VILLAGER The
Issue 112 - August 2018
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
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Fairground Attraction
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Inside this issue... 52
Smoke Signals to Smart Phones Dusty Victorian Streets in St. Neots..................................................4 What on Earth? The History of Surrealism........................................6 Sigiriya: The Lion Rock in Sri Lanka.................................................10 Win a Family Ticket to Hemmings Green Activity Farm...................12 Summer Sunscreen Tips.................................................................14 Wines: A Good Choice - Rosé..........................................................17 Children’s Choir..............................................................................18 Eat to Boost Your Mood..................................................................20 World Famous Bjorn Again.............................................................23 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.............................................................24 Use Style to Blow Away Negativity During Menopause..................26 Fairground Attraction.....................................................................30 Are you a parent with children below the age of 18?.....................32 Picnic Power...................................................................................35 New School Year, New Home..........................................................36 A Helping Hand..............................................................................37 Managing the cost of entertaining the kids this summer...............39
P&R Interiors..................................................................................40 Lethal Leatherjackets.....................................................................43 The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.............................................45 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..............................................................46 Animal Know-How.........................................................................48 Best Convertibles for under £2000.................................................50 Smoke Signals to Smartphones......................................................52 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe.........................................................55 Better Health? There’s an App for that!...........................................56 Puzzle Page....................................................................................60 What’s On.......................................................................................62 Den Building..................................................................................65 The Roaming Empire......................................................................67 Back to Stay...................................................................................68 Celebrating the well-dressed well..................................................70 Fun Quiz.........................................................................................73 Prize Crossword..............................................................................74 9th Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival......................................77 Book Review..................................................................................78
P&R Interiors
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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, Catherine Rose, Solange Hando, Louise Addison, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Tom Hancock, Centre for Complementary Health, Leeds Day Solicitors, Tracey Anderson, Tony Larkins, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, James Baggott, Nick Coffer, Alison Runham, Sarah Davey, Kate McLelland, Barry Ingram and Kate Duggan
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History
Dusty Victorian Streets in St. Neots
2018 seems set to go down as a memorable year, especially as regards a long period of summer dryness which few under two score years have experienced. Glum gardeners looked out from air conditioned conservatories sited next to empty water-butts observing wilting flowers and increasingly brown and dusty lawns. Their Victorian ancestors also had dry summers but also had to deal with the dust from their local gravel roads and looked to their local council to provide regular watering of roads at minimum expense to their ratepayers pockets. The streets of St. Neots in 1858 were described as being ‘enveloped in dust’, but there was no money in the Town Commissioners funds to pay for street watering, and they were left asking for voluntary subscriptions to provide relief from lung clogging particles. In May 1862, the local paper was able to report that they had decided ‘very wisely’ on street watering for that year. This was not maintained and in 1869 there were again complaints about the failure of the authorities to do their duty, with the claim made that the dust had become ‘repugnant’. Fresh hopes of a reliable, regular watering policy were raised with the setting up of a committee to provide regular street watering. This was soon proving ineffective, as complaints of dry and dusty roads in April 1871 were accompanied by an appeal for the water carts to be put to use.
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By Peter Ibbett
Once the new Local Board was established street watering became a regular practice, and each year was put out to tender. This was not always cost effective, as in 1880, when William Chapman’s tender was the only one received. A further difficulty in that year was that the water carts took so much water from the ponds in Eynesbury that they drained them. As a result the Local Board was forced, rather reluctantly, into sinking a well and installing a pump on Eynesbury Green. As the first well did not yield as much as expected, they had to order the drilling of a second well in 1881. Water supplies were gradually improved and the greater use of motor vehicles after the 1st WW saw the replacement of gravel by tarmac and the consignment of the road water cart to history. The council workers in the Dog & Duck yard by Eynesbury bridge in late Victorian times had to keep the streets clean, dry and smooth with the help of their equipment and traction engine roller. As you cross over from the Market Square into New Street to visit the local museum ponder on the fact that our ancestors might approve of our clean air until you explain about the invisible exhaust gases from the nearby cars that need an expensive rare metal catalyst rather than a water cart to help protect our lungs! Thanks to the St. Neots History Societies newsletter from 1997 for information.
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Our bespoke Smart Conservatory roof insulation solutions are tailored for your conservatory and can be installed with minimal disruption, making your conservatory nice and cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter. Within just a few days, you will be sitting back, relaxing in your new comfortable all-year-round living area. Having an insulated conservatory roof will not just add value to your property, but it will totally change the way you are using your downstairs living area. For more information or to request a quotation, visit our website or give us a call.
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10/05/2018 15:39
History
By Catherine Rose
What on Earth?
The History of Surrealism Surrealism was a radical philosophical movement that was born, seemingly out of nowhere, around a century ago. Famously led by artists such as Salvador Dali and André Breton, it had an enormous impact on our modern culture, encompassing not only art and literature but film, photography, music, political thought and even everyday objects. Surrealism evolved in the 1920s from Dadaism – a politically-based art movement that was a reaction to the First World War. With a Marxist bias, Dadaism rejected logic, reasoning and the status quo that its artists blamed for causing the war, and challenged traditional concepts of art. With its foundations in Dadaism, Surrealism also reflected the development of psychology which was bringing the concepts of psychoanalysis and exploration of the subconscious to the fore. Surrealist art and literature consequently used
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dream-like states and seemingly out-of-place but symbolic images to give new interpretation to the world. Despite the fact it is often thought of as purely an art form, Surrealism was first and foremost a literary movement and there were some incredible but now mostly forgotten Surrealist writers during the 1920s and 30s – for example the Polish Jewish writer Bruno Schulz who in 1934 wrote The Street of Crocodiles, a book of Surrealist short stories. (Tragically, he was shot by the Gestapo in 1942.) The word ‘surrealism’ was invented by the writer Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917 when describing a new ballet Parade written by Jean Cocteau and Erik Satie. The term was subsequently taken up by the founder of the Surrealist movement, the French poet André Breton (1896-1966).
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A writer and scientist, Breton had trained in medicine and psychiatry, working in a neurological hospital during the war where he used Freud’s theories to treat soldiers suffering from shell shock. From his experiences Breton developed a method of artistic expression called ‘automatism’, which involved writing automatically from the subconscious, enabling the artist to tap into the furthest reaches of the imagination. In his first Manifesto of Surrealism, published in 1924, Breton outlined the idea that Surrealism was a way for the arts to encourage political change as it forced people to ‘think outside the box’. His theories subsequently attracted many followers including Dali (1904-1989), the Spanish painter Joan Miro (1894-1983), German artist Max Ernst (1891-1976), filmmaker Luis Bunuel (1900-1983), American photographer Man Ray (1890-1976) and the Belgian artist Rene Magritte (1898-1967). Surrealist artworks are often disturbing and filled with strange and symbolic images, juxtaposing objects which would not be found together in real life. For example, Dali’s well-known painting The Persistence of Time shows giant clocks melting in an imaginary landscape. Perhaps less familiar but equally striking is German artist Meret Oppenheim’s Object painted in 1936, which depicts a cup, saucer and spoon made of fur. The technique of trompe l’oeil (trick of the eye) also featured in Surrealist art, as in Dali’s clever Swans Reflecting Elephants which shows swans swimming on a lake and the swans’ reflections as elephants below it. As with the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements before it, Surrealism spread its imaginative tendrils into other creative areas. Surrealist photography was taken up with enthusiasm by photographers including Man Ray, who took the memorable shot of a naked woman with two scroll-like ‘F holes’ painted on either side of the small of her back so that her body resembled a violin. Surrealist films made an appearance, the most famous and controversial at the time being the 1929 Un Chien Andalou (An Andalusian Dog) by
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Luis Bunuel and Dali, which features hands coming out of a wall and a woman having her eyeball cut open with a razorblade! (Dali was later asked by Alfred Hitchcock to create a dream sequence for his film Spellbound in 1945.) Dali, along with other artists, conceived Surrealist everyday objects such as the lobster telephone, a woman’s hat in the shape of a stiletto shoe in a collaboration with the fashion designer Elsa Schiparelli, and a sofa that was built to resemble actress Mae West’s lips. Although Surrealism was declared a dead movement by the Second World War, artists continued to produce paintings in its style, such as Magritte’s famous The Son of Man painted in 1966 (the year of André Breton’s death) where a man (Magritte himself ), wearing a 1960s suit and bowler hat, stands with his face obscured by a floating apple. The ‘realism’ of the image makes it all the more striking and is a typical technique of Surrealist art which is often three-dimensional in its appearance. Since the deaths of the original Surrealist artists, Surrealism’s legacy has lived on, heavily shaping the creative arts and thinking of today. Artists who did not consider themselves Surrealists but were clearly influenced by it include Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock. Surrealism freed writers and artists to work directly from their imaginations and to express their thoughts, rather than what they could see in front of them, in ways that had never before been achieved, except perhaps by the innovative 16th century artist Hieronymus Bosch – but that’s another article!
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Travel
By Solange Hando
Sigiriya: The Lion Rock in Sri Lanka There are no lions in Sri Lanka but when the first king arrived from India, his flag portrayed a lion symbolising hope and freedom. The Sri Lankan flag has endured ever since, except in colonial times when it was tucked away in England, in the Royal Chelsea Hospital. Today visitors come from far and wide to set eyes on Sigiriya, the Lion Rock rising in the central province, a sheer 200 metres above the plain. It’s a scenic landmark, hauntingly dramatic since patricide and usurper king Kasyapa built his palace on the very top in 477. Away from the capital, he designed this impregnable fortress to keep safe, should his half-brother, the rightful heir, return from exile. He did, in 495, and when Kasyapa foolishly came down to lead his army, the royal elephant suddenly changed direction. It was to avoid a bog, they say, but thinking this was a signal to retreat, the army deserted. Kasyapa killed himself on the spot. The palace was abandoned, Buddhist monks settled back in the caves and all was forgotten until the 19th century when the British scaled the rock and discovered the ruins. Sigiriya is now a world heritage site and whatever the crowds, the mighty copper-coloured rock takes your breath away, rugged and scarred, inaccessible, it seems, yet you can see patches of grass and lonely trees sprouting from the top. At the base of the rock, a gentle stroll takes you past the remains of outer and inner ramparts, the moats and water gardens, until you reach the
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natural archway marking the start of the steep stone steps. Then it’s a climb to the fresco cave – branching up a near vertical spiral staircase – where sensuous bejewelled maidens have beckoned for over 1,500 years. With slender waists and generous bosoms, the ladies of the court appear almost unreal in soft golden colours. Over the centuries, myriad pilgrims and artists have fallen in love with these Cloud Maidens and recorded their impressions on the nearby Mirror Wall. Roughly half-way up, the open Lion Terrace is a great place to rest, enjoy the view and gaze at what was once the Lion Staircase House, the last and only gateway to the palace on the top. The lion lost its head long ago but the massive paws carved into the rock beckon the fittest up the last dizzying stairway. The summit takes everyone by surprise, a plateau stretching 1.5 hectares, glowing with red terraces and ancient walls. This is the highest point and innermost precinct of the whole complex, where a royal garden and outer and inner palaces converged on a rock-cut pool. There are very few ruins up there but no one seems to mind, for spellbinding vistas lead you from the plain and formal gardens far below to the wooded slopes, the terraced gardens and the boulder gardens where the dramatic ‘Cobra Hood Cave’ preserves fragments of ancient paintings. Mountains rise in the distance, but on this lofty perch you feel on top of the world.
