Cambs apr 18 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 108 - April 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win tickets to

Classic Ibiza Liberate your

Wardrobe Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People

20,000 copies delivered to Buckden, Brampton,

Godmanchester, The Hemingfords, Eaton Socon, Grantchester and all surrounding villages every month

ur Yo EE FRco1 py

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Inside this issue... 12

Win Tickets to Harpenden Blues Festival Pottering About St. Neots.................................................................4 A Memorial to Post...........................................................................6 Win Tickets to Classic Ibiza with Ministry of Sound.........................10 Win Tickets to Harpenden Blues Festival........................................12 Feeling Stresses Out? Take a Walk with a Llama.............................17 Schoolreaders Launches Book Club Quiz Challenge........................19 Declutter Your Life..........................................................................23 Liberate Your Wardrobe..................................................................26 Why Colour (& Style) Matters in the Workplace..............................28 A Guide to Spring Gardening..........................................................31 Claiming a Refund of Power of Attorney Fees.................................32 Bless You! It’s Hayfever Time Again.................................................34 Common Family Law Myths...........................................................36 Structure is Good............................................................................37 Speakability Huntingdonshire becomes H.A.S...............................38 Plant a Butterfly Garden.................................................................40 Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Events.................................42

How Eggstraordinary.....................................................................45 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..............................................................46 Animal Queries...............................................................................48 Children’s Page...............................................................................51 On Your Bike...................................................................................53 BMW X3: Truly Capable..................................................................54 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................................57 Casanova: World’s First Museum and Experience............................59 Puzzle Page....................................................................................60 What’s On.......................................................................................62 John Bunyan Boat Team Reveals 2018 Cruise Programme..............64 Don’t be an April Fool.....................................................................67 Belgrade........................................................................................68 Greensand Country Announces Summer Festival...........................70 Fun Quiz.........................................................................................73 Prize Crossword..............................................................................74 2018 A Centenary Celebration - The WI..........................................76

Plant a Butterfly Garden

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, Suzanne Roynon, Jennie Billings, Centre for Complementary Health, Leeds Day Solicitors, Louise Addison, Hannah Byatt, Tony Larkins, Rachael Leverton, Roberta Snow, RSPCA, Kate Duggan, James Baggott, Nick Coffer, Trevor Langley and Solange Hando

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

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

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

Pottering about St. Neots Dig a few feet into your garden and you will be unlucky not to unearth messages from the past with pieces of pot. The soil in St. Neots has given up its own secrets over the years. Gorhams 1820’s history of the town reflects a way of writing long forgotten:-

Of these Antiquities a single specimen (found in 1816) has hitherto been preserved. This Vessel has, probably, been a cinerary Urn: it is of red pottery, of ordinary design; and has been moulded by the hand, instead of having been submitted to the lathe. Several Urns, of nearly the same form and dimensions, but devoid of pattern, were found a few years since in St. Neot’s, in a field belonging to G. J. Gorham Esq., on the E. side of Huntingdon Street. They have been rudely formed by the hand, and are composed of unbaked clay. It is now in the Public Library at Cambridge. The dimensions are; height 8 inches, greatest diameter 7, diameter of the mouth 14.The mouth of each Urn was covered by a tile :it was not noticed whether bones or ashes were inclosed ; but skeletons were dug up in the immediate neighbourhood. From the close resemblance which these Vessels bear to the fragments of unbaked pottery at Eynesbury, they may be referred, without doubt, to the same origin.

Perhaps one of the less known facts about St. Neots is that a type of medieval pottery is named after the town. St Neots ware was a SaxonNorman pottery group and, despite bearing the name of the town, it had a wide distribution throughout the Midlands west of the Wash. It was not produced solely in St. Neots, but it takes its title from the area in which the first discoveries of manufacture were made. Beyond St. Neots, production centres probably existed rurally, and near to the urban centres of Northampton, Oxford and Bedford. The earliest examples can be dated to around AD 900, and they continued in use until the twelfth century. Modern techniques produce ‘pottery to order’ such as an 1868 Eynesbury Old School buildings mug from a couple of decades ago. You can still make your own items in St. Neots at a pottery studio just off the high street. Keep an eye on the local Museum’s web site for this year’s activities and exhibitions and do visit (local have free entry) to find out more about the heritage of the town. You might even have an interesting pot and its story you might want to donate which illustrates an aspect of our modern life. You might even bury a pot for someone to discover in a thousand years time!

By Peter Ibbett

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History

A Memorial By Catherine Rose

to Post

In the era of email and smartphones, many believe the art of letter writing is declining. So, what of the history of our postal system, once the only way people could communicate across long distances? During medieval times, letters were usually handwritten on velum and sealed with wax (there were no envelopes in those days), after which they were sent via messenger on horseback, or even by trained hawk or carrier pigeon. In 1507, Cardinal Wolsey decided to make post more official and appointed a Master of the Posts (later to become the Postmaster General). His job was to manage a postmaster in each major town who would keep a team of horses and post boys – often a hazardous task for these riders thanks to highway robbers. In 1635, the Royal Mail was founded and the first official post or ‘letter’ offices were set up. By 1660 letters were being inked to show the date they were mailed using a hand-held stamp, also known as a ‘Bishop stamp’ after its inventor, Henry Bishop. The cost of postage wasn’t rationalised, however. There was corruption and widely varying charges applied to different areas and routes, for example over bridges with tolls. As it was the recipient who had to pay, post was often refused on the grounds of cost, resulting in losses and an inefficient system. In 1837, polymath Sir Rowland Hill wrote a pamphlet – Post Office Reform, its Importance and Practicability – which outlined suggestions to revolutionise the postal system. At that time there was a postal charge for distance and an additional one for each sheet of paper sent which resulted in many people writing ‘between the lines’, i.e. turning the paper around 180 degrees and writing the second page in the spaces between the lines of the first. (There is a wonderful example of this in a letter on display at Jane Austen’s House Museum in Alton, Hampshire.) Hill made a case for abolishing the existing complicated and expensive postal tariffs. He

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suggested introducing a penny post across the board for standard letters of an ounce or less, paid for by the sender, with higher rates of postage for packets and parcels dependent on weight. This idea proved popular with the public and together with the Postmaster General Lord Lichfield, they came up with the idea of using a small label “covered at the back with a glutinous wash” that could be stuck to an envelope to show that the sender had paid the required postage. Named after the original hand stamp method used for postmarking, the postage stamp was born. However, it was perhaps not as novel as it is claimed for similar pieces of paper, attached to documents using lead staples, had already been in use to denote paid taxes for several hundred years. It was decided to place the postage stamp in the top right-hand corner of the envelope to speed up postmarking (also known as cancellation), because postal workers would be using their right hand. In 1839, Hill ran a competition to design the first postage stamp with a prize of £200. There were nearly 3,000 entries. In the end, it was R. A. William Wyon’s depiction of a young Queen Victoria’s profile that was chosen, based on a bust he had modelled of her when she was just fifteen and which was subsequently used for a commemorative medal on her first visit to London as Queen. Another artist, Henry Corbould, drew the head and embellished the background. The whole design was then line engraved for printing. The Penny Black was officially launched in May 1840, followed two days later by the Tuppeny Blue. More than 70 million letters were sent annually over the next two years, a figure that had more

than quadrupled by 1850. Along with the demand for post came the production of folded envelopes. The initial stamps were printed onto sheets of paper and then manually cut using scissors. Perforated sheets to facilitate tearing were introduced in 1854 after Henry Archer invented a perforating machine. The Penny Red was the first to appear with the characteristic edge we now associate with stamps. Other countries soon followed suit with their own postage, but the UK remained the only country that did not geographically identify itself on its stamps, the reigning monarch’s head being deemed sufficient. The explosion in letter sending necessitated another invention – the post box. Surprisingly, it was the Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope who introduced the iconic pillar box in 1853. Initially, it was designed in green to blend with the surroundings, but it soon became clear that people needed to be able to spot it and green was replaced with the now familiar and famous ‘pillar box red’. Postcodes were phased in between 1959 and 1974 to help with the sorting and delivery of letters. It is interesting to note that when looking back prior to Hill’s founding of our modern postal system, rural addresses often only consisted of a number and the name of the village – fine for a messenger on horseback searching through a handful of houses. Today, we can sit at our laptops and send a message in the blink of an eye. And with companies increasingly going ‘paperless’, who knows what the future will be for our postal system?

