Cambs Feb 2022 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 154 - Feb 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Romantic Getaways

How safe is your home

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Inside this issue... Toxic Plants........................................................................................... 35 Contain Your Excitement................................................................38 Do you sponsor a cat or dog?........................................................41 First Drive: Ford S-Max..................................................................... 43 Seasonal Recipe: Meatball Mac and Cheese............................45 How Safe is your Home?.................................................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What's On............................................................................................... 51 The Winter Olympics........................................................................ 52 The Best Tablets for Everyone and Every Budget.................. 55 Villager Prize Crossword..................................................................58 Book Review.........................................................................................60 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

The Winter Olympics

Wake Up to a Garden Room

A Town of Grit, Endeavour & Upright Dealings......................... 4 Ideas for a Romantic Getaway........................................................ 6 A History of the Valentine Card....................................................10 To Valentine, or not to Valentine?................................................ 12 Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery......................................................... 15 30 Days Hath September..................................................................16 The Power of Great make Up Shades..........................................19 Caring Together.................................................................................. 22 Leeds Day Solicitors: Plan Ahead.................................................. 24 Get Walking for EAAA...................................................................... 27 The Impact of Rising Inflation.......................................................30 Wake Up to a Garden Room...........................................................32

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, Kate McCarthy, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Leeds Day Solicitors, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Tracey Anderson, Beacon Wealth and Kate Duggan

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

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. 3

History

Old St. Neots:- A Town of Grit, Endeavour & Upright Dealings

Old photographs (as in the 1905 edition of Homeland Handbooks Number 40) often give only a black and white view of the past. Once in a while a splash of colour is provided by an individual such as Fanny Gregory in a newspaper article of 1930 (in a St. Neots History Society newsletter of 2004), who recall the people behind the image. “In those days went a procession of good citizens which all old folks remember. There were the Goodgames, Mr and Mrs Emery - he so tall and thin and she so round and short - and the Plums and many others. I mustn’t forget Mr David Tomson, who was generally to the fore in any movement for the good of the town. Indeed, a splendid set of people made the town what it was then. There was grit, steady endeavour, upright dealing and good sterling qualities in the people building up the trades and businesses in a remarkable degree. Religion was the backbone, and the best fruit of it was seen in the wide-spreading charity that knitted all classes together. Who can ever gauge the kindnesses worked by such people as dear Mr and Mrs Plum? Of the tradespeople of those very early days, first and foremost was Mr Sprigge, the chemist, photographer and dentist. He lived in the tallest

house in the Market Square. What a business it was having negatives taken in those days! The long exposure was so trying, and having one’s head held tight in a contrivance that was brought up behind one at the last moment was calculated to bring a strained or silly expression to one’s countenance. Mr Sprigge opened and shut an umbrella all the time to keep you from going to sleep. And what a business it was pulling teeth out then! It was all very well for compassionate parents to give us half-a-crown afterwards to help us back to our usual equilibrium, but it was a terrifying and agonising experience. We children used to watch teeth being wrenched out in carts at the fair and noticed that immediately the operation began, a man beat a drum to smother the victim’s yells.” Next time you visit St. Neots Museum and enjoy looking at the faces of past townsfolk remember what it took to get through life in the ‘Good Old Days’. Remember also how the charity of the more fortunate as well as ordinary folk of ‘moral fibre’ helped ease the downsides of life for locals as well as bequeathing a community conscious town to future generations to build on.

By Peter Ibbett

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Travel

Ideas for a romantic getaway

With Valentine’s Day in the air, what better time to think about treating the one you love to a romantic getaway? Spending quality time with your lover is important. Whether you’re dating, going steady, or in your fiftieth year of marriage, ditching the daily routine and escaping to somewhere outstanding is vital for keeping romance alive. From luxurious spa weekends to glamping beneath a canopy of stars, there are countless ways to spark up romance – some predictable, and others less so. Whether you’re looking for a short break in the UK or a longer escape further afield, we’ve got you covered with these five romantic getaway ideas, guaranteed to add a little spice to your love life. Spa weekend When it comes to rest, relaxation and romance, nothing compares to an indulgent spa break in a dreamy locale. Although there are plenty of sun-soaked spa locations to jet off to (Bali and the Maldives, we’re thinking of you) the great thing about this type of break is that there’s probably a luxury spa within driving distance of you too. How does spending the day enjoying one another’s company in a bubbling Jacuzzi sound? Add a couples’ massage, luxurious facilities and fine dining into the mix, and you have the romantic getaway of dreams. From sprawling country house hotels cradled by

beautifully tended gardens to townhouses with ancient thermal spas, there’s a romantic spa weekend to suit every taste and budget too. Glamping Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up with the one you love in a cosy cabin next to a crackling fire? We think not! That’s why, when it comes to romantic breaks, glamping is certainly top of the list. It’s a broad term, with thousands of ‘glamping’ breaks cropping up all over the world in recent years. However, glamping is loosely defined as a holiday that allows you to experience nature, without having to pack your camping gear. From yurts in the Swiss mountains to log cabins deep in Canada’s Banff National Park, not to mention tipis, bell tents and hideaways at home too, there’s no better way to reconnect with Mother Nature. City break When we think of romantic city breaks, cruising along the Seine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower may be one of the first things that spring to mind. But Paris isn’t the only city that promises tales of beauty, love and romance. Rome is famous for its romantic opera, ballet and quaint, hidden cafes, while Venice’s gondola rides amidst historic palazzos are hard to beat. You can even book a serenade for you and your lover! Amsterdam’s dreamy canals and charming pavement

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cafes also put it high on the list – and that’s just in Europe. Set your sights a little further, and you and your beloved could be soaking up the old-world charm of Canada’s Quebec City, or cosying up beneath the cherry blossoms of Japan’s most romantic city, Kyoto. Island retreat For many of us, nothing says romance like sinking your toes into a soft, sandy beach – ideally with a cocktail in hand. And while the likes of Hawaii, the Caribbean and the Maldives certainly promise the honeymoon of dreams, there’s plenty of budgetfriendly islands to escape to on a budget too. From the remote mountainous terrain of Scotland’s Isle of Skye to the unspoilt beauty of Cornwall’s Scilly Isles, the UK is home to thousands of islands, big and small. So, whether you’re seeking outstanding scenery for watching the sunset or beautiful beaches for blustery coastal walks, the

island you call home has all the necessary ingredients for your next romantic getaway. Vineyard stays Culturally, wine has long been an important part of celebrating romance. From anniversary dinners to your wedding day, it’s no secret that a glass of vino makes everything feel a little bit more special. So, if you and your partner share a love for wine and the finer things in life, an intimate vineyard stay should definitely be on your radar when planning your next romantic getaway. The region of Tuscany in Italy is synonymous with fine dining, with its lush hillside vineyards, winetasting tours and sustainable approach to food. However, you could even find your dream vineyard holiday closer to home. The UK is home to dozens of estates, ranging from North Yorkshire to Kent, offering accommodation, wine tours, foodie experiences – and more.

