Cambs Nov 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 139 - November 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue The History of

Place Names Travel

Insurance Advice

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Inside this issue...

Getting Fruity

Horses singed while you wait in the King's Head yard........... 4 The History of Place Names............................................................. 6 Drinks: Gin is in.....................................................................................10 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe....................................................... 12 St Francis Children's Society............................................................14 Québec City.......................................................................................... 17 The Boot Edit - House of Colour...................................................18 Brain Benefits....................................................................................... 23 We will remember them................................................................. 25 Life-Saving Memories....................................................................... 27 Travel Insurance Advice..................................................................... 31

Divorce ends my financial relationship with my spouse?....32 Getting Fruity...................................................................................... 34 Fun Quiz..................................................................................................37 Another Successful Adoptober....................................................38 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal................................................................40 Wordsearch.......................................................................................... 43 Get a good tech deal on Black Friday.........................................44 The Coding Conundrum.................................................................. 47 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 Forever Friends..................................................................................... 51 Are you eating enough fibre?......................................................... 52 Villager Prize Crossword..................................................................58 The Book Nook....................................................................................61

Québec City

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Nick Coffer, Solange Hando, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Sarah Davey, EAAA, Leeds Day Solicitors, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Kevin Shen, Tracey Anderson and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography Jacek Nowak Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel: 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

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History

Horses Singed while you wait in the King’s Head Yard Once upon a time, not so long ago, as my grandfather told me, it was not possible to walk a few hundred yards around St. Neots without succumbing to the temptation of local drink and gossip, as so many inns and pubs lay in wait for you. Our townscapes are rapidly changing and once local fixtures such as the King’s Head Inn are no more (06 2006 Photo). A deed drawn up in 1710 described it as “formerly known as The Wyldeman”. The change of name is likely to have occurred in about 1660 when the return of Charles II to the country, and the Restoration of the Monarchy led to many inns and alehouses assuming royal names as a loyal gesture. It was a coaching inn in 1830 when the Oundle coach called there on three days a week. Trade increased and by 1840 The Wrestlers, which was then next door, was bought and amalgamated with The King’s Head, although The Wrestlers licence moved to New Street when its old building was sold. In 1850 The King’s Head was described as “one of the best inns in the town” with a clubroom, numerous bedrooms and stabling for 50 horses. By 1901 the inn was the headquarters of St Neots Football Club and the National Cycling Union, and its proprietor, T. W. Conyers, specialised in billiards tables and equipment, providing a billiards room where doubtless his cues, balls and other equipment were for sale. In the later 20th C the former stables served as a clubroom for the Jazz Club, the Folk Club and as a dressing room for performances of Shakespeare in the yard by the St Neots Players. In its Victorian heyday its yard saw much activity, including auctions and ‘while you wait’ horse services such as the one placed in the St. Neots Advertiser on the 8th October 1864:OWEN SANDERS. Horse Clipper, BEGS most respectfully to return his sincere thanks to his numerous supporters for the patronage he has received during the 25 years he has been in St. Neote, and trusts, by paying strict personal attention to all orders with which he may be favoured, to merit a continuance of their support. O. S. has Stabling, with Loose Boxes, in the King's Head Inn Yard, with every convenience for Clipping and Singeing Horses by Gas. Attwood's Apparatus is fitted up in two Boxes, so that Servants can attend, and Singe their Employer's Horses themselves, on moderate terms. Visit your local museum shop to find not only publications on the history of the town but a wide and unique collection of cards & gifts for all the family. Thanks to a 2002 edition of St. Neots History Society newsletter for information about the inn..

By Peter Ibbett

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History By Catherine Rose

Edinburgh

The History of Place Names The origin of our village and town names can provide a fascinating insight into their history. Did you know that the study of place names is called toponomastics? Generally, places have earned their names from the people that founded the settlement, the surrounding landscape, or the flora and fauna that have featured there. Over time, with the evolution of language and through local dialects, place names have changed throughout generations, sometimes becoming quite different versions of what they were hundreds of years ago.

Castle Combe

The UK has had a varied history, having been home to many conquering invaders and numerous tribes. Consequently, our modern place names have been contributed to by the Celts, the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings and even the French. We often think of the Romans as having founded our major cities but their Latin names were either based on the existing Old English ones or were so radically different that their use hasn’t survived (for example, the Roman Verulamium for what is now St Albans). Many people think the word ‘chester’ is Roman but in fact its roots are Celtic. Manchester is derived from the Celtic words mamm meaning ‘a breastshaped hill’ and ceaster – ‘a fortified city’. Most of our current city, town and village names were given to them by our most ancient ancestors. Tre in a place name denotes a homestead or hamlet and was usually paired with the name of the person who owned it, so Tregare in Wales means ‘Gare’s home’. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their proximity across the Bristol Channel, this prefix is seen even more widely in Cornwall. Another common Cornish prefix is penn which is a ‘headland’. Penzance is a conjugation of penn and sans which together mean ‘holy headland’. Like tre, a town or village name ending in by is Old Norse for ‘homestead’. The Vikings are also responsible for place names that begin or end with

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holm. In Old Norse, this meant ‘island’ and usually referred to a settlement surrounded by marsh or water. Water, especially rivers, features widely in place name origins. For example, Luton is derived from ‘Lea’ after the river that flows through it and tun which is Anglo-Saxon for a large farm or settlement (which probably later evolved into our modern word ‘town’). Another common place name inclusion is ‘ham’. Hamm was Anglo-Saxon for ‘small village’ and is almost certainly the origin of the word ‘hamlet’. Mor(e) or Mer referred to a ‘lake’ in Old English (mer also means ‘sea’ in French). You can find variations of it in town names such as Cromer and Swanmore. Numerous places have the word bury in them. This did not refer to a burial plot as it might sound but is the Old English word for a large estate, known by the Anglo-Saxons as a burh. The root has also given rise to towns with ‘borough’ and ‘burgh’ in them. Stead or sted comes from the Anglo-Saxon word stede for ‘place’ (hence the word ‘homestead’ means ‘place of home’.) Featured in the town names of Stow, Stowmarket and Stow on the Wold (from wald or weald being the Old English for ‘forest’), a stow was somewhere holy. Less obviously, it also gave Bristol its name as the town was originally called ‘Brigg’s Stow’ meaning ‘the holy place by the bridge’. The suffix ley signifies a forest clearing and there