By Catherine Rose

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In association with

Win 2 tickets to Classic Ibiza

with Ministry of Sound at Hatfield House Classic Ibiza with Ministry of Sound is returning to Hertfordshire on 1 September. The concert sees the Urban Soul Orchestra (USO), DJ Goldierocks and a host of live vocalists perform some of dance music’s most iconic tracks in the delightful grounds of Hatfield House. Here’s what to expect: 1. Dance music A-listers: USO have performed with a veritable who’s-who of dance music, including Nightmares On Wax, Groove Armada and Robert Miles. 2. Superstar DJ: Goldierocks has performed exclusively for Kate Moss, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Giorgio Armani and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. 3. Get set to select: The set-list includes some of the biggest dance-tracks dating back to the 90s. At Easter you can vote for your favourite track to be added to the set on Classic Ibiza’s Facebook page (@ClassicIbiza). 4. Family friendly: Classic Ibiza is a concert for all

the family, so whether you’re six or 60 you are assured of having a fantastic evening. 5. Food for thought: You can bring your own picnic and refreshments or take advantage of the local street-food vendors and bars on site. 6. A night of two halves: Classic Ibiza starts with a chill-out set, where you can relax over a glass of bubbly, or dance along as the sun fades. The music gets ramped up in the second half and you’ll be transported to a magical, alfresco celebration, with accompanying lasers.

Visit: www.classicibiza.co.uk or call 01630 674342. Tickets: Adults: £39.50, Children (5 –16): £17.50, Under 5’s: free, Car-parking: free. Simply send or email your entry by 16th April 2018 to: Classic Ibiza Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. Email: nigel@villagermag.com The winner will be drawn randomly.



CLASSIC IBIZA TICKET COMPETITION ENTRY

To win 2 free tickets to Classic Ibiza answer the question below and email or post your response by 16th April 2018. Classic Ibiza sees the Urban Soul Orchestra, DJ Goldierocks and a host of live vocalists perform which kind of music? A: France music  B: Prance music  C: Dance music  Name: Address: Tel: Email: 10

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Win 2 tickets to

Harpenden Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival “Bringing great sounds to Hertfordshire” Showcasing the quality of live music in the UK; with The Pretty Things headlining and five other very different but striking bands in the line-up, this will undoubtedly be another a great festival and an occasion not to miss! No need to worry about searching for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone’s taste! Through their entire career, The Pretty Things have written, performed, and created informed, intelligent, groundbreaking, and original music, enabled by powerful, melodic writing that has kept this incredible band alive for nearly half a century. Sadly, this iconic British band is calling it a day this year and after an incredible career spanning 55 years, they intend to go out with a bang exactly the same way they came in! So don’t miss this opportunity to experience The Pretty Things live one last time and get your tickets now at only £25, by calling 01472 349 222 or online at www.solidentertainments.com/blues/harpenden/ tickets.html. Harpenden Public Halls, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 1PD

HARPENDEN BLUES FESTIVAL COMPETITION ENTRY To win 2 free tickets to The Harpenden Blues Festival simply answer the question below and send your entry by 16th April 2018 to the address above. Name The Pretty Things first three singles that appeared in the UK Singles Chart in 1964 and 1965?



Simply send or email your entry by 16th April 2018 to: Harpenden Blues Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The winner will be drawn randomly from the correct entries.

Name: Tel: Address: 12

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TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP. BOOK A TEST DRIVE AT T.C.HARRISON FORD For more information please visit www.tch.co.uk

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TCH Easter Breakfasts (Villager)_ppl.pdf

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EASTER WEEKEND

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Quirky Britain

Feeling stressed out?

Take a walk with a llama

According to the advertisement strapline for one of the many llama trekking trips available in the UK today: “You feel calmer when you walk with a llama”. Llamas originally came from South America, where local people have used them as pack animals for hundreds of years. Their specially adapted feet padded, like a dog’s - together with their friendly natures made them the perfect companion for long treks across the mountainous Andes region. What happens on a llama trek? Although llamas are able to pull carts and carry up to 25% of their body weight, they are not suitable for riding, so your trekking experience will be limited to leading your llama on a halter as you walk along. At first glance this may not seem like much of an ‘experience’, but trekkers report that leading a llama is a surprisingly relaxing and calming experience. A UK llama trek can involve anything from a half-day trip (ending with a cream tea, of course) to a ramble lasting several days. Brenda Stevens, a member of the British Llama Society and owner of the trekking company UK Llamas, offers visitors the opportunity to halter and groom their llama before leading them into the country lanes and footpaths around the village of Mosterton in Dorset. Llamas are usually

well-behaved but have been known to pause on their route if they find a particularly tasty hedgerow plant. Brenda explains: “Our llamas enjoy nothing more than exploring the village and helping our neighbours by ‘trimming’ their bushes and trees along the way!” What makes llamas so special? Llamas will also stop in the middle of a trekking expedition if they sense the presence of wildlife, helping their human companions spot creatures they might otherwise fail to see on a countryside walk. With their sharp senses and strong protective instincts, they are often used on farms to guard lambs, ducks and chickens from attack by predators. Hardy and undemanding, they are also placed in paddocks to provide companionship for horses and ponies. Perhaps it is this ability to bond with other species that has singled llamas out as ideal travelling companions for humans. In spite of rumours that llamas can spit in spectacular fashion if angered, this rarely happens. In fact, many UK llama owners have become so confident of their animals’ good behaviour that they have started to involve them in animal therapy sessions. Parties and celebrations are another growth area for the ‘llama experience’. James and Suzanne Benson from Nidderdale Llamas even make their animals available for hen parties and weddings. For hen parties the llamas are equipped with pink ‘L’ plates on their tails, while participants can hire sashes to wear as they walk. At weddings, llamas can meet and greet guests and provide a focus for photographs. Suzanne says: “We can arrange for two llamas or one llama and one alpaca to accompany the bride and groom through the ceremony, walk down the aisle, even carry the rings!” Paying to lead an animal on a countryside ramble may seem like a slightly eccentric thing to do, but there’s little doubt that llama trekking is a magical and unforgettable experience for those who take part. To quote one happy customer who reviewed his trekking trip on the TripAdvisor website: “Quite simply one of the BEST days out we have had.”

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Local News Schoolreaders Launches Book Club Quiz Challenge on World Book Day – 1st March 2018 Schoolreaders, the charity aiming to improve literacy amongst primary school children in the UK, is launching the Schoolreaders Book Club Quiz Challenge on the 1st March 2018 to coincide with World Book Day. The Challenge runs until May 24th. Book Clubs across the UK are invited to sign up to the challenge and enjoy a quiz at one of their meetings plus raise important funds for Schoolreaders, which matches and provides volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools. Upon registering for the challenge, Book Club members are sent a pack of materials to host a fun literary-based quiz evening at one of their Book Club meetings. Completed quiz forms can be returned to Schoolreaders and the correct entrants will be entered into a draw to win either a case of Prosecco or book tokens for each member. Jane Whitbread, Founder of Schoolreaders, comments: “One in four children are leaving

primary school not being able to read to the required standard and this can put limitations on their life chances. On average, it costs Schoolreaders just £15 to provide a child with a weekly one-to-one reading session with a volunteer for a whole academic year, a small sum for a major benefit for each child. We hope that we can encourage lots of Book Clubs to sign up to this fun challenge and join us in reaching more children, helping improve their literacy and increasing their life opportunities.” To register your club for the Schoolreaders Book Club Challenge, please visit www.schoolreaders. org, and you will then be sent the quiz pack along with advice on how to make the most of the challenge.

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Time of Year

Declutter Your Life It’s that time of year when we get the urge to Spring Clean If you can’t lay your hands on items you need because they’re buried under piles of junk; if you’re constantly moving items from one pile to a new ‘temporary’ pile; if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t throw this away, it might come in useful one day,” you’re probably a clutter-victim. Californian blogger Dave Bruno wrote The 100 Thing Challenge. He set himself a year-long experimental task of reducing his belongings to 100 items. Although it started as a challenge he actually chose to keep living by his new rules afterwards, saying he prefers the simplicity. It would be tough for most of us to emulate Bruno exactly, but he has a point. Most of us probably put far too much time, effort and money into acquiring, keeping and storing possessions, and sometimes it’s good to let go. If you’re ready to de-clutter, then we have a few simple tips. If you feel you need help, there are experts in de-cluttering who will guide you through the process of letting go. De-cluttering Tips Deal with one room at a time the task will seem less daunting. Stick with that room until it’s finished. Choose a nice day - Take the room contents outside. Psychologically it’s easier to sort and let go if you’re one step removed. It’s also less likely that the clutter will make it back inside.

Sort everything into three piles - Label them dump, donate and keep. Be realistic: if the item in question hasn’t been used for over a year it is unlikely you will ever use it. Deal with the dump and donate piles - Do this before anything comes back into the house. It’s much harder to mess up your good work if the stuff is physically gone. Sort and label - Place the remaining items in clearly labelled boxes. Make sure there is one temporary box to house items which really belong in another room. As each room is sorted those items can be replaced, and other misplaced items can be housed there while the de-cluttering process continues. Replace everything that remains - The maxim ‘A place for everything and everything in its place’ is a good one. Keep small items in clear plastic boxes and store them in cupboards or wardrobes. When you’re done instigate a ‘one thing in: one thing out’ rule. It will make you think twice about acquiring something if you know something else must go. Finally, once a week, take two bags and go through your home. One bag is for rubbish, the other for items in the wrong place. When you’ve finished throw the rubbish away and replace the misplaced items. Follow these small steps and you too can declutter your life.

