Cambs Jan 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 129 - January 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Shop Local in 2020

Win tickets to see

Josie Long Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People Every Month in Buckden, Brampton, Godmanchester, Eaton Socon, ur E o Y The Hemingfords, Grantchester and all surrounding villages REpy

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Inside this issue... East Anglian Air Ambulance

From Pail to Sewage Farm at St Neots........................................4 The History of Dentistry.............................................................6 Win Tickets to see Josie Long..................................... 12 A Taste of Mexico......................................................................14 Charleston................................................................................17 Your 2020 Vision for 2020.........................................................19 How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes......................................................20 Beauty Boosters.......................................................................23 Style and Colour at your Wedding - Q&A..................................25 Tackle the January Blues with a Winter Walk............................26 Volunteering on Huntingdonshire's Countryside Sites..............28 East Anglian Air Ambulance.....................................................31 Separation and Divorce............................................................33 Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020.....................34 Dear Diary................................................................................38 Witch Hazel..............................................................................43 High-Rise Edibles.....................................................................44 RSPCA......................................................................................47

R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal........................................................48 Children's Page........................................................................51 Making Family Life that Little Bit Easier...................................52 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe...................................................54 Shop Local in 2020...................................................................57 What should we make of Astrology?........................................58 Puzzle Page..............................................................................60 Start a new Year's Revolution...................................................62 What's On................................................................................64 Our Eccentric Inventors: Are they having the last laygh?..........67 Cosy Up Your Home..................................................................69 Villager Prize Crossword............................................ 74 Book Review............................................................................76 Classifieds................................................................................78 Useful Numbers.......................................................................79

Cosy Up Your Home

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Solange Hando, Anne McCarthy, John Spring, Kate Duggan, Jennie Billings, Centre for Complementary Health, Ann Haldon, Leeds Day Solicitors, Sarah Davey, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Pippa Greenwood, Nick Coffer, Ann McCarthy, Louise Addison, Kate McLelland and Katherine Sorrell.

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

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

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

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History

By Peter Ibbett

From Pail to Sewage Farm at St. Neots The Hen Brook at St. Neots flows gently into the Great Ouse, just south of the town bridge, and is a haven for boats, ducks and fish. It is provides a relaxing view for the owners of balcony flats, on the site of the former Paine’s Brewery, who enjoy fresh air in contrast to the exhaust infused air in the centre of town. St. Neots air around the brook eighty years ago would have had less carbon dioxide in it but it did have an aroma of an open septic tank for, although a thriving market town, the river and the brook was still the place for the untreated effluent of the town and its inhabitants to be deposited. Back in 1912 a sewer system costing £13,000 was rejected by St. Neots Urban District Council as being too expensive and the ‘piece-meal unreliable small sewers’ continued to operate. In 1914 a report found that:- ‘250 better class houses had water closets. (31%) The remaining 800 in the St. Neots District (population of 4314) relies on the pail system. The sewage is at present discharged without treatment either to the river or to the Hen Brook which runs through the town. A scheme for sewage disposal has been prepared by Messrs John Taylor & Sons of Westminster. Briefly the proposals are to retain in use a large part of the existing sewers but also to lay a number of new sewers, and to bring the drainage to a point near the Church and to pump

it from there to disposal works on the Hen Brook behind the railway near Howitt’s Lane.’ Again it was found to be too expensive. In 1923 it was reported that “most east bank properties discharge directly into the river.” The Hen Brook was affected ‘very badly’. It was described as an ‘open sewer’ and in 1928 ‘very offensive’. By 1931, 550 (44%) of 1251 properties were now on the sewer system. A £41,300 scheme was proposed with pumping stations, new sewers and a sewage farm, etc., but it was felt to be “too great a financial burden on the rates.” In 1936 a £47,000 scheme was accepted but shelved in 1939 on the outbreak of war. In 1946 a new scheme was agreed and a site purchased on Huntingdon Road to discharge into the fastest flowing part of the Great Ouse. It took until 1955 when the town’s present Sewage Farm finally started work at a cost of around £75,000. If you are out on a new year healthy walk, pondering the effects of the ‘Climate Emergency’ on your plans for 2020, do give credit for your ancestors (eventually) for banishing a ‘Local Stink’ to the history archives.

