Cambs April 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 156 - April 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Plant a Tree for the

Jubilee Easter Parades and Traditions

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

Fostering Is it right for you?

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The St Neots Victorian Town Crier................................................ 4 Palermo.................................................................................................... 6 Shuttleworth - Season Premiere................................................... 12 Fostering - Is it right for you?.........................................................14 Huntingdon Re-Engage Group........................................................16 Puzzled....................................................................................................18 The Easter Parade and other Traditions.....................................20 Wines: Choosing a Selection.......................................................... 22 16 Genius Beauty Hacks................................................................... 24 The Good Buy Guide........................................................................26 Is Stress Making You Sick?................................................................ 31 Protect your Property from Care Home Fees...........................32 Is a Digital Notebook right for you?........................................... 35 Do I Need Life Insurance?...............................................................36

A Good Night's Sleep........................................................................40 Plant a Tree for the Jubilee............................................................. 43 Firepit Tips and Tricks....................................................................... 47 Bee Nice to Bees!...............................................................................48 14 Ways to Help the RSPCA............................................................. 51 Lexus NX Review................................................................................ 53 Organise your Utility.........................................................................54 Seasonal Recipe - Salmon Niçoise Salad...................................56 How to Cope in an Uncertain World..........................................59 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................60 What's On in April.............................................................................. 62 There is no such place as 'away'....................................................65 The Best Coffee Machines for Every Day..................................66 Martial Arts...........................................................................................68 Short Story - A Musical Feast......................................................... 71 Look Back in Time...............................................................................72 Villager Prize Crossword.................................................................. 74 Books for Well-Being........................................................................ 76 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 79

Bee Nice to Bees!

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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, Solange Hando, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Leeds Day Solicitors, Katherine Sorrell, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Kate McCarthy and Jackie Brewster

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography: margouillat Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel: 07762 969460

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

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History

The St Neots Victorian Town Crier

This is the information overload age. Ones eyes and ears are innundated with a never ending torrent of material from which our brains have to separate the useful from the ‘fake news’. Life was simpler in Victorian St. Neots where newspaper articles could be consumed at leisure and there was no Radio, T.V. or umpteen channels of internet and social media detail from the four corners of the planet to cope with. One reliable source of information in Victorian times was the Town Crier. Bert Goodwin’s article in a St. Neots History Society Magazine from 2008 recalls one of the ‘last of the old customs of the town to go at the end of the 19th century when Mr. Richardson was one of the last town criers. I do not know his first name, but I knew a man who remembered him when he was a boy. He was born in the town in 1884 and this information is taken from a recording he made at the age of 92. He immediately recognised the photograph I showed him and the dilapidated hut next to where stands now the (former) Salvation Army Citadel, which was used on wet nights. Richardson, a man of some 60 years, lived in Cambridge Street in an alleyway which is still there, a few steps further on from the old Rose and Crown public house. His duties were to patrol the main streets, i.e. High Street, Market Square, Huntingdon Street, and Cambridge Street as far as Pashley’s Garage, now somewhere near Lidl’s supermarket. Here he would call out the hours and also any local function about to take place, a sporting event, or any spectacular news of the town. Also anything lost, stolen, or strayed would be called in this manner: “Oyez, oyez, a silver brooch lost between the Market Place and New Street; a reward of five shillings to anyone who finds it.”

Jim, who made this recording, related this story:“While the old man was reciting his announcement us boys would gather in a ring around him, put our hands together as in prayer, and say after him, ‘Amen’. One day while we were following our usual practice, my brother, Bill, who was standing next to me, was carrying a thin stick. When he had

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completed his recital, and we had all said ‘Amen’, he said in a calm and solemn manner, “Lend me your stick a minute, boy.” He promptly applied it to any backside that did not escape quickly enough! I do not know when the post of town crier ended, but it was certainly soon after the First World War.’ Don’t forget to visit your local museum (free to residents) to view the latest exhibitions and to chose from a unique range of books and gifts in its shop.

By Peter Ibbett

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Travel

Palermo

By Solange Hando

On the north-west coast of Sicily, Palermo nestles around a lovely natural harbour looking out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. In this deep-water bay surrounded by mountains, myriad civilisations came and went, each golden age leaving its mark on the city.

With its palaces and churches, the capital claims several UNESCO sites, starting with the medieval cathedral mirroring the city’s history over the centuries. Now in neo-classical style, the splendid interior can be complemented by a ‘rooftop walk’ with panoramic views. Other must-sees include the Baroque gem of Gesu Church and the Palatin Chapel, famous for Byzantine mosaics, in the Norman Palace. A former residence of Sicilian rulers, this has been beautifully restored and is the seat of Sicily’s Regional Assembly. Also built for royal pleasure were Cuba and Zisa, superb examples of Norman architecture in Eastern style. But most intriguing perhaps is the Chinese Pavilion, designed in 1799 for the future King of the Two Sicilies. Lord Nelson and his mistress were among the guests.

Heritage aside, Palermo has a lot to offer along its tree-lined avenues. There’s luxury shopping in

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the high street but the heart of town is around Politeama, a favourite place to meet family or friends on the spacious piazzas that seem to flow into each other. Visitors gaze at the nearby theatres, Garibaldi with its circular colonnade and triumphal arch and Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, but the locals just like to sit in the shade and watch the world go by. They call it ‘piazza culture’ and this is the time to sip a cool drink on a café terrace or feast on glorious Sicilian ice cream. Yet the prettiest square, they say, is Piazza Pretoria with its monumental fountain festooned in nude classical statues.

It’s the highlight in the historic district, an enticing maze of lanes leading to the street markets of Vucciria, awash with melons, peaches, tomatoes, aubergines, herbs, walnuts and more, plus delicious orange juice squeezed on the spot. Potted plants pop up along the cobbles, washing hangs from the balconies and here and there a secret chapel might just take your breath away. One of the best is the Oratorio di Santa Cita, dripping in gleaming white stucco with angels and playful cherubs.

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Within walking distance, the Botanical Garden invites you to relax among water features, palms, shrubs and some 12,000 species of plants. Most exciting is the giant fig tree with aerial roots, and you might spot the parrots that escaped from Via Giulia, the city’s oldest park, loved for its marble sundial and alcoves in Moorish style. Now you can almost hear the waves as the promenade beckons along the sea, laced in meandering paths and grassland full of wild flowers. Boats glisten in the marina, rigging tinkles and, in the fishing harbour, men mend their nets on a flotilla of blue boats. Then just out of town you will find turquoise water, tingling sand and fragrant hills with fabulous views.

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Local News

Season Premiere Sunday 1st May sees Shuttleworth play host to its Season Premiere air show – an occasion which is always worth the wait.

From the moment you arrive, you will be transported back to a bygone era, with a plethora of vintage aircraft and vehicles on display.

The Collection’s hangar doors will be thrown open for you to wander around, taking in the sights and smells of vintage aeroplanes, whilst learning about some of the roles they played in their service and racing lives and other stories they can tell.

Inside the hangars, you’ll also find a cornucopia of activities to keep the kids (or even the big kids!) happy, whether it’s pedal planes or an Airfix Make and Paint courtesy of IPMS Brampton – with other educational Discovery Zones dotted around the site, including a large play area.

Outdoors, you’ll also be able to experience the sensations of riding on-board a 1920s bus– whether it’s the sole surviving Charabus or our Wellingborough double-decker.

The buses will take you up to the Arts & Crafts gems in Shuttleworth House, which will be open to tour. You’ll be able to see first-hand the ornate gold-leafed ceilings and panelled walls, the rare Erard grand piano, and hear the stories of the Shuttleworth family who lived there and set up the Trust.

Shuttleworth House is also accessible through the

Shrubbery Walk at the end of which is the Swiss Garden, 9 acres of heritage landscape designed in the popular alpine style almost 200 years ago, with framed views, ponds and several charming miniature structures. It is a rare example of a Regency garden and boasts thirteen listed features, including the charming Swiss Cottage and the domed Grotto & Fernery. The garden is also home to Shuttleworth’s resident peacocks - Snowy and Storm. If you spot them, be sure to take a photo!

In the afternoon, the flying display starts – an aerial ballet in the Bedfordshire skies, consisting of Shuttleworth aircraft and vintage visitors. This year, it is hoped the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A flying boat will be at the Season Premiere, which will provide a truly awe-inspiring spectacle as the pilots showcase this large aircraft around Old Warden Aerodrome.

If the weather is suitably calm, the Edwardian aircraft – including the world’s oldest flying aeroplane, the 1909 Bleriot – may even be able to take to the skies, capping off what will be a truly memorable day.

From a myriad of ground activities through to a thrilling air display, Shuttleworth’s air shows have something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit: shuttleworth.org/airshows

Photos: Darren Harbar Photography

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Special Report

Fostering

Is it right for you?

Thousands of children enter the care system every year, through no fault of their own. If you feel you could offer a child a nurturing home, and you want a more rewarding job, it’s worth considering fostering as a career.

Who can foster?

If you’re over 21, care about children, have a spare bedroom and can offer a stable home environment, then you can apply to become a foster carer. You don’t need to be in a relationship or own your home, and your gender, ethnicity and sexuality don’t matter.

The fostering service will want to make sure any child they place in your care is safe. They’ll therefore run a series of background checks, and you’ll need to provide references. The full assessment process can take six to eight months.

How much do foster carers earn?

Rates of pay vary between locations and organisations, and sometimes depend on how much experience you have and whether the child has additional needs. Most fostering services pay significantly more than the government’s minimum fostering allowance, and you’ll usually receive extra money towards holidays and presents. There are also significant tax benefits to fostering.

