Alconbury Sept 2019

VILLAGER The

Issue 90 - September 2019

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win tickets to see

Ed Byrne The History of

Conkers 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...

Animal Know-How.................................................... 29 The 10 Best Electric Cars on Sale Today...................... 30 The Debt Dilemma - How to Escape Debt.................. 33 Join Huntingdonshire Philharmonic.......................... 34 Puzzle Page............................................................... 36 What’s On.................................................................. 38 Prize Crossword......................................................... 42 Book Review............................................................. 45

Win Tickets to see Ed Byrne

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The History of Conkers................................................. 4 Dine in Style: Great British Restaurant........................ 8 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.................................... 10 Win Tickets to see Ed Byrne....................................... 12 Harvest Time............................................................. 14 Top Styling Tips for New Mums................................. 17 Managing your Money at University......................... 23

Choosing a Window Treatment

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Choosing a Window Treatment.................................. 24 Going Green.............................................................. 26

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Sarah Davey, Jennie Billings, Ann Haldon, Katherine Sorrell, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, James Baggott and Kate Duggan.

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Paul Mann 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 Conkers With autumn comes the familiar sight of shiny brown conkers, the fruit of the horse chestnut tree, revealing themselves as their prickly green casings ripen and split open. These nuts’ sheen and rich colour make them irresistible to children and they are still used for playing the traditional game of Conkers.

The game of Conkers has two players. Each player has a conker which has had a small hole drilled through the centre and been threaded onto a piece of string around 25cm long. The players then take turns to strike the other’s conker until it breaks, earning a point each time. Scoring is accumulative, with the victor’s conker additionally taking on the points of their opponent. A new conker is known as a noner and conkers can build up points to become sixers, tenners and beyond.

The first recorded game of Conkers took place on the Isle of Wight in 1848, around 200 years after the horse chestnut tree was introduced into Britain from eastern Europe. Before this, a similar game had been played using hazelnuts (also known as cobnuts) or snail shells.

It is not generally known where the name ‘conker’ – used to refer to both the game and the horse

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chestnut fruit – originates from. Some suggestions are that it comes from the French verb cogner which means ‘to bump’ or that it is perhaps a colloquial version of the word conquer (the original cobnut or snail shell game was referred to as Conquerors). However, in other regions of the UK, the game of Conkers is also known as Cheggers, Cobblers and Kingers.

Often found in parks, the horse chestnut tree displays flower spikes in spring known as candles.

Unlike the sweet chestnut, its starch-rich fruit is extremely bitter and not edible to humans due to its high saponin content. However, in the Balkans, horse chestnuts were traditionally fed to horses to make their coats shiny. They can also be used as food for cattle by soaking them in lime water, boiling, grinding and adding them to fodder.

As well as being traditionally used as a horse food, the tree’s name may be due to the appearance of the horseshoe-shaped leaf scars that occur on its branches.

Conkers become harder with age but there have always been tricks of the trade to ensure your conker is a champion. I can recall my father swearing by soaking them overnight in vinegar.

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You can also do a test first to eliminate weaker conkers by placing them in a bowl of water. Those that are less dense (and so more easily smashed) will float, while the harder, denser conkers will sink.

The technique of drilling through the conker is vital too: the hole needs to be perfectly round and smooth with no cracks or fissures that could weaken the conker’s structure.

Vinegar baths and other such underhand tactics are regarded as cheating and prevented in the annual World Conker Championships where all contestants are supplied with ready-threaded conkers.

The World Conker Championships began in Northamptonshire in 1965. A group of regulars at the pub in Ashton, whose green had an abundance of horse chestnut trees, decided one rainy day to have a game of Conkers with a small prize for the winner and the remaining money going to RNIB Talking Books, as one of the players had a blind relative.

The game grew to become an annual event with people coming from all over to take part. Today it is international with the first overseas title having been won by Mexican Jorge Ramirez in 1976 and the first ladies’ title being awarded to Selma Becker from Austria in 2000. In addition, there are now junior competitions that attract schools with sponsorship and entertainment. Money is still given to the visually impaired with hundreds of thousands of pounds raised to date.

Conkers are not only interesting for their history as a playground game, it was once thought that they could help win us the war.

In the autumn of 1917, the Ministry of Supply offered children money through their schools and the Scout movement to collect as many conkers as they could. Under the Official Secrets Act, they were not told why.

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In fact, Lloyd George had asked a scientist called Professor Weizman to discover a way for Britain to manufacture cordite, which was needed for ammunition. At that time the country was experiencing a shortage due a shipping blockade that prevented its import from America.

To make cordite, a large supply of acetone is required, and to produce it, the professor needed a good source of starch. This was readily available in horse chestnuts.

However, thanks to the enthusiasm of the children, the government ran into problems when it came to transporting and storing the huge amounts of conkers collected, which had to be taken and kept at secret factory locations. The plan was consequently abandoned.

Conkers are believed to have medicinal properties, helping in the treatment of haemorrhoids, varicose veins and rheumatism. It was once thought that carrying one in your pocket was enough to reap the benefits, although these days there are tinctures and ointments available which contain its extracts.

For arachnophobes, conkers are said to be a deterrent to spiders when placed around the home.

Although traditionally a child’s game, many schools now ban conkers for health and safety reasons. And with the decline in the health of horse chestnut trees due to leaf miner moths and the bacterial disease bleeding canker, autumn conkers may become an increasingly rare sight.

By Catherine Rose

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The Swiss Garden at Night Friday 1 November - Saturday 2 November

As part of the Museums at Night festival, the Swiss Garden is pleased to open for the second year running to show off the garden’s lovely collection of trees, shrubberies and architectural features. See magnificent cedars, ancient oaks, ponds, bridges and rustic buildings beautifully highlighted using a variety of lights, and re-visit Lord Ongley’s lamp-lit Regency garden, which so impressed contemporary visitors that it was described as a ‘fairyland’ in the 1830s.