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Offord-based Platinum Tours have 16 and 25 seat executive mini-coaches available for private hire. We are a family run business with 20 years experience in the coach industry. We provide affordable, reliable transport, whatever the occasion. We also offer day trips, theatre trips and holidays to Warner Leisure Hotels.

t Check ou ur o f o some rips t upcoming days li o h and

Weds 16th May Matinee theatre trip to Milton Keynes to see Summer Holiday £35

Thurs 14th June Day trip to the NEC for Gardeners World / BBC Good Food Show £35

Mon 1st - Fri 5th October Midweek break to Warner Hotel Nidd Hall, N. Yorkshire £429

To request a private hire quote, book seats online or see what we have planned this year, visit www.platinumluxurytours.com or call 01480 810560 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Life Coaching

By Suzanne Roynond

Liberate your wardrobe Wardrobes can be scary places! They hide clothes you never wear, sale bargains which were unflattering when you got them home and clothes you kept in case you lost weight but in the meantime went out of fashion. These clothes clutter your space and energy. If your wardrobe is crammed then often the clothes you wear regularly end up thrown over a door or stacked on a chair. They get crumpled and spoiled. When you learn to manage clutter, taking care of your clothes and getting dressed in the morning will be significantly easier. So grab a coffee or glass of wine and head for the bedroom. Put all your clothes on the bed and survey them with a critical eye. Anything you adore and wear regularly goes straight back into your wardrobe provided it doesn’t need repairing. (Put it to one side and fix it!) ‘Occasion outfits’, evening dresses or tuxedos get to go back for another year provided you love them and they still fit. If you work on the principle that

you wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time you now have a significant pile of clothes you don’t wear – perhaps they are the wrong size, remind you of sad times, missing buttons or are tatty. There will also be items you had forgotten you own. Anything you are never going to wear again goes straight into a recycling bag. For clothes you aren’t sure about, try each item on – how does it feel? If it’s unflattering, too large, too small, triggers unhappy thoughts or is damaged, ditch it straightaway. Note: It’s never a good idea to hang onto something in case you drop a dress size. If you lose weight you deserve to celebrate with new clothes. Don’t give these unworthy outfits a second more of your time – they have no place in your life. On the other hand, if you try on the item and it feels amazing, put it in the wardrobe and make a point of showing it off at the first opportunity.

Follow the same principles with t-shirts, gym gear, underwear, socks, out of season clothes, handbags, make up, jewellery, scarves and coats. Anything baggy, saggy, discoloured, missing a mate, broken or moth-eaten won’t do your appearance or your self esteem any favours – say goodbye to it now. Oh, and that swimsuit – you know the one with the dodgy elastic? Out! Making space in your wardrobe is incredibly liberating. You make better use of the clothes you love to wear and save valuable time and effort every day. Most people choose to bag their clothes and take them straight to the charity shop. The sooner clutter of any kind is out of your house, the better you will feel. If however you have the time and inclination to Ebay your stuff or it’s suitable for a dress exchange then go for it and enjoy the new space you have created in your life.

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Suzanne Roynon is a personal performance life coach www.yoursuccess.coach

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House of Colour

Why Colour (& Style) Matters in the Workplace

Could the colours and styles you wear help you achieve more in the workplace? Whether we like it or not, how we present ourselves in the workplace can alter how people see you and your company brand. A new boss should aim to exude authority but also be approachable; a manager presenting to a new client needs to look professional and memorable for the right reasons. Given we make up our minds about someone within the first few seconds of meeting them, it follows that our first impressions alone can alter future relationships between client and service provider, boss and employee, or colleagues. However, it’s also never too late to change! The truth is it is harder these days to get a job and progress in your career. We are needing to work harder and smarter, and part of that is by standing out in positive way and being noticed for all the right reasons. When we liaise, present, network and manage we need to look and feel good. Top Tips for Making The Right Impression At Work 1. Wear clothes that fit you. Very baggy shirts and oversized jackets may look slouchy and un-kempt. In the same way, tight fitting dresses, skirts and shirts could give your colleagues and clients the wrong impression. 2. Get to know your red. Red in the workplace is so powerful and can be worked with any seasonal palate. For example, if you are a Winter, opt for deep burgundy and blue based reds. If you are a Summer, try Cherry red variations. Autumns are best in fiery brick reds and Springs in bright and warm Geranium reds. Alternatively keep it subtle

with just one item of red, like a bold red lip, or a scarf or tie for a man. 3. Pair bold shirts or blouses with neutral jackets or vice versa. Work clothes don’t have to be boring, but you don’t want to dazzle and distract with a rainbow of colours. One impact colour and two neutrals are a good rule of thumb. Add an extra colour with your blouse, belt, scarf, bag or shoes to make your outfit ‘pop’, it will make you more memorable to everyone you meet. 4. Quality speaks loudly, so pay attention to getting good quality shirts, blouses, jackets, accessories etc. for work, that extra investment will send the message that you are worth it! 5. Accessorise! A silk scarf will soften an otherwise harsh tailored suit, or layering necklaces could give an edge to your outfit dependent on your ideal style.

By Jennie Billings www.houseofcolour.co.uk/ jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Complementary Health

A Guide to

Spring Gardening Now that we are well into Spring, many people are itching to get back into their gardens to begin mowing, weeding and pruning, but while your garden may need some help getting back in to shape, don’t forget so do you! Here are some tips for getting your garden green and beautiful again without injuring yourself in the process. LIFTING Stand Close to the Load • Make sure your feet are shoulder width apart, head up, feet and body pointing in a straight line with the item you are lifting. Pivot with your feet; don’t twist your body whilst carrying the load. Knees Bent, Back Straight • Check the weight of what you are lifting. Use your leg and arm muscles to help you slowly lift. Easy Does It • Bend your knees and slowly lower the load to its resting place. • Do not lift heavy objects above your waist. • Avoid heavy lifting immediately after prolonged bending and kneeling. THE RIGHT MOVES • Warm up before starting to garden by gently stretching your muscles • Never dig when the ground is wet or there is a heavy frost - it is difficult to do, making the soil heavier and also not good for the soil structure. • Positioning your body correctly reduces strain on muscles and joints: do not repetitively lift heavy loads - alternate it with lighter loads. Changing Hands Take the strain off by changing the position of your hands. Check Your Position and Change it Often Kneel then stand or simply sit and relax for a while, but don’t maintain any one position over a prolonged period. Kneel to Plant Use kneepads or a kneeling mat to reduce the strain whilst you plant and weed. Keep your back straight and stop frequently to take a break. Rake Right Ease the strain on your back by putting one leg in front, the other behind. Switch legs and hands

from time to time, whilst it might feel strange it’s good to try and even up your movements. THE RIGHT TOOLS Choose tools that ergonomically designed, and are the correct tool for the job. • Use long handled, lightweight tools with padded handles where possible. • Use pruners and loppers that have a ratchet system to make cutting easier. • A hose is easier to manage than a watering can. • A good wheelbarrow can help move heavier loads. • Put secateurs in a holster attached to your belt to save bending down to pick them up. By using the correct posture and tools, taking frequent breaks and walking around and stretching to ensure you’re not staying in the same position for too long, you should be in a position to help prevent back pain... However back or muscle pain that lasts longer than 48 hours is your body’s way of saying it needs help, so if you do experience back pain that persists, please don’t wait too long to get it looked at. A range of treatments such as a physiotherapy, osteopathy and acupuncture can help back pain. Please get in touch if you would like more information on how our experienced, multidisciplinary team may be able to help you. If you would like further information please give us a call on 01480 455221 or visit www.CentreForCompHealth.com for more details.