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10/05/2018 15:39

History

The History of Dentistry Although most of us hate visiting the dentist, twenty-first century dental practices are a walk in the park compared to what our ancestors endured. Common perception is that our ancestors must have suffered from terrible teeth. In fact, the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans probably had better teeth than we do today due to the lack of refined sugar in their diet. Like us, they cleaned their teeth with abrasive and breath-sweetening concoctions. Made from eggshells, soot, bones, pumice, myrrh or mint, they were usually applied with a cloth or the fingers. The ancient Chinese had invented toothbrushes using pigs’ bristles but although toothpicks and even dental floss were around, they weren’t in common use in Europe until 1780, when William Addis manufactured the first toothbrush. Toothache has long been a human scourge and there have been many outlandish remedies. Scribonius Largus, (his real name, not a Monty Python invention!) was physician to the Roman Emperor Claudius. To treat toothache, he would fumigate the mouth with smoke produced by burning henbane seeds followed by an oral rinse with hot water. This was supposed to evict the

tiny ‘tooth worms’ that for hundreds of years were believed to be the cause of cavities and toothache. False teeth were also around in ancient times, usually made of animal bone, ivory or wood. The Etruscans, a pre-Roman civilization, were apparently particularly skilled at dentures using ox bone fixed in place by gold wire. Traditionally, physicians would treat tooth problems but the medieval era saw the arrival of specialist ‘tooth drawers’, the best being retained by royalty (King Henry VIII was said to have one). Travelling fairs and markets often featured a tooth drawer, usually identified by jester’s clothing and a string of teeth hanging around their neck. Blacksmiths, jewellers and apothecaries would also pull teeth as a sideline using whatever instruments they had at their disposal. In 1540, the Company of Barbers was merged with that of surgeons to create The United BarberSurgeons Company. Subsequently, high-street barbers were able to carry out rudimentary surgery that included dental work (hence the striped ‘blood and bandages’ barbers’ pole). The first English book on dentistry was The Operator for the Teeth by Charles Allen, published

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AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HOUSE Savour the quintessential English past-time of taking tea in the grand setting of The House, Shuttleworth. Â£30.00 per person Sunday 26 January Sunday 31 May

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in 1685. ‘Operators for the teeth’ were in fact the earliest dentists, as they were not only skilled enough to extract teeth but could also replace them with dentures or false teeth made from materials like gold, silver and ivory (from walrus, elephant or hippo). But by far the best material for false teeth was other human teeth! Consequently a market quickly sprang up where teeth were either robbed from corpses or bought by extraction from the mouths of the destitute (as in when young Fantine sells her teeth in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables). Allen also invented a recipe for whitening toothpaste made from powdered coral, rose water and a tree resin called ‘dragon’s blood’. During the seventeenth century, French physician and dental pioneer Pierre Fauchard was one of the first practitioners to explain how sugar in the mouth forms acids that decay enamel and cause cavities. He also wrote about methods to straighten teeth using orthodontics in his book The Surgeon Dentist, published in 1728. Alongside other French dentists, Fauchard used dental fillings made from mercury heated together with other metals. This was later refined by an English dentist named Bell to produce amalgam. The earliest dentistry lectures were by James Rae in 1764 at The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. By the nineteenth century, dentistry had become a recognised apprenticeship, so in 1858 The Dental Hospital and National Dental Hospital Schools opened in London. There were still many rogue dentists around so in the 1870s the newly founded Dental Reform Committee decreed that practicing dentists had