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Win a Family Ticket to visit Herrings Green Activity Farm & Bird of Prey Centre
Herrings Green Activity Farm is a family run business so we know how important it is to provide our visitors with a feel good family day out. Home to over 200 animals and birds of prey, the farm allows visitors to get close encounters with our birds and animals. Every day we have interactive displays and keeper talks going on every thirty minutes including meet and handle our owls, pat a pet, flying displays, groom our donkeys, animal and critter displays, have a go at flying an owl, shire horse talk and more. As well as all of our displays there is lots to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day: children’s play areas including our new for 2018 pirates’ cove, crazy golf, tractor and trailer rides, craft barn, pony rides (additional cost), tyre trails & barrel rides (additional cost). If you just fancy sitting back and relaxing then you can enjoy an array of delicious cakes, freshly baked baguettes, and a variety of hot drinks from our tea room, visit our traditional sweet shop for tasty treats or our ice cream parlour. With an amazing team of friendly staff we are able to give you a memorable day out for the whole family. All activities are included in the general admission prices, there’s no need to pre-book just come along and join in the fun. Adult £12.50 Senior £11.50 Child (3-15 years) £9.50 Family (2 adults & 2 children) £34.50 Children under 3 years are free. The farm also offers a variety of experience days; 2 hour, half and full day experiences for all ages. Get closer to the birds, meet, handle and free fly many different species of owls, hawks, eagles and falcons. See our website for more details. To be in with a chance to win a family ticket to Herrings Green Farm simply send your entry by 16th August 2018 to: Herrings Green Farm Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The winner will be drawn randomly.
HERRINGS GREEN FARM COMPETITION ENTRY
For a chance to win a family ticket to Herrings Green Farm simply complete your details below and post your entry by 16th Aug 2018 to: Herrings Green Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:
Herrings Green Farm, Cotton End Road, Wilstead, Bedfordshire MK45 3DT www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk Tel: 01234 742362/01234 742766 Open 7 days a week 10.00 – 5.00
Address:
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Health
By Louise Addison
Summer Sunscreen Tips
Don’t skimp – You need to apply a shot glass-sized amount of suntan lotion in the morning, then reapply every couple of hours. Skimping means you aren’t protected! High is not necessarily best – It’s better to reapply factor 30 every couple of hours than to apply factor 70 once. Choose Broad Spectrum – These sunscreens provide the maximum protection against the widest range of UV wavelengths. Don’t forget - the eyes, the tip of the nose, the tops of the feet, the lips, and near the hairline and scalp. These are the places people most commonly suffer sun-burn. Apply even if you’re not at the beach – Incidental sun exposure from walking down the street, driving with the windows open and sitting in front of a window, account for most of our exposure to UV throughout our lives. Apply suntan lotion wherever you are! Reapply – Even water-resistant sunscreen needs regular reapplication. If it’s expired throw it out – Expired sunscreen breaks down and is less effective. Use a high SPF moisturiser – Every day, even in the winter! It really is the best thing you can do to protect your skin daily.
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Food and Drink
Wines:
A Good Choice – Rosé Rosé wines are very popular for drinking in the summer months. Now, with several styles being available, made utilising a wide variety of grapes, they can be enjoyed throughout the full year. Popularity speaks for itself, as many countries, worldwide, now produce these wines, which incorporate some of their colour from the grape skins. Adding colour to a dining table and al fresco, for example, as well as making fabulous apéritifs, these wines are a great choice. Indeed, sophistication comes to mind, when the pink wines are around.
La Vieille Ferme Rosé (France) is a very popular (dry) wine. I find this has pleasant, light-red fruits for the bouquet and most pleasing mouthfeel, which continues on, to the palate sensation. Pairs well with grilled meats, salads and a lot of cuisine. Coeur de Cardeline (France) is a further, often-selected, production. This Côtes de Provence pale-pink pleaser exudes a bouquet of summer fruits, which enticingly leads to the mouth’s pleasures. The excellent flavours continue to the palate, for a most satisfying finish. Grilled meats, fish, pasta and salads, match very well with this wine. Arniston Bay Rosé (South Africa) is a Fairtrade production which graces many dining tables. The name is a reference to the blue skies, wonderful beaches and the fishing village. Again, the bouquet pleases, very well and the mouthfeel follows, with red berry flavours, plus a positive, memorable finish. Great to accompany numerous dishes of cuisine. These are just a selection. Each to their own and we all have our preferences – whether red, white, sparkling or other. Take pleasure in finding your favourites. I located these wines at Co-op stores. Having been a customer of the Co-op for many years, I have noticed an increase in the variety of household goods and foods, as time progresses. With the choices of wines, spirits, beers and other beverages available, the Co-op, I consider, is most worthwhile visiting. If Co-op membership is of interest, then customesr gain rewards on selected purchases and products. The Co-op also supports Fairtrade. For more details www.coop.co.uk www.infofairtrade.net
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Local News
Children’s Choir
The producers of a touring show, coming to the Corn Exchange, Cambridge on Wednesday November 14th, are looking for a children’s choir to perform with the cast during the concert. The Ballads of Child Migration, featuring the 2 time Olivier Award winning actress and singer Barbara Dickson, tells the story of the 100,000 British children who were sent from their homes and families to live on the other side of the world during the early part of the last century. The choir, which should be of between 15 and 25 in number and between 8 and 15 years in age, would be required to rehearse the 2 songs, come to the Corn Exchange during the late afternoon of November 14 to rehearse with the cast and then perform the 2 songs with the cast as part of the evening concert. If you are part of, or associated with a children’s choir and would like the opportunity to join the full cast of the show on 2 songs during the concert, including the grand finale, the producers would like to hear from you. Send your details to Nikki Cannon at Nikki.cannon@7digital.com and the producers will contact you with more details. This is what the author Michael Morpurgo has to say about the production: “This wonderful concert tells the story of child migration in words and music, tells it so well that anyone who hears it, will feel the pain and sorrow and fears such children lived through, but they will know of the hope too, and of their determination to survive.”
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Health & Lifestyle
Eat to Boost Your Mood We all feel a bit low from time to time. Try modifying your diet. Go Mediterranean: Scientists have found that those who followed a classic Mediterranean diet were 30 per cent less likely to develop depression. It is thought that the combination of omega 3 fatty acids together with natural unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants from olive oil and nuts, flavonoids and other phytochemicals from fruit and other plant foods and large amounts of natural folates and other B vitamins in the overall Mediterranean dietary pattern may help to protect against depression. Eat selenium: Studies have linked low mood with low levels of the mineral selenium. Eating nuts is the best way to increase your intake. Brazil nuts are the most concentrated selenium source. Just three nuts contain the recommended daily intake of selenium for a woman. Watch your blood sugar: The glycaemic index (GI) is a numerical system that indicates how quickly carbohydrates will make your blood sugar levels rise. Fluctuations in blood sugar lead to
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swings in mood and energy. Choose foods that are slow to digest, and which offer a gradual, sustained energy release. Boost your serotonin: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is converted in our bodies into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression. Proteins such as lean chicken, tuna, salmon and beans are tryptophan-rich and have been proven to boost the mood. Get plenty of fish: Research suggests that omega 3, the essential fatty acids found in fish oils, can improve your mood. Regular consumption of oily fish (salmon, tuna and mackeral) has been associated with better moods and a higher selfreported mental health, even after adjustment for factors such as income, age and other eating patterns. Remember that depression is not low mood. It is a serious mental health condition. If you think you are suffering from depression please consult your GP.
By Louise Addison
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Jill Dighton BSc (Hons) 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: Visit: www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk Email: j.dighton@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 07925 852 985 (Voicemail available)
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Local News
World famous Bjorn Again to perform Abba’s greatest hits at new EACH music festival A new festival at Huntingdon Racecourse will take the crowd back in time to some of the best music from the last 50 years – all in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The first ever EACH FEST is set for Saturday, 25 August and promises to be a real bank holiday weekend spectacular. Headlining will be Bjorn Again, the critically-acclaimed group who have performed Abba’s greatest hits in over 100 countries and are endorsed by Abba themselves. Supreme Queen, regarded by many as the UK’s leading Queen tribute act, The Rolling Stones Now, also a UK leader, and The 2FBS, who have been raising roofs across East Anglia with their classic rock tunes for over 10 years now, will also take the stage. Lesa Barker, EACH Head of Regional Fundraising, said: “We’re so excited to have such a stellar line-up taking us back in time. All these bands really look, sound and move like the real rock stars – you have to see it to believe it! “With the wonderful Huntingdon Racecourse hosting this event, we have a safe and secure site to cater for the whole family. This really promises to be a day to remember, so make sure you secure your tickets now.” EACH cares for over 360 children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and supports over 450 family members. It has three hospices across East Anglia, including one at Milton. They are not just for end-of-life care, they are often very happy and fun places where young people can live life to their full potential. One of the events staff at Milton have run annually over the last three years is EACHfest – effectively a mini festival to provide young people EACH cares for with a
social opportunity they might not otherwise be able to access and experience. The charity is now rolling out this concept on a broader scale for its supporters and the wider community. The fun-packed day at Huntingdon Racecourse will feature not only music, but also children’s stalls, inflatables and face painting. Independent traders will provide a range of food and drinks outside. There will be an indoor restaurant and bar, too. Tickets for adults start from £25 and for children from £14. Parking is free, with disabled parking close to the venue entrance.