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Leeds Day Solicitors

Claiming a Refund of Power of Attorney Fees If you have made a Lasting Power of Attorney and registered it with the Office of the Public Guardian between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017 you may be entitled to a partial refund of the registration fee. This refund applies to the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney and also to repeat applications. A successful claim will amount to a refund of £34 - £54 depending upon when the application was submitted to the Office of the Public Guardian and interest of 0.5% will also be paid. You can still claim a refund even if you are not aware of the date the application was submitted. You must claim the refund by 31 January 2021 and the refund will be paid to the donor (the person who made the Power of Attorney). The donor or an attorney can make the application for a refund. You only need to make one claim per donor, even if you made more than one power of attorney. A refund can be claimed online or by telephoning 0300 456 0300 and will take up to 12 weeks to be processed. The Office of the Public Guardian has reduced the registration fee to £82 and so now is a good time to consider putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to make decisions for you, or act on your behalf. It could just be temporary, for example, if you are in hospital or on holiday and need help with everyday things such as making sure that bills are paid. Or you may need to make more long-term plans if, for example, you are concerned that you may become infirm as you get older. Sometimes people become incapable of managing their property and financial affairs or personal welfare and need someone to do this for them. A friend, relative or professional can be appointed to hold a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) to enable them to act on that person’s behalf. An LPA is a way of giving someone you trust the

Our offices: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 32

authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lack mental capacity at some time in the future or no longer wish to make decisions for yourself. It is a legal document whereby you can appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. It can be drawn up at any time while you understand the nature and implications of the document but it has no legal standing until it is registered with the Office of The Public Guardian. The LPA can be registered as soon as it has been signed or its registration can be postponed until it is needed in the future. There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:• Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney This LPA gives your Attorney authority to make decisions about your property and financial affairs. This can include running your bank accounts and savings accounts, making decisions about your investments, selling property and spending your money. These decisions can be made when the LPA has been registered either when you are still mentally capable if you wish your Attorney to act or if you lack the capacity to deal with matters yourself. • Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney This LPA enables you to choose someone to make decisions about your health care and welfare. This includes decisions to refuse or consent to medical treatment and deciding where you live. These decisions can only be taken when the LPA is registered and if you lack the capacity to make the decisions yourself. Whilst we cannot process a refund for you, we can assist you with the preparation and registration of a Lasting Power of Attorney or the registration of an existing Enduring Power of Attorney. If you would be interested in discussing Powers of Attorney with one of our members of staff, please contact us on 0844 567 2222 or by email at wills@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk We have offices in St. Neots, St. Ives and Huntingdon.

St. Ives 11 Station Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5BH T: 01480 464600

St. Neots Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP T: 01480 474661

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We are looking for more delivery people in this area to deliver our magazine. Please contact Nigel for more details

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com

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Time of Year

By Louise Addison

Bless You!

It’s Hayfever time again Hayfever is on the increase, says the British Allergy Foundation. The most likely explanation for this is that summer is starting earlier and pollution is rising. Pollution traps pollen in the atmosphere and holds it there. As a result we’re all being exposed to many more allergens, particularly those of us who live in towns in cities. No wonder we’re all sneezing. The body’s immune system is a wonderful creation. It responds to nasty substances such as viruses and bacteria by generating special antibodies which help to neutralise them. These helpful antibodies are actually large protein molecules of a category known as IGG. Unfortunately, there is another set of antibodies from a category known as IGE. These are less helpful because they tend to over react to allergens, which are harmless materials such as grass pollen. The problem lies with our mast cells. These are cells choc full of histamine and other substances capable of producing inflammation. The IGE molecules cling to the mast cells and when an allergen enters the body it sticks to the IGEcoated mast cells and triggers them to explode, whereupon they release all their histamine and cause an inflammatory response. Some of us have high levels of IGE in our bodies and some of us don’t. Those with high IGE levels

are more susceptible to allergies. In the case of hayfever it triggers runny noses and itchy eyes, but it can also trigger asthma if the response occurs in the airways and eczema if it occurs in the skin. Susceptibility does have a genetic basis. However, scientists also know that the immune system develops very early so early exposure to an allergen may affect the development and number of immune cells present, so later in life an allergic response to a particular allergen is more likely. We can’t yet reduce the number of IGE cells in a body but a few years ago scientists discovered that IGG and IGE molecules have different structures and bind differently to mast cells. Thus new medications are now being developed with the ability to disable the IGE and stop it binding to mast cells in the first place. In the future we may be able to relieve the misery of hayfever altogether. Wouldn’t that be lovely? Current Treatments Anti-histamine tablets Impede the body’s immune response so preventing symptoms. Nasal Sprays Work directly on the affected area and leave the rest of the immune system alone. Injections Offer long term protection but are only used in severe cases because of their ongoing nature. REMEMBER - Do not wait until symptoms start. Ideally begin to take medication 3-4 weeks before the start of the hayfever season.

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Local News

Speakability Huntingdonshire becomes Huntingdonshire Aphasia Support (H.A.S.) Speakability Huntingdonshire has enjoyed more than 13 happy and successful years since its founding by the then national charity Speakability (Support for Dysphasic Adults). Three years ago Speakability merged with The Stroke Association with which it was already sharing London headquarters. However the local group has found that the requirements of belonging to such a large national charity do not suit how the small local group operates. An EGM in January decided that the group would leave at the end of March to become an independent support group. Sadly this means the name of Speakability must be given up as must charitable status. However the group, now called Huntingdonshire Aphasia Support (H.A.S. for convenience!), will continue to offer anyone in Huntingdonshire suffering aphasia, from whatever cause, relaxed and informal social occasions and meals out every quarter. ‘Home’ will continue to be The Medway Centre in Huntingdon for 8 months of the year, when second Tuesdays 1.30pm-4pm offer a range of activities from games and quizzes to talks or demonstrations. For instance in April we will enjoy an afternoon with a local ventriloquist, and in July a performance by a local ukulele group. In March, June, September and December we go to a variety of local venues for lunch at 12.30pm or a Tea, as in June at Frosts Garden Centre, at 2.30pm. Every meeting offers light refreshments - our motto could be ‘Any excuse for a party!’, but once a year in October we do invite local dignitaries, colleagues, friends and supporters to a grand buffet Tea Party at the Medway Centre.

This gives us the opportunity to thank everyone for the interest and financial contributions they have given us through the year. Speech difficulties following a stroke, brain injury or neurological illnesses such as MS, MD and Parkinson’s, affects over 350,000 people in the UK. When you take into consideration wider families, friends and neighbours, millions of us are affected by aphasia and its attendant difficulties and social disability. Groups such as H.A.S. aim to offer a non-judgmental friendly atmosphere to enable socialising to be enjoyable and fun. Family members or professional carers usually accompany members and are as important part of the group as the sufferers from aphasia. The only requirement is to pay a subscription of £2 per person per meeting attended or £5 per person deposit to secure places at meals out. We have a dedicated group of volunteers who are not asked to pay subscriptions but do pay deposits. We cannot help with transport, members must make their own way to all venues. We do not offer therapy, but activities promote communication. H.A.S. is confident that the people of Huntingdonshire will continue to encourage and support the group as they have all these years. Referrals may be made by medical staff, speech therapists, carers’ organisations, social services or individuals. Please call or email: Anna Bratby, Secretary Huntingdonshire Aphasia Support 01480 891977 cambsanna@hotmail.com

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COPLEYS Solicitors

Excellence through Experience www.copleys.net

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Garden View

Plant a

By Rachael Leverton

Butterfly Garden

Fascinating fact…Winston Churchill loved butterflies so much he had a garden designed specifically to attract them. His family home was the beautiful Chartwell, but you really don’t need a grand estate to attract butterflies because they will happily flock to the tiniest plot if the planting is right. When planting for butterflies we need to consider their life-cycle, and of course they start life as caterpillars. Butterflies choose to lay their eggs where there is a good food supply for their hungry offspring. A patch of nettles in a sunny spot is all you need to attract the red admiral, the small tortoiseshell, the painted lady and the peacock. If you want the common blue (though sadly these are not that common now) plant some birdsfoot trefoil, also known as lady’s fingers and properly named lotus corniculatus. A packet of sweet rocket seeds (hesperis matronalis) is a good investment. One pack produces flowers in all shades of lilac. They have a sweet scent, which is more powerful in the evening, and as a bonus they attract the orange tip butterfly. So, having satiated the caterpillars, we need to address the feeding requirements of the adult butterfly. The most famous butterfly-attracting plant is

probably Buddleia davidii, hence its other name, the butterfly bush. It grows well in most soils but needs to be pruned back hard every year so the flowers, and hence the butterflies, are kept at eye level. Don’t worry too much if you know very little about pruning, Buddleias are hard to kill! Sedum spectabile must be one of the easiest plants ever to grow and even thrives in my poor soil. Its dusky pink flowers are always smothered in butterflies and bees when they open in late summer. Caryopteris clandonensis, or to use its more romantic name, blue mist spirea is also a wonderful butterfly magnet and very easy to grow. You can now buy packets of wild flower seeds and butterfly mixes. Try some among your borders and you’ll be rewarded with fluttering, jewel-like visitors all summer. Butterfly Essentials Sunshine - plant butterfly-attracting plants in the sunniest spots Shelter - the site needs to be out of the wind Roosting spots - Butterflies need somewhere to sleep. They prefer to be high so plant climbers like honeysuckles and clematis. Nettles and wildflowers - if space is at a premium try growing them in pots. It works really well.