to complete a License in Dental Surgery in order to be officially registered. Unfortunately, the licence was only open to men so Lilian Murray, the first official female dentist in the UK, managed to qualify in Scotland where the barrier didn’t exist. Many dental innovations were made during the Victorian era. By 1840 it was possible to have ether as a general anaesthetic and four years later nitrous oxide or laughing gas was introduced, whereas previous painkillers had been whisky or cocaine. The invention of the foot-operated dental drill made filling teeth much easier, although with its slow cord-driven, skull-shaking vibrations, one can only imagine how unpleasant it still was. Following in the footsteps of an American company, in 1896 Colgate mass-produced the first commercially available toothpaste in a collapsible tube in the UK. Despite this, tooth health among the general population was far from ideal. In 1942 the Beveridge Report highlighted the need for regular dental check-ups for everyone, and in 1948 the formation of the NHS gave people free access to dental treatment for the first time. So many opted for dentures that the NHS was forced to charge for them from 1951. These days, dentures have largely been replaced by dental implants, many children now have braces to straighten their teeth and most of us have a healthy smile. But who knows? Our descendants may look back at dentistry today and consider it as crude as a blacksmith yanking out a rotten molar.

By Catherine Rose

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A warm welcome for you Short break package

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* O�er available from 25/10/19 until 29/02/20. T&Cs Apply, Please see website for details. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Photo: GILES SMITH

WIN a PAIR of TICKETS to see JOSIE LONG at the JUNCTION, Cambridge on 17th JANUARY 2020 Three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long is finally back on the road with a brand-new show about the mind-bending intensity of new motherhood, but it is also about kindness, gentleness and joy. A cult-optimist herself, Josie wants her audiences to feel optimistic about the future, although in this current day and age, that’s a big ask. But at the very least there will be some silly voices. Of course, its Josie Long: society’s biggest issues that we’re facing today, from climate change to Boris Johnson, cannot be ignored, but Tender’s main focus is about bringing new life into this ever-changing world. Having started performing comedy at just 14, Josie went on to win the BBC New Comedy Award, Chortle Best Newcomer, Best Newcomer at the 2006 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and then was nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards three years running. She has since sold out West End runs, performed at the most prestigious comedy festivals in the world, written five solo tours and sold out shows in LA and New York. On screen, Josie has been seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2), You Have Been Watching (Channel 4) and Skins (Channel 4), for which she also wrote. She has presented on BBC 6Music, was nominated for a Radio Academy Award for her adventurous short documentaries Short Cuts on Radio 4 and earned a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award nomination for her two short feature films, Let’s Go Swimming and Romance and Adventure and her recent feature film, Super November, was nominated for a BIFA Discovery Award. We have a pair of tickets to give away for Josie’s Cambridge Junction tour date on Friday 17th January. All you have to do is send in the answer to the below question!

JOSIE LONG COMPETITION ENTRY

How many times has Josie been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award?



For a chance to win tickets simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Josie Long Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 14th January 2020

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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Food and Drink