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Time of Year

A Declaration of Love A history of the Valentine card

By Kate McCarthy

At the primary school I attended, a decorated post box (i.e., a paper-covered cardboard box with a slit cut in it) would appear in the entrance in February and we were encouraged to post Valentine cards to our friends. I don’t know if this dubious ‘popularity contest’ was repeated in other schools but I do remember the thrill when I finally received a card! The earliest surviving Valentine missive was written by a French man Charles, Duke of Orleans during his imprisonment in the Tower of London, following his capture during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. It was a tender poem to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac, which uses the phrase, ‘Je suis desja d’amour tanné, Ma tres doulce Valentinée,’ (old French) which translates to, ‘I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.’ The earliest example of an English Valentine dates to 1477 and was a love letter was written by Margery Brews to her fiancé John Paston. Margery refers to John as her ‘right well-beloved Valentine’ and implores him to marry her despite the fact she can’t convince her father to increase her dowry. Marriage had little to do with romance in the 15th century, but apparently they did eventually tie the knot! Something akin to a modern greeting card for Valentine’s Day appeared in the 1700s. These cards were handmade, and usually hand-delivered by slipping them under a door. Romantics who found it difficult to commit their feelings to paper could actually buy booklets of verse suggestions. The oldest printed Valentine’s Day card in existence can be viewed in York Castle Museum. It was printed in London in 1797 and features elaborate floral patterns, cupids and doves. It was hand-coloured because colour printing was not available in the 18th century, and the verse reads, ‘Since on this ever Happy day, All Nature’s full of Love and Play. Yet harmless still if my design, ‘Tis but to be your Valentine.’

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Time of Year

To Valentine, or not to Valentine? February 14th is Valentine’s Day.

My husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. There, I said it. Before you dismiss us as a couple of old cheapskate cynics, whose relationship is on the rocks, we’re both in our late thirties, have been married for twelve years, we rarely argue, and we laugh a lot. We just don’t feel the need to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Five years into our marriage we realised that fancy restaurants, or weekends away mean less when everyone else is there doing exactly the same thing at the same time just because its February 14th. So, we stopped. We do like to do something romantic during February, but to be honest we like to do something romantic at least once in every other month too. Here are our favourite ideas, not restricted to February. We cook a meal. Not just a run of the mill, any night of the week meal. We each choose something from one of our cookbooks (main course and dessert) and we set aside an evening to create it. We arrange it around the kids’ sleepovers with grandparents or friends. It’s our night and we buy good wine, dress up and enjoy each other’s company and the process of creating (and eating) a delicious meal. Write a poem…or a song. My husband writes bad poetry...I’m not joking, it’s terrible and stems from him insisting that poetry is not poetry unless it rhymes! I love poetry and once joked that if he loved me he’d write me an ode. So, he did, and it

was awful...but it did rhyme. Periodically he repeats the process, and the results are always hilariously bad. I stick them in a scrap book because as dire as they are, they hold a great deal of meaning for me. Movie marathon - The Die-Hard films might not be everyone’s idea of romantic film fodder, but we love them and every so often we have a day where we watch all of them back-to-back and buy in lunch and supper. Sometimes we do the Star Wars Trilogy (four, five and six...were there any others?), or the Lord of the Rings series (extended version), or the Bourne films. The point is, it’s an event. We set aside time to do it. Recreate a date - One of my favourite dates from before we were married was when my husband took me stargazing on a clear night. He was an amateur astronomer in his teens and knew his way around the night sky. We lay on top of his car, covered in blankets clutching binoculars while he told me stories about the constellations and encouraged me to look for shooting stars and the International Space Station (ISS)! Sometimes we recreate that, and I still get a buzz when I see the ISS moving swiftly across the sky. What favourite date could you recreate? If you love Valentine’s Day then you do you. But ask yourself, do you make Valentine plans with your partner just because that’s the thing to do? If so, perhaps it’s time to make a change. By Kate McCarthy

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Food & Drink

Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery Blue Monkey Handcrafted LONDON DRY Gin (40.5% vol) is a traditional gin which utilises 11 botanicals, to great advantage, that are sourced from worldwide origins. I found this (extremely) popular production to be smooth and very pleasing on the mouthfeel and palate. If flavoured gins are to your liking, then the range available, from Blue Monkey Brewery (Founded 2008), will certainly not disappoint. RHUBARB & CUSTARD Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol) has the traditional Handcrafted London Dry Gin infused with fresh, handpicked Yorkshire rhubarb, plus rich vanilla. A great gin, with spot-on flavour. Several other Blue Monkey gin productions are very popular, too. Many people like to see the changing colour of the BLUE to VIOLET Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), as it seems to have ‘magic’ as an added ingredient. The natural extract, from the Indian Pea flower, creates a gin of blue colour, which changes (before your very eyes) to a violet colour, when tonic is added – amazing! The bouquet has overtones of lavender and Parma violet, that lead, enticingly, to the mouth’s pleasures and palate’s sensation. Other gins, from Blue Monkey Brewery, include SUMMER BERRIES Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), which evokes thoughts of summer – to be enjoyed at any time of the year, plus MANGO & PASSION FRUIT Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol) and SALTED CARAMEL Handcrafted Gin (37.5% vol), which all have ‘devotees’ amongst flavoured gin lovers. Other beverages, from Blue Monkey Brewery, offer an impressive range of beers, many of which are award-winning. PRIMATE BEST BITTER (4.0% vol) is well-recognised as an excellent session ale. This amber-coloured production is smooth and very popular. BG SIPS (4.0% vol) is a further, often selected beer. I found this pale ale to be easy-drinking and to possess a most pleasurable (extra) hoppy aroma, with tropical fruit notes and a great taste. INFINITY IPA (4.6% vol) is (I found) a golden ale of some repute. This past Champion Golden Ale of Great Britain is produced using an abundance of Citra hops, to ‘encourage’ the distinctive flavour. For further details, including other productions and stockists, please contact: Blue Monkey Brewing Ltd, 10 Pentrich Road, Giltbrook Industrial Park, Giltbrook, Nottinghamshire NG16 2UZ. Tel: 0115 938 5899. E-mail: info@bluemonkeybrewery.com www.bluemonkeybrewery.com