18:30-21:00 (last admission 20.00). £10 per adult, £3 per child and £24 per family (2 adults, 2 children)

www.shuttleworth.org/garden-at-night The Swiss Garden, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, SG18 9EP To advertise inGarden The Villager and Villager - Swiss at Night FP SeptTown 19.indd Life 1 please call 01767 261122

01767 627933 23/07/2019 12:40:59

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Food and Drink

Dine in Style: Great British Restaurant The area of London around St James’s holds much interest, with Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, St James’s Park, Green Park and other popular locations only a short walk away. Mayfair and Knightsbridge districts, along with other shopping and designer outlets, satisfy many seeking ‘retail therapy’.

Dukes London is a ‘hidden gem’ and located in the heart of St James’s, an area which abounds in history and historic connections. St James’s Palace was built during the reign of King Henry 8th and the area soon became home to royalty, plus writers, musicians and politicians. Dukes London (Boutique five-star Red AA hotel) offers luxurious accommodation (80+ guest rooms), plus fine cuisine, to residents and nonresidents alike.

Dukes Great British Restaurant (GBR) offers all day dining, with dishes available as starters or main course options. English Burrata (Roasted onion squash, sage, toasted pumpkin seeds) is very popular, with wonderful flavours and excellent presentation. Chalk Stream Trout (Soft shell crab, roasted kohlrabi, crab sauce) is a regular choice too, from an impressive menu that has something for everyone, offering seafood, fish and meats. The ‘Daily Special’ changes each day, varying from Cumbrian Lamb Cutlets, through Salmon, to succulent, tender Rib-Eye Steak. Desserts can include Yorkshire Rhubarb and Lemon Meringue Pie. Executive Head Chef is Nigel Mendham. Nigel is passionate about great British food and ensures, with his very talented brigade of chefs and kitchen personnel, excellence at all times, with outstanding, complementing flavours.

Dukes Great British Jazz Brunch will jazz up everyones Sunday. This is style and sophistication, with bubbles (free-flowing, if you wish), Cured and Roasted Meats, Lobster Thermidor Omelette and much more. Dessert of Raspberry Cranachan, Waffles, Treacle Tart or Cheese Selection finishes the leisurely ‘experience’, wonderfully. Award-winning Dukes Bar is legendary and renowned for famous martinis and cocktails.

Dukes London offers the ‘Wedmin Weekend Package’, with engaged couples enjoying a two-night stay, plus champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, breakfasts and three course dinners with wine pairings.

Gift vouchers are available-perhaps surprise someone special?

Booking is advisable, particularly during popular times. A huge thank you to Denisa, for impeccable service throughout. A top recommendation.

Dukes London 35 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY Tel: 44 (0) 20 7491 4840 Email: gbrlondon@dukeshotel.com Email: bookings@dukeshotel.com www.dukeshotel.com

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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John O’Gaunt Golf Club

Become a member, start playing today Memberships available for men, ladies and juniors Two magnificent championship courses

Impressive club house, bar and catering facilities

Well stocked shop and club fitting by Head Professional Lee Scarbrow

Excellent practice and coaching facilities

Please get in touch for more information...

John O’Gaunt Golf Club, Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2LY Tel: Main Club - 01767 260360 Pro Shop - 01767 260094 Email: villageradvert@johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk Why not visit our website for more information at www.johnogauntgolfclub.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Food & Drink

Polpettone

Italian Rolled Meatloaf

Make no mistake, this polpettone is pretty epic. It’s like a traditional meatloaf, only bigger, fuller, more dramatic and with more ingredients. It was created by Valentina Mamusa, who runs the delightful Valentina’s Café in Chiswell Green near St Albans. She runs it with her husband, Alberto. They always come on my show together and I call them Albertina! They moved to the UK with their young son for a new experience, opened their café and are now very much part of their local community. Italy’s loss is our gain, and this rolled meatloaf is magnificent.

Ingredients: 500g minced beef 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1 tbsp chopped parsley 6 eggs 100g grated parmesan 100g smoked cheese or Provolone 1 glove of garlic, crushed 200g spinach 1 pack thinly sliced bacon 1. Hard boil four of the eggs and let them cool. Pierce the spinach bag and pop it in the microwave for about a minute to wilt it. Alternatively you can pop the spinach in a pan with a little butter.

2. Mix the beef in a bowl with the remaining two eggs, nutmeg, salt and pepper, the parsley and the cheeses.

3. Lay a sheet of baking paper out on the worktop. Lay the bacon out on the paper and then flatten the beef mix out into a rectangle around 8-10mm in thickness on top of the bacon.

4. Add the spinach and top with the boiled eggs.

5. Tightly roll the mix up, using the baking paper as you go, in the same way as you would roll up a Swiss roll.

6. Pop this in a baking dish and leave it to chill for around an hour.

7. Heat your oven to 200C/ Gas Mark 5 and roast the polpettone for around 20-30 minutes. You want the bacon to have taken on lots of colour and the roll needs to be hot in the middle.

8. When it’s cooked, take it out of the oven and leave it to rest for 30 minutes.

9. Serve it in thick slices with mashed potato drizzled with the cooking liquor.

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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Photo: IDIL SUKAN

WIN a PAIR of TICKETS to see ED BYRNE at the HHPAC on 12th OCTOBER 2019 Following his biggest ever tour last year in which Ed sold out his entire Edinburgh Fringe run and many of his nationwide dates, culminating in extra dates added along the way, one of the finest observational comics in the industry announces his EVEN BIGGER brand-new tour for 2019/2020.

Join him as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children.

A TV household name, Ed has been seen on pretty much every TV programme in the UK including Mock The Week, Top Gear, Have I Got News For You, The Graham Norton Show, Live At The Apollo (Host), The One Show, The World’s Most Dangerous Roads, Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure, Dara and Ed’s Road to Mandalay and most recently QI and The Pilgrimage.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for Ed’s Huntingdon date at the HHPAC on 12th October. All you have to do is send in the answer to the below question!

For a chance to win tickets simply answer the questions and complete the form below and send to: Ed Byrne Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th August 2019.