A Taste of... Mexico Mexican cuisine can be traced back several thousand years. Over the different regions, beef, pork and chicken, plus seafood, are extremely popular and some of the same dishes are often found throughout Mexico. Mexican foods offer ingredients of beans and corn, plus chilli peppers. These are regularly presented with meats, rice and spice. Red snapper, sea bass and prawns are very popular, too.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London, is a redeveloped retail area. During the 19th Century this site was London’s coal store and has a very interesting history. www.coaldropsyard.com Today, this area provides popular shopping and dining experiences, that include independent shops, businesses, bars and restaurants. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor offer a warm welcome from Alejo and authentic Mexican dining, with dishes that include Tuna Tostadas, plus Tacos filled with marinated pork shoulder or fish, for example and their hugely-popular Ceviches. Starters include various Botanas, then on to Tostadas, that have Cochinita, Chicken Tinga and Tuna presentations. Very flavoursome Tortas (Mexican toasted sandwiches) are available, also. For Tacos the key is the salsa. Made fresh, in-house, these have Morita (Chipotle, tomatillos), Verde Fresca (Serrano chillies, tomatillos, coriander), plus Mexicana and Maya choices and more, through to El Diablo, which is made with some of the very hottest chillies known. Tacos offer Baja Fish (Corona-battered sea bass, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, coriander) and Choripapa (Chorizo, potato, salsa verde, coriander), which are very popular, amongst an excellent array, with mushroom, prawn and chicken inclusions, plus Al Pastor (Mexico City favourite and inspiration for this restaurant’s name). From the Mexican-style rotisserie, half and whole chickens are often selected, with different marinades and accompaniments. Exceptional, complementing flavours and splendid presentation definitely warrant ‘Compliments to Chef!’ If sharing plates are favoured, then Hake, Short Rib, Steak and more, will most certainly impress and satisfy. Dessert selections include creations of Fresh Pineapple, Corn Cake and Queso Fresco Cheesecake. Desserts pair wonderfully with cocktails and digestivos, too. Thank you to Lily and Maureen, for excellent service throughout. Popular with locals (always a good sign), a recommended restaurant to return to. Casa Pastor and Plaza Pastor Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ Tel: 44 (0) 20 7018 3335 Email: info@tacoselpastor.co.uk www.tacoselpastor.co.uk

As always, Enjoy! 14

ey Trevor Langl

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Become a Museum Trustee

St Neots Museum is closed to the public in January so that staff and volunteers can deep clean the building, reorganise the storage areas and undertake a stock check. While the museum is closed we will also be finalising our new Forward Plan and looking for new handson Trustees who can help us to take forward our ambitious plans to re-develop the museum and create a vibrant community asset that can tell the story of the town from prehistoric times to the present day. Many of our current Board of Trustees have been involved since the museum opened in 1995. To enable us to achieve our aim of redeveloping the museum as a bigger and better community resource and visitor attraction we are looking for new board members who can help us with the following tasks: Strategic development • Fund raising and preparing grant applications Developing links with the local business community • Advising on marketing and publicity In 2018 the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority chose St Neots as the first Cambridgeshire market town to begin working on a new Master Plan to guide its development and support regional prosperity. At the same time the opportunity arose for the town to apply to the national Future High Streets Fund to boost growth in the town centre making this a time of major change and development for St Neots. The museum plays an important role in providing information about the history of the area and explaining the cultural background to current events. It provides a sense of place in changing times and it’s displays reflect the part migration has played in the human history of our area from the time the first human glimpsed a woolly mammoth by the River Great Ouse to the opening of the first secondary school in St Neots in 1960 and the new developments of the early 2000s. By becoming a Trustee you can help shape the museum’s future by ensuring the preservation of the heritage of St Neots and the surrounding villages, and securing the future of the museum’s collections. It will offer you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the locality and a chance to meet like-minded people and share expertise. Interested? To find out more see the information pack on our website or to discuss the opportunities and / or to visit the museum please contact the Curator, Liz Davies by 28th February 2020. curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk

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Travel

Charleston By Solange Hando

Down in South Carolina, on the edge of the Low Country, the pretty town of Charleston sits among creeks and waterways at the confluence of three rivers as they join the Atlantic Ocean. Spreading across islands and peninsula it is full of history and charm, an ‘American treasure’ founded in 1670 and named after Charles II of England. Beyond the tree-lined avenues on the peninsula, the Old Town is a delightful network of cobbled lanes and alleyways festooned in traditional buildings, some with weather-boarded façades, all gleaming white, others draped in pastel colours: mint-green, ocean-blue, pink, yellow and more. There are wooden shutters and wrought iron gates, quaint cottages and stylish mansions with colonnaded balconies and fabulous gardens, oleander, magnolia and roses blooming among water features and trees such as the flowering crepe myrtle and palmetto, the local emblem. During the Festival of Houses and Gardens held in early spring some of these private wonders are open to visitors, but at any time of year you can ride a horse-drawn carriage in this most beautiful area. It feels almost like a village, nothing disturbing the peace but the distant chiming of church bells. Meanwhile back in the bustling town, King Street beckons with a wide range of architectural styles and antique and designer boutiques, parallel to Meeting Street where the city’s vibrant market dates back to the 1790s. From the Great Hall to the open air sheds, it’s a vast colourful complex selling anything you ever wanted, including handmade souvenirs such as southern jewellery and sweetgrass baskets produced by the Gullahs,