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Complementary Health
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term disabling tiredness (fatigue) affecting everyday life and it does not go away with sleep or rest. Who is affected? Around 250,000 people in the UK have CFS, many of which were previously fit and active. Anyone can get CFS, although it is three times more common in women than in men. The most common age is usually between the early 20s to mid-40s. Symptoms The main symptom of CFS is severe fatigue following mental or physical activity. This does not go away with sleep or rest, and the fatigue is mental as well as physical. Some people describe it as overwhelming, a different type of tiredness from what they have experienced before, which is not due to exhaustion. There will be times when your symptoms improve and you will be able to do many normal, everyday activities. However, at other times your symptoms can flare up and get worse, affecting your daily life. Exercising can make symptoms worse and the effect of exercise can sometimes be delayed, so after playing sport you may not feel the fatigue for a few hours or even a couple of days after. Other Symptoms There can be other symptoms as well as fatigue, however people do not experience all of these. These include: • muscular pain, joint pain and severe headaches • short-term memory loss and difficulty concentrating • difficulty organising your thoughts and finding the right words • painful lymph nodes • stomach pain and other problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome • recurrent sore throat • sensitivity to light, loud noise, alcohol and certain foods • psychological difficulties, such as depression and panic attacks How is CFS diagnosed? There isn’t a specific test for CFS, so it can take a while for it to be diagnosed because other conditions with similar symptoms need to be ruled out first. Your GP should ask you about your
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medical history and give you a physical examination. They may also offer you blood tests or urine tests to rule out other conditions first. Treating CFS Treatment for CFS aims to relieve the symptoms and will depend on how it is affecting you. Treatments include: • cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) • a structured exercise programme called graded exercise therapy (GET) • medication to control pain, nausea and sleeping problems • Complementary therapies - while there is not enough evidence that complementary therapies are effective treatments for CFS, different therapies may help different people. Most people with CFS get better over time, although some people don’t make a full recovery. It’s also likely there will be periods when your symptoms get better or worse. Please get in touch with us at the Centre if you’d like more information on CFS and how we might be able to help manage your symptoms.
Centre for Complimentary Health Web: www.CentreForCompHealth.com Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com Phone: 01480 455221
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your secret haven of relaxation…
...let your senses wander and your mind unwind... Call us on 01223 263469
Burwash Manor, New Road, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7EY e. info@burwashdragonfly.com • www.burwashdragonfly.com Beauty SpaVillager Advert AUGUST14 131x94mm.indd 1 01767 261122 To Dragonfly advertise in The and Town Life please call
25 07/02/2017 15:54
House of Colour
Use Style to Blow Away Negativity During Menopause Menopause is steeped in negativity, rarely talked about openly and is often associated with weight gain, mood swings and hot flushes. However, menopause is different for every woman and there are many ways we can halt the negative association of this all-important phase in life that every woman goes through. To follow are tips on how to build your confidence using style and colour during Menopause. 1. Its not always easy but try seeing this as a new phase to your life; perhaps a new chance to reinvent yourself and to celebrate your body, skin and confidence. Always highlight your body parts that you like and don’t think, just perhaps because you are on the good side of fifty, that you must fade into the background! Now is your time! 2. Oestrogen is key to building collagen in our skin, so during menopause your skin may lose elasticity, or look duller and feel thinner or drier. Being well moisturised and wearing the right coloured makeup will make you appear healthier. The right lipstick is key! 3. Black is often thought of as a slimming colour but if you are not a winter season then it is not your colour. As we age even some winters begin to struggle to carry it off! Tailoring and the art of layering is far more helpful in creating a slimmer look. 4. If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones. 5. If you feel like foundation is too chalky on your skin now, try using a BB cream as it has all the benefits of hydrating like a moisturiser, providing the coverage of a light foundation and often contains a sunscreen. Try www. houseofcolour.co.uk/shop?category=56 6. It is important to exercise when going through menopause so keep active and choose great sportswear to keep you motivated. Get re-measured for a good fitting bra, invest in some quality sports kit including a great sports bra and choose some trainers
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in a fabulous colour from your colour palette and you are ready hit the gym or pound the pavements! 7. If you are feeling flushed, know that the right colours will bring down high colouring and if you feel your complexion needs a lift try the more vibrant colours in your colour palette. Importantly, autumns and springs suit warm tones whilst winters and summers should wear cool tones. 8. Use accessories close to your face such a scarves, necklaces or earrings in one of, or an assortment of, your wow colours to highlight your complexion and to look great. 9. Comfortable dressing will be another vital consideration during menopause so wearing the right size and shape is important. Some of us may want our clothes to skim over our torso, but make sure you do not swamp your body; you can always add a belt to bring the silhouette in a little. Learning where on your body to best wear a belt is key. It is absolutely possible to prioritise style whilst still being comfortable. 10. Wearing more breathable fabrics that allows the air to flow such as linen or 100% cotton will help with hot flushes. Avoid anything labelled100% polyester. 11. Patterns are a great way to mask sweat but choose one that really suits you. Different patterns suit different style personalities. You may have something with a lovely pattern in your wardrobe right now that fits well but never feels quite right. It probably isn’t a pattern that suits YOU.
By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultatnt at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings Jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk
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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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Local News
Eaton Socon Health Centre and Cedar House Surgery are starting a formal consultation about the possibility of merging our patient lists to create one practice. The merged practice would continue to operate from the existing Cedar House Surgery, Dumbelton Medical Centre and Eaton Socon Health Centre sites. The reasons why we would like to merge our patient lists are as follows: In January 2018, our Practices became part of Lakeside Healthcare. Lakeside Healthcare also operates surgeries in Corby, Kettering, Stamford, Rushden, Yaxley and Oundle and together we cover a combined population of just over 170,000 patients. Since January we have been working closely together and identifying ways to deliver new and innovative services for our 25,000 patients in St. Neots. While our patient lists remain separate, our St. Neots patients are unable to take advantage of the wider range of services that we could offer within the town or the wider range of clinicians available at each of our St Neots sites. The aims of our merger are therefore to:• Improve the range and quality of services available to all of our St Neots patients through primary care services built around the needs of our population. • Improve patient choice while retaining the ability for you to see your own GP or the same member of our clinical team. • Improve access to healthcare services • Offer more tailored care to patients with long-term medical conditions. • Offer a new same day service for patients with more urgent medical needs and an improved home visiting service. • Support new ways of working within the NHS such as the GP Five Year Forward plan and local Sustainability and Transformation Plans. Next Steps – we would like to hear your views There are several ways you can provide your feedback:• By completing the survey online via our Practice websites at www.cedarhousesurgery.net www. eatonsoconhealthcentre.co.uk • By completing a paper copy of the survey at your Practice. There is a designated box in each Practice for you to place your completed survey. • By attending one of the information events that we will be hosting over the next few weeks where you can speak to a member of staff about the proposed changes and what they might mean for you. Details of our information events are listed below; Date 14th August 2018 21st August 2018 21st August 2018
Venue Dumbelton Medical Centre, Chapman Way, Eynesbury, St Neots PE19 2HD Eatons Community Centre, The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8ES Eatons Centre Eatons Community Centre, The Maltings, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8ES
Time 7 pm 2.30 pm 7 pm
The closing date for feedback is 30th September and we look forward to hearing your views.
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Days Out
Fairground Attraction
Why we like to be scared
Fairs and theme parks never seem to lose their attraction. My kids love them as much as I did. The smell of candyfloss, the music and the thrills. It’s a perfect summer combination. Not everyone will agree with me though. My wife is terrified of anything more exciting than the merry-go-round. So why do I love Blackpool’s Big One, while her knuckles go white on the dodgems? According to psychologists it comes down to something he calls a “type T” personality. Type T’s are thrill-seekers who thrive on the uncertainty and intensity of activities that most people would find hair-raising. It seems some of us enjoy the physical sensations associated with fear: the adrenaline rush; the pounding heart and the sweaty palms. Scary rides make us feel alive. Terrifying experiences induce a sense of euphoria once we’re back on solid ground though we only enjoy them experts say, when we’re within a “protective frame” that assures us that deep down, we’re still safe. Recent research has pinpointed certain genes which may be responsible for those of us with type T personalities. Biochemists have isolated a gene called DRD4 which seems more common in rollercoaster-lovers like me. New technologies have allowed engineers to design coasters that change speeds
quickly, shoot up hundreds of feet into the air, and make all sorts of twists and subject the body to intense forces. Research suggests that extreme fairground rides tend to appeal particularly to those of us who lead stressful, structured or controlled lives. It’s certainly true that roller coasters are a way of breaking out of the humdrum expectations of everyday life. Theme parks allow us to act like children again; to experience true excitement and behave a little wildly. Where else as an adult can you scream at the top of your lungs and throw your arms in the air without being sent for psychological evaluation? Adventure parks are also a great way of bringing families and friends together. Riders share the thrill and adventure of having survived what feels like an extreme experience, even though the rides there are very safe. This bonds the participants more closely. It’s even been suggested because of this that theme parks and rollercoasters are good places to go on a date because in situations of high emotional intensity attraction is more likely. If you’re looking for a great day out this summer where you can get in touch with your inner risktaker, feel closer to your family and maybe even find romance...head for the nearest theme park. It’s a scream!
By Tom Hancock
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Leeds Day Solicitors
Are you a parent with children below the age of 18? Why parents need to appoint guardians for their children We all hope that we will be able to take care of our children throughout their childhoods but what if the worst happens? Although most people appreciate that it is important to make a Will in order to deal with financial matters, for the parents of young children it is perhaps even more important to make a Will as this provides an opportunity to appoint guardians for them. In the event of the death of the parents of a child, it will usually be family members who will step in to take responsibility. But what if for some reason those family members are unsuitable or unwilling to help. Grandparents may feel unable to assume responsibility full time and other close relatives may live many miles away. This may mean children being uprooted and moving to another part of the country at an already very distressing time. Family members may also have responsibilities of their own which would make it difficult for them to step into the role of guardian. The choice as to who should take responsibility for your children, like any other important decision regarding their welfare, should be made by you as their parent. So, who can appoint a guardian? If you have “parental responsibility� for a child, you can appoint a guardian for them to act in the event of your death. Where a child is born to married parents, both parents will have parental responsibility. Where parents are unmarried,
only the mother will automatically have parental responsibility but a father can acquire parental responsibility. For example, for births after December 2003, a father named on the birth certificate will also have parental responsibility. Parental responsibility can also be acquired in other ways such as by entering into a legal agreement or by Order of a Court. Where a parent has parental responsibility, appointing a guardian is quite straightforward in that a clause can be included in your Will. You can also consider the appointment of substitute guardians in the event that your first choice of guardians is unable to act. In any event, it is of course important to make a properly drawn up Will to ensure that whatever money or assets you leave are available to provide for your children as they grow up. Normally money and assets will be held for the benefit of your children by the executors and trustees of your Will. Your children are very precious and with a little careful planning you can make sure that if the worst happens you have made suitable arrangements for their care. If you have not made a Will before and wish to do so or if you wish to update your existing Will please contact us at Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or by email at wills@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk
Our offices: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301
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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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Time of Year
Picnic Power
How I overcame my fear of eating al fresco
The text from my friend Lorraine said simply: Fancy a family picnic this weekend? My palms began to sweat; my heart pounded. If she’d invited me to a naturist karaoke evening, I’d have been less distressed! I wanted to yell “NO! Why would you suggest that? I thought we were friends!’ I detest picnics. Picnics are my nemesis. My hatred of them began as a child. Car-sick and hot (air-con in vehicles was pretty much unheard of in 1980s Birmingham, and my mother insisted on having all the windows closed on account of ‘the fumes’) we would arrive at some God-forsaken destination, usually a carpark with a field attached next to a gasworks, and unpack soggy sandwiches, dangerously tepid sausage rolls and revolting syrupy Kia-Ora. There were never any loos, so we had to ‘go’ behind a bush; the memory of being discovered mid-flow by a random dog-walker still haunts me. I’m sure my mother imagined herself, wearing a straw hat and broderie anglaise summer dress, reclining elegantly on a plaid rug while we children frolicked nearby playing tag or flying kites, or maybe lolled next to her reading. The reality was my own personal version of hell. She might have managed the straw hat, but it wasn’t easy to look elegant while squatting on a sloping patch of sparse parkland, being eaten alive by ants while us kids alternately squabbled and whined or poked a dead, maggoty rabbit with sticks. She tried various approaches over the years. Once
she cooked picnic fayre from the recipes in Woman’s Own Magazine. Marinated chicken wings which looked quite nice before they’d travelled twenty miles in a Tupperware box, ended up looking (and tasting) like evidence from a particularly gruesome episode of Silent Witness. Ditto the potato salad. I have nothing against eating outdoors. I have a table and chairs in my garden. The food only has to travel a few feet from the kitchen so there are no nasty surprises when we come to eat it. As an adult I’d avoided all picnics, until now. But Lorraine is my best friend and sometimes you must take one for the team, so I agreed reluctantly. “I’ll bring the food, you bring the drink,” she said. My ridiculously enthusiastic family (they were stupidly excited about our first family picnic) and I arrived at the venue. My expectations were low. Lorraine and her husband Dave unloaded folding tables, chairs, a table cloth and... a cool box of delicious food mostly purchased from the local deli, which does all manner of pre-prepared salads and cold cuts. There was fresh bread, olives, citronella candles to keep away insects, music, wine (courtesy of yours truly) and not a salmonella-infested sausage roll in sight. It was completely delightful. There may have been frolicking children too, even if one of them did find a dead bird (told you!) I am now a picnic convert and we’re planning another. I’m even reading recipes for marinated chicken wings!