are many villages and towns in the UK ending in -ley or -ly that date from a time when our island was covered in woodland. The Viking word was thwaite, seen particularly in the north today. One interesting suffix is wick or wich. This was the Anglo-Saxon noun for ‘produce’ and was bestowed on a farm with a prefix that told you what it produced. So, for example, Greenwich is said to have originally been an arable farm some distance from London, Woolwich, a sheep farm, while Chiswick would have been a dairy farm (chis being ‘cheese’). Other Old English words which feature in place names are cott or cote for ‘small house’ (hence our word ‘cottage’), clopp meaning ‘small hill’, combe which referred to ‘a valley’, holt for ‘a wood’, and den which was a pasture, usually for livestock like pigs (not to be confused with the suffix don which comes from the word dun meaning ‘hill’.) Many of our county names also have ancient origins. For example, ‘Essex’ was the place where the East-Saxons settled (‘East Sax’), ‘Sussex’ the South-Saxons, and Middlesex, which has now been absorbed into Greater London, was where the Middle-Saxons lived. East Anglia was also named from the tribe that once inhabited it, the Angles. Although today it is difficult to still see their origins, deciphering old place names can give us the strongest clue as to how the landscape must have once looked.

Penzance 8

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Gin is in

Gin is an extremely popular alcoholic beverage. This flavoured white spirit utilises barley, corn or rye in its distillation and dates from the Middle Ages. The base flavour comes from juniper berries. Different styles of gin are available today, including flavoured variations. Gin cocktails are a regular choice, for numerous ‘devotees’ and the world-renowned ‘Gin & Tonic’ is always a favourite, with many. Highclere Castle is located approx 5 miles south of Newbury, Hampshire and is home to the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. A lot of very interesting history of this property and grounds is well-documented. Highclere Castle and the Estate have been used, both internally and externally, for a good number of films and TV productions and known around the world as the fictional setting for the hugely popular production of Downton Abbey. The Estate is very impressive indeed. The Carnarvon family have resided at Highclere Castle since 1679. Royal guests, plus statesmen, famous musicians and celebrities, are all amongst numerous visitors who have been welcomed to this exceptional property and location. Highclere Castle Gin (Alc. 43.5% Vol.) is multi award-winning and is produced from one of the oldest copper gin stills, dating back to the 19th century, in England’s oldest gin distillery. Very carefully, botanicals, grown on the Highclere Estate, were selected and then after many, many weeks and months of experimenting, finally the selections were chosen for the recipe. The botanicals include essential oils and give Highclere Gin its outstanding, unique, smooth and elegant flavour. Juniper, lavender, coriander, lime flower, citrus peels, angelica root, cassia bark, green cardamom, liquorice root and peppercorns, plus Highclere oats are all included to produce the exquisite production that is Highclere Castle Gin. A phrase I have never used before is, “Try it, to believe it!” On its Own, with Ice, Gin & Tonic, Classic Martini, Negroni, White Lady, or whatever a favourite choice is, I found this gin most certainly did not disappoint – the prestigious awards that keep coming, are testament to that! Tel: +44 (0) 1635 253 210 E-mail:contact@highclerecastlespirits.com www.highclerecastlegin.com www.highclerecastle.co.uk Highclere Castle Spirits Estate Office, Highclere Park, Newbury, RG20 9RN

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 10

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Food & Drink

Slow-cooked marinated baby back ribs Cards on the table, I absolutely love ribs. I also have nothing but admiration for anyone who can cook them the “hardcore” way. You know, slowly smoked for hours and hours on a perfectly heated BBQ, perfectly marinated, pulling apart as you eat them. Only problem is, you need about 24 hours notice for that and I just don’t have that kind of organisation in my life. So these are the “it’s 3pm and I fancy ribs this evening” version. Plus they are baked in the oven, so won’t get spoiled by rain cancelling the BBQ. They are literally foolproof and work however you make the marinade. You’ll need a large rack of baby back ribs for two people (or one rack per person if you love ribs as much as I do). Ask your butcher to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs if you can. Store cupboard marinade: Lots of squirts of ketchup, honey, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, a couple of teaspoons garlic powder and a drizzle of xiao xing wine. Don’t worry about the quantities, and don’t worry if you are missing an ingredient. You just want a lovely, dark and slightly sticky sauce.

1. Rub the ribs all over in the mixed sauce (save a bit of the sauce for later), pop them in a baking dish and cover with foil. 2. Bake them at 130C for 3-4 hours, basting both sides every hour (you will likely need to add a little bit of water to the pan to get the best bits off the bottom). 3. Uncover the ribs for the last 15 minutes and baste with the leftover sauce from earlier. 4. Once cooked, remove and leave to rest, wrapped in foil, for 15 minutes. 5. Cut up and serve. The meat will be falling off the bone.

These are lovely served with a simple coleslaw and corn on the cob.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 12

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Local News

St Francis Children’s Society In the UK, almost 3,000 children are in need of an adoptive family and the number of adoptions in England has fallen by a third in the last four years. In response to this fall in numbers, Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society has joined the national #YouCanAdopt campaign, which aims to bust some of the myths around who is eligible to adopt. Earlier this year, a new report revealed that 45% of adults in the UK have considered adoption or would consider it in future. But, despite this, 62% of adults feel they don’t know much about the adoption process - and this lack of knowledge may contribute to many people not taking the important first step. With 40% of people admitting they don’t know if they’re eligible to adopt and 29% thinking they wouldn’t be able to, St. Francis’ Children’s Society (SFCS) is aiming to increase the number of people taking the first steps towards adopting a child. You can adopt if you’re married, in a long-term relationship or single. You could be heterosexual or LGBT+, it doesn’t matter. In fact, 1 in 7 adoptions in England in 2019 were to same-sex couples. You may be hoping to adopt your first child, or you may already have birth or adopted children in your family. Adopters can be of any or no religious faith. Children who are waiting for adoption come from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and SFCS accordingly welcomes adopters from all walks of life.