Could I cope?

Fostering can be challenging, but you’ll receive ongoing training and support. Foster children come

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from all different backgrounds. Some have had a difficult start to life and will need help to overcome that.

Can I choose the children I foster?

You’ll be asked for your preferences, such as the age group you’re interested in fostering. Foster services try to ensure a good match between foster carer and child, and of course you have the right to refuse to foster any child who you don’t feel able to support.

As you gain more experience, you may want to put yourself forward for specialist placements, for example children who need more intensive support.

You’d then receive additional training and potentially be paid a higher fee.

How long would I foster each child for?

Some children may come to you for just a few days.

Others might end up staying for months, or even years. If you don’t feel able to foster full-time, you could offer short-term placements or respite care.

Many foster children end up going back to their families, while others go forward for adoption or stay in foster care.

Further information You’ll find lots of information at www.fosterline.info and there’s also a free helpline: 0800 040 7675.

If you are considering fostering, the best thing to do is speak to your local authority. They’ll be able to tell you more about the fostering process and answer any questions you may have.

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Foster For Us

Please call

0800 052 0078

• Bespoke training and development • Receive generous pa y and benefits • Access to 24/7 support and training • Your own supervising social worker

Text FOSTERING to 60777

• Support group and networking opportunities You need to be over 21, have a spare bedroom, be compassionate, resilient, flexible and willing to learn.

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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Local News

Monthly Sunday Afternoon Tea Party creating lasting companionships

We are inviting elderly residents in Huntingdon, St Ives & surrounding villages to join a local group to enjoy an afternoon of tea, conversation and good company, all made possible by the charity Reengage.

Re-engage works to combat loneliness and social isolation amongst over-75s through organised social gatherings and monthly afternoon tea parties. One Sunday a month, elderly guests are collected from their homes by volunteer drivers and taken to a local tea party, held at a volunteer host’s home, or local venue where friendship and companionship can form over cups of tea and cake.

The regular meetings quickly transform volunteers and guests from strangers into longlasting friends, due to the personal interactions each guest receives within their groups. The scheme is entirely free and ensures that even those with limited transport options are able to take part, due to the charity’s volunteer drivers.

As many older guests in later life have found themselves house-bound or with decreasing support networks due to ill-health, mobility or lack of transport, the tea parties can be a fantastic opportunity to connect with other locals and the wider community, while offering a regular social engagement in your calendar.

The Huntingdon & St Ives groups also arrange trips out, all suitable for those that have mobility issues.

Previous trips have included boat trips along the River Ouse, a Christmas outing to a tearoom, a

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cinema trip and a visit to the bird sanctuary. There is no cost for being one of our guests, just a willingness to be part of a friendly group that laughs and talks a lot.

One of our guests, Maureen, has been attending our tea parties for several years says “the tea parties provide good company for someone who is completely housebound as I get collected and dropped off from my house. It’s a lovely chance to chat with other people.”

We are looking for new guests to join us at our tea parties as we re-start them this year after taking a break due to Covid19. If you are interested, or you know family or friends that would benefit from joining our monthly tea parties then please get in touch via the details below.

We are also looking for new volunteers. If you have a few hours a month to spare as a host for a tea party, or as a driver, and want to be part of a fun, friendly group then we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer Gillian says “A monthly tea party to give carers/family members a break and for older people to meet up with their contemporaries for chat and some laughs. They have vast experience and very wise insights. It is a privilege to be involved in such an interesting and rewarding activity.”

To find out more about being a guest or volunteer please contact Re-engage on 0800 716 543 info@reengage.org.uk and make sure to say that you are contacting with interest in the Huntingdon or St Ives group.

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Games

Puzzled!

Unless you’ve been living as a hermit in a cave in the Himalayas you will have encountered Wordle, the simple word game, created by Josh Wardle, which took the internet by storm and was sold to the New York Times for a seven-figure sum.

This fun little game has generated a whole host of similar timewasters. Here are some of the best.

Nerdle - A number version of Wordle. Players have to work out a six- to eight-character calculation, for example 7+6/3=9, in six guesses.

There are 17,723 valid solutions for an eight-digit Nerdle. Played in combination with Wordle, it makes for some serious daily brain training.

Worldle - This one is a geography-based puzzle. A silhouette of a country or territory is presented, and users have six chances to work out the answer.

Byrdle - One for Classical musicians. Byrdle uses only composers and musical terms. Other than that, it’s the same as Wordle. It’s also completely fiendish!

Crosswordle - There are several games that go by this name but a particularly good one is the one created by Robert Flack, which requires users to guess two intersecting words.

And it was only a matter of time before Lordle of the Rings and Wizarding Wordle (for Harry Potter fans) appeared.

Finally, there’s Sweardle - Popular among my son’s teenage friends!

By Tracey Anderson It’s pretty self-explanatory. Like Wordle...but naughtier.

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Time of Year

The Easter Parade… …and other traditions

The Easter weekend is the principal religious feast of the Christian year, yet most of its traditions have no basis in Christianity at all. In fact, the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach which is closely linked to Easter by dates and symbolism was celebrated long before the birth of Jesus. And long before the name ‘Easter’ was used, early Christians celebrated ‘Pascha,’ a word derived from Pesach.

The word ‘Easter’ actually comes from an AngloSaxon 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 ‘Eostremonath’ – Eostre’s month.

Hot cross buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, are linked to Passover. Originally they were unleavened bread, an important Passover food.

Nowadays, they are leavened (which makes them light and delicious) and marked with a cross to serve as a reminder of the crucifixion.

The tradition of eating chocolate eggs derives from the fact that during Eostre, eggs were given as gifts to celebrate the end of winter and as a symbol of new life. Once again this ties in with Passover, where a traditional meal is Beitzah, a hardboiled egg. Eventually Christians began decorating the shells with colourful patterns, and later thanks to enterprising chocolatiers in France and Germany delicious chocolate Easter eggs began to appear.

But what about the Easter Bunny? Surely an Easter hen would be more logical. At least a hen lays eggs!

But if we look back at the Goddess Eostre, her scared animal was the hare, and it’s not a huge jump (see what I did there?) from a hare to a rabbit.

The Easter Bunny and egg hunts seem to originate in Germany in the 16th century. Children made nests in

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the garden and, if they were good, the Easter Bunny would leave them coloured hard-boiled eggs to find the next morning. This tradition travelled to America with early German settlers and, like many old traditions, has now returned to Britain substituting chocolate eggs for a sweeter egg hunt.

Egg rolling on Easter Monday is one of the strangest traditions. Some sources say that it represents the rolling away of the stone blocking Jesus’ tomb. It’s also known as Pace-Egging, which derives once again from the word Pesach. It’s centuries old but no-one is entirely sure of the origins, though it might have originated as a way of getting everyone out of the house for some much-needed exercise after a long weekend of feasting!

On Palm Sunday it is said that Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem by an adoring throng. This and the procession which followed Jesus carrying the cross are often seen as the earliest predecessors of the modern Easter parade.

During the Dark Ages, Christians in Eastern Europe would gather in a designated spot before Easter church services, then walk solemnly to the church.

Afterwards they would retrace their steps while singing songs of praise. Participants usually wore their finest attire to show respect for the occasion.

Eventually the Easter parade transformed into a large American cultural event consisting of a festive strolling procession on Easter Sunday. Participants dress up and there is a particular emphasis on ladies’ hats...the Easter bonnets made famous by the song from the 1948 film Easter Parade.

And speaking of traditions…it’s our family tradition to watch that musical while we tuck into our Easter Eggs.

Happy Easter.

By Tracey Anderson

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Food & Drink

Wines: Choosing a Selection

When it comes to drinks and alcoholic beverages, everybody has their own preference.

White wines are extremely popular and I located ROERO ARNEIS (13% vol) from Italy. Fresh, and with a crisp sensation, a pleasant bouquet leads to the fruity mouthfeel and palate’s enjoyment, for this production.

FERNAO PIRES (12.5% vol), from South Africa, is a further well-balanced white wine. Refreshing, with floral accents and a good flavour of fruits. If a sparkling white is preferred, then PECORINO (12% vol), from Italy, will not disappoint. Known for its excellent still wine productions, the Pecorino grape is utilised, to great advantage, in this sparkling gem. Fruity, and great for welcoming guests, this is a favourite for many occasions.

If your preference is for a red wine, either light or full-bodied, then some suggestions could be for the following.

CASTELAO (13.5% vol), from Portugal, is very popular and graces many dining occasions, constantly. A good richness and intensity prevailes. Wonderful ripe fruits are most evident on the bouquet and mouthfeel. Very elegant. Staying with red wines, PERRICONE (13.5% vol) has dark fruits in abundance for taste, coming through to a superb mouthfeel and the palate’s sensation, with a long finish, from Italy. Another most popular red wine is PAIS (13.5% vol). This is light-bodied, and with a juicy fruit flavour, makes for a great dining table wine. Chile produces excellent wines and this dates from the 16th century.

For more ‘powerful’ beverages, 1932 PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA RISERVA (14.5% vol) from Italy, fills this spot.

The vineyards are renowned globally. Old vines, rich soils and more, contribute to the productions of this spectacular red wine. Oak barrels encourage the aging process. Dark fruits are most evident, definitely! HEDONIST ORGANIC SHIRAZ (14% vol), from Australia, has numerous devotees, too. Wonderful to accompany many dishes, also.