Happy Gardening

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Local News

The Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve would like to invite you to come and meet some very special visitors at the reserve who are due to arrive in April The Willow Warbler is one of an amazing group of birds that travel back and forth between Africa and Europe each year. This small 10 gram bird will have successfully negotiated - without any GPS devices - a journey of some 2500 miles from West Africa surviving challenging conditions including the Sahara Desert to reach Europe to breed. Volunteers at the reserve will be pleased to introduce you to the Willow Warbler along with other long distance travellers such as the Blackcap and Chiffchaff. At the Kingfisher Hide we will see Common Terns arriving from West Africa to start their breeding season on the four tern rafts. We have two special events during April â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday 8th April 10am - meet at the Visitor Centre for a guided walk with senior ranger Jim Stevenson 11am - meet at the Visitor Centre for a guided walk with one of our local guides. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday 29th April 5.30 am - meet at the Visitor Centre for a guided walk with our local guides to hear the dawn chorus

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How Eggstraordinary!

Time of Year By Roberta Snow

It’s ironic that most of the traditions associated with the principle religious feast of the Christian year have no basis in Christianity at all. The word ‘Easter’ comes from an Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess called Eostre, who was associated with spring and new beginnings. Both Easter and Passover centre around re-birth, and bond neatly with the Anglo-Saxon festival of ‘Eostre-monath’ – Eostre’s month. Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, are linked to the Jewish festival of Passover. Originally they were made from unleavened bread, an important Passover food. Nowadays they are more palatably leavened and marked with a cross to serve as a reminder of the crucifixion. As an aside you may notice they are more expensive this year due to a global shortage of raisins and sultanas! The tradition of eating chocolate eggs stems from Eostre, when eggs were given as gifts to celebrate the end of winter and as a symbol of new life and fertility. Chocolate was an ingenious German addition much later. The Easter bunny seems to have been a German invention too, though it stems from Eostre again. The original association was the hare but rabbits look similar so they kind of hijacked the show. German children made nests in the garden and good children were left coloured hard-boiled eggs over night as a reward. Egg rolling on Easter Monday is an eccentric British custom. As a child I was told the egg represented the rolling away of the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb, but research shows that the custom predates the arrival of Christianity here. It’s great fun though, whatever the history behind it.

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Local News

Rehoming Appeal Dandy

Dandy is a male, long-haired guinea pig, under a year old. He is very quick so needs an experienced home only. He is happy to be handled and groomed and would be suitable for an indoor home. If you could offer Dandy a home, please call Hazel on 01234 357788. Any potential home will be vetted by one of our volunteers. Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team. View other small mammals, dogs and cats 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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Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded. Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs. Inspection welcome. Boarding from ÂŁ7.30/day. Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded. 64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Pets

Animal Queries Dear RSPCA vet, I have two gorgeous 6-month-old kittens – Stanley and Mabel. My husband says I should get them micro-chipped, but is it really necessary and will it hurt them? Cath, Kempston Dear Cath, Your husband has given you excellent advice. You’ll have discovered by now how adventurous cats can be! Even if your kittens wear a good quality safety collar and tag (which we suggest at all times, ideally with a bell to warn your local birdlife) these can get lost or removed. Microchipping your kittens will give them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost or stolen. Heartbreakingly, thousands of pets are lost every year, and many are never reunited with their owners. Microchipping can change that. A microchip will give both Stanley and Mabel their own unique code. They can then be scanned and matched to your contact details, which are kept on a database. Make sure you update these details every time you move. Please don’t worry that this will hurt them. If you saw them being carried around by their mother, you’ll have noticed that each kitten has a loose fold of skin on the back of their neck. This is where your vet will inject a tiny microchip. Most animals

don’t even notice – it’s certainly no worse than an injection that we all expect human babies to have! You obviously love your kittens. For the cost of a few take-away coffees, microchipping is a great investment and the best way of protecting them. It’s also recommended for all other animals and birds. The RSPCA run regular microchipping events – so keep an eye out for one in your area.

ANIMAL QUERIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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Fiddle Daemons Violins, Violas, Cellos, Bass

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Parenting

On Your Bike Learning to ride a bike opens up a whole new world of fun and independence for children. Even babies and toddlers can join in the fun of a family bike ride, with a little help… Babies can start joining you on bike rides from around nine months old, as long as they can hold their head up unsupported. You’ll need to choose between a trailer and a front or rear bike seat. Child bike seats start from around £30. The more expensive ones usually have extra features, such as a five-point safety harness, rather than a three-point one. Some have backs that can be tilted for on-the-go naps. Front-mounted seats sit in front of you and attach to the frame. They sometimes have a shorter back than rear mounted seats, and usually have a lower maximum weight allowance, so they won’t last you quite as long. On the plus side, you’ll be able

to see your child, which makes sharing a ride more fun. Some rear seats fit to a pannier rack, while others fit to the frame. You might find balancing is a little bit easier with a rear seat compared to a front one, and it should last you until your child is around four years old. Whichever type of seat you go for, you’ll need to check that it’s suitable for your bike and the weight of your child. Look for a seat with plenty of padding, a good safety harness and adjustable foot supports. Bike trailers are more expensive than seats, but you can pull older children, and often two at a time (plus picnics or shopping). Trailers usually have a cover, so your child will stay dry if you get caught in the rain, even if you get soaked. You might struggle with a trailer on steep hills though, and you’ll need a garage or shed to store it when it’s not in use.

It’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop to speak to a specialist adviser before you make any decisions. They’ll be able to recommend a trailer or bike seat that’s right for you, your bike and your child. Cycling with young children Once your child is old enough to ride a 16” bike, you might want to progress from a seat or trailer to a Trail Gator or other tow bar. These attach your bike to your child’s, so you can pull your child behind you. They’re handy for when you fancy a longer ride than your child could otherwise manage. Some tow bars can be unclipped and folded down, if your child wants to ride on their own for a while. Your child’s bike might feel a bit wobbly when it’s being pulled, so tow bars aren’t suitable for children under around four. Where to go Lots of roads have designated cycle lanes now, and there are plenty of traffic-free routes to explore too. The National Cycle Network offers 14,000 miles of bike-friendly roads and paths. Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for free printable cycle route maps. Fancy joining other families for a bike ride? www.cyclinguk.org lists hundreds of UK cycling events, including ones that are suitable for families. It’s also worth asking what your local bike club has to offer, as lots of cycling clubs organise volunteer-led rides for beginners and families.

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Motoring

BMW X3: Truly Capable The wheels are spinning, but the BMW isn’t going anywhere. Every revolution of the alloys sinks the new X3 deeper into the huge blood-orange dunes of the Saharan desert. We’ve been tackling one of the toughest off-road routes I’ve ever experienced – from deep, rolling dunes to sharp, rocky trails – and the fact that only now, close to our final destination, one of my colleagues has managed to half bury a BMW is a testament to the X3’s abilities. Nestled in a lunar landscape, beneath a carpet of stars so bright they look superimposed on the sky, is our camp – a long way from the madness of Marrakesh, where our day began. We set off on our epic drive towards the Atlas Mountains, the roads from the city quickly opening up into out-of-this-world landscapes. Soon we’re crossing the Tizi n Tichka mountain pass, one mighty hairpin after another. Our X30d – with a new 260bhp, 620Nm engine – is the pick of the range, and on these roads it’s swift and enjoyable. At midday we arrive in Ouarzazate, and the famous Atlas Film Studios, where we drive our BMWs through the gates of the Game of Thrones city set.

By dusk we’ve covered nearly 300 miles and have taken in the stunning Anti Atlas Mountains. We pass through M’Hamid, the last conurbation before the desert, in a dusty convoy of 15 brand new BMWs. Our camp is an hour of off-roading away and our X3 drifts and slips its way like a rally car across the challenging terrain, with just the lights of the cars in front illuminating the impenetrable darkness. It’s the blackness that catches out a colleague when approaching the camp, resulting in the BMW being beached in a position that takes seven men and shovels to retrieve it from. The next morning, we’re told today will be tougher than yesterday. Five hours of harsh off-roading will be followed by a dash back across the mountains to the airport. We’re quickly back in the groove, drifting the off-roader around sandy corners and clattering over sharp rocks. As the desert eases, we experience the barren, flat, dry river beds of the Ouef Draa, Iriki Lane and Erg Chigaga, all stages of the famous Dakar Rally.

