within easy distance, this is most certainly a restaurant to consider prior to or after a theatre visit, as well as a venue to return to, when in the area and to make a destination, too. All dietary requirements can be catered for and gift vouchers are available, also. Le Garrick has regular clientele – always a good sign. Booking is advisable, particularly during popular times.

Le Garrick Restaurant 10-12 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BH Tel: 44 (0) 20 7240 7649 Email: info@legarrick.co.uk www.legarrick.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Special Report

By Nadia Houston

The Fall of the Berlin Wall:

30 Years On 9th November 2019 marks thirty years since Berlin became reunified, with the fall of the Berlin Wall which had kept the city divided for almost the same amount of time.

Today Berlin is a bustling city, home to over three million people offering city breaks to Europeans, an innovative art scene, museums and a vibrant night life. But it hasn’t always been this way.

At the end of WWII, Germany was divided in to East and West zones. Whilst Berlin sat entirely within the Soviet part of the country, it too was divided into Allied and Soviet territories. For the first several years, freedom of movement was permitted, with many citizens living and working in different areas of Berlin. As time progressed, repressive laws and regulations, a deteriorating economic climate and poor living conditions were all motivating factors that encouraged people to leave East Berlin, with almost 3000 leaving in a single day at its peak. In a desperate attempt to stop this flow of migrants and ‘brain drain’ to the West, the Communist government of East Germany began to build a wall between the two areas in August 1961.

During the night of 13th August, soldiers and workers set about tearing up the streets that led to West Berlin in an attempt to stop anyone fleeing the area. Concrete posts and barbed wire were put up to further restrict movement as a temporary measure. In just two weeks, the army, police force

and a swathe of construction workers had erected the temporary barrier.

Once built, the wall was kept under heavy surveillance by guards, who were authorised to shoot anyone who attempted to cross it. Travel was officially permitted through one of three checkpoints – Checkpoints Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Over time the permanent wall was put in place: 12 feet tall and 4 feet wide, topped with a smooth pipe to ensure scaling it was almost impossible. In all, more than 100 people died trying to cross into West Berlin over the thirty years the wall stood, a stark symbol of the Cold War and Iron Curtain that separated the Soviet Bloc and the democratic West.

By 1989, after years of resistance to westernised reforms by the East German leader Erich Honecker, the East German government was overrun by the democratisation that was sweeping the rest of Eastern Europe.

Demonstrations were already taking place across much of Europe until eventually, on 9th November 1989, it was announced that travel restrictions would be eased in Berlin. Crowds began to gather at checkpoints on both sides of the wall in anticipation of the return of freedom of movement. Passport checks were eventually abandoned, as people climbed on top of the wall, celebrating with their east and west counterparts, graffitiing and chipping at the wall in the process.

In one of the greatest demonstrations of ‘people power’ the world had ever seen, Berlin was informally reunified.

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Beauty

By Kate Duggan

Presents and Parties New beauty releases to see you through the Christmas season The perfect party make-up starts with the right base.

Urban Decay’s new Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation (£29.50) is waterproof, long-lasting and available in a staggering 50 shades. The light texture is similar to a tinted moisturiser and you can build it up for the coverage that’s right for you, whether that’s barely there or airbrushed perfection. Head to an Urban Decay counter for help choosing the right shade. Don’t fancy battling through the Christmas shoppers? Try the online colourchoosing tool. For a flawless finish, follow up with the Stay Naked Correcting Concealer (£20), which is semi-matte, designed to last all day (and night) and available in 25 shades.

See www.urbandecay.co.uk Give someone the gift of painfree hair styling.

The Alfa Italia Liscio detangling brush (from www. alfaitaliapro.com) is suitable for wet or dry hair and makes detangling a breeze. The bristles make short work of tangles but are gentle enough not to snag or break hair. The brush is also an ideal stocking filler, being priced at under £10 and just the right size to fit in the toe of a large stocking.

With their glittery design and baby soft fibres, StylPro brushes are perfect for Christmas. They don’t use animal hair, so they’re suitable for vegans. Treat someone to the set, or split them up to use as stocking fillers. The set of eight is priced at £39.99 from Argos, so each brush works out at around £5. See www.styltom. co.uk

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A brand new make-up palette reminds me of untouched snow – almost too pristine to disturb. If you fancy treating someone to a new palette, without breaking the bank, take a look at W7’s Socialite Eyeshadow Palette – an absolute bargain at £11.95. The palette contains 18 eyeshadows, ranging from daytime nudes to glitter-infused golds and shimmery pinks. Unlike some of the more high-end brands, this palette even includes a brush and mirror. The eye shadows are easy to apply, and blend well. Whether it lasts until Christmas Eve, or somehow finds its way into your own make-up bag, is up to you.

See www.w7 makeup.co.uk.