You don’t need to own your own home or be ‘rich’ to adopt. Your financial stability and money-management abilities will be discussed during the adoption assessment, but being unemployed, on a low income or on benefits will not automatically rule you out from becoming an adoptive parent. Having a disability or a mental health condition won’t automatically exclude you from adopting a child either. Any health condition, mental or physical, will be explored fully to help us understand any issues you may experience with parenting a child. But don’t rule yourself out before speaking to one of our friendly team of social workers. St. Francis’ Children’s Society is proud to support the #YouCanAdopt campaign, which will be running until the beginning of December 2020. You can find lots more information about who can adopt by searching #YouCanAdopt on Google, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Singer Sinitta is one of several adopters who are backing the campaign. The mum of two said: “I would definitely encourage others to consider adoption. The feeling of finally becoming a mother was almost indescribable; it’s just everything. It was everything I wanted and more. I love my children more than anything and I always say that love is thicker than blood.” If you can provide a safe, stable, loving home for a child or children who need it, the chances are #YouCanAdopt. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk and click on I’d Like To Adopt to learn more and begin your journey towards growing your family.

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Bathing Mobility Specialist Showroom Now Open

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Our showroom is open in accordance with government Coronavirus safety guidelines for your peace of mind.

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Québec City Travel

By Solange Hando

In 1534 French explorer Jacques Cartier planted a cross on the shores of Gaspé Bay, claiming the land for his king. But for seventy years or so the ‘New France’ was a distant dream, until Samuel de Champlain set up a trading post along the ‘Kebec’, the ‘narrowing waters’ of the St Lawrence River. Rival settlers soon brought ongoing conflict and, on the strategic Diamond Cape high above the river, the so-called ‘Gibraltar of Canada’ fell to English rule in 1759. Today sprinkled with English traditions yet fiercely loyal to its French roots, language included, the provincial capital is hailed as one of the most attractive cities on the continent. On the Plains of Abraham where the final battle took place, history is recalled among quiet groves and picnic spots. Just a stroll away the Grande Allée is an elegant tree-lined boulevard, nicknamed Champs-Elysées, while on Parliament Hill the National Assembly sits in an opulent building, in French Renaissance style, topped by a lofty tower. The nearby St Louis’ gate leads into the Vieux Québec, the only remaining walled city in North America. First there’s the Upper Town gathered around the Chateau Frontenac, bristling with tower, turrets and copper roof. Now a nostalgic century-old hotel, it welcomes royalty, leaders and stars close to the site where French governors resided. Meanwhile, visitors stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, a magical place with glorious river views and the joyful ambience of musicians and artists. You find historic buildings and

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statues, among them Champlain who founded the city in 1608, a 350-year-old cathedral, a Holy Trinity modelled on St-Martin-in-the-Fields and a UNESCO monument celebrating the title granted in 1985 to the first North American city. Ride a horse-drawn carriage or explore on foot and you discover neat stone houses with pastel frames, fleur-de-lys on the blue Québec flag and myriad treasures hidden in the lanes. Next, wander around the citadel that took over thirty years to complete. The 22nd Royal Regiment still parades on the grounds, very Englishlike in red tunics and bearskin hats. The Lower Town beckons down steep slopes and ‘Breakneck Stairs’ or a short scenic ride in the old funicular, gazing at dormer windows and rooftops, a cruise ship or two below the cape and ferries sailing across the river. The rail track ends in the former house of Mississippi explorer, Louis Jolliet, in the delightful district of Petit-Champlain. Once the humble home of artisans and traders, it’s a bustling little place with winding lanes and pretty squares glistening with cobbles, peppered with French bakeries, outdoor cafés, restaurants and boutiques full of arts and craft. Just down the road, a lovely promenade invites walkers and cyclists to enjoy the old port and the quiet marina behind the lock. But most breathtaking is the harbour cruise with costumed guide, revealing the bucolic Orleans Island, the sparkling Montmorency Falls and the city’s historic skyline mirrored like a fairy tale in the great St Lawrence on its way to the ocean.

House of Colour

The Boot Edit The shops are full of a real range of boots this season – sleek and sophisticated to heavy and chunky options. You may even already have something at home which will is still really current. Here’s my guide to your options this season – what to look out for and how you might wear them. Chunky soled heavy boot – form the hiking inspired to the Dr Martin and clog, there is a wide variety of heavier options out there. This is very much carrying through the utility trend we’ve seen last season. They can work with the cut off jean, wide legged and the Mom jean options but for some people they’re going to work really well with a midi dress. If you’re drawn to clothes with a natural distressed look some chunky soled boots could be your thing. Sleek sharp and pointed – The cowboy boot has been given a sleeker upgrade this season. They have retained their point but have added angles at the heel often with a shiner finish to the leather. Marks and Spencer and Zara have options. The low heeled ankle boot with block heel (quite a sixties feel to it) continues into this season from last again with patent finish. All these work well with the clean lines in comfort tailoring trends we’re seeing but also act as a nice contrast with softer fabrics.

Heeled knee – high - Continuing some seventies inspired looks the heeled knee high is definitely making an entrance this season. Some with a slouchy suede and some with rich leather, cone heel and a vintage feel. Works well with the just below the knee lengths and longer looks in hems we’re seeing. The look doesn’t always require a close fit to the calf making them an easier option for those who struggle to get the right leg fit. If you need clothes the flow and movement these will work well for you. Check out Clarks and Dune. Luxurious fabrics – some patterns, kitten heels in velours are also to be found, even with embellishments. A great way to update an existing look and will add the glamour to some clothing personalities. N.B. Tights – some interesting colours in Heist and Snag. If you already have a lot of colour in your wardrobe opt for your best neutrals. Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look. Find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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Open for new admissions

A friendly and safe welcome Enjoy living in a safe and warm environment where making new friends couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier.

Excellent home cooked food, a choice of activities and a real sense of community awaits you at Nelson Lodge care home. Call us for more details on 01480 877608 Visit: nelsonlodge.org.uk

Nelson Lodge care home, Whinfell Close, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 8AB Rated March 2018

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Jill Dighton MA Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice BSc (Hons) Integrative Counselling MBACP (Accred)., UKCP Reg.

Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious? Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem? Have you considered Counselling sessions? Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere. Ample parking. Concessionary rates available.

For further details:

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk or visit www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk

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Brain Health

Brain Benefits Brain health is as important as physical health Over the past few decades neuroscientists have discovered that the grey blancmange-like structure between our ears is capable of adapting, healing, rewiring and even renewing itself. What’s more, we can make changes which positively impact the health of our brain, and science has given us some interesting ways to do this. Juggling Various studies found that volunteers who participated in a juggling exercise improved connections in areas of their brains involved in visual and motor activity. Furthermore, the changes were still present several weeks after they stopped. The researchers chose juggling becasue it’s a complex skill, but other complex activities would also work, for example: salsa dancing, life-drawing or learning a musical instrument. The key is that the new skill you choose to learn should be unrelated to what you normally do. It should take you out of your comfort zone. Tasks which involve genuine concentration, such as studying a musical instrument, playing chess, juggling, and dancing, are associated with a lower risk for dementia. Dancing, it turns out is particularly good as it is both physically and mentally challenging. Learning a new language is also good for a brain

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By Louise Addison

workout, causing an increase in grey matter in the areas related to the use of language. Sleep For those of us who love our beds it’s good news; sleep is necessary for brain health. It’s not such good news for people who struggle with insomnia and disrupted sleep though. Poor sleep is linked to rapid reductions in brain volume, so your brain actually shrinks. Areas of the brain dealing with language, balance, maths and decision-making were the most affected. Poor sleep causes protein build-up in the brain, which negatively impacts brain cells. Sleep repairs and restores brain function, so improving sleep habits is important for brain health. Experts suggest between 7–8 hours per night as optimal. If you feel you aren’t sleeping well it’s important to talk to your doctor as underlying issues such as snoring, or high levels of anxiety, may need to be addressed. Exercise It’s not only good for your body but it helps memory, motor skills, and learning ability. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy; simply running on a treadmill or pedalling a stationary bike for 30 minutes has benefits. Exercise increases heart rate, so more oxygen is pumped to the brain, and it releases beneficial hormones too, improving mood and sleep, while reducing stress levels and anxiety. See why dancing is so brain-friendly? It ticks ALL the boxes. Mindfulness It’s not just a fad. Science says meditation is beneficial for mental health. Our brains often function on auto-pilot. Being in the moment while going about your day and noticing any tension or preoccupations without judging is effective in combating stress. Meditation rewires your brain, leading to: raised happiness levels, stress reduction, increased concentration, improved working memory, decreased emotional outbursts, and better problem-solving. By taking care of your brain you can increase white and grey matter, improve mental health, and slow down cognitive decline. It’s time to be brainy!

Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Field Lodge care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chef, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced team, the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you. To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 01480 877604 or email johan.hancock@careuk.com

WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS Field Lodge care home London Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EX careuk.com/field-lodge 24

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Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

We will remember them

Why do we wear a poppy? Scarlet poppies grow wild all over Western Europe wherever the soil has been disturbed. The battles of the First World War churned up such vast areas of earth that millions of poppies germinated and bloomed, often around the bodies of the fallen soldiers. A Canadian surgeon called John McRae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields in which the poppies symbolise the deaths of those who fought. It is a haunting memorial to those soldiers who have died in any war. Why do we have a two-minute silence? It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that the guns of World War I fell silent. Four years of fighting and devastation finally ended. The following year ceremonies of remembrance took place on what was known as Armistice Day. An Australian journalist, Edward George Honey first proposed a respectful silence to remember the dead. He wrote a letter to the London Evening News which was brought to the attention of King George V. The king then issued a proclamation which called for a two-minute silence. These days Armistice Day is known as Remembrance Sunday and is a chance to honour the fallen soldiers of all conflicts.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

Judy obtained her Licentiate in Acupuncture, and B.A (Hons) degree in Traditional Acupuncture, from the College of Traditional Acupuncture, Warwickshire. Judy is a passionate believer in the positive benefits, on both physical and emotional levels, that may be obtained from receiving acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture originated in China and other far eastern cultures where it still features in mainstream healthcare, both as a stand-alone therapy and in combination with conventional western medicine. Judy has been trained as a classical Five Element Acupuncturist; treatment is aimed at the root cause of your condition as well as your main symptoms. This approach helps with resolving your problem and enhancing your feelings of wellbeing. You may notice other niggling problems resolve as your main health complaint improves. Judy continues to pursue her belief in excellence of care for her patients in her role as a dedicated acupuncture practitioner, and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. Please contact Judy for a free 20 minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.

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GMS

BUSINESS ACCOUNTANTS

Personal, Professional Local Chartered Management Accountant based in Fenstanton. Services include, but not limited to:

Tax Returns • Payroll • Book-Keeping Self-Assessments Management Accounts • Consultancy Email: Graham.Wesson@gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk Tel: 07739 828423 Web: www.gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk

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Local News

Life-Saving Memories As East Anglian Air Ambulance continues to mark its 20th anniversary, we share with you some memories from supporters who have benefitted from its vital work. Megan from Cambridge I used to be a fundraising intern at EAAA and loved it! Recently they came out to my aunty who had a burst brain aneurysm and if they hadn’t of got to her as quickly as they did, she would not be alive today! She’s currently in rehab and will be for a long time but she’s making progress. I really can’t thank EAAA enough for what they do! Sue from Cambridgeshire My memory is of the EAAA Crew from Cambridge stabilising my condition and getting me to Addenbrooke’s Hospital so that I can be here today. I might have lost part of an arm but thanks to EAAA, I am alive. This is why I support EAAA and will continue to do so for as long as I can. Judy from Fowlmere On the 3rd February 2014 I had a cardiac arrest while at home. I was helping my eight-year-old daughter with her homework and had only just returned from work. My husband, on calling 999, performed CPR for 12 minutes while awaiting an ambulance. The EAAA team by road attended first and without their intervention, I literally would not be here today retelling my memory. Not forgetting how proud I am of my husband, too, he is also my hero!