For something later, then KOPKE RESERVE TAWNY PORT (19.5% vol), will fit the bill, admirably. This aged Portuguese production satisfies the ‘end of meal’ experience, wonderfully. From the mid 17th century Tawny Ports have evolved and pleased many.

These productions were located in Waitrose. Some are in their ‘Loved and Found’ range. www.waitrose.com

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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

Please contact Judy for a free 20 minute consultation to discuss how acupuncture treatment can help you.

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Beauty

16 Genius Beauty Hacks

From make-up tips to haircare advice, these tips could make your life easier 1. When you paint your nails, start from your little finger rather than your thumb. You’ll lower the risk of smudging your freshly painted nails.

2. Matte lipstick is on-trend but very unforgiving.

Before using it, mix a dash of olive oil with half a teaspoon of brown sugar to treat your lips to a DIY lip scrub.

3. Clean your make-up brushes regularly with facial cleanser or a mild shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and leave to air dry.

4. Don’t test foundation on your hand – you won’t get a good colour match. Instead, try it on your jawline.

5. Wrap a small scoop of porridge oats up in a muslin cloth and tie the ends to secure. Drop it in your bath while the water is running. The oat oils work wonders on dry skin.

6. Leave at least a day between shaving/waxing and applying fake tan. Otherwise, you risk causing irritation and ending up with a patchy tan.

7. Not keen on heavily fragranced body oils? Switch to pure almond oil. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want a hint of natural fragrance.

8. Leave your facial cleanser to soak in for a few minutes before wiping it off. It’ll act as a mini face pack. This works particularly well with balm cleansers.

9. Appy eye cream with your ring finger. It’s the weakest so you’re less likely to pull at the skin.

Dab (rather than rub) the cream in.

10. If you often forget to apply SPF in the cooler months, try swapping your foundation for a tinted SPF cream.

11. Hair feeling lank or lacklustre? Try switching to a shampoo that’s free from sulphates and silicones.

Sulphates can strip hair of its natural, healthy oils, while silicones can build up over time and weigh hair down.

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12. Put wet hair in multiple plaits before bed for easy curls the next day. Brush through if you want looser waves.

13. Freshly washed hair is harder to style. So if you have a big night out coming up, wash your hair the day before. It’ll then hold its style better for your evening out.

14. Rather than splashing out on expensive travelsized products (they can be more than double the price per ml), decant your usual products into small reusable containers.

15. Do you subscribe to Birchbox or a similar subscription box? Save the products you don’t fancy throughout the year. By Christmas, you’ll have a stack of cracker prizes and stocking fillers.

You could even use them to fill a personalised advent calendar for a friend.

16. Skin and hair changes as we age, so what worked for you a few years ago may not be as effective today. Embrace the chance to try something new!

By Kate Duggan

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House of Colour

The Good Buy Guide How many of us find an item in a shop, while we’re in a rush and think ‘that’ll do’? It seems to fit, kind of does the job we wanted, and it might even be on sale too. Home it comes and there it stays. Wardrobes are full of those ‘that’ll do’s’ that quite frankly won’t do. They’re the ones that we shove to the back while we continue to wear the 15% of our wardrobe that we actually like and properly seems to fit the bill. It’s costing us though. And I don’t mean in terms of the till price we paid which we won’t necessarily see again but it will cost us to have it sitting doing nothing in our wardrobe. It will be adding to the stress in the morning as we run our eyes frantically through our clothing deciding what to wear, as well as preventing us seeing the items that might in fact be useful!

So have a careful think before you rush to the till with these thoughts: • If you’re in the market for an investment item, higher price like a coat, boots, handbag buy it in a neutral colour or a WOW colour. This will mean it will be able to work with everything else in your wardrobe easily and you are much more likely to get serious wear from it. (Find your WOW colours in a House of Colour colour consultation) • Buy quality. I’ve recently written about it but it’s worth mentioning as clothing will look better for longer.

• Is it going to work with other items in your wardrobe. If it’s in the right colour and right style for you it’s highly likely that it will work with lots of other things. When you buy something new try making it into 10 different outfits as soon as you bring it home.

• Buy less buy better. Be choosy about what you buy. Try and avoid ‘hobby shopping’ and end up buying for the sake of it and avoid shopping with those you know who might pressure you in the wrong direction.

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• Don’t sacrifice on comfort. We wear uncomfortable items about three times before we give up. When trying on clothes sit down in them, really move about. If it’s not working in the changing room it’s going to be worse when you’re out at dinner.

• No more ‘that’ll do’. Does it not only fit you properly, but is it your style? Be honest with yourself and walk away if not. If you feel you aren’t sure enough about what really does work for you, and gives you a real boost then embrace a style session and remove the doubt.

• Do you love it?

Have a wonderful Easter break!

Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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

Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious?

Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem?

Have you considered Counselling sessions?

Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere.

Ample parking. Concessionary rates available.

For further details:

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

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

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A New Epidemic Is stress making you sick?

Special Report

By Louise Addison

We all know about coronavirus but in fact one of the major health risks today is stress.

Workdays lost to stress, depression, and anxiety, are estimated to cost the British economy in excess of about £35 billion a year in lost output.

But what exactly is stress? Stress is a natural, short term, response to danger. It floods our bodies with the hormones, adrenalin, and cortisol.

In combination these hormones activate our heart and cardiovascular system. They raise our blood pressure and set us in a heightened state of alertness. They affect our liver and increase our blood sugar. During a stressful event all nonessential body functions, e.g., cell repair and ovulation, cease.

If we’re under immediate threat from say, a mugger, or a life-threatening accident, a strong stress response is good, it may even help to save our lives. But long-term stress is bad for us. Exposure to large quantities of adrenalin and cortisol over a long period compromise our immune systems and increase our risk of suffering from high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and Diabetes.

The most common form of long-term stress reported to GPs is work-related and specifically it is reported by those people who feel they have little or no control over their working environment.

A healthy working environment includes choices; some control over what you do and an element of appreciation for the effort you put in. Unfortunately, many working environments fall short of this.

Alarmingly, The Whitehall Experiment, which monitored 10,000 civil servants over a long period, found that those at bottom of the hierarchy

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experienced 4 times the mortality rate of those at the top, even when poor diet and smoking were factored into the calculations! It seems that some of us quite literally, are working ourselves to death.

If you feel this is you and a change of job isn’t possible, then advice has been to try to balance stress levels both at and away from work. Yet recently the pandemic has meant that for many of us home and work have become inseparable, and this has added to wider stress in the world, including soaring food and energy prices and the war in Ukraine.

Take a few minutes and see if you can articulate in a few words what the major sources of stress are in your working environment: unrealistic deadlines or targets, obstructive colleagues, interfering management etc. Then do the same for stress triggers away from work. If you feel you can tackle any of the issues, then do that. This isn’t always possible, but sometimes just knowing exactly why you are feeling stressed is enough to help you cope and see a way forward. Perhaps you need to restrict the time you spend answering work emails out of hours or cut down on the amount of news you consume or make time to go for a walk in the fresh air. Exercise is actually an excellent stress reducer, along with yoga. A well-balanced diet also helps and drinking lots of water is a great way to help the body rid itself of toxins.

In addition, it has been shown that therapies such as massage also have potent stress-reducing properties.

Bringing down your stress levels in 2022 may not be easy but your body will thank you for trying.

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Leeds Day

Protect Your Property From The Cost Of Care Home Fees With the cost of residential care currently being as much as £1,000 per week for any person with assets of more than £23,250,it is not surprising that people are keen to protect their property to pass on to their family.

When it becomes necessary for a person to move into residential care, a financial assessment is undertaken and any assets in that person’s sole name will normally be used to pay for their care. A share of joint assets will also normally be taken into account. However, the value of a home will be disregarded while a spouse (or certain other relatives) continues to live in the property.

However, if one spouse dies and the surviving spouse requires residential care, the full value of the house will be available and will be taken into account in assessing the funding of residential care fees.

An effective way to protect a share of a jointly owned property is for a couple to make Wills which include Life Interest Trusts. Trusts of this type allow a share of a jointly owned property to be held for the surviving spouse to have full use of it during a specified period (often for the whole of the survivor’s lifetime).

In practice, this enables the surviving joint owner to benefit from the whole property during his or her lifetime, whilst preserving

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

a share of the capital value to pass to other named beneficiaries (often the couple’s children) following the death of the surviving joint owner.

The trust protects the surviving joint owner, giving him or her the right to live in and make use of the property for as long as they wish to do so. If the survivor wishes to downsize, he or she will usually be free to do so. Similarly, if the survivor is not able to continue living in the property, he or she may receive any income (after expenses) generated from the share of the property held in the trust.

The surviving joint owner does not own the share of the property held in the trust but has the right to occupy it or receive an income from it. As such, the share of the property held within the trust will be protected for the ultimate beneficiaries and will not be taken into account if the surviving joint owner requires residential care.

If you would be interested in discussing this with one of our members of staff, please contact us on 0844 567 2222 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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Take Note!

Technology

By Louise Addison

Is a digital notebook right for you?

I love a notebook, to the point that my husband has actually staged an intervention in Paperchase before now!

Enter digital notepads. In the past I’ve tried to take notes on an iPad, but the slippery feeling of pen on glass felt wrong. So decided to look at the current iteration of digital offerings designed specifically to appeal to a hardcore pen and paper note taker, like me.

Moleskine Pen + Ellipse Smart Writing Set. This is a hybrid product — part digital, part analogue — designed for those of us who prefer to take notes the old-fashioned way but still want to save those notes in a searchable format. Searchable notebooks...words that sing to my scribble-loving soul.