Know a unicorn-loving beauty addict? The bestselling Yes To range has recently released two new products in its Yes to Grapefruit range. The Vitamin C GlowBoosting Mud Mask contains kaolin clay to exfoliate and detox skin, aloe vera to hydrate and grapefruit extract to give skin a dose of antioxidants. Together, they help to tighten pores, reduce shine and leave skin looking brighter and healthier. Central heating can leave skin feeling dry, tight and parched, so the Vitamin C GlowBoosting Unicorn Brightening Mist should prove a welcome relief.

Planning to vamp it up for your Christmas party? Try PÜR Cosmetics’ Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick (£16). It goes on like a gloss, but has a matte, non-sticky finish. Agave extract and Vitamin E help to make it less drying than some other lipsticks. Try Addiction for full red-wine vamp, or Ever After for an easier to wear pink, from www.feelunique.com.

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Too late to save for retirement?

We’re often told by financial experts that it’s never too late to start saving for retirement, and that even in our 50s building a substantial retirement pot is possible. Clearly this depends on individual circumstances and it’s always going to be better to start saving early, but it’s heartening to know you may still be able to fund a decent retirement lifestyle.

Workplace pensions If you’re in employment, a workplace pension can often be the best way to save for your retirement.

Your contributions are matched by your employer; they’re typically deducted from your gross pay automatically and attract tax relief.

Pension auto-enrolment, a government initiative intended to help people save for their retirement, means that if you’re aged over 22 and earn more than £10,000 per year you should automatically be enrolled in a workplace pension scheme.

If you’re close to retiring and also in debt, however, it might be better to prioritise paying off your debts rather than contributing to a pension, but you need to speak to an authorised financial adviser who can assess your individual situation.

Personal pensions If you’re self-employed or not working you can benefit from tax relief on pension contributions by paying into a personal pension. Unlike a workplace pension scheme, a personal pension is an individual contract between yourself and the pension provider, which is often an insurance company.

The pension provider invests your contributions, but in the same way as a workplace pension you’re not able to access your money until you’re 55 years of age under current legislation.

What about the state pension?

Under current legislation the full new state pension is £168.60 per week.¹ If you’re eligible, the amount you’ll receive depends on the number of ‘qualifying years’ of National Insurance contributions you’ve built up.

Currently, you need 35 qualifying years to receive the full payment of £168.60 per week, but state pension regulations may change again over the coming years – when new governments are elected, for example.

Stocks and shares ISAs Investment ISAs are another way to build up retirement savings, and the current maximum limit for saving into a stocks and shares ISA is £20,000 (2019/20 tax year). You need to make sure your money is growing above the inflation rate, however, otherwise you’re effectively losing money.

Stocks and shares ISAs offer more flexibility than pensions as you can access your money more readily, whereas workplace and private pensions aren’t usually accessible until you reach the age of 55. Investment ISA providers typically allow you to pay in a lump sum, ‘drip-feed’ in a monthly amount, or both.

Some people choose to save into an investment ISA as well as a pension scheme, so they spread the investment risk and don’t tie up all of their money up in one place. As with most important financial matters, it’s important to seek guidance from an authorised adviser who can analyse your financial situation and present the best options.

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www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/what-youll-get

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ automatic-enrolment-into-a-workplace-pension www.gov.uk/personal-pensions-your-rights

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

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

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

www.oakleighresidentailhome.co.uk ESTABLISHED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1988 Oakleigh Residential half page.indd 1 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

From open plan to broken plan Despite the allure of large, bright spaces, it is not necessarily convenient to live in an openplan home all the time. Hence the development of ‘broken plan’ design.

Everyone loves open-plan living. Light, bright, spacious and airy, an open-plan home is always desirable. Or is it?

Sometimes, let’s face it, we all need a quiet space, somewhere to feel separate in one’s own small world. Huge open spaces can be difficult to heat, too, and there can be times when noise is an issue. Enter ‘broken plan’, a practical evolution of open plan, that retains all the great elements of open plan that we love, particularly good light and a feeling of openness, but introduces subtle elements that divide large spaces into

more manageable ones, with different zones that can be used for different activities. Spaces may even (depending on the design) be opened up or closed off whenever you wish. Broken plan is flexible, dynamic and interesting, and offers sociability combined with privacy – truly the best of both worlds.

When renovation or building work is being carried out, one way to achieve the broken-plan effect is to create differences in floor levels. A step up or down from, say, the sitting room into the dining room can give a great sense of two discrete areas. It may also be possible to lower the ceiling in one area of a large, open room in order to enhance a sense of intimacy.

And in homes with very high

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ceilings – a barn or industrial conversion, for example – there is the opportunity to introduce a mezzanine level, perhaps as an office, snug or guest bedroom, which combines the feeling of open plan with the practicality of a separate space. Other structural solutions include building internal glass walls or floor-toceiling steel-framed windows (the best-known trade name is Crittall) in order to subdivide a space. Stylish and luxurious, these suit both modern and traditional homes.