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl 15

Time of Year

30 Days hath

September…

“I wonder why February is the only month that has 28 days…” my teenage son mused one day. It got me thinking. Today we use the Gregorian Calendar, a solar calendar used in the international standard for Representation of dates and times. In Roman times though the calendar had a quite different structure. It originally consisted of 10 months rather than 12. There were 304 days in the year; six months had 30 days each and four months had 31 days each. Then the Roman king Numa Pompilius decided to bring the calendar in line with the lunar year and added January and February to the original 10 months. The king did not want months with even numbers of days though, because the Romans believed even numbers were unlucky. To this end he subtracted a day from each of the 30-day months to make them all 29. The lunar year consists of 354.367 days, but he didn’t want to round the number down to 354 because that would make the entire year unlucky, so he rounded up to 355 instead. Now he had six months with 29 days and 4 months with 31 days, giving 298 days, and leaving 57 extra days to be divided between the two new months. Mathematics dictated that one of the months would have to have an even number of days because the sum of any even amount (12 months in this case) of odd numbers will always equal an even number and he needed the total to be odd. So, the king chose February as the unlucky month. Over the following centuries the calendar has been altered several times. February has been shortened at some points, and sometimes a leap month was included, but eventually February has settled at 28 days, with the addition of a leap day every four years. And the answer to my son’s question? February has 28 days because of superstitious Romans!

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By Debbie James

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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House of Colour

The power of great make up shades Go along to any make up counter and there is a bewildering array of colours from eyeshadow to lipstick, not to mention the incredible ‘looks’ on offer. I think there comes a point where we aren’t really interested in creating a ‘look’ per se but rather a better version of us. And the right colours are brilliant at doing just that in the usual ways you’ve used them before. Nothing fancy required just a little more oomph. The reason make up can be so useful and just plain great is that it brings contrast back to our face. As we age we lose that contrast; our hair colour lightens, our lip colour goes, cheek colour lightens. You may hear of women feeling ‘invisible’ as they age, this is what is happening. Our eyes like to see contrast and are drawn to it. A few tips to consider: So, warmer skin tones need warmer shades of make up and cooler skintones need cooler shades of make up. This applies to everything except foundation which should be matching your natural skintone anyway. The wrong colours can almost add to shadows, highlight redness, and give a starker appearance. You may even feel like ‘someone else’ in the wrong colours. Lipstick – is your hardest working friend in your make up bag. I never really realised this until I had had colour analysis. I had always opted for a nude pink shade and focussed purely on my eyes as needing more make up. I was astonished that such a simple thing can be so powerful - it has the most amazing capacity to improve the glow of your skintone, open up the eyes and bring that contrast back. We all have several shades that work really well for us (wrong colour can have the opposite effect) and it’s not just for ‘going out’! Not all lipstick shades are easy to choose as pink for instance can have a warmer base or a cooler base. However a thorough colour analysis session will show you exactly what works for you. Blusher – a great blusher can give definition to your natural asset on the face, the cheekbones. Again this is great at adding that all important contrast back. Warmer skintones need the peachier shades while cooler tones can opt for the pinkier end of the spectrum. Always use a blusher brush or the sweep you apply will be too broad and focus on applying it to the natural apple of your cheek where you smile. I find even when I am at my palest at this time of year I could do with a slightly stronger shade of blusher than I might do the rest of the year. Ask your consultant for advice as the year progresses sometimes our blusher needs to shift too. Eyes – when you’re wearing your lipstick and blusher your eyes don’t necessarily need that much more if you want a quick easy look. You could add some mascara and finish there (how very quick is that!). So warmer skintones will need brown mascara and yes it really does make a difference to get this right. It also follows that warmer skintones need to avoid black/charcoal eyeliner and eyeshadow. Eyeshadows in creamy golden and brown shades are best for warmer tones while cooler skintones can enjoy the plums, navy, and lavender shades. On zoom calls a lot? Then you’ll need more make up than you might usually as the screen tends to mute our skintone. Consistency is also important – not mixing a cool shadow and a warm lipstick for instance which can be jarring. There is so much fun to have with a simple natural look that just enhances what is already there, bringing you back into focus. Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist

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Local News

Support available for people looking after family members or friends Do you care for someone who would find it difficult to cope without that support? This could be looking after a family member, partner or friend because of their illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. If this sounds like your situation, then your role means you are recognised as a carer. Caring Together are a local charity who last year supported more than 17,000 carer of all ages and their families across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and Norfolk. Carers can be any age and have a wide range of situations. Whether you are new to your caring role, have seen your role evolve as the person you care for has needed more support over time, or have lost a loved

one you cared for, Caring Together are there to help you. They can offer a range of advice, information and support, and help you, and the person you care for, access services that are helpful to you. Their services include: • a dedicated carers telephone where trained advisors can give you information and advice that will support you in your caring role, such as carers assessments, emergency planning and welfare benefits; • homecare services, where a care worker looks after the person you care for, including to enable you to have a break; • face-to-face and online carers hubs, where you can meet other carers in a similar situation; • a monthly newsletter to keep you informed and updated. To find out more call them on 0345 241 0954 or email them at hello@caringtogether.org. You can also visit their website: www.caringtogether.org.uk

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Leeds Day

Plan ahead

Ten points you should consider 1. Have you recently married, entered into a relationship or started living with a partner? Do you have a Will, are you aware of the implications of not having a Will or for your Will not being up to date? 2. Have you recently separated or divorced? Are you aware of the implications of this on your finances and your property, furthermore how this could affect your inheritance tax liability? 3. Do you have children, step-children? Are there provisions in place for their care? 4. Are you aware of what the inheritance tax liability may be in the event of your death if anything at all? Who pays it? What is the rate of tax? 5. Do you own assets outside of England and Wales? Are you aware of what the implications of this would be on your death?

8. Is your child or grandchild getting married, buying their first house or buying their first car and do you want to give them some money to help them? 9. Do you know what a Lasting Power of Attorney is and how it can help? 10. What if you know someone who has already lost mental capacity. Are you aware of what the process is to assist them with their finances and care? We offer a personal, friendly and sympathetic approach, to assist you in planning and managing your affairs most effectively in a wide range of situations. If you need any advice in relation to any will, estate planning or bereavement matter then please contact Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or email wills@leedsday.co.uk.

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Local News

Get Walking for EAAA! At East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) we’re looking forward to a busy spring and summer of events and connecting with our supporters more this year than we have been able to over the last 24 months. Together we really do save lives and know that our crews wouldn’t be able to take off and provide critical care for our patients - wherever they might be and whatever the time of day or night - without the help and support of the local communities that we’re here to help. Together We Walk during February It’s not too late to get involved! We’re kicking off 2022 with a virtual walking challenge where we’re asking you to walk 10,000 steps every day in February, which is about five miles. Whether you complete the challenge with your dog, family of friends, you will be helping to keep our helicopters in the sky. This challenge is free to take part in and you can do it wherever and whenever you like. As a thank you for taking part, we will send you an EAAA t-shirt to wear during challenge – remember to size-up on your t-shirt if you want to wear it over your jumper or coat. We suggest you set yourself a fundraising target of £50 and hope you will enjoy this challenge while building up your daily steps and fitness! To take part go to www.eaaa.org.uk/TWWalk Trek 24 – The Chiltern Challenge Trek Saturday 23 July A date for your diary if you enjoy being outside and taking in the stunning countryside views!