ED BYRNE COMPETITION ENTRY

Which comedian pal did Ed have his Big Adventure with recently?

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Harvest Time

The history of the Harvest Festival Take a look at a modern harvest festival and you’ll no doubt see many ‘urban’ offerings of prepacked cakes and tins of sweet corn. It’s so easy to pop down to the supermarket these days we forget that until relatively recently in this country, people’s lives depended upon the success or failure of their crops.

Harvest festivals were a way to say thank you for a good harvest while trying to guarantee the fortune of the next one.

Saxon farmers offered the first cut sheaf of corn to the gods of fertility in order to please them and ensure they were kind the following year.

The last sheaf was used to make a Kern baby; a doll, dressed in white and trimmed with coloured ribbons to represent spring.

Most peasants were tenant farmers who farmed for a landowner. Harvest time meant weeks of back-breaking work, so it became a tradition for the landowner to host a harvest supper as a thank you to the whole community once the harvest was brought home safely. There was no set date, but the celebrations generally took place around the time of the full Moon, known as the Harvest Moon.

Harvest festivals are closely associated with the church, but actually date back to Pagan times. It was 1843 before the Church became involved. The Reverend Robert Hawker invited members of his parish to a service of harvest thanksgiving at his Cornish church. The practice spread rapidly and led to the custom of decorating churches with

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harvest produce.

The story of John Barleycorn You may never have heard of him, but John Barleycorn is a character in a medieval folksong. He represents barley, the most important cereal crop of the harvest, and also the alcoholic beverages beer and whisky which were made from it.

In the song John Barleycorn suffers attacks, indignities and death which correspond to the various stages of the harvest such as reaping and malting.

It begins…

There was three kings into the east, Three kings both great and high, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn should die.

They took a plough and plouh’d him down, Put clods upon his head, And they hae sworn a solemn oath, John Barleycorn was dead.

The song has many verses and poor old John Barleycorn suffers dreadfully throughout, particularly when he’s ground between the milling stones! But the story has a neat twist as our hero, who’s finally turned to alcohol, wreaks his revenge on everyone who drank him so merrily, and they suffer for their sins the following morning with gargantuan hangovers!

It is a mark of how important the harvest was that there are more versions of this song than any other in the English language!

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House of Colour

Top Styling Tips for New Mums 1) You may spend a lot of time in jeans so make sure they are the right fit in a colour or tone that’s right for your season ie warm and dark for Autumns, cool and deep for Winters, bright and blue for Springs, and soft and cool for Summers, and they will then go with all the other colours in your season in your wardrobe.

2) Try to be as environmentally aware as possible.

Look out for products that are made from recycled fibres, organic cottons and quality materials.

Use locally sourced renewable materials when you can. Avoid polyester or nylon because they’re non-biodegradable. Synthetic fabrics are fashion’s equivalent to single-use plastic. Having a disposable mindset is not good for the planet’s health. Be choosey and ask yourself do you REALLY love the garment you are about to buy for your child. Enjoy hand-me downs.

3) Use jewellery to lift your outfit in any situation!

There will be times you won’t have time to sit and apply make-up for even 90 seconds before you need to dash out that door, but anyone can grab a necklace and earrings (unless of course your youngster is still at the ‘pretty thing, let me grab it’ stage)!

4) Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit even if you are a bit bigger than you once were. Drowning in oversized clothes is never a good look so don’t worry about your size and wear clothes that fit. Love your body and shape. Know what your best parts are and draw attention to those areas whether that means cinching in your waist or elongating a shorter mid-section for example. If you carry a bit of weight around your middle, but have shapely legs show them off in both your trouser and skirt choices.

5) Get a big bag with lots of pockets in one of your wow colours! This is a great way of adding your colours and style while out and about with your little one. There are so many designs and styles out there, you will be sure to find one that really suits you and your needs.

6) Wearing a patterned top can hide a multitude of problems from stains to feelings of bloatedness.

Choose a pattern that suits your personality and scale in colours that suit your palette.

7) If you manage to get a rare night off, take the opportunity to dress up a little to get your mojo back! Dressing for your shape is all in the detail.

We all suit different hemlines, necklines, trouser lengths, lapels and sleeves, not to mention of course colours, fabrics, structure, patterns and details.

8) Wear a scarf in one of your wow colours to make your skin look brighter and fresher, it can also serve as a breastfeeding cover if needed.

9) The right lipstick can work wonders for a hardworking mum’s complexion, as can a natural blusher! Make sure you know whether you should be wearing warm or cool coloured lipsticks.

10) Whilst comfy shoes are key because you will be walking a lot when they are small and doing lots of chasing after them when they are toddlers, choose shoes that really suit your style and to add some fun – choose them in one of your brighter colours.

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

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DRC Blinds Bespoke Blinds, Curtains and Shutters As a small local family business supported by local customers here at DRC Blinds we feel it is important to say thank you and support our local community. Last year we launched our annual Give Back Award with our first recipient being Little Paxton Village Hall.

The Give Back Award that we offer consists of either new blinds up to the value of £500.00 to be installed in your premises or a £250.00 donation for your charity or organisation. To qualify for the Give Back Award you must be a local charity, organization or scheme supporting our local community.

This is not a raffle or competition and the recipient is chosen completely at random. If you would like to put an organisation forward for this award please email us at info@drcblinds.co.uk with the details. The draw will take place on Tuesday 29th October and the recipient will be informed within a couple of days after this date.

In return all we ask is to take a couple of promotional photographs to be used on our website, social media and in The Villager magazine.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Tel: 01480 582101 Web: www.drcblinds.co.uk

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

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Managing Your Money at University Newfound independence can be exhilarating when you go away to university for the first time, but starting life in a new city also has its challenges. Worries about studying and making new friends can creep in as the new term nears, but managing money is also a significant issue.

The good news is that it’s not difficult to control your finances and live within your means at university, so where do you start as a new student?

Make a budget every month Once you’re set up, budgeting only takes a few minutes every month, and is a fundamental part of managing money. Initially, you need to establish how much money is coming in and the amount you’re likely to spend.