More typically, especially in a period home where two groundfloor reception rooms have been knocked through to bring in more space and light, a great way to add flexibility to what is often a long, thin, hard-to-use

room is to add glazed or timber double doors. If made from timber they could be panelled to match the architectural features of the house; ideally the doors would slide and fold away, or else be hinged so that they fit seamlessly back against the walls when open. An alternative way of connecting/separating two rooms is to build pocket doors, which slide into the slim walls on each side – great for, say, a dressing room off a bedroom.

Often, of course, it is far more convenient (and less expensive) to employ temporary ways of dividing a large room: a screen, for example, a large floorstanding bookcase, or even simply a slender console table – which could be the base for a pair of lamps, some vases of flowers or a sculpture. These have the advantage of being relatively easily moved around or removed if you feel like a change.

An open-plan space can be

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divided visually, using simple tricks such as changes in paint colour or floor finish – from carpet in a seating area to floorboards in a dining space, for example – and it is easily possible to create mini ‘rooms’ by grounding furniture arrangements on a rug or on an area of contrast flooring. Finally, employ lighting as a powerful tool to delineate space. Think of forming ‘zones’ by using different

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types of lighting in the different areas, including pendants (perhaps over a dining table or kitchen counter), wall lights, and careful positioning of floor and table lamps. If possible, install different circuits (controlled by switches or dimmers) that will allow you to break down the spaces and illuminate different parts to suit your needs, whether it be a living area or bedroom, a kitchen or a dining area.

Great ways to introduce a broken-plan feel Changes in floor level Lowered ceilings to create cosy areas Glass walls Steel-framed internal floor-toceiling windows Pocket doors Sliding/folding doors Hinged, panelled doors Screens Large bookcases Console tables Lighting zones Changes in paint colour Differences in flooring Rugs to create mini ‘rooms’

1 Red Baron bookcase by Piero Lissoni for Knoll, poa, Chaplins Furniture: 020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk.

2 Mondrian® steel-framed and glazed sliding pocket door, designed by MW Architects, IQ Glass UK: 01494 722 880; iqglassuk.com.

3 Muga and Hunter Dunn paints used in two separate halves of a living room, £49.50 for 2.5l pure flat emulsion, Paint & Paper Library: 0845 880 5844; paintandpaperlibrary.com.

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Winter Hanging Baskets Hanging baskets are a great way to create a miniature gardening space with your choice of colours. Once established they make even the gloomiest back yard look more cheerful, or the prettiest patio look even more gorgeous. Making a hanging basket is not difficult and although traditionally a summer planting feature, they work just as well for the winter months.

Plenty of plants make for a colourful basket and your local garden centre or nursery should have a good selection, including winter-flowering pansies (I am fond of the purple and yellow varieties) and heathers, Gaultheria with its waxy red berries, dianthus for late autumn into early winter and assorted miniature shrubs, including variegated Pieris, Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ and variegated euonymus, to help give structure and colour. The shrubs will look great in a container for a year or two, before being planted in the garden.

A thicker, almost felt-like liner provides insulation in cold weather as well as keeping the compost and plants in place. I suggest a 35cm (14”) diameter basket as it can take more plants and, because it is larger, resists cold better. You’ll also need compost.

Stand the basket in a large flowerpot before you start to prevent it rolling about. Once the liner is in place, remove the chain at one anchor point to stop it getting in the way. The liner will protrude above the basket edge at this stage but this helps to keep the compost in place. Use good quality multi-purpose compost, firming it gently, and fill

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the basket about half full.

Mesh baskets allow for easy side planting. Cut holes in the liner then insert small plants such as pansies at regular intervals around the sides of the basket, inserting them from the outside inwards to reduce damage. Nestle the roots into the compost and make sure that the liner is back in position after the last plant is in place.

Add more compost to cover the roots of the side plantings and firm again gently. Next get the central plant in place and add three more upright plants such as miniature shrubs, equally spaced around the edges.

For extra colour, add more winter bedding plants around the very outermost edge of the basket. Pinch out any faded flowers and add more compost, carefully filling in any gaps before watering thoroughly.

Your hanging basket will soon fill out but stand it in a sheltered spot for a week or two to allow the roots to establish before hanging it in position, watering if necessary. Regular deadheading and removal of faded flowers plus a feed with a high potash fertiliser after about a month will keep it looking great, well into the spring.

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

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

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

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0800 046 1080 hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Seasoned Firewood Locally sourced hardwood Split and fully seasoned

£75 a Dumpy Bag 0r 2 bags at £70 each Including delivery (Builders Bag)

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Animal

Pets

Know-How Winter Watch

Winter Nights Now that the nights are drawing in and the weather has become much colder, we need to consider the welfare of our pets and wildlife. So with a little thought and careful planning our little or large, furry or feathery friends can stay healthy, warm and safe.