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This trek will take you high up into the Chilterns through many nature reserves and country parks, giving you sweeping views over Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Last summer was the first time we ran this event and on Saturday 23 July we’re really excited to be bringing it back, this time starting and finishing at Barton Hill Farm in Streatley. This is a fully supported trek with refreshments and lunch provided on the way, with a hot meal to greet you at the end once you’ve crossed the finish line. Find out more and sign up at www.trek-24.co.uk For a discount on group entries, please get in touch with our Events Team.

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Finance

The impact of rising inflation Nobody likes paying more for things, but inflation may be a particular problem in 2022. Here’s what it could mean for your finances. Why is it increasing? The Bank of England has forecast inflation could regularly hit 4% or higher in 2022. That’s partly because some of the suspected causes of recent price rises may be here for some time. This includes: higher oil and gas prices (driven by worldwide demand) that affect manufacturing; a shortage of staff in lorry driving and hospitality pushing up wages; and supply-chain problems such as global shipping slowdowns and silicon chip shortages. The fact that it’s manufacturing costs rather than consumer demand for specific products may affect the way shoppers experience this inflation. It’s likely they’ll find everything seems a little pricier, rather than particular items suddenly feeling shockingly expensive. That could mean the squeeze of incomes – especially with National Insurance rising in April - is a little tighter. Not just spenders - Savers and investors may also notice the difference. A 4% inflation rate exceeds all but the most attractive savings rates on offer, meaning savers lose buying power over time. (Though savers are still better off than those not making any interest.) That could incentivise some people with spare cash to move to riskier investments in the hope of a better return. Effect on pensions - Rising inflation has consequences for pensioners, beyond increasing prices. The ‘triple lock’ means the state pension

rises each year by whichever is higher: rises in average earnings, inflation from the Consumer Price Index, or 2.5 percent. A prolonged spell of inflation above 2.5 percent could mean bigger pension rises. Effect on mortgages - Perhaps the biggest concern for many consumers is how inflation could affect their mortgages. Until the financial crisis of 2008, central banks and governments traditionally used higher interest rates as a way to bring down excessive inflation. The theory was simple: higher interest payments meant homeowners had less money to spend in the shops, meaning retailers couldn’t get away with too many price rises. Since 2008, however, central banks have tended to concentrate on keeping rates as low as possible so that people have spare money to spend and help keep the economy moving. Another argument against rate rises is that the current inflation doesn’t appear to be the result of consumers having too much money, but rather goods being more expensive to produce. That means interest-rate rises might not have that much effect and could even cause problems with consumers cutting back on purchases of non-essential goods. On the other hand, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (which sets interest rates in the UK) may conclude rate rises are its last resort against excessive inflation. That means existing borrowers, those coming to the end of fixed term deals, and those planning to take out a mortgage for the first time, should all build some extra slack into their calculations and make sure they could cope with any increase in their monthly repayments.

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Ever stopped to think about equity release? NOW COULD BE A GOOD TIME TO TALK! Equity Release Lifetime Mortgages, allow over 55’s to release tax-free cash tied up in the value of your home. You don’t have to move house or downsize. It’s a popular way to get the money you need, to enjoy the retirement you deserve. Releasing Equity from your home is a big decision, which is why we’ll make sure you understand the benefits, costs and risks. We’ll be happy to set up a meeting, where we can talk you through the eligibility requirements that apply. The initial meeting is completely FREE!

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Dreaming of more space? Wake up to a garden room Whether it’s for hobbies, work or a place to escape it all, everyone dreams of having a bit more space around the home. But what are your options if you don’t want to move? Extensions are one solution, but they’re not always possible or financially viable. Garage and loft conversions are another popular option. But they can take a lot of time, be expensive and, importantly, you end up losing in valuable storage space. A better, cheaper and quicker solution is to install a custom-built AMC Garden Room. With prices starting from around £20,000, even a small garden can accommodate one of our rooms and most don’t even need planning permission. With internet, power supply, insulation and double glazing they’re designed to be enjoyed all year round.

Work or play? How will you use yours? The last 18 months have meant many of us have spent more time working from home. Having an office at the end of the garden could be the perfect way to separate work and home life – and means you can enjoy some peace and quiet too. But garden rooms aren’t just for working in. How about a soundproofed music room? A light and airy art studio? An air-conditioned gym? A granny annex, man-cave, pool room, home cinema or just a place to sit and relax? The list goes on and on. So whether it’s extra space for business, pleasure (or both) that you’re dreaming of, we’ve got the solutions to make it become a reality. AMC Garden Rooms is based in Huntingdon and builds garden rooms throughout East Anglia. To book a free site visit and 3D design email hello@AMCgardenrooms or call us on 01223 871360

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Gardening

Toxic Plants Things to avoid in the garden We all know that gardens are good for us. The effects of gardening on mind and body have been well-documented in terms of mental and physical health, as well as the increased possibilities of social interaction that can arise through tuning in to the outdoor world. Indeed, the biophilia hypothesis explains the huge benefits to be gained from making connections with nature. But there are also a few dangers out there and it’s wise to consider any potential hazards too! Some plants are harmful and it’s essential to know which are poisonous for people and pets. If you are

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Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

intent on creating a sensory-type garden or your outside space is a playground for pets and kids, for example, it’s important to make it as safe as possible. Animals and young children tend to explore the world around them using their senses of touch, smell, taste and sound; they are not quite so tuned in to sight. Some plants will cause a slight upset stomach but others are capable of damaging organs if enough is eaten. A few plants are extremely poisonous and can even cause death, although this is very rare. Toxic plants We are designed to eat produce including fruit, vegetables and herbs. Some need to be cooked before consumption, whilst others can be eaten raw. Potatoes, for example, should never be eaten raw because they contain potentially toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids which are non-digestible. Brussels sprouts can cause too much gas in the intestines if eaten raw. It’s worth bearing this in mind if your child likes to grub about in the allotment or kitchen garden. The leaves of rhubarb are highly toxic and even the leaves of tomatoes will cause gastro-intestinal distress. We love to eat the stems