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Lucy from Willingham On 8 November 2019 the crew were called out to my husband who had dislocated his hip and broken his femur. He was in considerable pain and the doctor had to administer ketamine before he could move him. It was incredibly traumatic but also a crazy couple of hours as my husband was treated on the kitchen floor. The crew were amazing with him and with me. Sadly, my husband passed away three weeks later from the cancer that had metastasised in his bones. I will never forget or thank enough the amazing team that helped us through that day. Maria from Weston Colville I fell off a horse on Dec 1st 2011. I knew immediately that it was bad as I couldn’t feel anything below my neck. I will never forget the care I was given with such professionalism by the crew that day. To extract me from a ditch without moving my spine, in a lot of mud, must have been very difficult, but done so quietly and calmly. I spent a long time recovering, but I got my life back. I am eternally grateful to EAAA for all you do. I often see EAAA flying over my village and always wave! Get involved and help EAAA save lives • Support EAAA by playing the 20th anniversary raffle, with 15 prizes up for grabs at just £1 per ticket eaaaraffle.org • Leave EAAA your memory and find out more about the history of the service at eaaa.org.uk/20years • Sign up to play in the EAAA weekly lottery, which funds 45% of EAAA’s life-saving missions at www.eaaa.org.uk/shout

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Travel Insurance Advice

As thoughts turn to holidays in 2021, the issue of travel insurance has never been more complicated. The disruption from COVID-19 led many travellers to discover their policy wasn’t quite as comprehensive as they assumed. With local lockdowns, travel bans and quarantine an ever-changing situation in recent months, all too many people have found planned trips either impossible or no longer quite what they expected. If you’ve got an annual policy, your first step should be checking the date the policy began. The precise details will vary between insurers, but as a general rule any ordinary policy taken out after the start of April 2020 will almost certainly exclude any claims related to COVID-19. Instead, you’ll need to look for a policy that specifically covers coronavirus. Most such policies will only cover the medical effects, though a few policies will also cover cancellation. Whether you are relying on a pre-April 2020 policy or take out a new one that includes COVID-19 cancellation, check the conditions that will trigger a payout. Some policies will only cover you getting COVID-19 while some will pay out if a family member gets it. Some will only cover a positive diagnosis while others will cover cases where you are told to self-isolate, for example because you’ve been in close contact with somebody who has tested positive. Coronavirus has also brought much greater attention to Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisories, something that’s normally only been an issue for people travelling to far-off war-torn nations. At the time of writing, the FCO still had a default position advising against any non-essential travel to any country that wasn’t specifically exempted.

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Finance

If you do travel to a country that’s under such an advisory, your insurance is automatically invalid. However, a travel insurance policy almost certainly won’t cover you cancelling a trip because the FCO advice has changed. If you decide against travel altogether, you can usually cancel an ongoing annual policy and get a refund in proportion to the remaining time, minus any administrative fee. This won’t be allowed if you’ve already made a claim on the policy during the cover period, for example from a previous trip. Despite the increased limitations, travel insurance may soon be even more important in Europe. At the time of writing, the UK and the European Union had yet to agree an extension of the UK’s participation in the European Health Identity Card program beyond the end of 2020. The EHIC isn’t insurance, but rather a mutual agreement that covers European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Anyone with an EHIC is entitled to medical treatment on the same basis as residents of the country where they fall ill. EHIC has never been a substitute for travel insurance, as it doesn’t cover disruption from illness or injury such as having to rebook flights home. However, if the UK does leave EHIC, travelling to the continent without travel insurance could lead to hefty medical bills even for basic treatment.

Leeds Day

Divorce ends my financial relationship with my spouse. Right? Wrong! It is surprising to many people that divorce does not end a financial relationship and long after a marriage is over, if financial matters are not resolved at the time of a divorce and approved by a court, an ex-spouse can still pursue a claim; e.g. if a person receives an inheritance an ex-spouse can seek a share even if the parties have not been married for many years. How do I ensure that my ex-spouse cannot make any financial claims? A “Consent Order” approved by a Judge as part of a divorce records an agreed financial/property settlement following a divorce without the need for a court hearing. What does a Consent Order do? A legally binding document setting out the financial arrangements that you and your ex-spouse agree on. It contains information about how you will split any assets, pensions and income once you are divorced. Because it is legally binding, it will protect you both if anyone tries to change his or her mind in the future. A Consent Order will often include a “clean break clause” which protects any money or assets that you may earn or receive in the future from being claimed by your ex-spouse. What information do I need to provide for a Consent Order? The court is not obliged to approve the Consent Order just because you both agree to its terms, so you cannot assume that the Judge will grant your Order. The court will want to ensure that the Order is reasonable. The Judge will take into consideration the means and circumstances of both parties. For this, you will need to complete a “Statement of

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Information” which gives a snapshot of your current financial position and future living plans. This requires the following information: • Your assets (e.g. bank accounts, business assets, properties, vehicles) • Your debts (e.g. credit cards, loans) • Your pension (you will need to provide a CETV – Cash Equivalent Transfer Value for each pension you may hold) • Your income (you will need to include earnings, benefits, rental income, maintenance) What is included in a Consent Order? A Consent Order will set out what you and your ex-spouse have agreed is to happen to the assets listed in the Statement of Information as well as any spouse or child maintenance, lump sums paid from one person to the other, any sharing of pensions and a timetable for when payments will be made or assets transferred. When do I apply for a Consent Order? At the decree nisi stage of divorce proceedings, or any time after the decree absolute, providing neither of you has remarried. Once the decree absolute is in place, the Consent Order becomes legally binding and is valid indefinitely. If you have recently separated, are contemplating separation or have divorced but not reached a financial settlement with your ex-spouse, then the family team at Leeds Day LLP can help. We have four experienced family solicitors and are the largest family law team in Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives. To find out more, visit our website: www.leedsday.co.uk, or send an email to family@ leedsday.co.uk