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By Tracey Anderson 35
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
How to manage the cost
of entertaining the kids this summer
If you’re worried about the cost of entertaining your children this summer, you’re not alone. It’s been estimated the average family spends £389 on entertaining the kids during the summer holidays.¹ So in the light of this, what can you do to ease your financial situation at this time of year? Here are just a few ideas to help you manage the cost of entertaining the children and deal with the inevitable back-to-school expenditure. Prioritise your spending Prioritising essential outgoings, such as rent, mortgage payments or council tax, allows you to steer clear of serious financial trouble. You’re not risking the roof over your head and will still be able to buy the groceries to feed your family. Make a budget By carefully budgeting before the summer begins, you may find areas where you can cut back. Knowing exactly where your money goes means you can consciously reduce your outgoings wherever possible, and potentially find some extra money to spend on taking the kids for a day out. Find free or low-cost activities in your area Make full use of the internet by searching for free activities in your area. You should be able to find a few deals on days out, or coupons and vouchers for money off entry to kids’ attractions. Theme parks can be particularly expensive for families, but with a ‘2 for 1’ offer on admissions, or a meal deal when
you’re there, you’ll all enjoy a great day out without it breaking the bank. Get the children involved with money If your children are old enough you can introduce them to the realities of managing money, albeit with small amounts at first. They’ll begin to understand that money is finite, and they can’t have everything they want. What about back-to-school costs? The cost of school uniforms and all the other ancillary bits and pieces the children need for the new term can be the final straw for your finances at the end of the summer holidays, so what can you do to help yourself financially in this respect? • Buying school uniform towards the end of the summer holidays is a good idea. Children grow so quickly and this way you can also make sure they get the most wear out of their uniform. • Some schools operate second-hand uniform sales when the end of the holidays is approaching – this can offer huge savings as you don’t have to buy new items. • Giving a slightly older child some money to buy their own stationery or other school items can teach them about money management, particularly if you let them keep the change. For families on low incomes, dealing with school summer holiday costs adds stress to an already challenging financial situation. Keeping the children entertained can be expensive, but with a little planning and budgeting, hopefully it won’t impact too heavily on family finances at this time or during the rest of the year. ¹ www.business-reporter.co.uk/2017/06/19/costof-entertaining-children-during-summer-holidaysestimated-at-389/ www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/blog/how-tohandle-back-to-school-costs www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/blog/can-youcope-with-the-cost-of-kids-this-summer
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With a spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family-run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms.
A stylish bathroom to suit your current needs….
With our ageing population, an increasing number of us are less mobile. P & R Interiors can design, supply and fit an up-to-the-minute bath or shower room which also discretely incorporates function and practicality for the less able. The best news is that many of these features are currently right on trend - from flush-to-floor shower trays and wet rooms, to walk-in showers with fixed glass screens – and built using the latest materials. Managing Director Paul Kynoch, who has decades of experience in the trade, explains: “We believe that simplicity and ease of use are key. Less mobile people may need a higher-level toilet or a lower access bath. Our basins and toilets can be hung at a custom height to suit every need. We have baths with a door, or showers with screens that open outwards to help prevent falls. “There are 54 working bays in our showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in, see
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exactly what you are buying and experience firsthand how it works. We supply, and can fit, your entire bathroom.” P & R Interior’s own dedicated installation team can work on the supervised installation of your bathroom while adhering to local authority guidelines. Safety is paramount, and designs incorporate safety glass, thermostatically safe showers and non-slip floors. Such is the design quality of the bathrooms, that accessories for the less able such as a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat, work seamlessly with the installation to be barely noticeable. Fold-down grab bars beside the toilet and sturdy shower rails that double up as supports all help make daily bathing the hassle-free pleasure it should be. It’s worlds away from the disabled bathrooms found in hospitals and care homes. It is also now possible to install low level lighting under the bath that comes on automatically when you enter the bathroom at night. Hidden behind a two-way mirror that gives the illusion of flooring stretching beneath a ‘floating’ bath, the effect is as stunning as it is practical. This is the beauty of these safety and mobility features - they are so unobtrusively stylish, no one will notice you need that bit of extra help as they will simply be admiring your bathroom! Materials have moved on apace since the era of acrylic baths in ‘avocado’. Now there are high quality
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resins that produce super thin shower trays and beautiful ‘tapless’ baths. Towel rails can be colour matched to cabinets for as little as £100 extra. If you’re not a fan of wall tiles (although P & R Interiors carries a vast range), you can have waterproof panels instead. And if you have a smaller bathroom - as many of us do - then you will find P & R Interior’s wide but shallow depth basin units fit perfectly and provide spaciousness.
…and a kitchen to meet your future ones
Following customer demand, the fitted kitchen displays are now an integral part of the business meaning that when you visit P & R Interiors, you are only a step away from having your dream kitchen. Top quality German and English-style kitchens are available to suit every budget and the company offers a free 3D software design package that Paul describes as ‘photographic’. Specialising in high-tech German designed kitchens from Pronorm alongside more traditional-style English kitchens from JJO Plc, far from being out of most people’s pockets, P & R Interiors can often match trade prices and will always work to your budget. “It’s really unusual for us not be able to come up with
a solution for you” says Andrew Groom who has 20 years’ experience under his belt. Germany is the industry trendsetter in kitchen colours and design - and high street retailers eventually follow suit. Pronorm epitomises the elegance of a true ‘handleless’ kitchen. With its expansive, sleek cupboard fronts and modern electrically-operated doors - including ‘glass climbers’ that magically fold up like Venetian blinds - their kitchens are state-of-the-art. In years to come, we will all have convenient pull-down shelves and smart, hygienic ceramic or glass inserts on our cupboard fronts, but for now, Pronorm sets the bar. As with bathrooms, kitchen materials are better and more durable than ever. You can have traditional granite in a gloss or leathered finish, quartz or Corian worktops, and now there are other finishes to choose from including Hi-Macs, and Staron. One of the latest worktop materials is Dekton. Described as ‘bomb proof’, it doesn’t stain or mark, is 100% hygienic, and heat resistant. It has been described as the ‘most scratch resistant surface on the market’. Finish off your design with mood enhancing, colourchanging lights and you really will have a kitchen of the future. P & R Bathrooms provides design and full installation or supply only. There is a five-year guarantee on all AEG Premier Partner exclusive products and a 10year guarantee on all kitchens. Both trade and retail are welcome.
P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford M40 3HZ Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm Tel: 0845 434 8401 Email: sales@pandrbathrooms.co.uk www.pandrinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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SURECLEAN DRIVEWAY AND PATIO CLEANING SPECIALISTS ROOF MOSS REMOVAL AND GUTTER CLEANING We use a revolutionary industrial pressure rotary cleaning system to restore exterior hard surfaces to as new condition.
Block Paving, Pathways, Patios Garden Wall and Stone Ornaments Ponds and Pools Also Re-sanding and Sealing Local Company
01480 468965/07870 338074 www.surecleancarpetcleaning.co.uk
ALL SEASONS GArdEN & PrOPErty MAiNtENANcE
St.NeotS baSed compaNy eStabLiShed SiNce 2011 domeStic & commerciaL FuLLy iNSured certiFied waSte carrierS grass/Hedge-cutting turFing | patios | decking ground preparation | Fencing sHeds/conservatory bases repair Work & painting pressure WasHing gutter clearing/cleaning clearances Nick Leadbeater
Mob: 07896668976 / HoMe: 01480 383605 eMail: all_seasons123@HotMail.co.uk Web: WWW.allseasonsgpM.co.uk : Find us on Facebook
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Garden
Lethal Leatherjackets Daddy-longlegs or crane-flies are starting to hatch out now as adults, but it is their young – known as leatherjackets – that really cause grief in gardens. If your lawn has yellowing patches on it or you’ve noticed it being ripped up in the last few weeks, chances are leatherjackets are to blame and it is likely that the problem will get a lot worse. Leatherjackets feed on grass roots (and can also cause problems in flowerbeds and vegetable plots) and this may cause the plants they attack to be weakened and even die back; worst of all, these juicy larvae are tasty snacks for animals such as crows, rooks, magpies, badgers or foxes. So if there are leatherjackets in your garden, these animals will search them out, ripping up your lawn or excavating beds and borders in the process. Lawns are usually worst affected and can be quickly devastated. What is the best way to check if you have them? Early in the evening, water a couple of the yellowed patches thoroughly and do the same with a ripped-up patch. Next, cover these areas in black polythene weighed down with a couple of bricks or similar. A double layer of black bin liners or an opened-out plastic compost bag will work well. Next morning, lift the polythene and you’ll see the pests on the soil or lawn surface. So how do you know leatherjackets are to blame? Leatherjackets are greyish-brown, tubular, legless, up to about 4.5cm long and so nearly transparent that you can often see inside them, lunch and all. To remove more, repeat this black polythene trick
and deposit the pests on the bird table as free and nutritious bird food. For a much quicker, easier and more thorough solution, use the biological control nematode ‘Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer’. It is quick and easy to apply – I just use a watering can and water it onto the affected area shortly after I’ve seen the first daddy-longlegs and when soil conditions are right – usually late August to late October. As long as you keep the area moist for about three or four weeks, it works a treat – and is even safe if you have a dog, pet rabbit or other pets (or kids!) who use the lawn. So how can you get hold of this? There are two pack sizes available, suitable for standard lawns or those with a very large area to cover but you won’t find them in garden centres as they have a short shelf life. You can, however, find out more and order them from www.pippagreenwood. com/products in the Protect Your Plants section. We’ll send them out by first class post in an insulated envelope for you to show those pesky leatherjackets who’s the boss! Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: Nemaslug, green controls for leatherjackets, chafer grubs, ants and greenfly, plus garden plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! You can even book Pippa for a gardening talk at your local gardening club.