If you are taking your pet outside for exercise or if they live outdoors in a field, consider whether they need and extra layer or two – just like humans do.

Your dog, for example, may need a special jumper or coat for those wintery walks. There is now a large choice of clothing for pets in the shops. Or why not try making your own. An additional consideration if you are walking your dog in areas that may have been gritted by rock salt, please ensure you wash their paws when you have returned home.

Anti-freeze and rock salt can be poisonous to dogs.

Reflective wear like leads, collars and coats are highly recommended for animals that will be out in the dark eg: dogs and horses. Bedding for all animals needs to be checked regularly so that it remains dry, warm and free from draughts. Much of our wildlife is reliant upon the food and water we provide during the winter. Ensure water baths have not frozen over and snow has been cleared from any feeders. Keep

them topped up, and even put out extra fat balls and treats.

Christmas Guide Make sure everyone has a merry Christmas with this quick guide: • Alcohol: often left lying around or spilled, even more dangerous to pets than people.

• Leftover food: any fatty, spicy or ‘unusual’ foods can cause gastroenteritis.

• Stuffing/gravy: the ones containing onions are particularly poisonous to animals.

• Christmas pudding: sultanas, currents and raisins are toxic.

• Cakes: artificial sweeteners (especially Xylitol) are poisonous.

• Cooked bones: can get stuck in teeth or intestines.

• Chocolate: safe for humans, poison for animals.

• Nuts: all nuts can be dangerous, macadamias particularly so.

• Cheese: all can cause gastroenteritis; blue cheese is toxic.

Even these things require consideration when you have puppies or inquisitive pets: • Christmas Trees: sharp pine needles can damage mouths and perforate intestines.

• Christmas Ornaments: if eaten tinsel can cause a blockage.

• Toys: to a dog a toy soldier or a Lego piece is a tempting morsel.

• Wrapping Paper/String: dogs play with and eat paper. Cats do the same with string.

• Silica Gel Packs: often packed with presents, if eaten can cause intestinal blockage.

• Batteries: just as dangerous to you pets as to babies.

• Wreaths/Christmas plants: Lilies, mistletoe and poinsettia are all highly toxic if eaten.

• Pot pourri: the aromatic oils that make this smell nice are toxic for days if eaten.

Brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Motoring

By James Baggott

Here’s how to buy a new car Buying a new car can be riddled with stress and anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s how the buying process can be made easier, and what to look out for.

Research the car - Research everything you can about the car you’re looking at. When it comes to buying from a dealer, making sure you know everything about a certain model can make all the difference.

Don’t be afraid to be choosy. Pick a colour, specification and engine and stick with that.

Choosing a dealer – franchise or independent Franchised dealers get first access to the latest cars and technology, and are therefore potentially better equipped at answering questions. In terms of aftersales and repairs, they have the manufacturer’s support. They’ll also have a good selection of used vehicles that have been well maintained in their servicing department.

An independent dealer might not be able to offer you different options of the model you’re looking at, but they will be keen to do a deal and will offer the backup of a well-established business.

Check them out online - Look through your chosen dealer’s online reviews thoroughly, to see how they treat their customers and deal with aftersales issues.

Asking friends, neighbours and relatives about a potential dealership can be useful too.

Pick your purchase time - Dealers are often pressed to reach quarterly targets, which means the end of March, June, September and December could result in a better deal – potentially saving you thousands of pounds.

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Test drive - On a test drive, it’s likely that the salesperson will accompany you, but don’t let that stop you from pressing all of the buttons and getting a real feel for the vehicle.

Ensure that your test route features a range of different corners, roundabouts and road surfaces – and check the car works for you.

Cash or finance - There’s a variety of ways to pay at a dealer. With hire purchase, you pay a deposit and repay the remaining balance in monthly instalments, at which point you’ll own the vehicle outright.

With personal contract purchase (PCP) you pay a deposit followed by monthly payments, but at the end you’ll be offered a ‘balloon’ when you can pay off the remainder of the car’s value or return it to the dealer.

Personal leasing is a good option if you’re planning on frequently changing your car, although you have to pay three months’ rental in advance, and there’s no option to buy it at the end of the deal. Or you could pay cash!

Haggle - Haggling remains crucial and even with used cars there will be some wiggle room. You should never pay the full price for a car, and dealers are prepared for this, so go in strong and stick to your guns. Don’t be afraid to ask for free additions and discounts on servicing plans. The worst they can do is say no!

Don’t be scared of walking away - There are thousands of available cars and hundreds of dealerships, so don’t be scared to walk away if things don’t feel right, and don’t be pressured into a deal – the final decision is entirely yours!