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Gardening

By Pippa Greenwood

Getting Fruity You can grow fruit in your garden even when short on space, by making the fruit work in more ways than one and making the best use of their good looks. At this time of year the widest selection of fruit plants is available from specialist fruit nurseries as ‘bare root’ plants, and this is also the perfect time to plant fruit. A simple metal arch can be used to train tree fruit such as apples or pears up the sides and over the top. For perfect pollination (and maximum crops), plant two different apples in the same pollination group on each side of the arch. You can use cordon apples or simple ‘whips’ (straight stems). A good fruit tree nursery will be able to advise on the best combinations. Cherries can do surprisingly well in a large pots, planters or a wooden half-barrel. The combination of their lovely white spring blossom and tasty summer fruit makes then an attractive plant for a sunny, sheltered patio or back yard. Choose a cherry on a ‘dwarfing rootstock’ such as Gisela 5 to ensure it does not get too big. There are many types of fruit that take up extremely little space, such as Ballerina apples; alternatively, train cordon apples or pears vertically and spaced 6090cm (2-3ft) apart to form columnar trees. Prune the fruiting laterals in summer and restrict the tree height to 1.8-2.4m (6-8ft). Ideal for the front of a vegetable plot or a flower border, a stepover is trained to form one ‘arm’ of fruit to the left and one to the right, generally about

45cm (18ins) above ground level (hence the name); you can buy these ready-trained. Vines can produce a good crop in the UK in a sheltered, sunny spot. They can be trained up walls or over a pergola to create shade. Many have fabulous autumnal colours. There are peach varieties nowadays that grow well and produce a worthwhile crop. Avalon is recommended for its ability to crop if you have space, but there are several varieties available on sufficiently dwarfing root stocks that do well in good-sized containers. Peach Bonanza grafted on to a St Julien rootstock is compact, has attractive pink blossom and, despite its dwarf size, produces fullsized fruit. Hybrid berries can also be trained over arches to form shade and a delicious crop – I recommend loosely tying them to a chunky wooden arch. You can then enjoy the flowers followed by the rich good looks of the fruit. Strawberries in pots can crop heavily if kept well fed and watered. Either plant them into a large pot or container full of good quality compost, or use a strawberry planter with individual planting holes into each of which a strawberry plant is placed. It looks good and makes it harder for slugs and snails to get to the fruit! Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.

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1. In 2018, Winona Ryder revealed that she might have married Keanu Reeves due to the authenticity of a wedding scene in which film? 2. Donald Trump is only the second only US President to have been divorced before taking office. Who was the first? 3. In the nursery rhyme Solomon Grundy, on what day did Solomon Grundy get married? 4. Whose marriages to James Dougherty, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller all ended in divorce? 5. Who wrote the 1983 novel Hollywood Wives, the 1986 novel Hollywood Husbands and the 2003 novel Hollywood Divorces? 6. Which of the following comes first in the Church of England’s traditional wedding vows?... a) in sickness and in health; b) to love and to cherish; or c) for richer, for poorer?

Marriage & Di vorce

7. After divoricing Alana Stewart in 1984 and Rachel Hunter in 2006, who said “instead of getting married again, I’m going to find a woman I don’t like and just give her a house”? 8. Who meets his future wife Jo Jo in a 1993 book that has the sub-title The Wilderness Years, but in the next book in the series, released in 1999 with the sub-title The Cappuccino Years, has separated from her and is going through a divorce? 9. In a 1995 interview with Martin Bashir for the TV show Panorama, who famously said “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded”? 10. By the end of the TV series Friends, which of the main characters had been divorced three times?

1. Bram Stoker’s Dracula 2. Ronald Reagan 3. Wednesday 4. Marilyn Monroe’s 5. Jackie Collins 6. c) for richer, for poorer 7. Rod Stewart 8. Adrian Mole 9. Princess Diana 10. Ross

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Pets

Another Successful Adoptober As Adoptober draws to a close we reflect upon the true magic of this service. With online searches for puppies tripling, adoption is an amazing solution. Adopting a dog or cat as a family pet is becoming much more common as people are finding out the many advantages it has over buying a kitten or puppy. New owners are becoming much more scrupulous about the history and background of the animals they welcome into their lives. The large majority of cats and dogs that are part of the adoption scheme are there as a result of a house move, death or divorce. Not because they have behaviour problems or were stray. Many people are attracted to adoption for this reason, and the idea of giving the animals a second chance. Why Adopt? 1) A second chance – you are giving a second chance to a much loved pet by adopting one rather than buying one. RSPCA shelters are bursting with happy and healthy pets, ready for their next new home. 2) Happy and healthy pets – you would be rehoming a happy and healthy pet that is already house trained and used to living with a family. 3) The cost – getting a new pet can be more expensive than you had originally anticipated. The prices of kittens and puppies are still on the rise, with popular dog breeds fetching £3000 each. Not only is the animal cheaper from a shelter, other expenses are often free. Most shelters spay, neuter and vaccinate all animals reducing the cost of having a pet even further.

4) Having an older pet through the adoption service has plenty of advantages. It does eliminate the need to go to puppy training classes each week, paying for microchipping, training them to go to the toilet in the correct way. 5) You are helping more than one animal. By giving money to the rehoming centre you are giving help to all of the animals within the centre. Also, by adopting an animal you are making room for another animal to come into the centre. Advantages of Having a Pet Where to begin. There are numerous benefits to having a pet, whatever the age, shape or size. Having a pet can be an exciting adventure, be it a cat, dog, hamster or rabbit. They have several health benefits including; reducing stress, decreasing loneliness, helping to raise activity levels and improving ones immune system. According to studies spending time with your pet can increase levels of oxytocin in your body, as well as lowering your blood pressure. Pets can help you to find and make friends. It’s amazing how many people you can end up talking to as you take your dog for a walk. Or even while you are in the pet shop buying hamster bedding. Pets are always such a great talking point at work and in turn help you to socialise. Pets are great for children. They can boost their confidence and skills of empathy. Pets are wonderful listeners and can help children to feel safe. Animals teach children how to be responsible, as they can help to feed, clean and walk their pets. So, if you, a friend or family member are considering making the decision to be a pet owner – consider adoption – consider the RSPCA. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Fifi

This pretty little cat is Fifi. She is a year old and although a little shy when she first meets people, she soon comes out of her shell and has a very sweet nature. She likes to play with her toys and be fussed. She is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and would be suitable for a home without young children (older children/ teenagers would be fine). If you would like to find out more about Fifi, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View the dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Technology

Get a good tech deal on Black Friday For tech shoppers, November is Gadget Christmas. That’s because the last Friday of the month, the 27th of November, is Black Friday. Black Friday is when online shops and many high street retailers offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products. And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other bigticket purchases. The name Black Friday is a little misleading because many of the retailers now run deals the week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week after. Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important to do a little homework because some of them are a little creative. Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with prices going up just before Black Friday to create a discount that isn’t really a discount. Another common trick is to quote a recommended retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799 to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for the last six months. You’re still getting a saving, but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to think. Technology can help here. Use Pricespy. co.uk to see what other retailers are charging for the same product, and for Amazon deals use CamelCamelCamel. com to look at a product’s Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or just too good to be true. As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big discount persuade you to buy something you don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The interest on some cards can easily wipe out your Black Friday savings.