This set comes with a paper notebook, digital smart pen, USB recharging cable, one pen-tip ink refill, and a manual. The notepad is a proper notepad except the paper is encoded in a dotted layout which works with the pen to capture each stroke and recognize exactly where it is. The paper thus becomes a ‘tablet’. The Moleskine Notes app transfers the words and drawings from page to screen in real time, so you can digitize text, edit, organize, and share content. The companion app (available for iOS and Android) digitizes your notes and transfers them to your device, allowing you to annotate, share, search, edit, and organize notes. The pen doesn’t even need to be connected to the app, meaning you can jot notes then sync your pen with the app at a later time.

If you write a lot of notes you still end up with lots of physical notebooks, but your work is saved on your PC and searchable for future reference.

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook Unlike the Moleskine, the Rocketbook saves on trees while still letting you write on ‘paper’. The Rocketbook is a 42-page notebook with seven different page styles allowing notes, sketches and plans etc. The dot-grid and lined pages also act as a paper ‘tablet’ and you use the free Rocketbook app

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(available for iOS and Android) to save your work to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote etc. The Rocketbook works with any Pilot Frixion pen, marker, or highlighter. When you’ve finished you wipe clean with a damp cloth to start over. For people who like to use colour in their note-taking the Rocket book works well. For those of us who like to go back and re-annotate our original notes, the wipe-clean approach can seem a bit final.

The ReMarkable 2 The ReMarkable 2 bills itself as “the world’s thinnest tablet”. It’s just 4.7mm thick and stylish, especially if you choose the leather cover option. It captures all the best attributes of notetaking on paper including sound, sensation, and the ability to erase with the other end of the pen, yet you can create as many notebooks as you like, revisit them, edit them, copy and paste from them into new notebooks, and save them within the device. This last one is a gamechanger for someone who wishes they could take ALL their notebooks with them everywhere!

You can then sync your notes to phone and laptop using the app. You can easily import templates such as a diary, or household budget planner. Its more expensive than the previous two options (starting at around £400), but in my opinion, vastly superior.

The only disadvantage is no colour, but that’s a small concession for notebook Nirvana!

Happy scribbling.

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Finance

Do I need life insurance?

Life insurance may feel both baffling and daunting, but it’s a key step towards financial security for many people. These are the most important things to know when deciding whether it’s right for you and which policy to choose.

The most important question is what you want the life insurance to achieve. With most forms of insurance, it’s simply a case of covering costs or replacing something that’s lost, stolen or damaged.

With life insurance, you’re commonly looking to replace your income.

That means it matters whether you are the sole ‘breadwinner’ in your household, you share financial responsibilities, or you have no dependents (in which case life insurance usually makes little sense).

It also matters whether you simply want to maintain an income for your family after you die or if you are concerned with specific expenses, such as a mortgage or university costs for your children.

Those factors will help you make the biggest decision: whether to get a whole-of-life policy or a term policy. The former means that, as long as you keep up the payments, the policy pays out when you die.

These policies tend to work out more expensive, both through higher payments and because you’ll be paying in for longer. It’s usually taken out by people who want to be sure to cover funeral costs, or want their heirs to be able to pay an inheritance tax bill without having to sell the family home.

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With term policies you pay premiums and are eligible for payouts during a fixed period. Depending on your financial goals, this could be a set number of years, the remaining term of your mortgage or until your planned retirement date. These policies are usually cheaper that whole-of-life policies. Once the term ends, you stop making payments and the policy will never pay out.

If you go for a term policy, you need to decide how the payout level changes over time. The most basic option is a ‘level’ policy that simply pays a fixed lump sum on your death. A variation of this means the payout amount goes up each year during the term, in line with inflation.

In contrast, a decreasing policy means the payout amount falls each year during the term. That makes premiums lower and is most suitable when you want the life insurance to clear your mortgage if you die.

The falling payout reflects the fact your outstanding mortgage debt will also fall over time.

Whether you get whole-of-life or term insurance, you need to decide whether to get a single or joint policy, for example with your spouse or partner. A single policy is straightforward: the payout goes into your estate and is distributed in line with your will.

With a joint policy, the default set-up is that when (or if) one of the two policyholders dies, the payout goes to the other policyholder. The policy then ends with no further premiums or payouts.

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Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

A good night’s sleep

Create the perfect restful retreat by combining a great bed with the ideal mattress and sumptuous, stylish linens.

We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth investing in the different elements that will help ensure the best possible night’s sleep – from a good-looking bed frame to lovely, layered bedlinen, a well-chosen mattress and a set of quality pillows.

Choosing a bed The most popular choice of bed base is a simple divan frame, which usually sit on castors, but are sometimes elevated on legs. Look for examples with useful side drawers, or ‘ottoman’ divans in which the entire mattress can be lifted up to access storage beneath. The alternative is a bedstead, generally made from wood or metal (though rattan elements are fashionable these days), which may be modern and minimal, but are more often traditional in appearance, such as a four-poster, a ‘sleigh’ bed or Victorian-style cast iron. The choice is largely aesthetic, but do bear in mind that not all mattresses and bases are compatible with each other.

Size matters when it comes to beds. Disturbance from a partner (or children) is one of the most common causes of sleeping complaints, so buy as big

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a bed as you can afford and that will fit comfortably into the room – remembering to leave enough space around it. You will need to allow about 450mm at the foot and sides of a bed in order to be able to make it comfortably, and at least 700mm of floor space between the side of a bed and the wardrobe, if this is where you are going to dress.

All about mattresses If you prefer a sprung mattress, the best are ‘pocket’ sprung, in which a large number of small springs work independently from each other, adjusting to the body and eliminating ‘roll-together’. Look for springs encased in calico pockets, hand nested in a honeycomb pattern and centre tied with linen cord.

Other signs of a high standard are quality ticking (the mattress’s fabric cover), hand side stitching, which keeps the mattress in good condition for longer, and sturdy handles to enable easy turning. Fillings include cotton, wool, coir, foam and horsehair, with added mohair, cashmere and silk at the luxury end of the market. Tufted construction is considered better than quilting, as it prevents loose fillings from

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being dislodged. And, if you and your partner prefer different mattresses, or are very different in weight, zip and link mattresses – two singles that can be attached together – could be the answer.

The relatively new market in non-sprung mattresses includes latex, foam or gel mattresses that can be delivered straight to your door and are often inexpensive. Warmer than sprung mattresses, they mould to the sleeper’s shape and are said to be good for sufferers of allergies and joint pain. Perhaps the ultimate solution is a combination mattress, which offers the support and comfort of springs with a non-sprung top layer. Consider, too, adding a mattress topper, which will add another layer of comfort and should help extend the life of your mattress.

Comfortable pillows If you want to wake up feeling refreshed, you’ll need to choose the right pillow. Down, feather, wool, latex, memory foam, synthetic down and hybrid are all options – as are cooling pillows, antisnoring pillows, sleep apnoea pillows, pregnancy pillows and adjustable pillows. There’s no simple recommendation; it’s a case of personal preference, provided your pillow supports your neck and keeps your spine aligned in a neutral position.

Experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years. Why? Because over time they start to lose their support – and become less and less hygienic.

Using a good quality pillow protector may help with longevity, and you should launder pillows regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

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3 Gorgeous bedlinens Quality bed linen feels comfortable next to the skin, and will also wash well and last for years. What type should it be? Pure linen has excellent breathability, a cool, crisp touch and gets softer as it gets older – but does require ironing. Silk is also highly breathable, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer – it’s even said to reduce wrinkles and keep your hair glossy. It needs gentle handling but can go in the washing machine. Cotton, though, is by far the most popular choice, of which pure Egyptian cotton is generally considered the finest. Look for a thread count of more than 200, and up to 600 for real luxury. And finally there’s easy-care, a 50:50 mix of cotton and polyester, which has obvious advantages.

A set of white bed linen is a classic choice and complements any and every scheme. Even pure white, however, need not be completely plain, as all but the most basic duvet covers and pillows offer interesting design details, from pin tucks, cording and scalloped edging to hemstitch, embroidery and lace.

Add an eye-catching bed cover, perhaps also a throw and some bed cushions, selecting luscious textures and interesting trims, and you have a gorgeous layered style with a comfortable feel and eternally appealing look.

1 Combining sustainably sourced wood and natural rattan, this French-style bed features cabriole legs and hard-carved motifs. Montgomery rattan bed, £2,650, The French Bedroom Company: 01444 415 430; frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk.

2 Grand yet lightweight and modern, this slender canopy bed makes a statement without seeming overbearing.

Luna Canopy king-size bed, £1,195, Cox & Cox: 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk.

3 This sumptuous upholstered bed features a large hidden storage compartment. Roman ottoman bed frame, £1,399, Furniture Village: 0800 804 8879; furniturevillage. co.uk.

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Gardening

Plant a tree for the jubilee: the Queen’s Green Canopy The joys of spring Early spring in the garden is probably the most longed-for time of the year for most. The weather is naturally unpredictable and the wise gardener will be prepared for just about anything. There could be a heatwave, snow, frost, drought and April showers.

Be prepared to protect tender young shoots with a covering of horticultural fleece, which can be used as a warm blanket until the cold snap has passed.

This is the perfect time for pruning a variety of shrubs, depending on the weather. If fairly mild, Hydrangea macrophylla can be pruned down to a pair of buds and old, woody growth can be removed. Buddleja davidii can have a good tidy up, ready for new growth, Lavender can be gently

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trimmed and Cornus, which is grown for winter stem colour, can be pruned hard if you haven’t already done so. Deciduous ornamental grasses should also be cut down to make way for new growth.