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We clean your oven‌. ....so you don’t have to.

Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned

Sarah Meredith contact details Tel: 01733 568221 Mobile: 07710 735094 www.ovenwizards.com

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Local News

Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre The Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society are pleased to announce that the Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre will return on the 18th, 19th & 20th September 2020 at our new venue Turvey House by kind permission of the Hanbury family. Turvey House is a Grade 1 listed Country House, set in established parkland on the River Great Ouse, just 9 miles from Bedford on the A428 Bedford to Northampton road. With good transport links to Bedford, Northampton and Milton Keynes with access by public transport, we are looking forward to holding our 61st annual event at this new location. The Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society have a long history with Turvey village, being home to our Founder John Crawley for many years.

The Bedfordshire Steam & Country Fayre is one of the premier events of its kind in the Country and one of the largest events held within Bedfordshire each year, with plenty to see and do for all ages. Attracting over 20,000 visitors each year and hosting over 800 exhibits, we aim to pull together an insight into life at the turn of the 20th Century.

Details for exhibiting and trading at the event will be released shortly via our website www.bseps.org.uk and further details will be posted via our social media channels as they become available.

We look forward to welcoming friends old and new and hope you will support us in 2020 and beyond.

Lords & Ladies 1. Which alternative name for the devil literally means “lord of the flies”?

2. Florence Nightingale became known as “the lady with the lamp” after checking on wounded soldiers at night during which war?

3. What word comes after “first lord of the” to complete the inscription on the letter box of 10 Downing Street?

4. Which famous 1949 British film has a title that is taken from a line in the poem Lady Clara Vere De Vere by Alfred, Lord Tennyson?

5. Which singer is often referred to as “the first lady of country music”?

6. An anagram of “I am Lord Voldemort”, what was the birth name of Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter novels?

7. First used to refer to the leading female singer in an opera company, what two word term means “first lady” in Italian?

8. What were the names of the landlord and landlady of the Queen Vic when the TV show EastEnders was first broadcast?

9. What word for a wealthy and powerful business person comes from a word meaning “great lord” that was used as a title for leaders of Japan?

10. According to legend, only one person spied on Lady Godiva when she rode naked through the streets of Coventry. What two word phrase was used to refer to this person and has come to be used more generally to refer to anyone who gets sexual pleasure from secretly watching others?

1. Beelzebub 2. The Crimean War 3. Treasury 4. Kind Hearts And Coronets 5. Tammy Wynette 6. Tom Marvolo Riddle 7. Prima Donna 8. Den Watts and Angie Watts 9. Tycoon 10. Peeping Tom

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Technology

The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth!

Get started in coding for a brighter future Technology runs the world. Almost everything we touch these days has a computer inside. From the obvious things like our laptops and smartphones all the way down to our televisions, cars, fridges, and even toasters. Many of these are now also connected to the Internet and large software systems collect and analyse our information 24 hours a day.

As our demand for technology increases every year society is in desperate need of more people who can build and program these devices and software.

Our school system has finally caught on to this idea and started to bring computer science into the classroom but there is a nationwide shortage of specialist teachers.

But outside of schools there is a fantastic eco-system of passionate companies and individuals who want to develop the next generation of software and electronics developers. You just need to know where to look and where to start.

The biggest hurdle in exciting your child about technology is to capture their imagination. Almost every kid plays computer games, so these are one of the best places to start. Learning how to code computer programs can be tedious, especially using the traditional textbook teaching methods. But put the coding exercises into a gaming environment and suddenly the subject comes to life. Programming your own spaceship to move around the screen and fire bullets opens up a whole world of gaming possibilities.

But where do you start?

Technology again comes to our rescue, this time in the form of YouTube, probably the best home learning tool there is. You’ll find a whole range of tutorials and exercises all based around learning to code by writing your own games programs. But the sheer amount and variety of these videos can be overwhelming. Which one will work for your child? Is the tutorial at the right level? What happens if your child gets stuck?

To cut through the confusion I’ve been developing games programming courses for 10’s and over to take them from absolutely zero experience through to A-level programming standards and beyond. I’ve been through the process with my own 10-yearold. I’ve seen his frustration when things are hard to set up, don’t work first time or simply left him stranded with no idea what to do. My course uses software that installs in under a minute and lets you get your first game up and running in less than half an hour, all using “proper typed in code” as my son calls it. From there they can take one of the full programming courses and learn all the software techniques needed to write your own programs.

Everything, including all the software is absolutely free.

So why not have a look at bytesnbits.co.uk and get your child on the road to becoming the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.

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By Robert Grant

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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 November

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 November St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School ‘Stained Glass in Huntingdonshire’ by Rev Stephen Day. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 2 November Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Quality handmade art and craft stalls. Tombola.