of asparagus, but the little red berries are toxic. Pets such as dogs and cats are unable to consume some foods that are fine for humans. They include grapes, which can cause renal failure, several members of the onion family including leeks, and some mushrooms. Some of the most poisonous plants in the UK • One of the most toxic plants in the UK is monkshood, Aconitum napellus, also known as wolfsbane. Harry Potter fans will be familiar with this one, as even in the fictional wizarding world the potion is highly dangerous! It is a tall plant that produces beautiful purple-blue flowers in summer. They look rather like a monk’s habit, hence the common name. Despite the fact that touching the leaves and then eating even a small part, or allowing entry of the plant via an open wound, can lead to fatal poisoning, this plant is widely available for planting within gardens. It doesn’t always come with a warning. • The death-cap mushroom, Amanita phalliodes. This is a fairly common fungus here in the UK, growing in mixed deciduous woods, particularly under oak and beech trees. It’s quite a large mushroom, growing up to 15cm across with a domed, white cap. It looks similar to several edible mushrooms but is deadly poisonous. Some call it the silent assassin and only a small amount can result in death. It contains a toxin for which there is no known cure. • Hemlock, Conium maculatum is a highly poisonous flowering plant that is a member of the carrot

family. It has a rather attractive umbel flower and purple spots on the green stems. It’s common in the UK, growing by hedges, ditches and woodland edges. All parts of the plant are toxic because of a fast-acting poison called cicutoxin. This causes stomach upsets and even paralysis of the lungs. The Greek philosopher, Socrates, was said to have died after being poisoned by tea made from this plant. • Deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna, is obviously poisonous – the clue is in the common name! It’s actually the fruits that are the biggest problem on this tall, bushy plant that likes shady and wooded areas. It produces bell-shaped flowers in early summer followed by black berries that can grow to the size of cherries. They look tempting to eat but contain the toxins atropine and scopolamine, which cause paralysis to organs, including the heart. It’s a potential killer in severe cases. • Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, has rightly earned a reputation for being one of Britain’s most dangerous plants. It probably won’t kill, but it burns severely due to its toxic sap, which reacts with human skin and sunlight. It’s a huge beast, growing up to 4.5 metres tall, with umbrellashaped white flower clusters. • Even foxgloves are poisonous, if consumed. They contain digitalis and other chemicals that affect the heart. The pretty, bell-shaped, tubular flowers are just the right size for little fingers, so you won’t want these transferred into the mouth.

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Garden View

Contain Your Excitement For me February marks the real beginning of the gardener’s year. Seed sowing starts in earnest, and we can begin to plan to bring the patio pots alive. As a gardener I do raise a lot of my plants from seeds in cold frames and greenhouses. But there is no right way to approach this. If you’re super busy and time in the garden is short, wait until late February and purchase fresh, well grown young plants from the garden centre. Yes its more expensive but it might be worth it in time and energy saved. The patio is a great place to indulge your creativity. Do you want a brilliant chaotic colour palate or a cool tranquil colour scheme, or maybe even monochrome calming greens in many textures of foliage. I think of patio pots like soft furnishings in the house…changing things up can transform the mood. While containers are conventionally planted in autumn and late spring, they can actually be planted at any time of year, and I like to get a couple planted up in February so they can become really established and give me a running a start. I use containers of all sizes but generally the large ones provide more impact. If they are to large and heavy to move easily, plant them with hardy bulbs or permanent shrubs or trees. You can then add seasonal geraniums and pansies etc around the core planting. Small, moveable containers can be planted with bright bulbs and specimen plants that can be brought to the front as they reach their peak with flowers or foliage. If you have a sheltered frost-free area for a cold frame or poly cover you can plant early, keep safe from the worst of the winter weather, and then bring them out when the frosts have finished. Good trees for larger containers are conifers. There is such a huge variety of shapes and colours to choose from. For patios its best to choose more compact, well-groomed shapes in bright greens or yellows. Groups of three or five pots containing contrasting shapes and colours work very well together. Alternatively go for similar shapes in a variety of sizes and colours. Because February tends to be quite wet drainage can be an issue. As a guide, patio and decking surfaces should be dry, or only wet if it’s rained

By Rachael Leverton recently. If a patio or decking is constantly wet it’s likely that algae and moss will start to grow which can look unsightly and make the surface dangerously slippery to walk on. Use a strong yard brush and approved detergent to keep hard surfaces clean and safe. As anticipation in gardening provides much of the pleasure take the garden furniture out of storage this month and clean it up…then you can enjoy a cup of tea on sunny days and watch your patio begin to wake up.

Happy Indoor Gardening

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WO PINEE CAOD RE TRE What we do? • Tree Felling • Thinning and Pruning • Lopping and Topping • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding • Power Washing • Gravelling Why choose Pine Wood? • Competitive rates • Free estimates and advice • References on request For a FREE estimate with no obligation E: andrewwinters83@outlook.com

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Pets

Do You Sponsor a Cat or Dog? RSPCA Sponsorship is one of the best ways you can help dogs and cats in need. It allows them to recover from neglect, abuse and abandonment in the safe, caring environment of our animal centres. Did you know that 2, 149 dogs and 4,903 cats were taken into our care during 2020? By sponsoring dog kennels or cat pods in our animal centres across England and Wales, you’ll be giving the gift of: life-saving veterinary treatment; shelter and safety; food and treats, plus expert rehabilitation and loving care. In return, you’ll receive a welcome pack, along with regular updates and photos from our centres all about the animals you’re helping. You’ll be able to see what a difference your Sponsorship is making to the dogs and cats in our care. How does sponsorship help? 1) Annual vaccines - Many of the dogs we care for need urgent and ongoing medical care. As well as helping fund safe, warm kennels for all dogs, RSPCA Sponsors help pay for everything from annual vaccines or flea and worm treatment to emergency surgery and treating chronic conditions. 2) Rehabilitation - We rescue dogs from terrible situations. Some have been abused, others neglected meaning they’ve never had human contact. It can take weeks, months – or longer – for them to recover and be ready for a new life, in a loving home. Your sponsorship could help fund this expert rehabilitation for dogs in our care. 3) New bedding - Sponsorship helps keep our cat pods well stocked, so our feline friends can feel at home while they’re with us. Somewhere warm and cosy to sleep, fun toys to keep them stimulated. Giving the gift of RSPCA Sponsorship is becoming more widely known and popular amongst animal lovers. Our animal centres across England and Wales are almost solely funded by the public. We rely on the

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generosity of our sponsors to keep them all running. With more than 800 cats and dogs staying in our 14 animal centres at any one time, sponsorship couldn’t be more important. Our behaviour and welfare workers are able to work closely with the dogs that come into their care, because of the funding that comes from sponsorship. So many of them have been traumatised by cruelty and neglect, so they need a lot of extra help to overcome that. Special training plans are created, that are unique to each dog, in order for them to grow their confidence and trust people one more. If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Motoring