Your income could consist of a maintenance loan, a grant or scholarship, wages from a job or financial contributions from parents, and outgoings can be divided into essential living costs and variable expenses.

Essential living costs typically include food, rent, heating, council tax, contents insurance, mobile phone, broadband and TV licence, with variable expenses including items such as clothes, entertainment, course materials, travel and savings.

Choose the best student bank account A student bank account should offer easily accessible support and services specifically designed for undergraduates. An interest-free overdraft is commonly offered when you open a student bank account, but a credit card may also be available subject to eligibility.

Banks often advertise free gifts to entice students

to open an account, but don’t be swayed unless the gift is of particular use to you. A student rail card can be extremely helpful if you’re living a long distance from home, for example, as it saves onethird on the cost of rail travel in the UK. Nationwide FlexStudent¹ • Fee-free overdraft facility of £1,000 in the first year, £2,000 in the second, and £3,000 in the third year if you pay in at least £500 per term, subject to status.

• UK-only call centres.

Santander 123 Student² • Interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £1,500 per year subject to status.

• A free four-year 16-25 Railcard that saves you one-third on the price of rail travel in the UK. • Cash back of up to 15% at major retailers.

Take advantage of all student discounts The National Union of Students (NUS) offers a TOTUM³ card for one, two, or three years, with over 200 discounts available in the UK and more than 42,000 discounts worldwide. Cards cost £12, £22, and £32 for one year, two years and three years respectively, and at the time of writing discounts include: • 10% at Co-op • 25% at Odeon cinemas • 30% at Lonely Planet Managing your money at university doesn’t need to be difficult – you just have to be aware of how much is coming into your account and the amount you’re spending. Budgeting is the best way to stay in control and it’s well worth the extra time to keep an eye on your finances.

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Interiors

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Choosing a Window Treatment

By Katherine Sorrell

Curtains, blinds or even shutters – the right window treatment can make or break a room. We look at how to choose the best option for your home.

While maintaining privacy and blocking early-morning light may be their primary functions, window treatments are also a key part of an interior design scheme, adding colour, pattern, texture and an essential element of sophistication. They can also correct a badly proportioned window, disguise an unattractive

view, filter bright light and provide a visual link between inside and out. But where should one start?

While aesthetics are important, practicality should come first. Is the window overlooked? What does it look onto? Is it an unusual size or shape? Is there room for curtains to ‘stack back’ on each side? What is below the window?

Is complete blackout in the room necessary? Does the window treatment need to be splashproof? Once you have considered

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all the basics, think about the overall style of your home and what else is in the room, and start to narrow down the options.

Curtains When choosing curtains, the

colour, pattern and weight of the fabric are the important factors, as is the style of hanging.

Generally, grander curtains tend to suit larger, period rooms (pelmets, swags and tails may also be an option in this case), while simple curtains are more

suited to modern properties.

Check the heading, as this determines the way the curtain will hang: usually, a tape sewn to the top of the fabric is pulled to form either loose gathers or more formal pleats, and is hooked onto curtain rings. Other styles include tab, tie, eyelet or hemmed tops, which look decorative but can sometimes be harder to draw.

Curtain poles are designed to be on show and come in a variety of materials, with finials at each end that are either simple or ornamental. Sometimes, however, a curtain track is more suitable than a pole: they can be mounted either on the wall or the ceiling, can be bent around bays, and need less clearance above a window.

To gain maximum natural light, fit a pole or track that hangs far enough from each side of the window to allow the curtains to be drawn right away from it. Floor-length curtains are generally better than sill-length, though shorter curtains may be more appropriate when

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radiators, window seats or furnishings are in the way.

Linings are essential on all but sheers; they help curtains hang neatly and protect them from fading, dirt and condensation.

Blackout linings are ideal in a bedroom, while thermal linings can be as effective an insulator as double glazing.

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Blinds Perfect for smaller rooms,

blinds are also great for modern homes and in bathrooms and kitchens – and they tend to be a lot cheaper than curtains. Roller blinds are the most basic style, while roll-up versions, tied with tape or ribbon, have a pretty yet still simple look. Roman blinds are smart and versatile, suiting almost every room. Choose fabric that is mid-weight and not too textured, as blinds need to roll or fold easily against themselves.

There is nothing to stop you combining more than one colour or pattern, in the form of smart, contrast borders down the sides or along the bottom of the blind.

And sometimes it is a good idea to combine a plain and a sheer fabric, to allow light through at the top of the window while giving privacy beneath. Plain blinds can be boosted with a good-looking pull (think leather, glass, raffia, stone or rope) or trim (such as ribbon, pom poms, ric rac, stitching, fringing, shells or buttons). If you want a dressier look, add curtains as well.

Shutters Good-looking in an unfussy way, shutters suit both old and new properties. They are expensive

but are good at blocking out sound and light, and can even provide extra security. The plainest shutters feature a timber frame and solid centre panel (a local joiner should be able to make them for you), while louvred versions (from specialist shutter companies) offer privacy while also controlling light. Both types can be left as natural wood or painted whatever colour you like. They can be made as a pair, bi-fold, tri-fold or more, either full-height, half-height or one set above another, and fitted within a reveal or to fold back against the walls.

Budget options One of the least expensive

options is frosted window film, which you can cut to any size and shape as you wish and stick on yourself. It’s easy – provided you follow the instructions carefully.

Alternatively, a muslin panel hung from hooks or a slender pole will provide instant privacy, as will a simple roller blind or unlined, ready-made curtains.

1. Faux Wood Impressions Urban Grey venetian blind with Anthracite tapes, fully made to measure Blinds 2go: 0800 862 0464; www.blinds-2go.co.uk 2. Solid Shaker panels made from classic hardwood, from £156 per square metre California Shutters: 0800 195 0196; www.californiashutters.co.uk 3. Made to measure Corvus patterned window film, £67.20 per square metre Purlfrost: 020 8992 4024; www.purlfrost.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

25

Gardening

Going Green With the ground still warm from the summer sun and moisture levels in the soil increasing, September is the perfect time to create a new lawn.