2 November St Neots Timebank Coffee Morning 11am-1pm St Mary’s Church Rooms, St Neots Come and join us for a cuppa and cake.

Tel: 07590 909057 www.stneotstimebank.org.uk 2 November Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton WI Jewels Choir. For adults of all ages with lunch and various activities available from 1.30pm.

Tel: Helen Young 01480 216255 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com

6 November Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton AGM followed by speaker Karen Armstrong with ‘The work of a flower judge’. Floral arrangement competition for members.

Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 6 November Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098

6 November Huntingdon and District Branch of the Royal Air Force Association 7.30pm for 8pm First Wednesday of the month. Telephone or email for further info. Tel: Tony Perryman 01480 465395 Email: rafa.huntingdon1@btinternet.com

10 & 24 November Comberton Ramblers 10.15am 10 Nov - Little Walden, 5 miles. Meet at Crown PH, Little Walden, CB10 1XA. 24 Nov - Henham, 4.5 miles. Meet at The Cock Inn, Henham, CM22 6AN. Walks are 5-7 miles, usually ending near a public house. Annual membership £8.50 per person.

Tel: Stella (Secretary) 01954 210049 Email: stella.ramblers@hotmail.com Web: www.combertonramblers.org.uk 11 November 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 for more info

12 November Squeeze with special guests Heaven 17 6 November Corn Exchange, Cambridge Little Paxton Gardening Club ‘The Difford And Tilbrook Songbook Tour’ is raising 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall food, funds and awareness for the Trussell Trust Members £1, Non-members £2. Talk by Clare Kneen network of food banks. The 27-date tour will see the 2 November ‘All about Irises’. Clare has grown irises for over 20 South London legends play their extensive list of hits.

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire years. She is a British Iris Society Judge and featured Web: www.cambridgelive.org.uk Hardy Plant Society on the TV series ‘The Great British Garden Revival’.

2pm Weatherley Centre, Plants for sale.Tel: Jane 01480 218805 12 November Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Email: lpgardeningclub@hotmail.com Kimbolton Flower Club AGM followed by Russell Bowes ‘Say it with poison 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton stories of murders from the herbaceous borders’.

8 November Visitors £12.50. Christmas demonstration with David Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk Ghost Stories Wright ‘The Twelve Days Of Christmas’. Charity parcels 7.30pm Leper Chapel, Barnwell Junction on on sale, raffle of the arrangements and seasonal 2 November Newmarket Road, Cambridge refreshments. Visitors welcome.

Choral Concert by Candlelight Tickets £12. Two chilling and thrilling tales from 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Godmanchester M R James, the master of the English ghost story, 12 November Tickets £15, Students £5. Huntingdonshire performed by Robert Lloyd Parry. NB. there is no St Ives Sugarcraft Guild Philharmonic Choir and players. Requiem Gabriel parking or facilities at the chapel. Please park in 7.30pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Fauré. De profundis Marcel Dupré. Jessica Smith, nearby streets or come by bus or on foot.

Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands on, soprano; Joseph Doody, tenor and Jonathan Midgley, Web: https://deadmens.eventbrite.co.uk various cake decorating techniques and/or sugar bass. Tickets available online (no fees) or on the modelling. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 for more info door. Web: www.huntsphil.org.uk 8 & 9 November St Ives Photographic Club 12 November 2 & 13 November Annual Photographic Exhibition Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group Creative Mixed Media Workshops 10am-5pm Free Church, Market Hill, St Ives 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall 10am-1pm Art and Soul Cafe, St Neots Free entry to view over 200 images presented by club Members £1, Non-members £2. Corrine Price with Come to fun experimental workshops and find your members Web: www.stives-photoclub.org.uk ‘The Swiss Garden: Restoration of a Regency Gem’. creative self! Email: caroline.dewar@hotmail.com Raffle. Email: Liz Bacon lizbacon187@gmail.com Web: www.artandsoul.cafe 9 November Hemingford Village Market 13 November 4 November 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat Adult Evening Classes St Ivo Academy Second Saturday of the month. Food, crafts, plants Second Wednesday of every month. Monthly meetCourses starting this week include Curry House and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford up for adults with M.E. and partners/friends.

Favourites, Sourdough, Sugarcraft, Social Media, Grey Parish Council surgery should you wish to meet Web: www.crmetea.org Microsoft Excel and Makeup for mature skin. councillors to discuss local issues.

Tel: 01480 495717 Web: www.aclearning.org.uk 13 November 9 November Fundraising Coffee Morning 10am-1pm 4 November International Games Week All Saints Church, Market Square, Huntingdon St Neots Timebank Evening 9.30am-4.00pm St Neots Library The Hunts Society for the Blind Fundraising Coffee 7-9pm Tesco Community Room Free event – donations welcome. International Morning. All welcome to come along and try our Members evening. Topic to be advised.