Plant a tree for the jubilee Make the most of the coming growing season by planting trees and shrubs as soon as possible so that their roots can romp away as the soil warms.

Her Majesty the Queen has been on the throne for 70 years this year and we are all urged to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’. This national tree initiative is encouraging everyone to plant trees, whether it’s a single specimen in a garden or an entire woodland.

It is hoped that individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and councils will all take part in a bid to green up the UK. This, of course, will help to fight the climate crisis. Trees, after all, are our friends when it comes to absorbing pollution, storing carbon, producing oxygen, stabilising the soil, helping to prevent flooding, improving biodiversity and providing shelter.

But did you know that some trees are better than others when it comes to eco credentials? Oak, beech, London plane, black walnut, many larger maples and eucalyptus are some of the best when it comes to carbon storage. Larger trees are generally better than smaller varieties, but anything is better than none at all! Broadleaved species have a larger surface area of leaves, which enables them to carry

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out photosynthesis. They absorb water, sunlight and carbon dioxide in order to produce oxygen.

When it comes to wildlife, oaks are kings of the habitat providers, but smaller trees, including a wide range of birch, are excellent too. Some of the woodland edge smaller trees and shrubs excel at this particular role, including elder, spindle, blackthorn, wild cherry, crab apple, hawthorn and holly. The key lies in planting a diverse mix of species in order to provide as many benefits as possible to wildlife.

Think in terms of food sources as well as cute, furry and feathery creatures. Insects are just as important when you consider the food chain.

Pests and diseases It is wise to avoid planting a monoculture using just one species of tree. If disease strikes, you are likely to lose the entire group. This applies to street trees as much as it does to garden hedges, copses and woodland. Far better to include a mix of species, which will be less likely to pass on disease to each other. For this reason, it is sensible to extend the range of trees in the UK to include non-native, hardy trees as well as natives. Always source trees from reliable, ‘plant-healthy’ suppliers.

Be aware of the general health of trees, including disease that causes limbs to be lost, thus posing a safety risk in public places.

• Ash dieback is likely to cause the loss of up to 80 per cent of this tree in the UK. Affected trees near public areas should be removed.

• Phytophthora ramorum is an organism that is sometimes called a water mould. It causes

bleeding canker symptoms on trees, including larch and sweet chestnut in addition to conifers such as Douglas fir. It can also cause sudden oak death.

• Phytophthora pluvialis has recently been discovered in western hemlock and Douglas fir in the West Country. It causes needles to turn brown and drop, eventually resulting in dieback.

• Oak processionary moth is an insect pest that is currently present in London and surrounding counties. There are silken nests and processions of caterpillars that defoliate oak trees, thus leaving them vulnerable and unable to carry out photosynthesis.

• A fungal disease called massaria is spreading amongst London plane trees, including those at Buckingham Palace and some of the Royal parks.

It causes lesions on branches, which die back and are eventually shed.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

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Firepits

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Firepit tips and tricks Back when all get-togethers had to be outside, my brother bought me a firepit. I imagined evenings spent under the stars with my friends, toasting marshmallows. The reality was a smoky, eye-watering disaster.

I stuffed it in the shed and forgot about it until the owner of my local hardware store asked if I’d considered buying a firepit. I cut him off and related my story. “Oh, you’re probably doing it wrong!” he smiled. I gawped at him; I mean how many ways are there to use a firepit...come on!? Well dear reader, after a little re-education, I’m now a convert!

Excess fire pit smoke is the most common reason people stop using their firepit. Typically, it results from firewood burning incompletely due to excess moisture in the wood. The pitch or sap in some woods can also be a factor.

The next cause is an improperly constructed fire which causes fuel to smoulder instead of burn, producing more smoke.

So, what’s the solution? First choose the right kind of wood. This should be both adequately dried and not naturally predisposed to smoking excessively when burned. Wood smoke is generated when certain chemicals within the wood burn inefficiently.

In an efficient, well-burning, hot fire, these chemicals are typically burned off quickly before significant smoke forms.

Look for seasoned wood, which has a moisture content of 30% or less, the lower the better.

Seasoned wood has gone through an indoor or outdoor aging process under the right conditions.

You can also buy kiln dried wood, which is more expensive but works incredibly well. Basically, dry wood burns efficiently, and efficient burning means less smoke. On the other hand, fresh cut wood, or older wood which has been allowed to get damp contains more water and burns inefficiently which means smoke.

You can buy properly seasoned wood from your local hardware store, and for most of us who use firepits for a couple of hours at the weekend this is

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By Tracey Anderson

convenient. If you want better value and you have room to store the wood you can buy in bulk from a log merchant. If you want to check moisture levels in wood you’ve cut and dried yourself you can purchase an inexpensive handheld moisture metre.

They generally cost between £40 and £100.

Wood with a maximum of 30% moisture is the baseline but 20% or less is best (that’s the standard with most kiln dried firewood) Other things to watch out for are old, potentially damp ash, embers, and other debris that accumulates in firepits. These can impede the ignition process and result resulting in a fire pit that won’t ‘catch’ properly, and smokes. Empty your firepit after use and store upside down so it doesn’t fill up with rain!

It’s best to avoid pine, because it has a super high sap content, which tends to produce more smoke.

Softwoods in general tend to be mor ‘sap rich’ and can actually be useful in the initial stages of a fire as they burn ‘hot’ for a brief period, so they are good when trying to get the main wood to burn.

Finally, make sure your fire is stacked correctly. You need good airflow. Make a wigwam structure with your wood or use a log-cabin stack (think Jenga without the middle pieces!) to keep air flowing and provide a gap in the middle for tinder and kindling.

Then sit back and bust out the marshmallows!

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Garden View

Bee nice to bees!

Albert Einstein supposedly declared that, “If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left.” There is much debate over whether the great man actually did make such an assertion as he was a physicist after all, not an entomologist, but whether he did or not, it’s a scary thought.

There’s no doubt about it, honey bees and bumble bees are of enormous agricultural importance. It is estimated that more than a third of the world’s crop production relies on these bees. Without them we’re in trouble and they are in decline. Pesticides, loss of habitat and disease are thought to be playing a part.

Bees are fascinating and beautiful creatures and as gardeners we can play our part in their continued survival. It’s simple: bees need flowers for sustenance, flowers need bees for survival and gardeners need flowers to garden!

First it’s important to think ahead and provide flowers for bees throughout their lifecycle, which runs from March to September.

Spring – Bluebells, bugle, flowering cherry, forgetme-not (Myosotis), hellebore and rosemary are all good spring plants.

Summer – Aquilegia, sweet peas, fennel, foxgloves, potentilla, roses, stachys, teasel, thyme and verbascum

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Late summer / early autumn – Aster, buddleia, dahlia, eryngium, fuchsia, heather, lavender and sedum.

Second, unfortunately not all flowers are created equal. Frilly double flowers, for example, are too elaborate. They have so many petals that the bees struggle to get to the nectar and pollen. This is the reason that single dahlias attract lots of bees, whilst double varieties are generally ignored. Single flowered rose varieties are also good, such as the rambler Seagull, with its flat open white blooms, large yellow stamens and heady scent. Any similar rambler grown over a fence or wall will do. Some, like the pale pink Little Rambler, will even repeat flower. Ramblers are terrific roses. They are vigorous, disease resistant and great for covering bare fences, unsightly sheds and walls. Best of all they need next to no pruning!

The main thing is to keep it simple: a few flowers for each part of the bee life cycle and no overly fancy varieties. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t grow double flowered dahlias if that’s what floats your boat, it’s just that Mr Bee would appreciate a few single flowered varieties thrown into the mix. Let’s make this the year we all be nice to bees: our future may depend on it!

By Rachael Leverton

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Pets

14 Easy Ways to Help The RSPCA We all know there are fabulous RSPCA shops all over the country that we can buy lovely things from and take our unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac to. We also know if we want a new pet we could approach the RSPCA. But how many of the other 12 ways were you already aware of?

Smile Amazon - Amazon have recently set up ‘Smile Amazon’, meaning each time you buy something via Smile Amazon, they donate money to your chosen charity. The ‘Royal Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Bedfordshire North Branch’ have registered with this scheme so you can select our charity when you are shopping.

Donate Nectar Points - Your Nectar points can now be used to support our charity. If this is something you’d like to do, you will need to link your Nectar account to a Crowdfunder account.

You can then donate converted points via our charity page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ rspca-bedsnorthbranch... All money donated will go towards the vet bills and boarding costs of the animals that come into our care.

Enter the Spring Superdraw - Competitions are still very popular and this one is no different. You could win up to £5,000. Simply head over to our website to buy a ticket!

Payroll Giving - Payroll giving (also known as Give As You Earn) is a simple way to make regular donations to the RSPCA straight from your salary. You can donate as much or as little you like and you can stop your donation at any time. Plus, it’s tax free! It is very quick and easy to set up. All you would need to do is fill in an online form.

Legacy Payment - Leaving a gift for the RSPCA in your Will is another way people can support us. Did you know over half of our work is funded by people who have left us a gift in their Will? So, these gifts are extremely important to us. Is it something you have considered?

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Generation Kind - You may recall reading about ‘Generation Kind’ in a previous edition, in essence it is an education program that we have created for schools. Through Generation Kind we’re ramping up our efforts to inspire kindness in the classroom - helping to shape a kinder future for animals. Ask your local school if they are involved.