By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
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FOUR SEASONS TREE SERVICES GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE
Personal customer service, collection and delivery available. Assessment of individual requirements. Full after sales backup and parts service. NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw. Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service. Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu
Appointed dealers for:
Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.
Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY
01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk
Qualified & Professional Tree and Client Care
PRUNING • LOPPING • FELLING PLANTING • REDUCING & RESHAPING CROWN RAISING • HEDGE TRIMMING THINNING • POLLARDING • STUMP REMOVALS OVERGROWN GARDENS PUT BACK INTO SHAPE FRUIT TREES TREATED • LOG & WOODCHIP SALES FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE WITH NO OBLIGATION For quality jobs at a competitive price call:
Home: 01353 721665 - Mob: 07771 707921 All work carried out to BS 3998 Standard
A genuine family managed business est. for over 30 years - fully insured
Registered Waste Carrier This company offers a 7 day cooling off period
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm
Let us transform the quality of your lawn! Aeration Scarification Overseeding & More
Greens up and thickens the lawn
Locally owned & operated business
Removes weeds & minimises moss
Regular personalised treatments
Completely safe for children & pets
No contract - Direct Debit available
FREE Lawn Analysis: 01767 651 639
www.greensleeves-uk.com • Email: hunts@greensleeves-uk.com
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huntingdon_95_128.indd 1
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 09/03/2018 11:06
Events
Coming Up....
The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials
Burghley House, near Stamford, Lincolnshire, is a most grand property of the Elizabethan period. The gardens, too, are superb. The house was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, during the mid to late 16th Century. Queen Victoria visited in 1844, as many other noble visitors have, to this day, enjoying the House and the wonderful gardens. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials take place, in the grounds of Burghley House, each year. This annual event is one of the six leading events of its kind in the world. Burghley has been holding horse trials here since 1961, when the 6th Marquess of Exeter arranged an event that proved so popular, and grew year on year, to what is now, the very best of international eventing. Thousands of visitors attend the venue, during the days of the horse trials, with much ‘retail therapy’ to be had, too. Clothing, footwear, leather goods, gifts, food and beverages, glassware, sculptures, paintings and beauty products, are just some, from the range of items available. I always allow myself time to visit these very interesting retail exhibitors. Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country attract a lot of interest, during the days of the event, with intense competition between those taking part. Olympic mounts of the future are judged at these events. The Stallion Parade makes quite a show and the Concours d’ Elégance is very grand. With the presentation of horses and riders, the display rings and the whole site, a lot of praise must go to the ground crew and all involved, as months of planning go into this event, to make it the success it always is. Different displays and competitions take place on each of the days. It is not necessary to be a complete equine expert to enjoy this event. There is something for everyone and every age, to be found at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. This year’s event is Thursday 30 August to Sunday 02 September 2018. www.burghley-horse.co.uk www.burghley.co.uk
As always, Enjoy!
ey Trevor Langl
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Local News
Rehoming Appeal Skittle and Willow
This is Skittle (ginger/white) and Willow (black/ginger/white), a lovely pair of female guinea pigs. Skittle was born in July 2015 and Willow in March 2017. They were a little shy when they first came in to RATS as they had not been handled much due to the family having a very lively new puppy. They were handed in to hopefully find a quieter family to live with. They are happy to live in a hutch outdoors in the warmer months but will then need to be indoors or inside a shed for the winter. If you could offer Skittle and Willow a home, please call Hazel on 01234 357788. Any potential home will be vetted by one of our volunteers. Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team. View other small mammals, dogs and cats currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
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Pets
Animal Know-How When the sun, isn’t always fun… For many animals, the hot weather can be extremely dangerous. Both wildlife and our beloved pets need careful monitoring. For example, many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of leaving their pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. Here are a few sobering facts: • We are a nation of pet lovers, yet are far more likely to leave our dog in a car alone for a few minutes, than our phone. • Almost half of us mistakenly believe it is ok to leave a dog in a car if we leave a window partially open or park in the shade. Unfortunately, these are myths. In reality, neither action has any significant effect on the temperature inside a parked car. • A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour. • Dogs can die within 20 minutes of been left in a car. That’s much quicker than it takes for you to queue up at Costa and eat your lunch. On a warm day, you just have to touch the dashboard, steering wheel or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death traps even in cooler temperatures. The message is simple: don’t leave your dog in a parked car. If you see a dog in distress in a parked car call the Police Service (999) or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Caravans and conservatories can pose similar threats to your beloved pets (not just dogs) – so
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think before you leave. If you’re feeling the heat, so is everything else! Think about the animals that aren’t pets and ensure you put out plenty of fresh water. Fill shallow bowls with water and place them in shady spots around your garden. If your water containers are deep, add a large rock at one end, so should any small creature accidentally fall in they can easily crawl out. Bird baths and water dishes should have the water changed daily, as spells of hot weather can accelerate the growth of harmful bacteria, especially when multiple creatures are using the same water supply for drinking and bathing. Finding food is also a challenge for our wildlife in these hot and dry conditions. Earthworms tunnel deep into the soil, out of reach of those animals that usually feast on them, such as Blackbirds, Robins, Hedgehogs and Badgers. Leaving a selection of chopped fruits and live mealworms for your garden birds, dry cat biscuits for any visiting hedgehogs and canned dog food for your badgers will all be most welcome. Think to save a life!
ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk
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Motoring
Best Convertibles
For Under £2,000
By James Baggott
With summer in full swing, if you want a drop-top to provide that wind-in-your-hair experience we’ve picked out some of the best convertibles for under £2,000. MG TF Readily available and well-priced, most MG TF’s come with a peppy 1.8-litre engine and all have a folding cloth roof. It’s still a relatively handsome looking car that seems to have aged well, and we found a number for well under our £2,000 budget. Citroen C3 Pluriel Designed to be five cars in one, the C3 Pluriel wasn’t successful, meaning you can pick up decent used examples and, though they may not have a sports car design, you still get that drop-top experience very cheaply. Most cars get alloy wheels and air conditioning, but make sure the folding roof functions correctly. Mercedes SLK Buying a used Mercedes can mean higher repair costs and pricier parts, so choose carefully – a decent servicing history is essential. An early 2000s SLK should be well-equipped, with electronically-adjustable seats and cruise control. Toyota MR2 For no-frills, involving motoring, the little MR2 provides exciting performance from a 1.8-litre engine, and its compact size makes it feel nimble on the road. The lack of any real boot does make it impractical but there are plenty of reasonable examples available within budget.
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Mazda MX-5 The MX-5 is a reliable, cheap-to-repair convertible and is a go-to choice for those who want a relatively involving drive coupled with compact dimensions. Rust is an issue, particularly on early models, but a clean example will provide miles of trouble-free motoring. Mini Convertible The ‘new’ Mini has proved to be immensely popular, and the convertible version was snapped up as a result of its cutesy styling and reasonably powerful range of engines. Available well within our £2,000 budget, make sure that the interior is straight, and listen for strange noises from the costly-to-replace power steering pump. Saab 9-3 The 9-3 convertible is a comfortable and spacious drop-top, and there are plenty of spare parts and components available should you need replacements, despite Saab’s now defunct status. Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Most Bugs come comprehensively equipped, with air conditioning and alloy wheels just some of the extras you’ll find fitted, and the Beetle is a decent and reliable soft-top. BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46) There are many examples of 3 Series convertibles to be found at this budget. Most common are E46 models, which are sturdy and excellent to drive. A variety of engines are available too, with even the top end straight-six models well in this price bracket. Double check the arches as these are prone to rust. In addition, turn the steering lock to lock while travelling at low speed and listen out for any troubling knocking noises. Audi TT Roadster There aren’t many about in this price range, but the Audi TT Roadster is a fine option. Strong build quality, reliable engines and quirky styling mean that this soft-top still looks and feels fresh today. At this price you’ll be looking at a high-mileage example, but providing it’s got a decent service history there’s no reason why these can’t be hasslefree convertibles.
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Technology
By Tom Hancock
Smoke Signals to Smartphones!
Have you ever wondered what life was like before smartphones? One of the oldest forms of long distance communication is smoke signals, used in both Ancient China and by Native Americans to warn of enemy attacks. Then there were carrier or homing pigeons, which are birds that have been bred to find their way home over immensely long distances. A short message was written on a small piece of paper which was inserted into a small metal canister and attached to the leg of a pigeon. They were mainly used by the military and were a surprisingly accurate and effective way of communicating during battle. In 1837, two sets of inventors simultaneously developed an electrical telegraph: Wheatstone and Cooke in England, and Samuel Morse in the United States. Morse and an assistant developed a new signalling alphabet using dots and dashes that became the standard for telegraph communication. By 1861, this Morse telegraph system connected the West and East coasts of America, and put the Pony Express (a mail-delivery service which had connected communities across the vastness of the United States) out of business. As technology improved, the telegraph became an audio transponder, where messages were translated based on the interval between two clicks. Alexander Graham Bell is commonly credited as the inventor of the telephone, though in fact many individuals contributed to the devices we use today but it was Bell who filed the patent in 1876
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for an “apparatus for transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically” The earliest text-based machine was the fax machine. It’s been around since the 1880s, though it only achieved commercial success in 1966, when Xerox introduced the Magnafax Telecopier. This behemoth weighed over 20Kg and sent digital versions of documents through phone lines via a series of dial tones. The fax machine became popular with business and in newsrooms because it allowed people to send documents across the world in a matter of minutes, replacing courier mail services and telegrams. In 1973, Motorola produced the first ‘mobile’ phone, which weighed over 2Kg! Today, we’ve come a long way from those oversized devices and have access to phones that weigh around the same as a bar of chocolate, and slip easily into our pockets. With the advent of the Internet came ‘Instant Messaging’. ICQ was the first stand-alone instant messenger. This was the first centralized service which allowed individual user profiles. It was the grandfather of all other instant messaging services. Today we use our mobiles for much more than talking. On average we spend just 6 minutes per day talking on the phone, but more than 26 minutes texting! Originally, we had to type out every letter according to the numerical keypad on our mobile devices. Now we have full QWERTY touch screen keyboards with predictive text and autocorrect capabilities that make it easier than ever to communicate. How amazing is that?