First Drive: Ford S-Max What is it? One exception to the widespread replacement of MPVs with SUVs is Ford, with its S-Max and Galaxy seven-seaters both benefitting from a new hybrid powertrain that aims to keep these models going. What’s new? This latest S-Max Hybrid comes from investment into the brand’s Barcelona plant, with this powertrain also appearing in the new Kuga and Galaxy. It’s an all-new setup for Ford and is currently the only hybrid MPV of its kind. What’s under the bonnet? For the S-Max Hybrid, Ford combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a 1.1kWh battery and electric motor, with front-wheel drive via a CVT automatic transmission. It kicks out 187bhp, goes from 0-60mph time in 9.6 seconds and has a 115mph top speed, though most will choose the Hybrid for the efficiency benefits, with its 147g/km CO2 emissions being 10 per cent lower than the diesel’s. Ford claims a fuel economy figure of 44.1mpg but we averaged 50mpg during testing, giving us a 600-plus mile range. What’s it like to drive? The S-Max is rather good to drive, feeling more like a hatchback than a big sevenseater through corners, yet at the same time is a comfortable cruiser with a compliant ride. The hybrid system is also one of the best ‘selfcharging’ setups around and will even run as an EV for short bursts, which helps on efficiency. The CVT gearbox does somewhat sap performance when accelerating, but is largely quite a good fit.

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How does it look? The S-Max isn’t bad-looking. In our test car’s ST-Line trim, it gets large two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a sporty body kit and a range of gloss black touches. We reckon a seven-seat people carrier has never looked so good. What’s it like inside? The interior layout is very much ‘old Ford’, with none of the digital dials and minimalist layout in the brand’s most modern models. However, the S-Max is practical, offering a flexible seating arrangement and three rows of seats that lets seven adults sit relatively comfortably. With just two front seats in position, it offers a huge 2,020 litres of boot space. What’s the spec like? The Hybrid is available in the same trio of trims as the standard S-Max – Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale. Standard equipment is generous with keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and an eight-inch touchscreen, but ST-Line would be our pick, adding electric and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, only the top-spec Vignale model comes with an electric boot and LED headlights, as well as a reversing camera and massaging leather seats. Prices start from £36,530 for a Titanium and rise to £41,790 for the Vignale. Verdict - The Ford S-Max is arguably better to drive and more spacious than many similarly-sized SUVs. The new hybrid powertrain gives the S-Max a further lifeline, and its efficiency will likely impress. Though pricey and not up-to-date inside, it remains one of the better seven-seaters on the market and a brilliant large family car.

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Seasonal Recipe

The ultimate comfort food and the perfect dish for getting ahead and reheating in the oven when needed. A delicious family meal that is equally indulgent for a special occasion. Want to save time? Use ready-prepared meatballs for a speedy option.

Meatball Mac and Cheese Meatballs 500g pork mince ½ tsp fennel seeds Pinch of smoked paprika Salt and black pepper Olive oil for drizzling Tomato Sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tbsp tomato puree 900ml passata 1 tsp caster sugar Salt and black pepper Pasta 350g macaroni or other pasta shape 250g mozzarella cheese, grated

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. 2. Place the pork mince in a bowl with the fennel seeds and paprika, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix to combine then divide and shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs.

Serves 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes

3. Place the meatballs on a greased baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Turn halfway through cooking. 4. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large shallow casserole dish and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato puree, passata, sugar and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. 5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water according to packet instructions, then drain, reserving some water. Tip the pasta into the tomato sauce with the meatballs. Add a little of the reserved water to thin the sauce if needed. Scatter over the cheese and place the casserole dish back in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Nutrition per serving: 555kcal, fat 21g (of which saturates 9.1g), carbohydrates 53g (of which sugars 8.7g), protein 35g, fibre 3.9g

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Special Report

Home Security

How safe is your home? The ways in which we protect our homes have changed over the past decade. From CCTV systems, wireless doorbell cameras, automatic lighting, motion sensors, anti-vandal paint to good oldfashioned burglar alarms, the list of home security gadgets available is endless. But just how safe is your home? Last year alone there were more than 260,000 cases of home burglary in the UK, the majority of which were conducted by amateur thieves, and although your chances of crossing paths with Thomas Crown are quite slim, statistics show that your home is five times more likely to be targeted if no visible security measures are in place. How do I know if my home is secure? It is every homeowner’s worse nightmare: being woken up in the middle of the night by strange noises coming from downstairs, or coming home from an evening with friends to find a smashed window panel and a door left slightly ajar. With an understanding of basic theft prevention and an assessment of your property’s security, you will be in a better position than most to know if improvements are urgently needed in your home to protect your family.

Keep valuables out of sight That new flatscreen TV looks great on your wall, but did you know it can be seen from the street? Removing all valuables from an outside viewpoint gives thieves no reason to target your property. This includes car keys, smart devices, bags, wallets and of course jewellery. Even the packaging of expensive items shouldn’t be left outside as this acts as an advertisement to would-be thieves. Check for vulnerable entry points Are your doors reinforced uPVC plastic or solid wood? Forcing entry to a doorway is the most common tactic for burglars to enter your property. Ensure all entrance points are secured with suitable locking mechanisms in place. Windowless doors with a minimum of two locks are the most efficient. Keep sheds and garages secure Thieves will often enter a rear garden to obtain tools from a shed or garage as they are easily accessible, with many homeowners not locking them at all. Never give an intruder the opportunity to use your own belongings against you. Think like a thief Attempt to gain access to your own home without using a key. Is the rear garden fence easily scaled?

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Can you gain access to the top windows by climbing the drainpipe? Do the doors and windows move slightly if you force them? Understanding your home’s weaknesses will help you to understand what improvements are needed. Don’t make it easy for them If you lose your house keys, replace the locks immediately. There is always a chance that your keys will be found by someone who knows you or can follow you home. You should never leave house keys under the doormat or flowerpot; this is the first place intruders will check when trying to gain access. The most effective methods for protecting your home Under lock and key – the simplest solutions are always the most effective. Over 70% of home intruders gain access to properties by entering the front door. Always ensure it remains locked, along with all other entrances, windows, gates and garages. Let there be light – outdoor security lighting on timers or infrared motion sensors are a low-cost solution for deterring would-be intruders. Make sure you focus on dimly lit areas, which are hotspots for attacks, muggings and altercations with criminals who can take possession of your house or car keys. Smile for the camera – an alternative option to a full CCTV system without breaking the bank is a wireless doorbell camera. Burglars tend to knock on the front door before entering a property, to check if anyone

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is at home. With a door camera you will naturally deter intruders, be able to see who is knocking on your smart device and have the added benefit of recording their face should future evidence be required. Home and away – the longer a house is uninhabited the more vulnerable it becomes. Use automatic lighting and timers for electronic devices to come on in the evenings, to give the illusion that your house remains occupied. Play it safe – if all of the above fails and an intruder has managed to enter your property, fear not. With a simple safe box your goods stand a better chance of remaining in your home. Fixing your safe securely in place in a hidden spot is the tried and tested method for preventing thieves escaping with your valuables.