Adopt/rehome/sponsor/foster - These are the four main ways that you can care for an animal through the RSPCA. All of which are important, valuable and rewarding. Check out our FaceBook page for more details.

Donate online - If you visit the RSPCA website, you can make a one off donation payment or set up a more permanent regular amount. It’s up to you. Your gift helps support long term projects, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and our rescue teams.

You could also visit one of our fabulous charity shops, become a member or why not organise a fundraising. There are now many ways in which you can support your local RSPCA, and we are very grateful and appreciative of it.

If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact 0300 1234 999.

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Motoring

Lexus NX Review

What is it? The new NX is the first time Lexus has offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV), and the mid-sized SUV has been made more competitive with rivals such as Volvo and BMW. This is Lexus’ best-selling model in the UK. What’s new? There’s a new-look exterior, new powertrains and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Key changes are the new infotainment system and redesigned interior. The whole car is slightly larger than the old NX and has extra safety and convenience technology.

What’s under the bonnet? The powertrain options are 350h and 450h+, both with a petrol engine paired to electric motors on both axles, giving 241bhp and 305bhp respectively.

The 350h regular hybrid reaches 60mph in 7.7 seconds, compared with 6.3 seconds in the PHEV. The PHEV’s bigger battery gives it a 47-mile electriconly range.

Economy figures were disappointing – although 53 per cent of our journey was on electric-only power, overall consumption was about 36mpg (compared to the pointless official measurements of up to 314mpg). So keep the battery topped up!

What’s it like to drive? Even our test car in F-Sport trim gave good ride quality, with the smooth, silent electric motors making the NX feel refined.

The engine can be quite gruff, but the modern CVT gearbox is no longer a weak link.

How does it look? The firm’s angular design ethos and imposing front grilles make it stand out from the crowd. The spindle grille is more upright, while the chrome frame has been ditched. The rear end is muscular and the car looks fairly compact.

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What’s it like inside?

The cockpit is familiarly Lexus, but without the overly complicated cabins of previous models. The high-resolution touchscreen is a step up, with clear graphics and quick responses.

It has a great driving position, high-quality materials and there is plenty of space for passengers.

What’s the spec like?

Entry-level models are well-equipped – starting at £38,300 for the 350h and £48,800 for the 450h+, this feels like the best-value option.

Standard equipment includes extensive safety equipment, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, heated front seats, LED headlights and 18-inch alloys. The Premium Pack is standard in the 450h+, adding privacy glass, heated steering wheel, wireless charger and more.

F Sport models start at £47,300 (350h) or £54,800 (450h+) and include adaptive variable sports suspension, an extra drive mode, sports steering wheel, F Sport leather upholstery and 20-inch alloys, plus the Premium Plus pack of LED cornering lights, larger touchscreen display and adaptive high-beam.

These models have an optional Takumi pack, adding a Mark Levinson sound system, head-up display and sunroof (450h+) or panoramic roof (350h).

The top-spec Takumi starts from £51,800 (350h) or £57,800 (450h+) and includes fully automated parking, the stereo upgrade, a ‘card key’, leather upholstery and 20-inch alloys.

Verdict The new NX is a genuine alternative to premium marques like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Comparing rationally, it’s difficult to recommend the NX over, say, a Volvo XC60 or an Audi Q5, but it won’t disappoint.

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Home Products

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Organise your utility

By Katherine Sorrell

The most hard-working room in the house plays a vital role, from storing cleaning kit to doing the laundry. Combine beauty with utility to make it a functional and enjoyable space to use.

Why not add some art and plants to bring personality to your utility room? Light Mineral eggshell, £15 for 1l; Harbor large sideboard, £449; acacia wood concertina airer, £40; Pebble wool rug, from £49; Coastal set of three framed prints, £28; all Dunelm.

Keep everything to hand, including a rolling clothes rack and a laundry basket, to make washing and ironing easier.

Rack, ironing board, basket and iron, all Wayfair.

A large, 76l box with three smaller inserts makes separating and storing recycling easy, while the sturdy wooden lid enables the box to be used as a seat, too. Orthex SmartStore Collect recycling and storage box, £85, Not a Boring Box.

Colourful and hard-wearing, this organic jute basket is practical for all kinds of uses.

Pastel Fairisle utility basket, from £24, The Braided Rug Company.

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Planning the perfect utility room

Folding flat to conserve space, this beech and galvanised steel wall dryer conveniently utilises space on the wall.

Chalford wall dryer, £110, Garden Trading.

With five hooks and a handy shelf this wood-and-metal unit has plenty of room for keeping clutter neat and tidy.

Giro industrial wall shelf with hooks, £79, Cuckooland.

It may only be a utility room, but finishing touches such as knobs, switches and hooks are still important. Cotswold Collection of luxury solid brass hardware in burnished brass finish, from £13.69 for a bun cabinet knob, Armac Martin.

Keep bits and pieces organised in a convenient container with a handle. Tin housekeeping caddy, £6, B&M. STOCKISTS B&M: 0330 838 9000; bmstores.co.uk Cuckooland: 01305 231 231; cuckooland.com Garden Trading: 01993 845 559; gardentrading.co.uk Veo: veo.world

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• Get the basics right with practical flooring and lighting. An easily cleanable floorcovering such as vinyl or ceramic tiles is best for a utility room – though you could add a rug for some softness underfoot (while you’re ironing, for example). Bright lighting is essential, too. Adjustable ceiling spotlights are a good option, as are strip lights mounted below wall units or shelves. Ensure that any wall lights don’t protrude into working areas, and that pendants don’t hang too low.

• A bespoke utility room will have storage built to suit the room and accommodate your every need, from fitted cupboards to open shelves.

However, it is not too difficult to set up a very useful space using wall-mounted shelving, hooks and rails, free-standing shelves and racks, and a range of useful baskets and boxes, carefully chosen to suit the items you need to store.

• Save space by thinking vertically. A tumble dryer can be mounted above a washing machine, while pulleys can be used for a laundry drying rack. Tall, slim shelving is ideal, and all sorts of items can be hung from high hooks or tucked inside stacked boxes.

• In a small room, pale, neutral colours feel calm and help give an impression of light and space. A plain space may appeal if all you want to do is get in and out as quickly as possible. On the other hand, since you have to do household chores, you might as well make the room you’re spending time in as welcoming as possible. It’s easy to add personality with a few small elements, such as framed prints or photographs on the walls and a selection of potted plants (real or artificial). Tuck a reed diffuser in a corner, too, and ensure the space always smells gorgeous.

Armac Martin: 0121 359 2111; armacmartin.co.uk The Braided Rug Company: 01654 767 248; braided-rug.co.uk Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Not a Boring Box: notaboringbox.com Wayfair: 0800 756 4191; wayfair.co.uk

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Seasonal Recipe

This is a delicious protein-packed salad full of beneficial omega-3 antiinflammatory fats, and using walnut oil in the dressing is an easy way to further boost your intake of these healthy fats. This creamy dressing is equally delicious drizzled over any cooked fish or seafood.

Salmon Niçoise Salad With herb, caper and walnut dressing Ingredients 2 boneless salmon or trout fillets, about 120g each, skin on

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 2

Dressing 2 tbsp walnut oil 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp capers Juice of ½ lemon Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs e.g. parsley, basil Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad 6 new potatoes, halved 60g French beans, halved Bag of mixed lettuce leaves ½ cucumber, cut into ribbons 1 tbsp capers 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 30g black or green olives, pitted 1 hard-boiled egg, cut into quarters

1. Bring a large steamer to the boil, tip the potatoes into the water then lay the fish fillets, skin-side down, in the steamer basket. Cover and cook for 6-8 mins, until the fish is cooked through, then remove and set aside.

2. Blanch the beans for 1-2 minutes then drain.

3. Place the mixed leaves in a large bowl and toss in the potatoes, cucumber, capers and beans. Scatter over the olives and tomatoes.

4. Flake the fish into large chunks, discarding the skin, and add to the salad with the egg.

5. Whisk all the ingredients for the dressing together and season to taste. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Nutrition per serving: 567kcal, fat 36.8g (of which saturates 5.6g), carbohydrates 21.9g (of which sugars 4.7g), protein 34.2g

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Well-Being

How to Cope in an Uncertain World Over the past couple of years, we’ve had to cope with a pandemic, political uprisings and now war in the Ukraine. Life is constantly changing so you’d think we’d be better at dealing with uncertainty. But humans crave stability, and we crave it most when life is unpredictable.

This is where coping strategies come in to play. There are unhealthy coping strategies, like alcohol or junk food and there are also healthy coping strategies.

What is coping? Coping is an active process where you pause, appraise the situation, target the problem, and then choose a set of interventions.

Stay grounded - Create a safe space for you and your family. Structure your home so that you and your family feel grounded. Reduce the sadness and stress of uncertainty by keeping News to a minimum. Don’t talk endlessly about sensational stories. Think of your home as a sanctuary from the uncertainty of life.

Use routines - Keep scheduled mealtimes and bedtimes, and daily chores, including the kids’ homework. Also make sure there are regular periods of relaxation and fun, like a family games night or a walk. Routines provide a steady rhythm and research

shows that when your day has an organised framework, you develop a greater tolerance for unpredictability.

Choose information sources carefully - During uncertain times be guardedly curious and try not to accept sensational stories as factual.

Embrace uncertainty - Ultimately we have to live with uncertainty. Cultivating hope and possibility during uncertain times is important. Instead of focusing on sadness or anxiety, shift the focus to wonder or curiosity. Confronting what we don’t know can trigger creative thinking and problem solving and help you and your family feel empowered in the face of the unpredictable.