Xbox One X Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4 too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to be had, especially on bundles with included games. Usually £395, www.xbox.com Instant Pot We love the Instant Pot, a programmable electric pressure cooker that’s brilliant for soups, stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty much anything else you can cook in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black Friday bestseller. Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk

Philips Ambilight TV There are always great Black Friday discounts on smart TVs, and some of the biggest we’ve seen were on Philips’ clever Ambilight range, which uses coloured light to make the room match what’s on screen. Various prices, www.philips.co.uk Amazon Echo Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted for every Amazon sale event and Black Friday is no exception. The third-generation Echo delivers surprisingly great sound despite its compact dimensions. Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk Big-name laptops If you’ve been looking for a new laptop, you’ll see some great deals on laptops from big names such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo. Some of the best discounts are on the most expensive models but you’ll find good budget deals too. Various prices, www.currys.co.uk

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Technology By Kevin Shen https://www.udemy.com/course/ learn-python-by-coding-games

The Coding Conundrum How to get kids learning to code When my son Lee started secondary school this year, the subject he was most looking forward to studying was computer science. He wants to learn to code and create his own programs. But a few weeks in and he was starting to lose enthusiasm. The problem is that he hasn’t yet touched a computer, only partly because of COVID safety procedures. They learn about programming and how computers work, but it’s all on paper without a single line of code. I looked at his syllabus and frankly it’s not going to get much better for several months! Computer science courses at school talk about computers much more than they talk about programming. Kids desperate to code become frustrated and switch off from the subject. Fewer children in the UK are now progressing to become computer programmers. That’s unfortunate when it’s one of the most sought after skills in today’s workforce. There is a shortage of specialist computer science teachers. Most computer programmers work in industry, where salaries are higher. So children are taught by non-specialists who mostly do not have a software engineering background. Hence the syllabus becomes weighted to teaching general computing rather than coding. How do we turn kids on to coding? Most want to create the next top selling computer games, or a killer app for their phone. How do we harness that and create the next generation of coders?

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Learning is currently going through big changes thanks to the pandemic. We can’t rely on having kids in a classroom with their teacher for the whole of a term at the moment because of various year groups or members of a bubble needing to self-isolate. But online learning opens up an almost infinite number of options for students. Web sites like Udemy or Coursera offer high-quality, well-taught courses in a vast range of topics. For Lee I found a Udemy course, tailored to his age range that taught coding through designing and building games (I’ve included the web address below). It teaches Python, the same programming language that he’ll use at school, and indeed the one most schools use. All the lessons are video, so there’s no reading long documents. Coding starts as soon as the programming software (which is free!) is installed. He can go at his own pace, take lessons whenever he wants, and replay explanations as many times as he wants until he fully understands. Personal help is just a few clicks away. Send a message and an answer comes back in about a day or so from the actual tutor. It’s just like having a private computer science teacher at a fraction of the cost - less than the cost of a single tutor session in fact! So how’s he doing? The enthusiasm is back. He’s blasting through the lessons and loving it. At this rate he’ll finish the course this term which will take him to GCSE coding standard in just a few months. After that the sky’s the limit.

Codeword 1

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Friendship

Forever Friends

By Tracey Anderson

Making friends as an adult The world is going through uncertain times and friends have never been more important. They provide stability, comfort, and connection. The defining feature of friendship is that it’s voluntary. We retain friendships because we want to, not because we have to. The downside is that friendships often fall by the wayside. Our adult lives are incredibly busy with obligations to work, spouses, children and older parents, and friendships can suffer as a result. We can lose friendships so rapidly that some of us live our lives as adults essentially friendless and this has ramifications for our mental health. Studies suggest that, without friends, we’re at higher risk of depression and anxiety, and that the key difference between the happiest and unhappiest people is how socially connected they are. Making friends as an adult takes deliberate effort, and this can be an issue if you lack confidence socially. Shy people often avoid events where they might have to interact socially. One way to get over this is to assume that people will like you. Studies show that this mindset is actually a self-fulfilling prophecy. People who assume they will be liked share more about themselves, disagree less, and have a more positive attitude, which of course makes positive social interaction more likely. As a child friendships seem to happen organically. As an adult we need to let go of this idea and take responsibility rather than waiting passively. We need to show up at event and say ‘hello’ when we get there. We need to introduce ourselves yourself to other people, and ask for their phone numbers, then

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follow up and arrange to meet, and we need to go through this initiation process repeatedly. It can be scary but the pay-off is worth it. In studies, people with good initiation skills tend to have more and better friendships. Initiation doesn’t turn a person into a friend. Some people are good at connecting but struggle to sustain relationships. Sociologists have long recognised that friendships thrive on continuous interaction. This means choosing activities carefully. It’s a good idea to sign up for activities that provide multiple opportunities to connect, such as a language class, a writing course, or a book club a book club. Repeated interactions capitalise on the ‘exposure effect’, our tendency to like things more, the more familiar they are. So, if we want to make friends, we should commit to showing up somewhere for a few months. At the moment this is even more difficult than usual because of pandemic restrictions, but in fact people are starting to connect more in online groups. Some studies have shown that shy people actually find online interaction easier and that people tend to open up more because they have time to think before posting. These online relationships have the capacity to become lasting friendships in the real world. If your aim is to find local friends to hang out with after the pandemic then its best to find local based groups, even if they are online for now. A quick search of my local area on Facebook threw up groups for crochet, eco-living, gardening, cooking, and a book club. We all need friends so take a deep breath and say hello first.