descendants of the African slaves. To learn all about this troublesome though successful era, visit Middleton Place, a former plantation-cummuseum proud of its restored buildings, gardens and lakes. Slavery, independence, civil war and modern times, Charleston’s harbour played a major role in the country’s history, remembered in the Patriots’ Point Naval Museum on Mount Pleasant and in the sea forts of Sumter and Moultrie. Charleston’s most scenic promenade is in fact the Battery, the fortified sea wall leading to the peninsula’s southernmost tip, named White Point after the bleached oyster shells which covered it long ago. There are also great harbour views from the pier and the waterfront park where a sparkling ‘Pineapple Fountain’ symbolises hospitality, recalling the fruit displayed by travellers to signal their return. It’s a cool place to relax, watching brown pelicans diving for food and all sorts of crafts, from tall ships and cruisers to sailing yachts, fishing vessels, power boats and more. Crossing the river Cooper just upstream, the Ravenel bridge dazzles you with lofty towers and fan-shaped cables, while beyond the harbour the Atlantic coast is strung with lovely beaches and islands. Nearest to town are Folly Beach and Sullivans Island, praised for its window boxes and flower gardens, and the Isle of Palms boasting a marina, protected sea oats and wild dunes resort. Lots to do, lots to see but if time is short, cruising around the harbour is a must, especially at sunset when water and sky are ablaze with amazing colour.

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Written by a daughter about her father’s four-year struggle with dementia and the impact on her and her family, this real and heartbreaking insight shows the day-to-day reality of living with this silent disease. This touching record is based on the author’s journals from this difficult time and depicts every aspect of her father’s journey with dementia: from poor decisions, neverending paperwork, NHS blunders and the roller-coaster of emotions this disease evokes. Unless you have travelled this road with a loved one, you will never know the devastation of dementia. This book will go some way to showing you aspects of its reality, triggers to look out for in the early days, and comfort you in the darkest times when the person you love and have known all your life is becoming more and more unrecognisable.

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Time of Year

Your 2020 Vision for 2020 Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We often reflect on the past year and mourn chances we didn’t take or connections we didn’t make. Instead of looking longingly backwards, perhaps 2020 is a good year to develop your vision for the future so that it’s… well…20/20! Review your goals — short and long-term Are your everyday activities helping you to accomplish your short-term goals? Are you working on meaningful projects? Make sure at least some of your daily activities help you to accomplish your short-term goals, and that those short-term goals can build to let you accomplish larger goals and objectives. But don’t be a slave to your goals. It’s okay to change directions and shift deadlines. January is a great time revaluate. Are your long-term goals from six months ago still relevant to you today? It can be helpful to write down your goals using pen and paper, and then hang them in a place where you can see them. This acts as a visual prompt to remind you and inspire you during the day-to-day grind. Nurture relationships Sometimes friendships and family relationships get placed on the backburner when we’re busy. Are there If there friends and relatives in your contacts list who you haven’t spoken with lately?