Practice gratitude - Make time to notice and reflect on the good and meaningful things and people in your life and encourage your children or grandchildren to do the same. Studies show that gratitude generates feel-good neurochemicals serotonin and dopamine in your brain which help to reduce worry.

By Kate McCarthy

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN APRIL 1 APRIL St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘Huntingdonshire Cyclists Battalion’

by Martyn Smith.

Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 1, 22 & 29 APRIL Great Fen Little Bugs 10.30am-12pm Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights Wildlife Trust BCN child member £5, non-member £7 A fun and sociable morning of exploration and discovery for preschool children and their guardians.

Web: wildlifebcn.org 2 APRIL Huntingdon Comedy Club 7.30pm Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Tickets £13 + booking fee With Tez Ilyas, Jessica Fostekew, Joe Hobbs and Jon Long. * Line up may be subject to change.

Web: www.chuckl.co.uk/ huntingdon-april 3 APRIL Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Derelict Hill Farm to Garden in a year or two or Twenty’ with Derry Watkins., well-known nursery owner. Plants for sale.

Visitors welcome – small charge.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 4 APRIL St Neots Astronomical Association 7.30-9.30pm Paxton Pits Visitor Centre Meets first Monday of the month (second if bank holiday). Regular presentations with expert speakers.

Regular observing nights. Library of books to borrow. Advice on buying your first telescope. Support and advice for setting up your new telescope. Non-members welcome - first visit free.

Web: snaa.co.uk

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5 APRIL Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, non-members £3, under 18s free Burghley House Gardens Head Gardener, Joe Whitehead, talks about his background and his role in maintaining and developing the gardens which were originally designed largely by Capability Brown. Raffle.

Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com for more info/to book

6 & 13 APRIL Children’s Multi Sports Activities 2-4pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Free event Organised by Little Paxton Parish Council. For children aged 5-11 years. Bring a water bottle. Limited numbers so booking essential.

Contact the Clerk to book - include full name of child, parent/carer’s name and contact telephone number on emails.

Tel: 01480 470193 Email: clerk@ littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

5-8 APRIL AND 11-14 APRIL Holiday Bushcraft for 5-12 years 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park £38 per child/day Experienced qualified teachers from Wild Thyme & Embers will inspire children and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild.

Focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach encouraging self-confidence and sense of achievement.

Web: wildthymeandembers.co.uk

7 & 8 APRIL Curious Creatures 11am-3pm St Neots Museum Children £4 Create your own curious creature to take home. What incredible creature will you create? See website for specific booking information.

Web: stneotsmuseum.org.uk

5 & 12 APRIL St Neots & District Camera Club 7.15pm for 7.30pm Bowls Club Regular talks and competitions. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 6 APRIL Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, Brampton High Street Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome.

6, 13, 20 & 27 APRIL Kimbolton Bridge Club 10am-12pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday for friendly, social bridge. Players of all standards are welcome with or without a partner. Just turn up!

7, 14, 21 & 28 APRIL Bingo 7.30pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club Eyes down for the weekly Bingo session! Web: www.assc.org.uk 19 APRIL Wild Flowers of Wandlebury 10am-12pm Wandlebury Country Park Free event – suggested donation £3 Gentle guided walk to learn about spring wild flowers at Wandlebury Country Park. Led by a knowledgeable CambridgePPF Warden. Meet at the large noticeboard in the car park. Booking not required.

Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/ 19 APRIL 10am-12pm Dementia Café St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers.

Tel: George 07725 588145 Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN APRIL 19 & 26 APRIL St Neots Sinfonia 7.45-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Tuesday in term time.

Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotssinfonia.org.uk 20 APRIL Godmanchester WI 7.30pm Church Hall, Chadley Lane, Godmanchester Meets the third Wednesday of the month. Regular speakers and activities. New members welcome.

20 & 27 APRIL St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time.

Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 21 APRIL Little Paxton Annual Parish Meeting 7pm Little Paxton Village Hall Meeting Room The Parish Councillors welcomes Little Paxton residents to the Annual Parish meeting to hear the Parish Council activities during the past 12 months and the plans for the future.

22 APRIL Kimbolton Community Cinema 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, £4 + booking fee online West Side Story (PG-13). Tickets from Bytes Café Mondays and Fridays 10am-12.30pm, online or on the door if available. kimbolton.cinema@gmail.com Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ mandeville-hall-kimbolton 24 APRIL The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk 10.30am. Free event – donations welcome. Portholme Meadow is a haven for breeding birds such as corn bunting and skylark and supports a rich variety of flora. Led by Dr Pat Doody.

Meet at Godmanchester Bridge (TL2446570594). What3Words will.payback.butternut. For those parking elsewhere, meet at Godmanchester Lock (TL2410070413).

Tel: Pat Doody 01480 392706 27 APRIL Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm. Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade Warden Abbey Vineyard. Nestled between the picturesque villages of Old Warden and Cardington, hear the fascinating story of how a vineyard came to be planted on this beautiful Bedfordshire site in medieval times. shuttleworth.org/talks-programme

28 APRIL St Neots & District Gardening Club Meetings 7.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50. ‘All about roses’ by Jacqueline Aviolet. www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk 29 APRIL Knit, Lit and Natter 2pm Huntingdon Library Do you love to knit, crochet or sew? Do you also love to read? Get together with other crafters to work on projects and chat about books. Call or pop into the library to join up.

Tel: 0345 045 5225 29 APRIL Quiz Night. 8pm. Alconbury Sports & Social Club £3 each. Teams of six. Prize for the winner. www.assc.org.uk 1 MAY The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk. 10.30am Free event – donations welcome. Experience the sight and scent of a carpet of bluebells in the ancient Brampton Wood. Meet at Visitors Barn, Brampton Wood (TL184698). What3Words plates. plodding.photocopy. Park in the Trust car park.

Tel: George 01480 450809

21 & 28 APRIL Riverport Singers 10.15-11.15am The Corn Exchange, St Ives Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Come along and sing a range of songs (folk, pop, musicals) in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Tel: Agi 07757 811802 Email: agipeach@icloud.com Web: Facebook.com/ riverportsingers

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G.B.BUILDERS NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing

Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

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Reducing Waste

There is no such place as ‘away’ We all have to buy things.

We all produce waste in doing so. We all have the power to reduce the impact this has on our planet.

The expression ‘throw it away’ has become so common place in our society, that it is often forgotten that there is no such place as away. When we have finished with an item, we have the ability to dispose of it into our bins and it is taken away and dealt with, and we do not need to think about it again. However, if we all did start to think about it, we might all start to change where we decide to put it, or if we create it at all.

The majority of the ‘waste’ we create can be recycled. We may not be able to recycle it all at the kerbside, but there is usually a lot of valuable resource within products at the end of their life.

It is also worth noting, that if a lot of energy went into making a product that is subsequently sent to landfill, a lot more energy will have to go into making the new replacement product, increasing the emissions created. With a little forethought and a little planning, we can reduce the amount of ‘waste’ that we waste, as well as the emissions we cause when buying products.

Textiles (clothing and fabric) should never be sent to landfill, so should not be placed in your kerbside collections. Textiles are a very energy intensive product. In other words, they use a lot of energy and emit a lot of carbon during the process of being made. This is from growing or mining for the materials, to dying processes and transporting it around the world for the different stages of production. When they are no longer wanted, they should be sent on for reuse by either being sold or donated. Even when textiles become worn out, they can still be sent for recycling if taken to the right places.

You can recycle textiles at any of the ASTCO clothing banks across the district (find your local one here: www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/bins-waste/ recycling-centres/#RecyclingBanks) as well as some charity shops, just remember to clearly mark the bag as rags.

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Food is another product that should be carefully considered. We can reduce the amount of emissions linked to our food by changing our diets. But other ways to reduce emissions is to minimise food waste as much as possible and then sending any food waste created to be composted. For example, due to the 20 million slices of bread thrown away in UK homes every day, 318,000 tonnes of CO2 is unnecessarily generated every year.

Not only should we be thinking about this at the end of the life of an item, we should be thinking about it when we buy new items.  Are we buying a product we simply do not need?  Are we buying an item we know will not last?  Could we buy a better quality item that would last longer?  Could we buy a product that can be easily recycled over one that is much more difficult to recycle?  Could we buy a product that can be reused time and time again, rather than a single use item?

If you are looking to reduce your waste, and would like some support, please do get in touch WasteMinimisation@Huntingdonshire.gov.uk or via our social media Facebook – @Huntingdonshire Recycles Twitter – @HDC Recycles Instagram – @Recycle For Huntingdonshire.

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Technology

The best coffee machines for every day Our recommendations for making fantastic flat whites and excellent espresso Coffee machines typically come in three different flavours. The simplest and most affordable machines are filter coffee makers, which you load with ground coffee and wait for the hot water to pass through it and into the jug below. Then there are capsule coffee machines, into which you insert single-cup capsules that can make anything from speciality coffees to hot chocolate. And finally, at the more expensive end of the market there are bean-to-cup machines, which you fill with beans that they grind before passing hot water over them.

Bean-to-cup machines make brilliant coffee (depending of course on the beans you use), but while it’s possible to get a miniature beanto-cup machine for about £40 the good ones start at around £250 and continue well past the £1,000 mark, with machines at the high end featuring extremely high water pressure, artificial intelligence, tablet-style displays and more coffee options than you could possibly drink in a lifetime. Some also include milk frothers for creamy cappuccinos and flat whites.