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Three Counties Radio
Churros with chocolate sauce and cinnamon sugar
Churros is hands down one of my absolute favourite things. It takes me back to Spanish holidays, hot sun and chocolate all over my fingers! It’s easy to make at home though and will make you a hero with your children. This recipe was created by Haydn Groves. A former National Chef of the Year, he took on the three great cycle tour routes (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana) with former footballer Geoff Thomas to raise money for cancer research. He produced a beautiful charity cookbook called “Back In The Saddle” as a result, which mixes travel journal and photography with wonderful recipes from all the stops he made on the journey. This churros recipe comes, of course, from one of the stages he rode in Spain. For the sauce: 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) 40g double cream 40g full-fat milk 20g caster sugar (or omit for a bitter sauce) For the churros: 250ml water 25g caster sugar 25g vegetable oil 1⁄2 tsp salt 125g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 2 litres vegetable oil for frying To coat: 100g caster sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon
1. To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a pan and gently melt together, stirring occasionally until you have a smooth shiny sauce. Keep it warm. 2. To make the churros, in a small saucepan over a medium heat, combine the water, caster sugar, vegetable oil and salt. Bring to the boil and remove from heat. Sieve the flour and baking powder together and stir into the liquid until the mixture forms a ball. 3. Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer, or deep frying pan, to 190°C. 4. Mix the remaining caster sugar and cinnamon and set aside. 5. Using a piping bag with a 12mm star nozzle, pipe lines of the dough, 8-10cm in length onto parchment paper. 6. Taking care not to splash yourself with hot oil, gently pick up the piped churros pieces from the paper and place into the oil and fry until golden for approximately 3 minutes. 7. Remove the churros with a slotted spoon and put onto a tray lined with kitchen paper to drain. 8. Dust with the cinnamon sugar and serve freshly cooked with the warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.
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Health
Alison Runham ww.alison.runham.co.uk
Better Health?
There’s an App for That! There seems to be an app for everything these days, so it’s not surprising that there are plenty of apps to help you improve your fitness, health and wellbeing. Here are ten apps that could help you discover a healthier, happier you. Fitness Apps PAID Daily Workouts, Daily Workout Apps LLC A top seller on Amazon, this app offers 39 area-targeted 5-10-minute workouts, including stretch, Pilates and kettlebell exercises. They can be combined randomly or in custom mode to create longer sessions that exercise the whole body. There’s a timer and on-screen instructions, meaning you can use it offline, but you’ll need the internet to watch the video demonstrations. If you want to try before you buy, there’s a popular free version limited to just 10 workouts. Ratings: Google Play 4.6/5; iTunes 4.7/5; Amazon 4/5 FREE Fitbit, Fitbit Inc. Designed to work with Fitbit activity trackers and smart scales, this app can track your daily goals
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and food intake and assess your progress over time for steps, distance and calories burned. You can also compare stats with your Fitbit Friends - useful if you find a bit of competition a good motivator. Ratings: Google Play: 3.9/5; iTunes 3.8/5; Amazon 4.3/5; Windows 3.7/5 Active 10, NHS Active 10 tracks your walking, prompting you when you need to increase your pace to a brisk walk (about 3 miles an hour). It also sets you goals, rewards your progress and allows you to share your progress on social media. Ratings: Google Play: 3.1/5; iTunes 3.2/5 Couch to 5K, NHS This app’s 9-week programme tracks your progress as it gradually builds you up to running 5 kilometres, using a mix of running and walking. It suggests a different schedule each week and celebrity trainers tell you when to run and when to walk. A countdown timer shows how long you’ve got left on each run. Ratings: Google Play: 4.3/5; iTunes 4.7/5
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Health and Wellbeing PAID Deep Sleep with Andrew Johnson, Hive Brain Software Another Amazon top seller, this app provides relaxing guided meditations intended to clear your mind, beat insomnia and help you to get deep, restful sleep. Ratings: Google Play: 4.5/5; iTunes 4.3; Amazon 4/5 FREE Headspace: Meditation and Mindfulness, Headspace Inc A Google Play top seller, this app teaches you how to meditate and live mindfully, with exercises on everything from managing anxiety and stress to breathing, sleep, happiness, calm and focus. It claims to train your mind in just a few minutes a day, using guided meditations and teaching classic meditation techniques. It can also send custom push notifications to remind you to add some mindfulness to your day. You can track your progress and share it with others. Ratings: Google Play: 4.6/5; iTunes 4.9/5; Amazon 4/5 Chill Panda, NHS Suitable for children and (less serious) adults, this family-friendly app allows you to develop an awareness of the relationship between your emotions, activities and body state. The app can measure your heart rate and help you learn what makes you feel better. The cute Chill Panda will suggest an activity suitable for your emotional and physical state. Ratings: Google Play: 2.8/5; Also available on iTunes
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Diet and Nutrition PAID Carbs and Cals, Chello Publishing Ltd Ideal for diabetics but suitable for everyone, this app provides photos and nutritional values for over 3,500 food and drink items available in the UK, compiled by a diabetes dietary specialist. You can also add custom meals and use the meal calculator, calendar, recipe builder and exercise tracker. A special diabetes section allows you to record blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake. Ratings: Google Play: 3.6/5; iTunes 3.2/5; Amazon 4/5 FREE Foodvisor, Foodvisor The Foodvisor app claims that if you take a photo of your plate, it can recognise your food, estimate your serving sizes and instantly provide a detailed nutrition report (and add the details to your food diary). It can also track your physical activities and calories burned, highlighting weak areas that need attention. Ratings: Google Play 2.7/5; iTunes 4.5/5 My Fitness Pal, My Fitness Pal Inc This hugely popular app is a calorie counter, diet tracker and exercise tracker all in one. It can scan the barcodes of over 4 million foods and recognises over 2 million others, giving you detailed nutrition information about them. It can also suggest exercises, link to some other exercise apps, log your exercise and track your steps. With goal-setting, a recipe importer, a restaurant meal logger and the ability to add photos and share your progress, it really is the app that has everything. Ratings: Google Play 4.6/5; iTunes 4.7/5; Amazon 3.7/5 Using an app to improve your health and fitness may seem counter-intuitive, with the media issuing dire warnings about the effects of too much screen time: prolonged sitting and diabetes, diminishing social interaction, eye strain... However, used correctly, technology can motivate and educate us to eat more healthily, exercise and socialise, sharing our efforts with others. So why not give one of these apps a try?
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Easy Suduko
Hard Suduko
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 60
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n O s ’ t Wha In August
Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com
1 August Free Children’s Activities 10am-12 noon QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Little Paxton Parish Council event to encourage children to be active outdoors. Lots of equipment and organised games such as football, short tennis and rounders. Please bring a water bottle. Run by HDC Active Lifestyles team. No need to book. 1 August Senior Citizens Club Coffee Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noon Godmanchester Town Hall Monthly coffee morning and raffle. Annual membership fee is £10. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 1 August St Mary’s Afternoon WI St Neots 2pm St Mary’s Church Room, St Neots First Wednesday of the month. Ladies of the SOE. WW2 Theme open event. Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com 1 August Huntingdon and District Branch of the Royal Air Force Association 7.30pm for 8pm First Wednesday of the month. Tel: Tony Perryman, Secretary 01480 465395 Email: rafa.huntingdon1@btinternet.com
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Kimbolton Bridge Club 9.30am-12 noon Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday morning to play friendly, social bridge. No partner needed. Just come along or call Vanessa - 01480 453929
5 August Hinxton Watermill Open Day 2.30-5.30pm Mill Lane, Hinxton CambridgePPF Members free, Non-members Adults £3, Children £1. No need to book. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org
3 & 21 August Kids Tree Climbing 11am-3pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £2. Ever wondered how our Rangers complete the tree work around the Park? Children can come and have a go at tree climbing in a rope and harness. Full instructions are given by our Rangers and all safety equipment is provided. Suitable for children aged 3yrs. Meet at Visitor Centre. Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk
6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 August, 3 & 4 September Holiday Bushcraft Club 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park Holiday Bushcraft at Wandlebury with Wild Thyme & Embers. Designed for children ages 5-12. All basic bushcraft techniques suitable for this age range will be taught. Booking essential via the Wild Thyme & Embers website. Web: www.wildthymeandembers. co.uk/holiday-bushcraft-club.html
4 August Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives. Free admission Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola.
6, 13 & 20 August West Hunts Friendship Club 9.30am-3pm Great Staughton Village Hall Meets every Monday except Bank Holidays. We are looking for new members who are retired to join our happy team. Members can participate in a range of activities as well as enjoying a hot meal at lunch time. Transport can be arranged for those who live within a six miles radius of Great Staughton. Tel: Andrea 07808 184894
4 August St Neots Dragon Boat Race Racing 11am-5pm. Team of 10 £350 Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today. Up to 10 people paddle each 30 ft boat with a drummer at the front beating in time. No previous 1 August experience is required, just plenty of team spirit. Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall All ages (16+) and fitness levels welcome. Teams The group meets on the first Wednesday of each raise funds for local charities. Plenty of bankside month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 f entertainment to keep all the family entertained. Younger spectators can have fun in the children’s 1-4 August activity zone. Please call or email to request a crew Small Voice, Big World with Vital Spark pack or download a copy from the website. 10am-4pm Tel: St Neots Town Council 01480 388911 Stable Rooms, Wandlebury Country Park Email: enquiries@stneots-tc.gov.uk A series of workshops exploring different forms of art Web: www.visitstneots.co.uk activism culminating in a site-specific performance on Saturday 4 August at 2pm. Booking essential. For 5 August ages 6-12 years, unaccompanied. 1 Star Paddle Course 10am-4pm Email: katherine@vitalsparktheatre.org Nene Outdoors, Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £75. The one star course is an introductory one day 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22 & 29 August course that looks at the basic skills needed to control St Neots Badminton Club a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board. It is a 8-10pm One Leisure, St Neots stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Age 16+. Play badminton to a good standard and interested in Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays. 5 August Email: Committee@stneotsbadminton.org British Red Cross Open Gardens 2-5pm Web: www.stneotsbadminton.org Christ’s College, St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge Entry £5, Children under 12 free 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August The College stretches over 7 acres of gardens that St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm are full of interest all year round. They include a Eynesbury C of E Primary School, number of botanically important trees as well as Montagu Street, Eynesbury shrubs, borders and colourful seasonal planting. The New members are very welcome to join and there Darwin Garden displays a selection of plants that are no auditions to frighten you but an ability to Charles Darwin would have encountered during his read a little music is helpful! There is an annual voyage on the HMS Beagle and showcase a bronze subscription once you decide to join the Society. sculpture of the naturalist by Anthony Smith. Teas New members are welcome in all voices. and plant stall. Entrance via main college entrance Tel: 01480 212298 Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk on St Andrew’s Street.