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On the edge of the desert, a rear tyre loses pressure but BMW chaperones soon change the wheel and we continue. We’re enjoying the X3’s comfy new interior and smart multimedia system when another tyre bursts. It takes an hour for the BMW support car to arrive, and it looks like we’ll miss the flight from Marrakesh. And so begins a rush to the airport, but from screeching hairpin bends to blink-and-you’ll-miss-them overtakes, the BMW takes it all in its stride and we arrive with minutes to spare. Sat, perspiring, exhausted but elated on the plane, we smile – we made it. The BMW X3 may have two new tyres, but it’s been returned unscathed and we’re taking off just 25 minutes after arriving at the airport. All credit to BMW. There aren’t many firms who’d put their cars, or a bunch of journalists, through what we experienced. It’s proven it’s a truly capable car, able to transport you and your family on any adventure – and I for one am certainly looking forward to the next one.

By James Baggott

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Three Counties Radio

TRADITIONAL HOME-MADE JERK CHICKEN One of my greatest pleasures on the Weekend Kitchen is how the food we feature directly reflects the wonderful diversity of the three counties we broadcast to. We can have British classics, great curries, Turkish and Middle Eastern treats, traditional pastas, fiery stir fries and much much more. Recently I welcomed Sacha Ojo on to the programme. She launched her catering company, Sacha’s Kitchen, in Bedford when it became clear that her friends’ love of her Jamaican cooking suggested she deserved a much wider audience. Jamaican food is all about warmth, generosity and family –three words which describe Sacha perfectly. Obviously she had to give us her Jerk Chicken recipe. Apparently there are more Jerk Chicken recipes than there are days in a lifetime – Sacha’s family recipe is absolutely wonderful. Jerk sauce ingredients: 2 bunches spring onion, chopped 2 tbsp thyme 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp cinnamon powder 1 tbsp Pimento (Allspice) 1 tbsp coarse black pepper ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 2 tbsp dark brown sugar 2 tbsp soy sauce 2-4 Scotch Bonnet chillis, chopped (adjust to taste) 6 tbsp water Chopped parsley to serve You can use whatever cuts of chicken you want – leg, thigh or even breast. Allow a couple of pieces per person. This is plenty of marinade to serve four people. It goes without saying that you can also cook this chicken on the barbecue!

1. Place all the sauce ingredients into a food processor and blend until you get a smooth consistency. 2. Adjust for taste and heat, by using more or less chilli. 3. Wash the chicken pieces (skin on), in water mixed with a really good squirt of lemon. 4. Slash small slits onto the chicken. Massage all the marinade into the chicken and leave in the fridge overnight. 5. Place in a tray and cover with foil. Bake at 160C/ Gas Mark 3 for 30 minutes then remove the foil, turn the oven up to 200C/ Gas Mark 5 and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and a lovely deep colour. 6. Scatter with the chopped parsley and serve with chips, mash or rice.

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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Food and Drink

Casanova: World’s First Museum & Experience

Italy is known for producing numerous products of high-quality. Italian designer fashions and cars are very much recognised and sought-after, globally. Many visitors return regularly to Italy, for the enjoyment of beautiful landscapes and coastal areas, plus explorations of Italy’s history and cultural heritage. There are many more attractions and qualities the country has to offer, including very impressive glassware, porcelain, lace and furniture, plus wonderful cuisine and wines, for example. Giacomo Casanova lived during the 18th century. Born 2nd April 1725, in Venice, he lived for 73 years. During his life, the legendary Giacomo Casanova was an adventurer, poet, musician, writer and spy, amongst his many attributes, as well as being renowned for his encounters with females. Entering the University of Padua, at twelve years of age, Casanova graduated at age seventeen with a degree in law and constantly searched to satisfy his desires for love and lust. During the early part of the 21st century Carlo Parodi envisaged the creation of a Museum & Experience, to offer everyone the opportunity to learn and discover about the life of Giacomo Casanova. Carlo Parodi, founder of Giacomo Casanova Limited and the Giacomo Casanova Foundation works tirelessly, along with professionals, that include university professors, plus many other knowledgeable and skilled personnel and has created the Museum & Experience, for all to enjoy. The first Giacomo Casanova Museum is located in Venice. As well as the very interesting memorabilia, which includes paintings and artefacts from Casanova’s life and times, modern technology and multimedia inclusions allow visitors, of all ages, to engage in - and discover – the world of this charismatic man. The romances of Giacomo Casanova, plus the styles and ways of life, of that era, hold much interest and fascination, evoking and satisfying curiosity and intrigue. From Mr Carlo Parodi: “I’ve decided to offer a tribute to Casanova, a man of love, poetry, music and adventure, giving evidence of the educated, cultivated, learned and refined gentleman - Giacomo Casanova.” Other Giacomo Casanova Museum & Experience venues, permanent and temporary, are planned to be located in several cities, including Prague, Saint Petersburg, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Beijing. Standard and VIP tickets are available, plus many very memorable additional features, including Romantic Days (and Nights) Packages – Perhaps surprise someone special? For all information and more details, https://igg.me/at/casanovaexperience/x Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: @giacomocasanovafoundation

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Codeword 1

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. 60

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n O s ’ t Wha In April

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1-2 April St Ives Antiques Fair – Special One-Day Only Fair 10am-4pm Burgess Hall (One Leisure Centre), Westwood Road, St Ives Adults £2, Concessions £1.50. This friendly Antiques Fair has around 50 dealers each time offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces, all shown in the comfortable air-conditioned Burgess Hall. Ample free parking, wheelchair access from street level, on-site catering and licensed bar. Tel: 01480 896866 Email: parkhousepr@aol.com Web: www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk Facebook: www/facebook.com/stivesantiquesfair Twitter: www.twitter.com/StIvesAntiques

4 April Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098

4 April Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Guests £2 Speaker will be Paula Dyason from Strictly Daylilies at Histon. Plants will be on sale. Refreshments.

4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 & 30 April St Neots Badminton Club 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 April 8-10pm One Leisure, St Neots Kingfisher Church Play badminton to a good standard and interested in 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One Every Sunday - all welcome! Services include Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays. children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served. Email: Committee@stneotsbadminton.org Tel: 01480 476811 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk Web: www.stneotsbadminton.org 3 April, 5 April & 11 April Free Children’s Activity Sessions 10am-12 noon Gatekeeper Walk, Little Paxton Free event. Come along to the green space opposite the Community Hub, Little Paxton. Lots of fun activities such as football, short tennis and crazy golf. The games are organised by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Roadshow team. Please note there is no toilet provision. Little Paxton Parish Council event and is aimed at children 7-11 years. 3, 10, 17 & 24 April Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday evening. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk 4 April Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club Coffee Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noon Godmanchester Town Hall Monthly coffee morning and raffle. Annual membership fee is £10. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 or 07515 881209 4 April St Mary’s Afternoon WI St Neots 2pm St Mary’s Church Room, St Neots First Wednesday of the month. Flowers talk/ demonstration. Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com 4 April Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Visitors welcome £6 inc. refreshments Flower arranging demo by qualified demonstrator, raffle, sales table and tea or coffee. Tel: Jan Dobie 01480531822 Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com

4 & 11 April Wild Wednesday 10am-2pm Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £1 per person Children and adults are welcome to come and join in some seasonal and wild crafts. Meet at Discovery Den. This event takes place indoors and is suitable for all abilities. Booking not required. 4, 11, 18 & 25 April St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury C of E Primary School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members are very welcome to join and there are no auditions to frighten you but an ability to read a little music is helpful! There is an annual subscription once you decide to join the Society. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 5 April Wildlife Trust Trumpington Meadows Eggstravaganza 10.30am-3pm Grantchester Road, Cambridge £3 per person. Special wildlife Easter Egg hunt with a twist. Drop-in event. Tel: 01223 665742 Email: TrumpingtonMeadows@wildlifebcn.org 5 & 6 April Random Rag Rug 11am-3pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots £3.50 per child. Discover the ancient craft of rag rug making and create your own work of art. 6 April St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School The Panacea Society of Bedford.