If you’re serious about coffee but don’t want to spend serious money, both Dolce Gusto and Nespresso coffee machines are very affordable – around £35 to £90 at the time of writing – and the pods come in at around 50p each for Nespresso and 20p each for Dolce Gusto. Although the machines themselves are very simple, the available pods cover every conceivable kind of coffee, enabling you to make whatever you like without any fuss whatsoever.

Last but not least there are the familiar filter coffee makers, with prices starting below £25 and rising to about £200 for prestigious brands such as Smeg. Although most such coffee makers have a keep-warm function, we’d recommend turning them off when they’re not in use: we’ve burnt through many filter coffee makers whose heating elements failed after just a few months of fairly intensive use.

In addition to all of these machines there’s another option: the Aeropress. This £30 coffee maker is similar to but faster and easier to clean than a French press: simply combine water and ground coffee, let it sit for a bit and then press the plunger down to deliver a smooth and mellow drink.

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Aeropress Unlike the other coffee machines here, the Aeropress has no electric or electronic parts: it does its magic by air pressure.

Simply fill it with coffee and hot water, wait a bit and then plunge for perfect coffee. £29.99, aeropress.co.uk

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini Me If even a Nespresso machine is too big, this tiny machine packs a seriously caffeinated punch thanks to its Dolce Gusto pods, which are even more affordable than Nespresso ones. £56, Amazon UK

Nespresso Vertuo Plus If you want high-end coffee without the high-end price tag, Nespresso machines are much more affordable and make it easy to get excellent coffee every time. £199, nespresso.com Jura E6 Platinum Jura’s coffee machines are incredibly impressive. The E6 is packed with cutting-edge coffee technology that makes it really easy to use. It has eleven different specialities and there’s an intelligent water filter for perfect taste. £599, hartsofstur.com Delonghi Magnifica ESAM4200 We’ll admit bias here: we’re on our second Magnifica and they’re magnificent bean-to-cup machines.

They’re quite noisy but the results are worth a few seconds of grinding and wheezing, and they’re particularly great with famous Italian coffee brands. £349, delonghi.com

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A RELIABLE, QUALITY SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST • Gas Boiler Installation, Servicing and Repairs • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates • Central Heating System Installation and Upgrades • Radiator Flushing • All General Plumbing Based in St. Neots Covering All Surrounding Areas

FREE QUOTES ALL WORK GUARANTEED FULLY INSURED Tel: 07502 253276 Web: www.meltonheating.co.uk Email: info.meltonheating@gmail.com meltonplumbingandheating

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Sport

Try Something New

Martial Arts If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, why not try martial arts? You’ll improve your coordination and flexibility, it’s a great way to meet people, and it can really boost your confidence. And you’re never too old to learn. Many clubs offer adult or mixed classes.

Which martial art to choose There are several types of martial art to choose from. It’s worth finding out a bit more about all the different ones that are offered in your local area. Are you mainly looking for a way to keep fit or do you want to learn self-defence? Do you want to take part in competitions? Do you want to learn to fight with weapon such as swords or sticks, or would you rather focus on unarmed combat?

Clubs usually offer taster sessions for free or at a reduced rate, so you could try a few types to see which one most appeals.

How to learn You’ll want to join a club that’s registered with a governing body, such as the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain or The British Karate Association. Make sure that the club is fully insured and check the senior instructor’s credentials.

If you’re hoping to compete, you may want to choose a larger club that has been successful in tournaments. If you’re just looking for a fun activity, you might prefer a smaller club with a family atmosphere.

It’s worth asking for recommendations on social

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media and within your friendship group.

What you’ll need For most martial arts, you’ll need to buy an outfit, such as a dobok (tae kwon-do) or gi (karate, judo, aikido, and jiujitsu). However, clubs will usually let you wear normal sports clothes for your first few sessions.

It’s a good idea to wait to buy the outfit until you’ve spoken to your instructor, as they may need you to wear a uniform that’s branded with the club logo or that’s been approved by their parent association.

Branded outfits tend to cost around £30 to £40, but non-branded gis are often a lot cheaper. You can also pick up second-hand outfits on eBay and dedicated Facebook selling groups.

As you progress, you may need more equipment, such as a sparring kit. Again, these can often be picked up second-hand.

How much it costs Costs vary depending on the type of martial art.

You’ll likely need to pay an annual membership fee of £20 to £40, plus a monthly payment for classes.

Some clubs do offer a ‘pay as you go’ membership, however. Gradings (where you move onto the next level or belt) cost extra, as do tournaments.

If you’re worried about the cost, the best thing to do is speak to the club’s senior instructor. They’ll be able to give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend over the year.

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Short Story

By Jackie Brewster

A Musical Feast “Watch out, Jayne.” Doreen nudged her friend as they took their balcony seats for tonight’s performance of ‘Sounds of the Seventies’. “We’ve been spotted by Nigel, the food police.”

Nigel was employed by Frog Alley Theatre to take tickets and show people to their seats, but he took the job far too seriously. During tonight’s show there would be no dancing, no flash photography and categorically no food or drink in the auditorium.

Doreen and Jayne had had dealings with him before.

In the last year he’d confiscated three boxes of midget gems, a bar of fruit and nut and twelve tubes of extra strong mints. Now he was heading in their direction, waving his torch.

“Nice to see you ladies making the effort for the occasion,” he whispered loudly. The poster for the show said ‘dress to impress’, and Doreen and Jayne had answered the call. Both were wearing sequinned boob tubes, satin flares and huge pink afro wigs.

“Why can I smell vinegar?” He sniffed the air suspiciously. Doreen and Jayne glanced at each other.

“That’s my new perfume.” Jayne sat down gingerly, holding onto her wig. “Are you making up rules about how the audience should smell now?”

“You both have a reputation for food smuggling.”

Nigel tapped his torch against his palm. “I’m right to be suspicious.”

“Don’t panic Nigel, we’ve learned our lesson,” Doreen huffed. “Look at us, we’ve nowhere to smuggle anything. Check my handbag if you like.”

Nigel gave the offered purse a cursory glance but

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there was nothing to be found. Doreen’s wig was slowly starting to slide off her head. He reached out, and, uninvited, straightened it. It made a curious crunchy sound.

“Would you mind removing your wig?” he frowned.

“I certainly do mind.” Doreen shook her head. The wig wobbled precariously. “It’s part of the outfit.”

“It’s obstructing the view, they both are.”

“Whose view?” Jayne turned round. “There’s no one behind us.”

“Besides,” Doreen snorted, “you can’t tell folks to take off their clothes, it’s not that sort of show.”

“I insist you show me what’s under your wig,” Nigel said firmly. The lights went down and audience members started coughing.

“It’s just newspaper.” She lifted the front of the wig to reveal a corner of yesterday’s Evening Post. “See? You fill the wig with scrunched-up newspaper to give it height.”

“Now leave us alone or I’ll be asking for your manager,” Jayne said crossly. “I’m sure you’re not supposed to be manhandling audience members.”

There was the unmistakeable sound of someone opening a can of pop in row G and Nigel’s head snapped round. He scowled and sloped off, his torch beam dazzling everyone as he walked past.

“Has he gone?” Doreen said. She reached beneath her wig and pulled out a newspaper-wrapped bundle.

“Did you get cod or haddock?” she asked her friend, as the curtain went up and the band began playing.

“I’ll swap you a piece for some of my chips.”

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Books

Books for wellbeing The Comfort Book Matt Haig

Author Matt Haig has been very open about his struggles with depression. His latest book is a collection of sayings, thoughts and recollections that offer comfort when times are hard. Many of us find it difficult to focus when we’re feeling down, anxious or burnt out. With The Comfort Book, you can just flick through and read the quote that catches your eye. That might be a story snippet, a list, music recommendations or a recipe.

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We often berate ourselves for spending too much time scrolling through social media or getting distracted when we should be concentrating.

Johann Hari explains why the inability to focus is not a personal failing – it’s an alltoo-common side effect of modern life. Crucially, he also shares science-backed advice to help you reclaim your ability to focus.

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Stuck in a rut and not sure how to move forward? In Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King gives practical and inspirational tips for tackling negative thoughts, improving self-esteem and finding the motivation to make positive changes. Ultimately, his goal is to help you to both love yourself for who you are now and to make the changes that will improve your life for the better.

Broken (in the best possible way) Jenny Lawson

We all need a good belly laugh sometimes. Broken gives you that, plus so much more. As the blurb says, it’s a book about ‘living, surviving and thriving with anxiety’. It’s written like a stream of consciousness in parts, as Lawson shares anecdotes and lessons from her life. Raw, honest, relatable.

The Sleep Book Dr Guy Meadows

Anyone who struggles to sleep knows the impact it can have on daily life. The Sleep Book isn’t a recent release, but it’s one of the most wellresearched – Dr Meadows has worked with more than 2,000 insomniacs. The result is a five-week plan to solve insomnia, mainly focusing on mindfulness and ACT (‘act and commitment’) therapy. It’s not a magic cure, but the advice is practical and easy to follow.

Reflections Holly Willoughby

In Reflections, TV presenter Holly Willoughby shares her ‘toolkit’ for living a happier, more connected life. She talks of the rituals, techniques and positive habits that have helped her to reconnect, tackle anxiety and feel more grounded. It’s a deeply personal book – she discusses body image, burnout and other challenges – but it’s not an autobiography. While most of us don’t lead a celebrity lifestyle, there are still many nuggets of wisdom that readers will find useful.

By Kate Duggan

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