Games Week is an initiative from around the world delicious homemade cakes, accompanied by a cup of Tel: 07590 909057 to reconnect communities through their libraries of tea and coffee. Craft stalls, tombola and raffle. Every Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk all types of games. There will be a choice of board second Wednesday from March-November. games and card games.

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n O s ’ t Wha In November

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

13 November Children’s Pop Up Book Group 4-6pm St Neots Library Read the book, tell us what you thought, do some activities and make new friends!

13 November Wildlife Trust ‘The Marine World A Natural History of Ocean Life’ 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invite you to a fascinating talk by Dr Frances Dipper.

Frances will describe an immense three-dimensional living space inhabited by marine life that varies from the mundane to the bizarre. Tel: Alistair Grant 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com 14-16 November Holiday Snap 7.30pm Offord Village Hall The Offord Players production of Holiday Snap by Michael Pertwee and John Chapman.

Web: theoffordplayers.co.uk 15 November St Neots Timebank Friends & Members Group 11am-1.30pm Priory Centre Join us for a chat and a coffee.

15 November Green Bok (12A) Doors open 7pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton 2019 Oscar award for best picture, and best supporting actor, Green Book is a heart-warming film based on a road trip through the deep south in the early 1960s. Tickets available from Oliver’s, Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or on the door.

Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema 15 November Christmas Shopping Evening 7-9pm Alconbury C of E Primary School Adults only evening. Browse the many varieties of stalls from handmade children’s clothes to bespoke silver jewellery. Refreshments available. All funds raised improve the education of our children.

15 November-24 December Wildlife Trust Pop up Shop Westgate Arcade, Peterborough Run by staff and volunteers the shop will be stocked with wildlife-themed merchandise.

16 November Saturday Bushcraft for Families 9-11.30am Wandlebury Country Park £18 per family, £12 single adult + child. Every third Saturday of each month you can explore the natural world through the skills of bushcraft together as a family. Includes all specialist equipment, drink and snack. Dress accordingly. Booking essential. Parking £3, CambridgePPF members free.

Web: www.wildthymeandembers.co.uk

16 November Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery Xmas Event 9.45am-5pm North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP Kick off the festive season with mulled wine, mince pies and beautiful jewellery including the limited edition 2019 Christmas collection. Personalise your own disc pendant for £35 which includes £10 donation to Garden House Hospice.

Tel: 01462 790565 www.hkjewellery.co.uk/events 16 November Local Police Surgery 10am-12 noon The Hub, Little Paxton Great opportunity for residents to meet the local Police team and to raise any concerns with officers.

16 November Lego Club 2-3.30pm St Neots Library 50p per child. See what you can build at our Lego Club! Suitable for children aged 5-11.

16 November Greyhound Theatre Show 7-9.30pm St Neots Library Whilst the war rages above them, the residents of Shuttlefield struggle to stage a production of Henry V to raise money for the local Spitfire fund. Licensed bar. Suitable for adults and young people (12+).

Web: www.cambridgelive.org.uk 16 November Massed Bands Concert 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £16. Huntingdonshire Concert Bands and the Honourable Artillery Company Regimental Band. In aid of in aid of SSAFA (Armed Forces Charity).

Tel: Box office 07980 316402 Web: hinchingbrookepac.ticketsource.co.uk 19 November Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Neots Library £1 per person. Join us for a slice of cake, some conversation and a cup of coffee or tea.

20 November St Mary’s Church Advent Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon Buckden Village Hall £2 inc. coffee and cake Raffle, cards, knitwear, gifts and cakes. Everyone welcome.

20 November Alexander Technique Workshop 10am-12 noon St Neots Library £12 per person. The Alexander Technique can help improve posture, balance, breathing and co-ordination. Discover the Alexander Technique and how it can help you in this introductory workshop with local teacher Conrad Brown. Advance booking essential. Tel: 0345 045 5200 Email: stneots.referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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20 November Friends of Paxton Pits Talk 2pm Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve £2.50 on the door. ‘Creating Wildlife Gardens’ an illustrated talk by Angela Potter. Angela will talk about her experience of creating a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Tel: 01480 406795 21 November St Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm Burgess Hall, St Ives Visitors £7. Demonstration by Jo Pouter ‘All Shapes and Sizes’.

22-25 November Little Paxton Celebrates 125 Years!

Fri 10.30am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12 noon-4pm, Mon 10am-3pm St James Church. Free admission On 4 December 1894, Little Paxton Parish Council was formed. Official grand opening of the event at 10.30am on the Saturday. Exhibitions, photograph displays, timeline with village historic facts from Dec 1894 to Nov 2019, specially commissioned model of the village, news articles, music, Village 125 Trail, Bell ringing, Local historical characters in period costume, artefacts of old, children’s activities, refreshments. Bell Tower open for visitors (Sat only).