6 April Bushcraft skills - Whittling Hazel 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £5 per child. Come join us and whittle a gazoo from Hazel using a knife safely. Learning whittling techniques and skills in this hour and a half long session. Meet at Lakeside Toilet Block. This event includes walking on uneven ground and/or crossing stiles and therefore may not be suitable for all abilities. Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193 7 April Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Free admission Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola. 7 April St Neots Timebank Annual Pamper Day 11am-1.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall Taster sessions of different therapies for £5. Web: http://stneotstimebank.org.uk 7 April Simply Saturday 12-2pm St James Church, Little Paxton A new venture for adults of all ages at Little Paxton Church, with lunch and various activities available. Tel: Leisa Hunt 01480 471748 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 7 April Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Well-known speaker and Nursery owner, Rosy Hardy, will talk about Early Spring/Summer Plants. Plants for sale. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 7 April Huntingdon Male Voice Choir & Guests 7.30pm St Mary’ Church, Godmanchester Tickets £15, Concessions £12 Huntingdon Male Voice Choir Concert with special guests Radcliffe on Trent Male Voice Choir. In support of Scotty’s Little Soldiers (scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk). Tel: Kevin 01480 890128 for tickets Web: www.hmvc.org.uk 8 April Cambridge Gliding Centre Open Day 10am-5pm Gransden Lodge Airfield Free admission. Visit Gransden Lodge Airfield to find out about the sport of gliding. All welcome. Trial flights with our qualified instructors available on a first-come, first-fly basis (subject to weather). Refreshments. To fly in a glider you must be 13+ and weigh no more than 103kg. Airfield entrance on B1046 between Little Gransden and Longstowe, opposite Gransden Lodge Farm (enter SG19 3EB into your satnav). Web: www.camgliding.uk Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/cgc-2018-openday

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n O s ’ t Wha In April

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

9-13 April The Wildlife Trust’s Hidden World Beneath Our Feet 10am-2pm daily High Street, Little Paxton £4 per child. Fun with soil and worms! Discover what goes on beneath our feet. Tel: Debbie 01480 473161 Email: debbie.mackenzie@wildlifebcn.org 9 & 23 April Nature Tots 10-11.30am Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough £3 per child. A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group. Each session has a nature theme and will include a messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and songtime. Meet at Discovery Den. Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193

10 April St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30-9pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Visitors £6. Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands-on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugarcraft. The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 15 April Baby & Children’s Market Nearly New Sale 10.30am-12noon One Leisure, St Peters Road, Huntingdon Entry £1, Children free. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new and new baby and children’s items. Web: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 16 April St Neots Royal Naval Association 8pm The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots St Neots & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association meet on the third Monday of every month. Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com 17 April Alconbury Over 60s Club Coach trip to the Black Country Museum. Tel: Sheila 01480 890396 or Val 01480 890166 17 April Kimbolton Flower Club 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Visitors £7.50, inc. tea/coffee & biscuits The April meeting will be a short Annual General Meeting followed by a talk by David Brown of Flamingo Flowers. 17 April Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan 8pm Cambridge Junction Advance tickets £13.50 Multi award winning Scottish singer Emily Smith and New Zealand born songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Jamie McClennan have been making music together for fifteen years. In April 2018 they are touring throughout England to preview songs from their new album ahead of its release later in 2018. Web: www.junction.co.uk

17 April Wildlife Trust Spring Walk 7pm Portholme Meadow Portholme is an ancient meadow lying in a large flood plain boarded on two sides by the river Ouse. It is a haven for breeding birds and supports a rich variety of flora. Dr Patrick Doody will lead us for this evening’s walk which will focus mainly on one of Portholme’s specialities, the Snakeshead Fritillary. Everyone welcome, please note it is likely to be wet underfoot. Meet at 7.00pm at Godmanchester lock (TL 241 704). The closest parking is in Godmanchester near the Chinese Bridge. Tel: Pat 01480 392706 18 April Carers Coffee Club 2.30-4pm The Royal Oak, Hail Weston Are you caring for a loved one with a memory loss? Come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in a similar situation. Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 for further details Email: kimpigfarmer@tiscali.co.uk

18 April Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30pm Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon A talk by Ian Waller on ‘Mending Bodies, Saving Souls’. Non-members most welcome. £1 donation. Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 for more details Email: secretary@huntsfhs.org.uk Website: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 19 April St Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm Burgess Hall, St Ives Visitors £7. Demonstration by Jane Fox from Bilton, Rugby entitled “Bright & Beautiful”. 20 April Mary Coughlan 8pm Cambridge Junction £20 + booking fee. Mary Coughlan is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers. Described as “Ireland’s Billie Holiday’ Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcoholism and drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. Tel: Box Office 01223-511511 Web: www.marycoughlanmusic.com/ Web: www.junction.co.uk 21 April Basic Blacksmith Course 10am-4pm Wimpole Estate £120 per person inc. tea/coffee The course content includes how to manage the charcoal fire; the correct use of Blacksmith tools especially the hammer and anvil; make a ram’s head hanging hook; make a traditional rose head nail for fixing the hook. Booking essential. Tel: NT Box office 0344 249 1895 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole

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21 April-7 May Lambing Time 10.30am-5pm Wimpole Home Farm Normal admission applies. Head to Home Farm to meet our rare breed ewes and lambs and if you’re lucky you may see a live birth. 23-28 April Cambridge Drama Festival 7.30pm Mumford Theatre £10/£8 per night or £36/£30 for a season ticket Enjoy two or three plays each evening; have a drink at the bar; enter our quizzes and competitions; share your thoughts about the plays and enjoy hearing a critique from our professional adjudicator. Web: www.camdramfest.org.uk/festivals/50thcambridge-drama-festival-2018 27 April Free English Lessons 9.30am Chesterton Community College, Cambridge Email: Sarah Adams sadams@chesterton.cambs.sch. uk to book your free place! Web: www.esolcafe.co.uk 28 April Coach trip to Harrogate Spring Show £30 per person inc. coach travel and show admission St Neots & District Gardening Club trip. An opportunity to visit this spectacular show. Email: david.usher@stneotagardenclub.org.uk 28 April Plant Sale 10am-12 noon Keysoe Village Hall Free admission. Plant sale, bric-a-brac, cakes, books, teas and coffees. Raising funds for the Village Show at Keysoe in September. Tel Penny 01234 378878 28 April Baby & Children’s Market Nearly New Sale 10.30am-12noon Cambridge Regional College Entry £1, Children free. Lots of stalls bursting with top quality like new and new baby and children’s items. Web: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk 28 April St Neots Art Group Spring Exhibition 10am-4.30pm United Reformed Church, High Street, St Neots Free admission. Sale of original art by local artists. Refreshments. Raffle. 28 April The Great British Spring Clean 2-4pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Little Paxton Community Litter Pick. Litter Heroes assemble for the annual community litter pick. Volunteers will be supplied with a high viz jackets, litter pickers, gloves and black bags and allocated areas to litter pick. The litter pick starts and finishes at the QEII Playing Field. If you would like to help keep Little Paxton spick and span, please come along and help. This is a Little Paxton Parish Council event.

Local News

Photo by kind permission of Bedford B.I.D. “Love Bedford

John Bunyan Boat Team reveals their 2018 Cruise Programme Following their most successful season in 2017, the John Bunyan Boat Team have now published on their website their cruise programme for the 2018 season. The Public and Special Cruise favourites are included along with some new ones. This year’s public cruises launch on Saturday 7th April with an evening Fish and Chip Supper Cruise from Sovereigns Quay (next to Star Rowing Club, and close to Riverside Bedford,) The first monthly Jazz Cruise of the season sails from The Barns Hotel on Thursday 19th April along with a Motown-Soul Cruise with DJ Keith Stewart on a monthly basis commencing on 10th May. The Afternoon Tea Cruise to The Barns Hotel commences on Wednesday 2nd May and runs throughout the season. Our standard Sunday Afternoon Cruises sail from Priory Marina and Sovereigns Quay from 13th May with the Thursday Afternoon Cruise sailing from Sovereigns Quay from 14th June. The Saturday afternoon Tea Cruises with the Bedford Swan Hotel run from the Swan Steps (at the bottom of Newnham Road) from 2nd

June whilst the Saturday Evening Sunset Cruises with the Bedford Swan Hotel runs from 26th May. The Anchor Lunch Cruise to The Anchor Inn, Great Barford with return by coach sails from Priory Marina, the first one being 20th June @ 10.00am. A new innovation is a Walkers Special run on Thursdays @ 1.30pm offering a one-way ride from Priory Marina to Sovereigns Quay (in the Town Centre) The passengers are then free to enjoy Bedford Town Centre with a walk back alongside the river to Priory Marina (visiting the cafes etc. on the way!) Another new cruise is “Folk On The Boat” run in association with Mill Race Folk and will feature various folk music artistes. The first of these is on Thursday 14th June from The Barns Hotel. Full details of the cruises, times, prices etc. can be found on our website www.johnbunyanboat.org

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Sureclean • Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

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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

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Technology

Don’t be an April Fool

Keep your stuff safe on PCs and phones It seems like every day there’s a new warning about hackers and dodgy software — and over Christmas we learned that there was a security flaw in almost every modern computer, tablet and phone that could let baddies get our passwords and other private information. So how do we keep our important information safe and secure? There are three important things to consider. They are: loss, where you lose digital things such as photos, home movies or documents you don’t want to lose; malicious software, which is when a program sneaks onto your computer and causes trouble; and hacking, which is when somebody you don’t know gets into your computer to access your personal information and/or demand money. The good news is that they’re all easy to deal with. Let’s talk about loss first. The single best way to prevent loss of valuable personal things such as family photos is to have extra copies. They don’t need to be printed copies — if you take as many photos as we do the cost of getting even some of them

printed is frightening — and if you keep your copies digital then you don’t need to spend too much money to copy your entire photo or video library, or anything else you want to keep a backup of. You can store backups on services such as Google Photos, Flickr and Apple’s iCloud, but for proper peace of mind we’d recommend backing up to an external hard disk: that’s much faster, and doesn’t require you to keep up a membership or pay a monthly subscription as some online services do. You can get a really good external hard disk for less than £40, and you don’t need to pay much for faster, even higher capacity ones: at the time of writing Seagate’s Expansion drive, which offers 1TB of storage and has a super-fast USB 3.0 connection for modern PCs and Macs, is just £45. If you’re backing up really massive libraries, a whopping 4TB of storage is still under £100 — although most of us won’t need anything close to that. External hard disks aren’t the only options. You could burn your own DVD data discs, or use USB flash drives such as SanDisk’s Ultra Flair 32GB (£12.95).