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6, 13 & 20 August Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club 1.30pm Afternoon Bingo 6.30pm Whist Drive Godmanchester Town Hall £1 for Whist drive inc. tea & biscuits The club has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of activities. Friday afternoons is an opportunity to play Whist. Members also meet on a Saturday morning for games, chat, tea and biscuits for 50p. Non-members are welcome to visit on Saturday mornings to find out more. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 6, 13, & 20 August Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except Bank Holidays. Seeking new members – novice or experienced. Ozzie: 01480 414623 Email: ozzie.day5@gmail.com 6, 13 & 20 August Oakington Singers 7.45-9.30pm Oakington Parish Church Oakington Singers invite new Tenors and Basses to join them on Mondays. They are a friendly and experienced group and the choir is free! Email: paul.tann@btinternet.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 August Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday evening. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk
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n O s ’ t Wha In August
This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com
8 August Fundraising Coffee Morning 10am-1pm All Saints Church, Market Square, Huntingdon The Hunts Society for the Blind Fundraising Coffee Morning. All welcome to come along and try our delicious homemade cakes, accompanied by a cup of tea and coffee. The coffee morning is held every second Wednesday of the month from Mar-Nov.
10 August We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 10.30-12 noon & 1.30-3pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £4 per child. Join us on our Bear hunt around ferry meadows, the event will include a craft, storytime and then we will walk around the lakes to find Barney the Bear. Age 3+. Meet at Discovery Den. Tel: 01733 234193 Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk
11 & 12 August Grafham & Ellington Art Group Annual Art Exhibition 10am-5pm Grafham Village Hall, Van Diemans Way, Grafham Cards, framed and unframed original paintings will be on sale. 10% of sales will be donated to Macmillan Woodlands Centre. Refreshments. 12 August British Red Cross Open Gardens 2-5pm Clare College Fellows’ Garden, Clare College, Queen’s Road, Cambridge Entry £5, Children under 12 free. This beautiful garden is one of the most famous on the Cambridge Backs. Old yew and chestnut trees and a fine specimen of Dawn Redwood, sunken pond garden, herbaceous borders and sub-tropical garden. Suitable for wheelchairs. Entrance via Queen’s Road or Trinity Lane. By kind permission of Clare College.
19 & 23 August, 1 September Open-Air Movie Screenings 8.30pm The Royal Oak, High Street, Hail Weston Free entry. The Royal Oak is delighted to announce that it’ll be screening three classic films across the summer holidays on a huge outdoor screen. 19 August - Despicable Me, complete with the cinematic debut of the marvellous Minions. 23 August – Dirty Dancing. Perfect for a girls-night out. 1 September - Raiders of the Lost Ark. All-ages action adventure classic. Full bar available including coffees, soft drinks and lots and lots of popcorn! Web: www.royaloakhailweston.com
25 August Wildlife Trust International Bat Night Walk 8.15-10pm Woodwalton Fen, Chapel Road, Ramsey Heights £3 per person (donation). Join the Trust’s team of 11 August surveyors at the Great Fen as they record which bat Hemingford Village Market 12 August species are using our nature reserves; using a hand9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey Huntingdonshire Fauna & Flora Society 2.30pm held bat detector it’s a wonderful way learn more Second Saturday of the month. An opportunity to Savages Spinney with Leader Greg Belcher. about these elusive creatures. Bring a torch, warm buy food, crafts, plants and flowers from small local Savages Spinney is an ancient oak and ash woodland clothing and insect repellent. businesses. Hemingford Grey Parish Council hold on the edge of Grafham Water, managed by the Email: henry.stanier@wildlifebcn.org for further info a surgery at the market should you wish to meet Wildlife Trust. Meet in the Hill Farm car park at the Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2018-08-25councillors. Refreshments available all day. end of Church Lane in Grafham village, grid reference international-bat-night-walk-woodwalton-fen-0 is TL147693. From there, we will be transported to 11 August the site. Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing 25-27 August WestFest 12 noon-10.30pm appropriate to the site conditions and weather. St Neots Festival of Water The Royal Oak, High Street, Hail Weston Tel: Sarah Orbell 01480 383567 www.hffs.org.uk A weekend of fun for boaters, campers and all who Free entry. WestFest is a FREE day-long music love spending time by the water. There will be festival featuring bands, choirs, singers and even 13 August attractions for all the family and boats lining the an open-mic karaoke session. Already confirmed Godmanchester Trefoil Guild River Great Ouse that flows past Regatta Meadow. are local favourites Drunk and Disorderly, Smokin’ 7.30-9pm Godmanchester Football Ground Angels and Dead Kings and they’ll be joined on the Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguiding for Adults 28 August bill by modern country rockers Americana, from aged 18+. They meet on the second Monday of the Free Children’s Activities Peterborough. The pub will be running a mini-beer month. Email: jeanmking@outlook.com 1-3pm Gatekeeper Walk, Little Paxton festival showcasing 8 different beers and ciders A free children’s activity session at Gatekeeper Walk, throughout the week, as well as an all-day BBQ. 14 August opposite the Community Hub. Little Paxton Parish Web: www.royaloakhailweston.com Alconbury Over 60s Club Council event to encourage children to be active Coach trip to Yarmouth. Please call to book a seat or outdoors. Lots of equipment and organised games 11 August find out more about the club. such as football, short tennis and rounders. St Neots & District Gardening Club Show Tel: Sheila 01480 890396 or Val 01480 890166 Please bring a water bottle. Run by HDC Active Open to the public 2pm. Eaton Community Centre Lifestyles team. No need to book. In the event of Visitors £1, Accompanied children free. An 17 August bad weather, the activities will take place in the open show where anyone can take part. Raffle, Finding Your Feet games hall in The Hub. refreshments, plant sales, etc. Meal 6 for 6.30pm, Film 7 for 7.30pm Email: peter.walker@stneotsgardenclub.org.uk Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton 29 August Web: www.stneotscardenclub.org.uk Tickets £4, Concessions £3, Meal & film ticket £12 Join the Wildlife Trust in Paradise Kimbolton Community Cinema. A good-natured 8.30-10.30pm 11 August golden years comedy. Meal is Lamb Tagine with Cous Lammas Land Recreation Ground, Newnham, Southoe & Midloe Village Fayre Cous, Caramel tart & vanilla cream. Tickets available Cambridge 2pm Village Playing Field, Southoe from Oliver’s, Swan Pharmacy, Courtyard Kitchens, £2.50 per person Traditional games, large display of Militaria, family Bytes Café or email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Paradise Nature Reserve on the west bank of the races, balloon modelling, fancy dress with a bit of Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ River Cam includes woodland and an open marshy tartan, bric-a-brac Draycott Brewery and afternoon themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema area - ideal for seeing (and hearing via echolocation) teas & cake stall plus lots more. a variety of different species of bats in the company 19 August of knowledgeable guides. Discover more about 11 August Bourn Watermill Open Day these elusive night-time predators. Mary Poppins Charity Sing-a-long 2.30-5.30pm Off Caxton Road, Bourn Tel: Anita Joysey on 07866 935246 for further info Doors open 6.30pm, Wyboston Village Hall CambridgePPF Members free, Non-members Adults Web: Adults £3, Under 12s £2. £3, Children £1. No need to book. www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2018-08-29-eveningIn aid of Black Cat WI and Magpas Air Ambulance. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org bat-walk-paradise-nature-reserve
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Parenting
Den-building My eight-year-old is a den-builder. Wherever we go he constructs a dwelling. If we’re at the beach he’s off foraging for driftwood to make a shelter, on a forest walk he stacks branches and covers them with leaves and moss, ‘for insulation and camouflage!’. If he’s stuck indoors on a rainy day he’ll use chairs, cushions and blankets. He is one of life’s builders and should there ever be a zombie apocolypse and we have to restart civilisation from scratch I want to be on his team! If you could distil childhood into a single activity, it would probably be den-building. Most kids love it, be it scavenging building materials from forest debris, to stacking chairs back-to-back and raiding the airing cupboard for linen. Denbuilding is also a great family activity. It requires teamwork and communication and is a good way to spend quality time together. Even the smallest children can gather leaves, or cushions if you’re indoors, and add decorations. My son loves to use fairylights on his more elaborate indoor structures. But essentially, all a den needs is a frame and a cover. Planning is everything though. What materials are available? The beach will provide different building materials to the forest, or the sitting room. Think about how you’ll support the roof. If it all collapses, don’t stress, what have you learned? Den-building is about the process as much as the final result.
By Sarah Davey
A sturdy frame Chairs and tables are good for building a structure quickly (good for very young children). Bamboo canes are light, strong and fairly cheap. Broom handles or tent poles are also good. Bendy sticks or plastic bendy pipes can make an interestingly shaped den. Fallen branches make you feel like Robinson Crusoe (but don’t destroy trees). Stuff for tying String or rope; rags - try cutting up old T-shirts. Shelter Materials Bright materials can help you turn your den into a palace, fancy restaurant or castle. If you want to leave your den outside you’ll need waterproof material, such as plastic dust sheets or tarpaulin. You can use large leaves a bit like tiles but you need lots and they must overlap properly so the rain runs off them and not into your den. It’s fun experimenting though. If you do use leaves, ferns and moss remember that these are the habitats for little creatures so exercise some care. DON’T use glass, or very heavy fence panels, tins of paint or branches cut from living trees. If you’re outside respect the environment! Don’t damage the den site - when your den is dismantled it should leave no trace. Don’t discard litter; take your rubbish home with you. Take lots of photos or videos of your efforts. One afternoon building a den in the company of your favourite people will also build memories that last a lifetime.
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Technology
The Roaming Empire
How to access the internet when you’re on holiday
Internet access can be really useful when you’re travelling. Map apps can help you find your way around and others can help you get better deals on tourist attractions, discover the best places to eat and drink or avoid the worst tourist traps. But how do you actually get online without spending a fortune? The cheapest way to get online is via free Wi-Fi, which is available in all kinds of places – not just the familiar cafes and transport hubs but in malls, on public transport and anywhere else tourists are likely to go. Be wary, though, especially if you’re using your device for something private such as online banking. It’s very easy to set up a convincing-looking Wi-Fi hotspot and then intercept the data people send, such as their online banking IDs. If in doubt use a security program called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) –Tunnelbear is one example – which establishes a secure, eyes-only tunnel between you and the site you’re visiting. Another option is to use your
mobile phone to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. This enables other devices to connect to your phone and use its data connection. It’s very easy to do (the relevant option will be in your phone’s settings menu) but be careful if you have a monthly data transfer limit: using multiple devices can quickly take you beyond your monthly cap. If your phone doesn’t have this feature you can buy a “dongle” or a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot; the former plugs into your laptop’s USB port to give it mobile data access and the latter is a portable device that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot your other devices can use. You should be particularly careful about using mobile data if you’re outside the UK and EU. Charges for mobile data abroad can be terrifying, so we’d strongly recommend buying a mobile data add-on that gives you a fixed amount of data for a fixed price. You can usually get more than enough mobile data for your daily needs for just a few pounds per day.