Using grass seed is cheaper than buying turf, plus you can choose a suitable grass mixture and the lawn can be shaped without having to cut pieces of turf.

First, examine the site and calculate the total area to be seeded, then study the grass seed packs in your local garden centre. Your choice will be between various grades of utility lawn (usually containing some rye grass for toughness), finer lawns that need more care and mixtures suitable for partial shade.

It will be about three weeks before the seedlings emerge and then about ten weeks before the lawn can be cut, so bear this in mind when choosing your start time.

Remove all weeds (including roots), old grass and debris. Perennial weeds should be dug out or killed off with weedkiller – those containing glyphosate allow grass seed to be sown straight away.

Dig over and examine the area – ideally you want a light, free-draining loam that does not become too dry in summer, or waterlogged or compacted in winter. Add horticultural sand and some bulky organic matter to heavy soil to improve drainage, and dig plenty of well-rotted organic matter into light soil for better moisture retention.

Rake the soil repeatedly to achieve a level surface free from large stones, plant remains or other debris. Gauge the level by eye or use a system of

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By Pippa Greenwood

pegs and a spirit level if necessary.

Spread some granular general fertilizer evenly over the prepared area. Firm by treading it over evenly in flat-soled shoes or boots, paying particular attention to the edges – this prevents subsidence later.

Lawn seed germinates best in warm, moist conditions so avoid hot, dry weather and wait until just before rain is forecast.

Using pack directions, weigh out the quantity of grass seed needed for one square metre. Mark the corners of a one metre square plot and distribute the seed evenly over it – this shows you how correctly sown seed should look, thus acting as a guide for sowing the remainder. Sowing too thinly encourages weeds; sowing too thickly means poor-quality seedlings that are less likely to thrive.

For most gardens hand sowing is perfect; for larger lawns borrowing or hiring a machine may be worthwhile. Sow the entire area with the lawn seed and lightly rake over a thin layer of soil to partially incorporate the seed into the soil.

Water regularly with a fine sprinkler or watering can. Use twigs or cane with taut cotton tied between them, or netting stretched taut, to deter birds.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find Pippa’s September-dispatch vegetable plant collection along with other gardening items: Nemaslug, atylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, planters, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk?

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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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27

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Animal

Pets

Know-How

We have a very special appeal this month for a lovely cat, Sally, who is in need of a long term foster home. Foster carer’s play such an important role in our animal welfare work, which can help care for special animals on behalf of our Branch, in a comfortable home environment.

Sally is a special cat indeed, sadly found as a stray but nobody claimed her. She was in a poor way when she was picked up, so was taken straight to our vets. Her mouth was full of rotten teeth and she was very weak and frail. Under our vets’ advice, Sally had an emergency dental and it was also discovered she had a thyroid problem. On closer inspection, our vet suspected her age to be around 14 years old!

Once recovered from her dental she was moved to our private boarding cattery, where she took refuge in her igloo cat bed. Her first few days were touch and go, hardly leaving her hiding spot and refusing to eat. However, it turned out she was just biding her time, as once she was tempted with some lovely fresh fish she soon got her appetite back! Two months later she is doing much better, dinner time is now her favourite time of day and she has even moved out of her igloo and into another cosy cat bed.

Sally is a very sweet and friendly lady, who likes the occasional fuss but will also happily tell you when she’s not in the mood. Now we are looking for a foster home for Sally to retire. Any potential

Sally

Felix foster carer’s will care for Sally in the comfort of their own home, whilst still officially being under our care. This will also include taking her to any potential vet appointments she may have at our vets in Sandy.

For more information about coming a long tern foster carer for Sally, please contact us by calling our office on 01234 266965.

Another cat we have in our care is Felix, who is waiting for his second chance in a loving new home. Also found as a stray with nobody to claim him. He was found limping with an injured leg, which our vet believes is an old injury causing him a bit of grief. We believe he is approximately 4 years old, a friendly cat, but very independent!

He doesn’t like cattery life, so we are keen to find him his perfect new home. Ideally this would be somewhere he can be an only cat, given plenty of time to settle in and keep himself amused. Felix loves nothing more than to be outside, which is where he is likely to spend most of his time, but he is also happy to come indoors when he fancies it.

A home where he can come and go as he pleases would be perfect!

To adopt Felix, or for information about any other cats waiting for new homes, please visit our website www.rspca.org.uk/local/bedfordshirenorth-branch

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

29

Motoring

The 10 best electric cars on sale today Each manufacturer is rushing their own electric car to market, and demand is increasing.

But which ones are best? We’ve put together some of the ideal all-electric cars currently on sale.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Capable of travelling up to 279 miles on a single charge, the new Kona Electric has one of the most impressive ranges of any new electric car available, and comes with funky styling and plenty of in-car technology too.

As a compact package, it’s just as well suited to urban driving as it is to longer distance motoring.

Jaguar I-Pace - The British firm has customers queuing up to buy its all-electric SUV, and it’s easy to see why – the I-Pace is both fast and a comfortable cruiser, plus has almost 300 miles of range. It’s not cheap at £64,495, but that’s good value compared with the Tesla Model X, its biggest rival.

Nissan Leaf - Nissan’s Leaf was one of the very first all-electric cars to become popular, and it has retained that popularity.

The Leaf still holds its own. It’ll crack 239 miles on a single charge, and is spacious and comfortable too.

BMW i3s - BMW has taken time to refine its i3 allelectric city car, ditching its petrol range extender thanks to better range. The i3s model gives the car a little added performance, and comes with a tuned stability system and a slightly more dynamic look.

Kia e-Niro - Journalists have praised the e-Niro crossover for being good to drive and offering a battery capacity that gives an excellent range.

Unfortunately, Kia hasn’t been able to source batteries quickly enough to meet demand, so wait times are about twelve months.