26 November Huntingdonshire Diabetes Group 7.30pm Millennium Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden Social evening and quiz.

Email: hunts.diabetesuk@gmail.com Web: huntingdonshire.diabetesukgroup.org 27 November Engage Extra: Playing with Perspective 10.30am-1pm St Neots Library Tickets £10 inc. cost of materials. Art workshop for adults hosted by local artist David Brown. Booking required.Tel: 0345 045 5200 Email: stneots.referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 29 November Wildlife Trust Christmas Shopping 3-6.30pm The Manor House, Cambourne Join the Trust for their annual Christmas shopping event - enjoy a glass of festive mulled wine and a mince pie while browsing a lovely array of wildlife inspired gifts including: wildlife art - drawings, paintings and prints, mugs and greetings cards; fused glass creations; 2020 calendars and cards; handmade and bespoke items - bags, wallets, purses, note books; bird boxes and insect houses.

Children’s activities and Christmas raffle.

30 November Adult Learning and Skills Saturday Workshops St Ivo Academy A wide range of courses including Chinese & Indian cookery, Christmas long-lasting flower ring, Watercolours, Wellness, Worry Less!

Tel: 01480 495717 Web: www.aclearning.org.uk

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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

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

WALL COATING

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN BREATHABLE COATINGS WEATHER PROOF SMOOTH OR TEXTURED SELF CLEANING PROTECTS YOUR WALLS CLEAN & TIDY INSTALLATION SUITABLE FOR MASONRY OR RENDER • COLOUR MATCH AVAILABLE • 10 YEAR GUARANTEE • • • • • • • •

Before After

0800 046 1080 hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 40

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Crossword Solution for The Villager October Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Rita Hobson from Brampton

October’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 A strong effect on (6) 4 Sore (6) 9 Stopping place (7) 10 Narrates (5) 11 Slumber (5) 12 Arrives at (7) 13 Presenting (11) 18 Item (7) 20 Mechanical engine (5) 22 Higher up (5) 23 Dealt with (7) 24 Help (6) 25 Theatre seats (6)

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

16th November 2019 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Be certain of (6) 2 Wood smoothing tool (5) 3 Crunchier (7) 5 Additional (5) 6 Popular sea mammal (7) 7 Withstand (6) 8 Components of recipe (11) 14 Countries (7) 15 Remark (7) 16 Yellow fruit (6) 17 Classifications (6) 19 A board game (5) 21 The whole amount (5)

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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.

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Book Review The Giver of Stars

by Jojo Moyes

Times are hard in Kentucky at the end of the Great Depression. Five women set out to bring some light back into people’s lives, through books. This isn’t your average mobile library; the librarians have to travel hundreds of miles every week, on horseback. Amongst them is Margery – whose family and unconventional lifestyle mean she’s all but ostracised by ‘polite society’. And Alice – a lonely incomer far from home. A great story, great characters and great writing make The Giver of Stars the perfect gift.

The Hairy Bikers’ One Pot Wonders

by Si King and Dave Myers

The Hairy Bikers are back with another cookery book packed with more than 100 recipes. Create delicious dishes with minimum effort and mess. Recipes include Sausage and Bean Tray Bake, and Boozy Syllabub Trifle. Just make sure the recipient of your gift invites you over for dinner soon.

The Secret Series

by Pseudonymous Bosch

Young adventure fans are sure to appreciate this series, starting with the first book – The Name of This Book is Secret. (My ten year old daughter devoured all five in quick succession.) Cass and MaxErnest are unlikely friends who find themselves caught up in a quest to uncover a secret. Danger, mystery, friendship, villains and humour abound.

Books

By Kate Duggan

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

by Alix E. Harrow

January Scaller finds her first Door when she’s seven years old.

It leads to somewhere far from her cosseted life as the foster daughter of a rich man. Little girls grow up and learn not to believe in the impossible. But then a strange book appears, just as January’s real father vanishes, and January sets out to discover the truth about Doors. One of the best fantasy books of 2019, this is a must for fans of Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman.

Never Have I Ever

by Joshilyn Jackson

A seemingly innocent game to liven up a book club turns into a tense game of cat and mouse as one woman threatens to reveal a longburied secret. How far will Amy go to protect the fragile life she’s built for herself? A good choice for fans of twisting, suspense-packed thrillers.

Sweet Sorrow

by David Nicholls

It’s 1997. Charlie Lewis has just left school and has one long summer ahead of him before finding a job and entering the world of adults. Joining a theatre group wasn’t in his plans, but if that’s what it takes to win the love of Fran Fisher, he’s prepared to unleash his (very) hidden thespian.

An enjoyable, humorous book ideal for anyone who came of age in the 90s.

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