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Easy Sudoku

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY 1 FEBRUARY

Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, non-members £3, under 18s free. Animal Experience with Mitch Price. An hour-long talk and hands-on experience with a variety of animals including owls, meerkat, pygmy hedgehog, sugar glider and chinchilla. Children over 8 welcome. Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com

1, 8, 15 & 22 FEBRUARY

St Neots & District Camera Club Via Zoom. Talks and competitions. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk

2 FEBRUARY

History and Archaeology Walk 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Gentle guided walk with a warden. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

2, 9, 16 & 23 FEBRUARY

St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members. Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk

3, 10, 17 & 24 FEBRUARY

Riverport Singers 10.15-11.15am The Corn Exchange, St Ives Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Come along and sing a range of songs in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Tel: Agi 07757 811802 Email: agipeach@icloud.com Web: Facebook.com/riverportsingers

4 FEBRUARY

St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘Estate Villages – Old Warden and Southill’ by Paul Langston. Paul will look at the development of these neighbouring villages within the estates of Shuttleworth and Southill Park, the latter owned by the Whitbread family. Includes AGM. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk

5 FEBRUARY

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘A history of Daffodils in art, history, culture and gardens’ by Twigs Way, designer and garden historian. Twigs joins the group again to talk on Daffodils. Visitors welcome – small charge. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

5 FEBRUARY

Huntingdon Comedy Club 7pm Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Tickets £15 + booking fee With Robert White (BGT Finalist), Alasdair Becket-King (Mock the Week), Ola Labib (Funny Festival Live), Aaron Simmomds (Broadway World). Web: www.chuckl.co.uk/huntingdonfebruary

9 FEBRUARY

Lunchtime Talk 10.30am-12.30pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade Adults £21.50, Members £8 Don Albone meets Colonel and Mrs Shuttleworth. Hot drinks and cake on arrival. Admission also includes 30-day access to the visitor attraction from the date of the talk. See website for other weekly talks. Web: www.shuttleworth.org/talksprogramme to book

9 FEBRUARY

The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Talk 7.30pm on Zoom. Free event Talk by Dr Pat Doody, Co-chairman, considering the way we have changed our landscape and, specifically, the wildlife of Brampton Parish. Everyone most welcome to attend. Pat will send the zoom link out nearer the time. Email: jp.doody@ntlworld.com to attend

14-18 FEBRUARY

Children's Holiday Bushcraft at Wandlebury Country Park 8.30am-4pm. Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge £38 per day Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Fun and enriching outdoor activities during half-term. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

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15 FEBRUARY

10am-12 noon Dementia Café St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers. Tel: George 07725 588145. Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity

17 FEBRUARY

Children’s Poetry Workshop. 10-11am Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon I am Me age 7-12. Join poet Jumping Jules (Julie Stevens) for a fun and exciting poetry workshop, where you will create ideas to write poems that explore who you are! Who will you find? Web: www.commhall.org

18 FEBRUARY

Kimbolton Community Cinema 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, concessions £4, Children £2.50. Military Wives (12A). Bar, ice cream and free popcorn. Tickets from The Flower Shop , The Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or on the door.

24 FEBRUARY

St Neots & District Gardening Club Meetings 7.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 A talk on Bees and Beeswax demonstration by Francisca Shaw. Visitors welcome. Web: www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk

25 FEBRUARY

Tina Live. 7.30-9.45pm Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Starring Julie Nevada as Tina. Powerful vocals, live band, backing singers and fabulous professional dancers with electrifying dance routines makes TINA LIVE Simply The Best night out of the year! Web: www.chuckl.co.uk/huntingdontina-live

28 FEBRUARY

Wild Babies at Paxton Pits 9.45-11.30am. Paxton Pits Education Centre, Little Paxton Bring your pre-walking aged baby along in a buggy, pram or sling for a gentle relaxing stroll with plenty of chance to chat to other 'wild baby' parents. Web: www.wildlifebcn.org

Special Report

The Winter Olympics February 4th – 20th

By Tracey Anderson

The modern Olympics first took place in 1868. Five years later Sweden decided to stage the first international competition for winter sports. It was called the Nordic Game, and only Scandinavian countries competed. Like the Olympics, it was staged every four years, but it always took place in Sweden. Then in 1908 figure skating was featured at the summer Olympics…sort of. It was actually showcased three months after the main event! In 1911 the international Olympic Committee (IOC) proposed a separate winter competition but initially the Swedes were not keen, then the First World War forced the cancellation of all Olympic events. In 1920, figure skating featured in the summer Olympic schedule again, and was joined by ice hockey, which proved very popular. Soon after, the Scandinavians agreed to stage an IOC-sanctioned International Winter Sports Week in Chamonix, in the French Alps. 16 nations took part, and it was so successful that in 1925, the Winter Olympics were formally recognised as a separate international event, effectively making the competition at Chamonix the first ever Winter Olympics. The original nine sporting events were: bobsleigh, curling, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping, and skating (both figure skating and speed skating). More events have been added over the years and today there are fifteen: Alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsleigh, crosscountry skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing,

ice hockey, luge, Nordic combined, short track speed skating, speed skating, skeleton, ski jumping, and snowboarding. An event that never made the final cut was Scandinavian skijoring. This event appeared as a demonstration in the St Moritz Winter Olympics in 1928 and involved competitors on skis clutching reins attached to a wooden harness, fitted to a horse. Then in 1932 at the Lake Placid Winter Games, sled dog racing was showcased. I rather wish they’d kept that one in, don’t you? Of course, a Winter Olympics relies heavily on snow. In 1964 in Innsbruck, Austria, there wasn’t enough of it and the games nearly didn’t go ahead! Fortunately, the Austrian army came to the rescue, transporting 20,000 blocks of ice from the mountains to the bobsled and luge track, and 40,000 cubic meters of snow to the Alpine skiing courses. Then as soon as the Winter Olympics ended (of course) Innsbruck received one of its heaviest snowfalls for years! Norway is the country that really punches above its weight at the Winter Olympics. It only has a population of five million (London alone has nearly nine million!) but to date has won 368 medals (132 gold, 125 silver, and 111 bronze) – way ahead of their nearest rivals, the United States, who have 305 medals and a population of 329 million! Whether skiing, bobsleighing or the figure skating is your winter sport of choice, pour a hot chocolate or a gluhwein and curl up under a blanket and enjoy all the action.