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Hyundai Ioniq Electric - The Ioniq Electric is an appealing electric car that’s practical, good to drive and surprisingly quick. The interior feels a little on the cheap side, but it’s far from disappointing.

However, due to the same battery shortage as has hit Kia, wait times can be up to a year.

Audi E-tron - Audi’s E-Tron is its first all-electric model, bringing a premium look and feel as well as impressive electric technology and plenty of space and practicality. Audi claims it’ll do 248 miles on a single charge.

Renault Zoe - The Renault Zoe offers one of the cheapest entry points to EV ownership and is a great little supermini.

The big battery version gives 186 miles of range, so most inner-city commuters will only have to charge it once or twice a week. Prices start at just over £17,000 with the plug-in grant.

Tesla Model 3 - Tesla’s Model S, its saloon car, has been successful, but for many is too expensive.

The new Model 3 is a bit more affordable, but still capable of delivering plenty of range and high technology levels too.

Volkswagen e-Golf - The Volkswagen e-Golf is a safe bet for an electric vehicle purchase, with the build quality and dependability you’d expect from one of the UK’s best-selling models.

Its range of 144 miles is far from the best in the segment, but is perfectly acceptable for the typical commuter. With plug-in car grant applied, prices hover around the £30,000 mark.

By James Baggott

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0800 046 1080 UP TO 30% OFF IN SEPTEMBER hello@thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk www.thehomeimprovementproject.co.uk 32

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By Sarah Davey

Finance

The Debt Dilemma - How to escape debt Being in debt is stressful and it’s easier to get into debt than out of it.

Help yourself with these five top tips.

Budget – It sounds obvious, but an astonishing number of us don’t know what we actually spend each month. For two months write down every outgoing and you might be surprised at how much of cash you fritter away.

Make a list of regular commitments - utility bills, mortgage, outstanding loans etc.; a list of necessary evils - petrol, train tickets etc; a list of desirables - holidays, salon trips etc.; and a list of non-essentials.

Boost your cash – This can be done in two ways: Cut all unnecessary expenditure or increase your income.

It might not be a good time economically to ask for a pay-rise, but could you take on some extra work in return for a little more in your pay packet? What about selling your unwanted items on eBay, or even starting your own little business using a skill or hobby you already have, such as sewing, baking, computer or language skills?

Use credit cards – Yes, you read that correctly. If used wisely they can be a helpful cash-management tool.

With some cards you get cash back for spending. So, by putting your regular expenditure, such as groceries, on your card you can earn money. Only do this if you are prepared to pay the balance off in full after the grace period (generally 30 days).

Save don’t spend – Any surplus cash should be saved. Allocate some for holidays or other desirable items, and some for emergencies. If any is left over it can be put into a longer-term savings account.

DIY – Often we pay people for services we could easily manage ourselves. Try washing your own car or making your own packed lunch for a month and see how much you save.

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33

Local News

Do you sing? Play a musical instrument?

We would like to hear from you!

Huntingdonshire Philharmonic will start rehearsing for an exciting 2019 - 2020 season of concerts in September. On Saturday November 2nd the choir will perform Fauré’s Requiem and Dupré’s De profundis, by candlelight, in St Mary’s Church, Godmanchester, and the orchestra will perform Khachaturian’s Spartacus Suite No. 2, and Mahler’s massive Symphony No. 5 at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre in Huntingdon on Saturday 23rd November. Then of course there will be a Family Christmas Concert with both orchestra and choir in December!

We are always keen to hear from anyone in the area interested in joining the choir or orchestra, perhaps rekindling a dormant interest in practising and performing great music with enthusiastic fellow amateur musicians and singers. We are particularly keen to attract brass and strings to the orchestra, and all voice parts to the choir.

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We rehearse during school term time at Godmanchester Community Academy from 7.45 9.45pm, starting on Tuesday September 3rd [choir] and Thursday September 5th [orchestra]. Any prospective singers will be welcome to come along to an open rehearsal at the start of each term.

You can find out more by contacting orchestra@ huntsphil.org.uk or choir@huntsphil.org.uk, and on our website www.huntsphil.org.uk

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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37

n O s ’ t Wha In September

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September Jubilee Junior Parkrun 9am Jubilee Park, Huntingdon Free, weekly, timed 2k run for 4-14 year olds.

Email: jubileejuniors@parkrun.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 September Junior Parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 2k timed run for 4-14 year olds.

Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate-juniors 2 September St Neots Timebank Evening 7-9pm Tesco Community Room Tel: 07590 909057 Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk

2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 & 30 September Computing Problems?

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

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 September Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Godmanchester Monday evenings. Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com 3, 10, 17 & 24 September St Ives Photographic Club 7pm Winter programme of talks - see website for details.

Email: events@stives-photoclub.org.uk Web: www.stives-photoclub.org.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 September St Neots Folk Club 8pm The Priory Centre, St Neots Special guest on 17 September - Phil Beer. Call or pay on the door (£14.00 members & £16.00 nonmembers). Tickets: 01234 37278 Web: www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk

4 September Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Monthly meetings and trips out in the summer months. Please contact us about membership.

Tel: Jane Hill 01480 218805 Email: lpgardeningclub@hotmail.com

4, 11, 18 & 25 September Kimbolton Bridge Club 9.30am-12 noon Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday morning to play friendly, social bridge. No partner needed. Just come along or call Vanessa. Tel: Vanessa 01480 453929 4, 11, 18 & 25 September Little Fishes 10-11.20am Grafham Village Hall All welcome on Wednesdays in term-time. Just turn up for free play time, followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft.

Email: robnjeanclark@tiscali.co.uk 5, 12, 19 & 26 September Painting and Drawing in Autumn 12.15-4pm Wandlebury Country Park £170 per person. Celebrate the changing autumn hues of Wandlebury’s flora on this five-week drawing and painting course with treescape artist Debbie Baxter. Please email for more information and booking. Email: debbiebaxterart@yahoo.co.uk 6 September St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School ‘The Great North Road and Eaton Socon’ with Sue Jarrett. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 September Last call for Wildlife Trust Bat Punts September sees the last few remaining bat punts on the river Cam, until May next year. Join a Wildlife Trust bat expert on board the punt, drift down the river at dusk for a thrilling journey into darkness. An echolacatory extravaganza. Booking essential.

Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/bat-punts

6, 13, 20 & 27 September Friday Night Lights 4 September 7.30-8.30pm Longsands Academy Astro, St Mary's Afternoon WI St Neots Longsands Road, St Neots 2pm St Neots Hockey Club. Friday Night Lights aims to St Mary's Church Rooms, St Neots provide the local community of St Neots with the First Wednesday of the month. opportunity to experience hockey in a casual, relaxed Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 and family orientated environment.

Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com Tel: Chris (Club Development Officer) 07792 044878 Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Marys-Afternoon- Email: cjbryden08@hotmail.co.uk St-Neots-Womens-Institute-238190076940278/ 6, 13, 20 & 27 September 4 September Friday Night Drinks Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm 7.30-11pm Buckworth Cricket Club, Church Road, Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Buckworth, Huntingdon Jo Poulter presenting ‘All Shapes and Sizes’.

Join us at the Club to celebrate the end of the week, Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 have a drink with friends, play pool, darts and Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com skittles and relax. www.buckworthcricketclub.co.uk

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7 September The Village Show at Keysoe Free entry. Exhibitors’ entry forms must be submitted before 1 September and must arrive at the hall before 10.45 ready for judging. Exhibits will be on display along with local and national organisations, teas and entertainment for the children. Tel: 01234 378878 7 September Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Free admission. Quality handmade art and craft stalls. Tombola.

7 September St Neots Timebank Coffee Morning 11am-1.30pm St Mary’s Church Rooms, St Neots Come and join us for a cuppa and cake (only £1.50!) also get a 'Taste of Thai' with our cooking demonstration. You can also sample the dishes prepared. Tel: 07590 909057 Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk 7 September Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton Jazz with Ruth Applin. For adults of all ages with lunch and various activities available.

Tel: Helen Young 01480 216255 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 7 September Tempsford Show 2-5.30pm Stuart Memorial Hall, Tempsford Dog show, craft stalls, afternoon tea, children's fancy dress competition and bouncy castle plus tombola.

Email: Geoff Phipps andorranred@hotmail.com 7 September The Alconbury and District Show Doors open 2.15pm Memorial Hall, Alconbury Fruit, vegetables, flowers, home produce, children's section, crafts, photos and group creative classes.

Presentation of prizes 3.45pm. Cream teas and raffle.

7 September ‘Songs for a late Summer Evening’ 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, Offord Darcy Tickets £9 inc. pre-concert complimentary drink Tapestry Singers are a local mixed voice a cappella choir of very able singers. They will perform a rich and varied programme comprising of an eclectic mix of secular and sacred music, period to contemporary, in the excellent acoustics of Peter's Church. Free parking on adjacent archery field.

Tel: Jenny Griffiths 01480 811126/07776 426103 Email: ticketoffice.stpeters@gmail.com 9 September 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

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n O s ’ t Wha In September

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

10 September 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.

10 September St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugar modelling. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 for more info 11 September Fundraising Coffee Morning 10am-1pm All Saints Church, Market Square, Huntingdon The Hunts Society for the Blind Fundraising Coffee Morning. All welcome to come along and try our delicious homemade cakes, accompanied by a cup of tea and coffee. Craft stalls, tombola and raffle. Every second Wednesday from March-November.

11 September Author Talk: Claire McGlasson 7-8.30pm St Neots Library £3. Meet Claire McGlasson, ITV journalist and debut author, who will be discussing her new book The Rapture. Set in Bedford the story uncovers the world of The Panacea Society from the eyes of devoted member Dilys. Books will be available to buy on the night. Refreshments provided by Friends of St Neots Library. Tickets available from St Neots Library or St Neots Waterstones. Tel: 0345 045 5225 Email: stneots.referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk 13 September Free English lessons 9.30am Chesterton Community College, Gilbert Road, Cambridge Contact Sarah Adams to book your free place.

Email: sadams@chesterton.cambs.sch.uk Web: www.esolcafe.co.uk

15 September Bourn Windmill Open Day and Teas 2-4pm CambridgePPF Members free, Adults £3, Children £1 One of the oldest mills in the country. Guides will show you how the mill works, tell you the history.

Teas and cakes. Accessible by car or on footpaths from Bourn. OS grid reference TL 312 580.

Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on 17 September St. Neots & District Camera Club Open Evening 7.30pm St. Neots Bowling Club Free entry. Everyone is welcome, no experience is necessary. Web: www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 19 September Trumpington Meadows Wildlife Trust Monthly Meander 9.30am-12 noon £5 per person. Join the Trust’s knowledgeable rangers for a stroll around the meadows.

Email: trumpingtonmeadows@wildlifebcn.org Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2019-09-19monthly-meander

19 September St Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm Burgess Hall, St Ives Visitors £7. Demonstration by Bernard Collingsworth ‘Village Life’.

19 September Graham Short Miniaturist 7pm Roxton Village Hall Tickets £8. Graham is the world famous micro-artist who engraved The Lord’s Prayer on the head of a pin. Hear his amazing story. Tickets available by telephone or email. Tel: 01234 870540 Email: margaret.gale@hotmail.co.uk or

camera settings and the more creative side such as lighting and composition. The emphasis will be on natural history photography. There will be plenty of assistance to help you get most from your day.

Please book in advance. Tel: Steve 07786 443802 24 September Little Paxton Pictures 2pm St James Church, Little Paxton Free admission. ‘Darkest Hour’ (PG). Hot drinks, ice cream, popcorn and refreshments available. All films have subtitles. All donations welcomed.

24 September Huntingdonshire Diabetes Group 7.30pm Millennium Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden With Nigel Sutton, Economic and Cyber Security Advisor. Email: hunts.diabetesuk@gmail.com Web: huntingdonshire.diabetesukgroup.org 25 September Roxtonettes Monthly Music Evenings 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Do you enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument? We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month. 7.30pm onwards for instrumentalists and 8pm onwards for singers.