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Make sure your contract doesn’t already include roaming, though. For example, our Vodafone contract includes free roaming in 48 different countries. It doesn’t include North or South America, Africa or Asia but it covers Europe and several groups of islands. For the time being, you won’t be charged extra for using your mobile or tablet in the European Union as roaming charges within the EU were scrapped in 2017. However, when the UK leaves Europe under Brexit, operators will no longer be compelled to let their customers roam for free. It’s possible that they may decide to stick to the current arrangement, but we’re not very optimistic. Whatever you do, be careful what you’re doing. Streaming Netflix or iPlayer programmes is best kept to Wi-Fi, as the downloads can be huge, and beware apps that do things in the background when you’re not actually using your phone. We find it’s best to keep our phones off or in aeroplane mode when we’re not actually using them.
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Life Begins...
By Kate McLelland
Back to stay
(and not just for the weekend) When the Chancellor announced a relief on Stamp Duty payments for first time buyers in November 2017, it’s likely that millions of parents across the UK breathed a sigh of relief. It is estimated that 3.4 million parents in the UK are living with grown up children who’ve returned to the family home, and these mums and dads may have hoped this tax incentive would be the nudge their offspring needed to finally fly the nest. The phenomenon of so-called ‘Boomerang Kids’ (adults who return to the parental home after living independent lives) hit the headlines recently when the London School of Economics and Political Science carried out research with parents aged between 50 and 75 from seventeen different European countries. The study, published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, examined the effects on quality of life for older people who shared a house with a grown up child. Researchers looked at factors such as freedom to enjoy yourself, to make your own decisions and control your environment, and the results were disturbing. The
academics who authored the study pulled no punches when it came to their conclusions: “We found that parents’ experienced a decline in quality of life when one of their children returned to live with them,” they stated, adding: “Parents enjoy their independence when their children leave the home, and refilling an empty nest may be regarded as a violation of this life course stage.”
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Preparing the ground for your child’s return The biggest mistake reported by people who have been through the ‘boomerang’ experience is that they didn’t discuss the terms of the arrangement before their child moved back in. This is the time to establish the ground rules and set clear goals for the end of their stay. It may seem insensitive to talk about leaving before your child has even moved back in, but acknowledging this as a temporary arrangement will help them hold on to a sense of independence. If your child has a job, you should agree upfront on the amount they will contribute towards the
household bills. If they are not working you could ask them to help in various ways, such as cleaning, shopping or tending the garden. Discuss how things will work if your child invites friends round, and which rooms are off-limits at those times. It may be less stressful if you restrict visits to certain days or hours. Finally – and most importantly – it’s vital to treat your child as the adult they have become. In the years they have been living away from you, it’s likely they will have established a lifestyle that’s very different to the family life you shared together, so give them space and don’t be tempted to ‘parent’ them in the way you used to do. Whatever your child’s reason for returning home, it’s likely that this is just a phase, after which they will once again be able to lead an independent life. Handled carefully, this episode may even strengthen the bonds between you and your son or daughter, creating a tighter family unit that will go on providing mutual support far into the future.
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Quirky Britain
Celebrating
the well-dressed well If you happen to visit the Midlands region between May and September, you might be in for a big surprise. During this time intriguing temporary structures can appear almost overnight, creating a riot of colour in the middle of an ordinary town or village street. These structures can be anything up to twelve foot tall and the complex artwork at the centre will be created from natural materials such as flowers, mosses, leaves, twigs, seeds, beans and small pine cones. If you’re new to the area you might imagine that these objects have been randomly placed as part of a local art festival, but look a little closer and you’ll realise that each display has been carefully positioned so it frames a well or freshwater spring. So what exactly is going on? Welcome to the world of well-dressing (also known as ‘well-flowering’), a thriving tradition that predates the time when historical records began. According to the website welldressing. com over a hundred villages and towns in Britain still take part annually, creating artworks to celebrate their local fresh water source. The history of well-dressing It’s likely that the custom began as a pagan ritual, designed to pay tribute to the spirit that guarded the natural spring. The early Church, disapproving of such heathen traditions, reinterpreted the rites as a Christian thanksgiving ceremony. The practice remained popular until the reign of Henry VIII, when Chancellor Thomas Cromwell issued instructions for well-dressing equipment to be destroyed: presumably because ‘idolatrous’ images – forbidden by Henry’s reformed church – were being used. That must have come as a blow to rural communities like Tissington in Derbyshire. Sir Richard Fitzherbert, the ninth baronet of Tissington Hall, claims that during natural disasters the wells provided a lifeline for the people. He explains: “In times of drought they never dried up, so everyone lived from the water,
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and in times of plague, the village cut itself off from the outside world and had a safe, reliable water source for survival.” A race against time The process starts when the wooden boards on which the designs will be mounted are soaked in a local river or pond for several days. Clay is then smoothed onto the wet wooden frame, ready for the design to be added. Creating the artwork can take up to a week, so after the design has been etched into the wet clay, everyone needs to work quickly to make sure the display goes up in time. There is huge competition between villages to create the best display and that competitive spirit has now been channelled into an official event. Last year the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show started a competition to recognise the artistic flair of the nation’s well-dressers and for two years running these displays have enjoyed pride of place in RHS Chatsworth’s community area. So, if you happen to visit the Midlands over the summer, look out for these spectacular boards. Nowadays the concept of ‘well-dressing’ may seem a little archaic, but these remarkable displays stand as a tribute to the skill, patience and local pride of the volunteers who work so hard to create them.
By Kate McLelland
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July’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mr D Thomas from Biggleswade Winner of the Meraki Festival Competition Anne Rowell from Brampton
Winner of the Bickerdikes Competition Maurice Leake from Stevenage
Easy
Hard
Fun Quiz - The Sun And The Moon 1. In Greek mythology, who died when he flew too close to the sun and the wax in his wings melted? 2. What number goes after “Apollo” to give the name of the mission that saw Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon? 3. The name of which beer is also the name given to an aura of plasma that surrounds the sun and can especially be seen during an eclipse? 4. “Moon starers” is an apporiate anagram for what eleven letter word? 5. Approximately 99% of the entire mass of the sun is composed from which two chemical elements? 6. “They danced by the light of the moon” is the last line in which famous poem? 7. Occurring twice a year, what name is given to a time when the sun crosses the celestial equator and when the length of day and night are approximately equal? 8. Which film studio’s logo depicts a young boy fishing while sitting on a crescent moon? 9. Approximately how long does it take light from the sun to reach the earth after it has been emitted from the sun’s surface?... 8 seconds, 8 minutes or 8 hours? 10. Written and directed by Fritz Lang, the 1929 film Frau Im Mond, meaning Woman In The Moon, is generally credited with introducing which technique, which is now commonly used immediately before important events? 1. Icarus 2. 11 3. Corona 4. Astronomers 5. Hydrogen and Helium 6. The Owl And The Pussycat 7. Equinox 8. Dreamworks 9. 8 minutes 10. The backwards countdown (e.g. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, …)
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The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
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Across 7 Corporations (13) 8 Emotions (8) 9 Poverty-stricken (4) 10 Modified (7) 12 Confess (5) 14 Incident (5) 16 Place of education (7) 19 Slice open (4) 20 Sidewalk (8) 22 Chances (13
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th August 2018 Name: Tel: Address:
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Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Down 1 Complimentary (4) 2 Thump (6) 3 Innovator (7) 4 Artificial (5) 5 Torn (6) 6 Irritating (8) 11 Evolves (8) 13 Nunnery (7) 15 Country (6) 17 Boundaries (6) 18 Notices (5) 21 Require (4)
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Local News By Barry Ingram
9th Annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival September is a great month for walking, the air is cooler, it feels fresher and colours begin advancing through the trees. In Bedfordshire the whole county begins that change and is a great place to enjoy a walk. The Bedfordshire Walking Festival 8th to 16th September offers lots of opportunities for people of almost all abilities. Whether it is one of the many walks for health of between 30-90 minutes, an informative guided walk of around two hours, a half day walk of around 3 hours, or for the really serious, full days of between 12-21 miles. For the family an evening of Trails and Tales for older children with an afternoon version for younger ones. Why not take the train with a ride on the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and return on foot along the Grand Union Canal. Food lovers will enjoy first collecting food from the hedgerows then going back and transforming the goodies into Jam and more at Clophill Around this part of Bedfordshire there are informative walks around Biggleswade Yes, there is a lot more to Bigglewade than meets the eye, also from Shuttleworth, Northill and a fascinating history walk at Willington. Those who enjoy walkers walks have an option of a 13 mile day walk from Roxton or half day afternoon one from Blunham Rounding off the nine days over the weekend of 15th & 16th is the annual Greensand Ridge Challenge 40 miles across the Greensand Country.
If you can’t do both days why not come for one. On Sunday 16th is the Launch of the Sandy Green Wheel Walking Route at 2-00pm and after the opening ceremony there will be walks of 90 minutes, ideal for families and one of 6 miles approximately 2-3 hours. One of the most attractive features of the festival is that almost all the walks are free and do not require booking so you can just turn up. Some mostly the health walks it is better to phone the leader beforehand. Where booking and charges are necessary these are shown in the programme and bookings along with payment can be made via the festival web site. There isn’t space to extol all the virtues of the festival and its walks extending across the county to Luton, Dunstable and beyond in the south to Keysoe, Swineshead and Bedford in the North and East to West across the Greensand Country with plenty in the middle. Only a few have been mentioned so why not explore Bedfordshire on foot this September after picking up a programme or visiting the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk
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Books
Book Review By Kate Duggan Inspire your wanderlust Thinking about booking a last-minute holiday? These books should help to inspire your wanderlust. (Or just transport you to distant climes while you’re lounging in your garden.)
The Bean Trees
Electrician
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Electrician
by Barbara Kingsolver With so many new releases Determined to avoid ending up like her Kentucky classmates – pregnant and married before she’s 18, Taylor buys a beaten up old car and a tank of petrol, and heads west. By the time her car breaks down in Arizona, she has a three-year-old Cherokee girl in tow. First published 30 years ago, The Bean Trees beautifully evokes the landscape and spirit of 1980s Southwestern America.
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Adventures of a Young Naturalist by Sir David Attenborough
In 1954, David Attenborough began his exploration of the world, seeking out rare animals for London Zoo and sharing his experiences with a captive TV audience back at home. Adventures of a Young Naturalist charts his adventures across Guyana, Indonesia and Paraguay, from coming face-to-face with Komodo dragons and giant armadillos to befriending a young male orangutan. Numerous photographs help to bring the tales to life.
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