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However, we’re not convinced they’re great options for longterm backups. Drives such as the Patuoxun Portable USB DVD CD RW Writer may be cheap — £17 from Amazon, with discs even cheaper — but DVD and CD discs don’t last forever and many of our ones started to rot after a few years in normal conditions. And if you’ve used many USB sticks you’ll know of their incredible ability to go missing and never be found again. There’s not much point in having a backup if you can’t find it when you need it. The cures for malicious software and hacking are the same: security software. There are plenty of free options such as the excellent AVG Free (www.avg. com), but it’s worth considering spending a little money on a paid-for security suite such as BitDefender Total Security (around £49/£69 for an unlimited-device Family Pack). BitDefender doesn’t just cover your PC: it protects Macs, Android and iPhone/iPads too, and it includes tools to stop bad things getting onto your devices as well as anti-hacking protection for your personal data. It comes highly recommended by the internet’s most trusted review sites.

Travel

Belgrade

Whichever way you arrive, the first sight of Belgrade takes your breath away, the ‘White City’ rising like a sphinx above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Up on the hill, the iconic spire of St Michael’s, the Orthodox cathedral, dominates the old town but all eyes are set on the citadel spreading along the ridge, 125 metres above the valley. This strategic location fired up battles and invasions for almost 2,000 years, razing the city to the ground 44 times, but in the new independent Serbia peace has come and the old fortress sprinkles towers, turrets and walls in the wonderful oasis of Kalemegdan, the city’s central park. Birds twitter all around and there are statues and flower displays, grand staircases, fountains and gates, a few crenellations, a couple of museums and churches and lots of winding paths and shaded seats where locals come to chat or play chess. Visitors stroll along the beautiful cliff top promenade to enjoy the views, the modern city in the distance, the bridges, the cruising boats anchored along the Sava, the green waters of the Danube flowing around the Big Island’s nature reserve. Excavations have revealed the presence of the Vinca, one of the oldest prehistoric cultures in Europe, the Celts, Romans and many others, but surviving fortifications only date back to the 18th century, rebuilt by Austro-Hungarian and Turkish rulers. The ‘old town’ is even younger, claiming 200 years at the very most, but is stylish and colourful with tree-lined streets, outdoor restaurants and stunning buildings ranging from Romantic or Renaissance style to neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau or early Deco,

in white or pastel hues. The wide pedestrian street Knez Mihailova is everyone’s favourite, the place to meet friends, enjoy a drink or browse the luxury shops before heading to the vast Republic Square. There you can gaze at the equestrian statue of 19th century ruler Prince Michael, the National Theatre and the National Museum containing some 290,000 exhibits from around the world. Most valuable is the Miroslav’s Gospel, the oldest Cyrillic manuscript of its kind, with 362 illuminated pages dating back to around 1180. Belgrade has myriad churches, including Saint Sava rebuilt in the 20th century and now one of the largest in the world, honouring the country’s medieval patron saint and founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Saint Sava is set on the Vracar plateau but nearer to the town centre is an elegant cluster of former palaces, now turned City Hall and Presidential Seat, enhanced by lawns and flower beds. Look out for the House of the National Assembly across the park, pristine white and fronted by sculptures of ‘Black Horses Playing’. Relaxed and cosmopolitan, easy to walk around, Belgrade is a delightful capital, from the gently buzzing centre and waterways to the lovely Botanical Garden or the secluded Bohemian District around Skadarska Street. Once home to gypsies, this steep cobbled lane is full of old charm, a hideaway for writers, artists and savvy visitors. There are intriguing paintings and trompe l’oeil, antique and ethnic shops, small galleries and inviting flowerdraped terraces serving delicious food and wine at affordable prices. Guitar, harmonica, violin or tamburitza, traditional music sounds in every corner, late into the night but a world away from the throbbing nightclubs and floating restaurants along the Sava. Meanwhile on the cliff-like ridge, all is quiet and the old citadel glows high above the mighty rivers.

By Solange Hando

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Announces Summer Festival This summer, from 26 May to 3 June, Greensand Country, an island of beautiful countryside, which includes the Greensand Ridge stretching from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay, will host the first ever Greensand Country Festival. Taking place across the landscape, the festival will include a number of exciting events, activities, talks, exhibitions and competitions, including guided walks, have-a-go wilderness crafts, family wildlife activities, open air theatre performances and 4x4 adventure challenges. The 9-day festival will be a celebration of everything that people love about Greensand Country, and will showcase our distinctive, beautiful and loved countryside. Claire Poulton, Programme Manager at the Greensand Country Landscape Partnership says: “The Greensand Country Festival is an exciting step forward in promoting the unique history, wildlife and culture of our highly attractive landscape, and will encourage people to visit, enjoy and have a better understanding of Greensand Country. “Working in partnership with businesses and attractions across the landscape, the festival will engage local visitors, people from neighbouring towns and villages, and families who are new to the area, inspiring them to get out into the countryside and explore the many events and activities on offer.”

Clophill Heritage Trust, the local voluntary community charity which runs the Clophill Eco Lodges and St Mary’s Old Church, is running a number of events and activities as part of the Greensand Country Festival. Founder Ali Bradbury explains: “We are delighted to be involved in the first festival, and look forward to welcoming new visitors to Clophill, who are keen to discover more of Greensand Country and its impressive landscape.” For further information about Greensand Country visit greensandcountry.com, Tweet us @greensandsocial or find us on Facebook and Instagram. The Greensand Country Landscape Partnership is led by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and the Greensand Trust and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is made possible by National Lottery players. Without them we couldn’t fund the project.

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2018 A Centenary Celebration By Catherine Rose

Many early leaders of the WI were active in the women’s suffrage movement and to them an important part of the new organisation was to encourage the fuller participation of women in public life. WI’s were considered the rural counterpart of the banding together of women in the urban areas for the common fight for freedom and independence of both thought and action. Suffragist groups existed all over the country and under many different names, their aim being to achieve the right for women to vote through constitutional and peaceful means. As early as 1832, a Suffragist named Mary Smith presented the first women’s suffrage petition to Parliament. As we know, nothing came of that petition or many others which followed, and the blatant lack of consideration to the women’s formal requests for suffrage caused women to believe more pressure was needed to validate their cause, culminating in the Women’s Social & Political Union (WSPU) being formed in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst and two of her daughters. However, when WW1 broke out in 1914 she encouraged Suffragettes to help with the war effort so, for a while, their campaigns ceased, but success followed when, in 1918, the Representation of People Act gave (some) women the right to vote. The WI movement was closely linked with the campaign for suffrage, and many of the early members were some of the most resolute women in the country, realising that women working together could effect change. One of those women, WI member Margaret Winteringham, was elected Member of Parliament for Louth in 1921, and she was both the first English born female MP and only the second woman to take up her seat. She worked with the WI on some of its earliest campaigns in raising the age of consent from 13, and ensuring fathers supported their children born out of marriage. The achievement of the women’s movement has seen maternity leave rights, equal pay, and domestic violence legislation.

At the end of the First World War, in 1918, there were 700 WIs and by the end of 1919 there were 1,405. Today the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) is the largest women’s organisation in the UK with around 212,000 members in more than 6,000 WI’s across England, Wales and the Islands. 2018 also marks the centenary of the first WI opening in what is now the Huntingdon & Peterborough Federation of WIs, the Federation setting an amazing array of very interesting and exciting events for its members throughout this celebratory year. The Federation consists of a Board of Trustees overseeing all of its WI’s within the Huntingdon & Peterborough area, having WI advisers, health & safety, data protection, finance and property officers, with sub-committees relating to public affairs, creative crafts and cookery, events and leisure and membership. We also have a Denman ambassador - Denman being the WI’s centre for learning for women (and for men), members and non-members, with residential courses including accommodation, set in the picturesque village of Marcham near Oxford. In this year of celebration let us not forget that many rights and privileges we take for granted were fought for through campaigns and petitions by pioneering women of the past.

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