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Technology

Keep taking the tablets

The best tablets for everybody and every budget Tablets are among our very favourite devices. They’re fantastic all-rounders, capable of turning into glossy magazines or movie screens, children’s games or serious workhorses. And there’s never been a better time to buy one, whether you want a budget bargain or a high-end tablet for work. Amazon’s Fire HD range offers exceptional value for money, with models starting at just £49 for the Fire 7 to £149 for the Fire HD 10. That’s less than half the price of Apple’s iPad, and Amazon offers big discounts on Fire tablets every time it has a big sales event. You can’t access the Apple or Google app stores but Amazon’s own App Store is very good, and there are models specifically for children, with features including tough protective cases and excellent parental controls, as well as a year’s free subscription to Amazon Kids books, games and TV shows. The 500lb gorilla of the tablet world is Apple, whose iPads are arguably the best tablets around. The pick of the range for most people is the standard iPad at £319, but if you need more power the iPad Air (£579) and its smaller sibling the iPad mini (£479) are better still. And if you need the ultimate iPad, the iPad Pro starts at £749 for the 11-inch and £999 for the 12.9-inch. If you’d rather have a Windows tablet, Microsoft’s Surface Pro (£995) is a real rival to the iPad Pro, while the more affordable Surface Go (£369) is an excellent alternative to the iPad and iPad Air. There are also lots of nice tablets and 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrids from the usual PC names. Android tablets don’t have a great reputation – the cheap ones are usually awful – but Samsung’s tablets are up there with Apple in terms of quality. Our pick is the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (£298), which is the best value Android tablet if you want to run apps from the Google Play store.

Amazon Fire HD 8 An ideal simple tablet for surfing on the sofa, its’s easy to use, has a good selection of apps including the big names, and doesn’t cost much. £89, Amazon.co.uk Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Like the normal Fire HD, don’t pay full price for this kids’ tablet: Amazon discounts them when it has sales. The Kids edition includes a year’s free subscription to apps, e-books and TV shows. £139, Amazon.co.uk Apple iPad Apple’s control of the hardware and software delivers an unparalleled user experience, making them the best tablets made right now. The basic iPad is fine for most. £319, Apple.com

Microsoft Surface Go 3 Prefer Windows to iPadOS? Microsoft’s excellent tablet running Windows 10/Windows 11 is fast, good-looking and very flexible. £369, microsoft.com Galaxy Tab S6 Lite It’s not quite up to Apple standards in terms of software, but the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is a good option if you’ve already invested in Android apps or just prefer Google’s way of doing things. £298, Samsung.com

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our January Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs G Studley from Sandy

January’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 European country (7) 5 Scour (5) 8 Inflamed (7) 9 Precise (5) 10 Strict (5) 11 Operating room (7) 12 Painter (6) 14 Lethal (6) 17 Non professional (7) 19 Likeness (5) 22 Edgy, anxious (5) 23 Revised (7) 24 Father (5) 25 Harnessed to ride (7)

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

16th February 2022 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Types of transport (5) 2 Not tight (5) 3 E.g. Crete, Rhodes (7) 4 Tiny (6) 5 Stage set (5) 6 Oven cooked (7) 7 Torch power cell (7) 12 Made suitable (7) 13 Coached (7) 15 Once lived (7) 16 Destroys (6) 18 Including all (5) 20 Fourth month (5) 21 Finished (5)

Name:

Address:

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Tel:

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Books

Books to get your teeth into Stuck in a rut when it comes to mealtimes? This month’s recommended books might help…

By Kate Duggan

Green One Pound Meals Miguel Barclay

Cooking on a budget really isn’t easy, but Miguel Barclay’s One Pound Meals series takes some of the headache out of meal preparation. The latest in the series focuses on planetfriendly dishes. As you’d expect, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan meals, from cauliflower cups to courgette kofte, but there are also lots of dishes to tempt staunch meat eaters too. Plus, you’ll get tips on eco-conscious shopping and minimising food waste.

Under the Olive Tree Irini Tzortzoglou

In the depths of winter, Irini’s recipes will transport you to sun-filled summer holidays. The first half of the book is dedicated to simpler midweek Greek meals. The second half is full of showstoppers to wow friends and family. Expect everything from moussaka, braised octopus, and baklava to chickpea fritters. You’ll also read about Irini’s family and where her love for good, honest ingredients and home cooking comes from.

Love to Cook Mary Berry

Lost your love for cooking? This TV series tie-in might help to bring it back. It features 120 recipes from one of the UK’s favourite cooks. The focus is on no-fuss recipes to ‘bring happiness into your kitchen’. You’ll find simple stir fries, easy curries, warming casseroles and plenty of mouthwatering puddings. Many of the dishes can be prepared the day before or frozen.

Pinch of Nom Comfort Food Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson

‘Comforting’ and ‘diet’ are two words that don’t usually go together. The Pinch of Nom team is trying to prove that you can enjoy flavoursome, satisfying meals even when you’re aiming to lose weight. Recipes include cheesy aubergine bake, slow-cooker stroganoff, and halloumi couscous burgers, along with plenty of indulgent desserts. There are 100 recipes altogether. More than 40 are vegetarian and 47 are gluten-free.

Nadiya’s Fast Flavours Nadiya Hussain

Don’t be deceived by the name – most of these recipes aren’t exactly speedy. However, most require under 30 minutes of hands-on time and a fair few can be whipped up for a quick midweek meal. There are twists on classics such as macaroni cheese, along with unique flavour combinations that are sure to please if you’re bored to tears with everyday meals. Think honey-baked sriracha drumsticks, coffee-glazed focaccia, and banana-skin bagels.

Family Comforts Rebecca Wilson

Fed up of cooking two different meals most nights? Not only are all these recipes child- and adult-friendly, each one can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree diets. You’ll find plenty of easy midweek meals, along with hands-off slow-cooker dishes, weekend meals and puddings. While they’re designed to appeal to kids, there are also big flavours to keep the grownups happy. Think mild curries, lemon and garlic chicken, and loaded Mexican sweet potatoes. Each recipe is nutritionist approved and there are extra tips on weaning, batch cooking and food preparation.

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Blind Specialist

Gary’s Plumbing Over 40 years experience No job too small! Please call Gary on

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Electrician

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established in 1996 Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111

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Tai Chi

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Cambs Feb 2022

Articles inside

Book Review

First Drive: Ford S-Max

Villager Prize Crossword

What's On

How Safe is your Home?

Do you sponsor a cat or dog?

Seasonal Recipe: Meatball Mac and Cheese

Toxic Plants

A Town of Grit, Endeavour & Upright Dealings

A History of the Valentine Card

The Power of Great make Up Shades

Wake Up to a Garden Room

Get Walking for EAAA

Ideas for a Romantic Getaway

Caring Together

Drinks: Blue Monkey Brewery