Health

Are you eating enough fibre? Discover the benefits of increasing your fibre intake – by Guts UK charity Fibre is the indigestible part of plant-based foods that does not get absorbed into our body. Many of us are aware of fibre and know it’s an important component of any healthy diet, yet most of us don’t eat enough of it. We used to believe that fibre didn’t do much at all, assuming that because the human body couldn’t digest it, it just ‘travelled’ through our digestive system. In fact, fibre is absolutely vital for gut health, helping to prevent constipation and even bowel cancer. Perhaps most importantly, fibre is the food for over 100 trillion microorganisms that live in your gut. This ‘good gut bacteria’ is vital to your wellbeing, defending against harmful microorganisms and easing absorption of some essential

vitamins. Therefore, it’s important that we feed it! “The average person in the UK eats less than 20g of fibre per day, or less than two-thirds of the recommended 30g amount. Through recent research, we know that additional fibre in the diet reduces the risk of chronic common conditions, such as bowel cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes,” says Julie Thompson, specialist dietician and information manager at Guts UK charity. Foods that are rich in fibre include wholegrain cereals, wholewheat pasta, oats and wholegrain bread. Fruit and vegetables such as berries, pears, melon, oranges, broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn are also rich in fibre, as are peas, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and potatoes. There are a number of simple steps you can take to increase your fibre intake, like swapping

to wholegrain bread, opting for wholewheat pasta or choosing potatoes with skins, such as baked potatoes, wedges or boiled new potatoes. Think about adding beans, lentils or chickpeas to stews, curries and salads. “If you are planning to increase the amount of fibre in your diet, you should do this gradually,” Julie continued. “Increasing your fibre intake suddenly can cause symptoms such as wind and bloating”. The science never lies. A paper published in the Lancet medical journal that analysed 185 studies and 58 clinical trials discovered just how important fibre can be in contributing to a long and healthy life. “The paper suggests that if you shifted 1,000 people from a low fibre diet (less than 15g) to a high-fibre one (25-29g), it would prevent thirteen deaths and six cases of heart disease,” Julie explained. “It’s simple – the more fibre we eat, the better!”

Guts UK is the charity for the digestive system. The digestive system is truly fascinating, but it is very complex. Millions are affected by digestive diseases, yet our guts have been underfunded and misunderstood for decades. With new knowledge and research, we can diagnose earlier, develop kinder treatments and ultimately, a cure. Learn more at gutscharity.org.uk, call 01484 483 123 or email info@gutscharity.org.uk – we’re here to help.

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Crossword Solution for The Villager October Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Martin Cooper - Biggleswade

Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

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5757

The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th November 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

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Across 1 Ten years (6) 4 Pictures (6) 9 Level high land (7) 10 Tag (5) 11 Poem (5) 12 Selections (7) 13 Demolition (11) 18 Pharmacist (7) 20 Perfect (5) 22 Spoils (5) 23 Against (7) 24 Scale (6) 25 Grown ups (6) Down 1 Leave (6) 2 Absurd (5) 3 Lowest (7) 5 Greeting (5) 6 Used for smoking (7) 7 Spatter (6) 8 Commas, colons. (11) 14 Dusk (7) 15 Stumbled (7) 16 Afraid (6) 17 Play equipment (6) 19 Edition (5) 21 Artists frame (5)

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Books

The Book Nook

By Kate Duggan

From historical fiction to dystopian literature plus new releases to older books that deserve more attention, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into this month.

The Midnight Library By Matt Haig

Nora’s overdose doesn’t result in, as she’d hoped, nothingness. Instead, she’s transported to the Midnight Library, where she gets the chance to try the other lives she could have led if she’d made different choices. As she faces her regrets (from not marrying to not becoming an Olympic swimmer), Nora discovers that the path not taken isn’t always the panacea she thinks it is.

A Room Made of Leaves By Kate Grenville

A Room Made of Leaves is the fictionalised account of a real woman’s life – Elizabeth Macarthur. It’s set in the late eighteenth century. Women had few prospects beyond marriage, so when Elizabeth marries the cold, ambitious John Macarthur she has little choice but to follow him wherever he decides to go, even if that’s to the other side of the world to live in a new settlement in Australia. A must for historical fiction fans.

A Song for the Dark Times By Ian Rankin

Rebus is back, but this time it’s personal: his son-in-law is missing. Rebus heads out to solve the mystery. His daughter seems to be the obvious main suspect, so which role will Rebus prioritise – detective or father? Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, DI Siobhan Clarke is on her own case, that of the murder of a wealthy Saudi student. These two very different cases may turn out to be part of the same tangled web. A Song for the Dark Times is a gripping crime thriller with plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages.

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Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed

On the island, girls are little more than wives-in-training – following the decrees of the founding ancestors and submitting to every demand of their fathers. They have one brief period of freedom over the summer, when they live wild and do as they please. The summers are shortlived, and the girls know that they’re destined to be married once they hit puberty. But one day they decide to take back their freedom, at whatever cost. Gather the Daughters is pretty disturbing and there are a lot of triggers, but as dystopian literature goes, it’s one that will stick with you for a very long time.

Little Fires Everywhere By Celeste Ng

Whether you’ve watched the Amazon Prime series or not, the book is well worth a read. To the outsider, Shaker Heights seems like the perfect town. And no one is more perfect than Elena Richardson. Her daughter Izzy, on the other hand, is impetuous and disinclined to follow the rigid path laid down by her mother. When artist Mia Warren arrives on the scene with her daughter Pearl, the fragility of a ‘perfect’ life becomes all too apparent. A many-layered read about motherhood, secrets, race and the many nuances of right and wrong.

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Cambs Nov 2020

Articles inside

Villager Prize Crossword

Another Successful Adoptober

Get a good tech deal on Black Friday

Getting Fruity

Fun Quiz

Forever Friends

The Coding Conundrum

Divorce ends my financial relationship with my spouse?

Travel Insurance Advice

Life-Saving Memories

Brain Benefits

Québec City

Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe

St Francis Children's Society

The History of Place Names

Drinks: Gin is in

We will remember them

Horses singed while you wait in the King's Head yard