Under the guidance of Eamonn Nicholson-Clinch, we are an informal community singing group. You do not need to read music! Tel: Eamonn 07780 954314 26 September St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 inc. refreshments & raffle ticket. AGM and suggestions of topics for open meetings and places to visit for next year.

Web: www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk

27 September KSPA Macmillan Coffee & Shopping Morning 20 September 8.30am-12pm Lewis Hall, Kimbolton School 13 September An evening with David Fletcher from BBC TVs Join us for coffee, tea, lots of stalls, raffle and plenty Prize bingo 7.30pm Offord Village Hall ‘Flog it!’ 7.30-9pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton of cake. All welcome.

Raffle. Refreshments provided.

Tickets £5. Featuring a talk, some mystery objects and ending with a mock auction, discussion and 27 September 14 September refreshments. Raising funds for Cambridge Historic Engage: Tom Bryans 5th Annual Godmanchester Town Show Churches Trust and St James’ Church. Tickets 2-4pm St Neots Library Public from 2pm St Mary's Church, Chadley Lane available on the door or book in advance.

Free admission. Professional classical guitarist and Entry £1. Traditional Town Show exhibits of Email: admin@thepaxtonsbenefice.org recording artist Tom Bryans will be performing. home produced vegetables, flowers, fruit, Tel: 01480 87721 Donations welcome. Refreshments provided by the handicrafts, art work, children's entries and Friends of St Neots Library. Call or email to book a photography. Presentation of prizes by the Mayor of 21 September place. Tel: 0345 045 5225 Godmanchester at 4.30pm. Mike Grice 07773 401853 Beer festival Offord Village Hall Email: stneots.referral@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Please call or email for details and tickets.

14 September Tel: Sarah Cutworth 01480 811888 Until 29 September Have A Field Day Email: sarahcutworth@yahoo.co.uk ‘Whole Stitch, Half stitch, Twist’ 2-5pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm Come along to an afternoon of free taster outdoor 21 September The Norris Museum, St Ives activity sessions on the QEII Playing Field. Activities Introduction to Photography Free entry. The Fenland Lace Makers’ exhibition include cricket, pétanque, netball, baby wearing 10.30am-3.30pm Warboys showcases the intricate work of lace making with boogie, Batch Body Fitness bootcamp, children’s £35 per person. Suitable for beginners and those examples of both traditional and modern lace. extravaganza activities. Refreshments in the village wishing to move off the automatic settings, learn Members of the group will be demonstrating on 2 hall. Little Paxton Parish Council event. about composition and increase their confidence and 16 September 11am-3pm. Tel: 01480 497314 to improve their photography. It will cover the Web: www.norrismuseum.org.uk

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August’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr P Baker from Stevenage Nathan Craig Competition Winner Mr J Clements from Potton

Easy

Hard

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword

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

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

Prize

£25

Across 1 Hairy and unkempt (6) 4 Detector (6) 9 Make comprehensible (7) 10 Vagabond (5) 11 Fear greatly (5) 12 Empowered (7) 13 Sections (11) 18 Replicating (7) 20 Ransack (5) 22 Presses (5) 23 Where plays are performed (7) 24 Required (6) 25 Remained (6) Down 1 Firm (6) 2 Round fleshy fruit (5) 3 Your parent’s mother (7) 5 Surplus (5) 6 Type of onion (7) 7 Fast running waterways (6) 8 Make inquiries (11) 14 Detonate (7) 15 Sincere (7) 16 Activity (6) 17 Rely upon (6) 19 Publication (5) 21 Not lean (5)

Name: Tel:



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

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Vox

by Christina Dalcher

Good Omens

by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Tin Can Cook: 75 Simple Store-Cupboard Recipes

by Jack Monroe

There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years

by Mike Berners-Lee

In this dystopian tale, women are only allowed to speak 100 words a day. They’re also not allowed to read, have a job or, in fact, do very much at all other than look after their husband and children. But Dr Jean McClellan is given the chance to resume her research job and have the word limit lifted for both herself and her daughter, if she collaborates with the government.

A real page-turner of a book that will appeal to fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power.

Simple, wallet-friendly dishes that are delicious and nutritious? It seems too good to be true, but Jack Monroe seems to have succeeded.

Her latest book puts canned food at the heart of every dish. Recipes include Rhubarb & Custard Pancakes, Sunshine Soup, Red Lentil and Mandarin Curry, and Creamy Crabby Pasta. Most only contain a handful of ingredients and only take a few minutes to prepare, using ingredients you can pick up from the local shop.

Somebody I Used to Know: A Memoir

by Wendy Mitchell

Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 58. In her memoir, she talks about the reasons she sought a diagnosis, how she came to terms with it and the changes she’s made to her life.

Somebody I Used to Know gives us an eye-opening insight into an illness that’s all too often whispered about behind closed doors.

Perhaps surprisingly, the memoir is also brimming with optimism, hope and humour.

The TV series has proven a hit, but it would be criminal to watch it without also reading the book.

Crowley is a demon. Aziraphale is an angel. They’ve been good friends for a few thousand years.

When they find out the apocalypse is coming and neither of the sides they represent want to stop it, the duo take it upon themselves to intervene.

Hugely original, incredibly funny and, most of all, a truly entertaining story.

Want to play your part in protecting the planet? This book can help you decide which actions to take to make the most impact.

(The answers may surprise you.)

Topics range from food, energy and travel to wealth distribution.

It’s presented in bite-sized chunks and written in plain English.

Diary of a Somebody

by Brian Bilston

It’s difficult to describe this book.

It’s part poetry, part diary, part love story, part crime novel. Somehow, it all adds up to a very funny take on suburban life. If you struggle to find time to read, this could be the book for you, as it’s written as a series of short diary entries – perfect for dipping into each day when you have a few minutes to spare.

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

Whether it’s a new release or an old classic, fact or fiction, there’s always time for a good book.

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