Use this season to catch-up, reconnect, and nurture the relationships that matter. Request a planning meeting It could be with your boss, or your partner! When you think about the next year — do you see yourself staying at the same job? If so, do you want to be considered for promotion or a transfer? Would you like to plan a big trip with your partner, or start a family? With your boss you might mention projects you’d like to lead, qualifications you’d like to study for. With your partner you might want to talk about joining a gym together, planning a safari, or taking up ballroom dancing. These discussions are useful in both your work and your private life. They can help you understand points of dissatisfaction in your work or relationship and give you the clarity you need to explore a change. Invest in yourself There’s a difference between being comfortable and being complacent. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and take an online course, sign up with the Open University or night classes at college. Try out a yoga class or a massage, or simply go away with a friend or a partner to a spa for a few days. Reflect on lessons learned January is not all about new beginnings. It’s nice to think about all you accomplished during 2019. What did you learn? What did you achieve? A lot probably happened in the past 12 months, but life moves so fast that too often we don’t take time to reflect on all we’ve learned. Take note of your discoveries and think about ways you can apply those lessons with intention as you move into the new year.

By Anne McCarthy

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Health

By John Spring

How I beat type 2 diabetes When his diabetes doctor suggested he should share how he put his diabetes into remission, John Spring went one better, he wrote a humorous book about it. I’ve now been in remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D) for eight years, so I guess I must be doing something right. Being in remission means that T2D isn’t damaging me anymore. The newly diagnosed will have been made well aware of the longer-term havoc it can do to their bodies. Unless, when they were told, they put their fingers in their ears and started humming, “La, la, la, I’m not listening”. Which is exactly what I did for several years. 5% of the UK’s adult population have been diagnosed with T2D, and another 1.3% don’t know they have it yet. By the year 2035, 10% of us will be type 2 diabetic. That might make the recently diagnosed feel a little better, as there is some safety in numbers, but the NHS isn’t too keen on the prospect. New patients may not be feeling any immediate effects of T2D, so it becomes easy to be complacent. You can liken it to a mild acid flowing around your body, slowly eating away at your nerves, your organs and your eyes. It is the end of this slow production line of diabetic damage that the NHS is now contending with. I’d read about rapid weight loss having a high success rate in putting T2D into remission and the NHS is now trialling liquid-based diets of 800 calories per day. There’s also bariatric surgery, but it isn’t infallible as a patient’s bad eating habits can find ways around it. Likewise, you probably don’t want to survive on liquids for the rest of your life, especially if they don’t contain alcohol. I devised my own practical regime for losing weight fast. The most positive benefit of this

workable approach was that I learned how to avoid temptation by becoming the master of my own food. I also learned how to fit exercise into my busy life. These are the lessons that have kept me in remission. I started by identifying the heavy hitters in my diet. I then developed workarounds to drastically reduce my consumption of those. I also preprepared my own breakfast and lunch, thus avoiding the calorific temptations lurking in coffee shops and lunchtime sandwich bars. My home cooked dinners featured healthier ingredients and I soon realised that there really is no such thing as a low-calorie takeaway. They are all evil. I discovered convenient exercise by walking set routes every day and I built up to being the world’s most unlikely runner. After four months I had lost four stone and my blood sugar came down from 60 mmol to 42mmol (48 mmol is the diabetic threshold). Most importantly I’d also equipped myself with the knowledge of how to maintain that weight loss. The low-calorie liquids or the surgeon’s knife may well kick T2D into remission, but they’re arduous procedures to undertake. Staying in remission is also hard work, but that has been made easier for me by using a new lifestyle to beat this lifestyle related disease. ‘How I Beat Type 2 Diabetes’ by John Spring is available on Amazon. £7.99.

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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: jill@jdighton.co.uk Tel: 07925 852 985 (Voicemail available)

ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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

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Beauty Boosters Whether you’re suffering from dry skin or brassy blonde locks, this month we’re all about solving your beauty dilemmas. Skin feeling less baby soft and more adult rhino? Try a weekly salt scrub. Coffee fans will appreciate Rabot 1745’s Coffee Body Scrub, which is made from Arabica ground coffee, pure salt, cocoa butter and almond oil. The salt helps to remove dry skin and draw out toxins, the coffee works to freshen and tighten skin and the cocoa butter and almond oil soften and hydrate. The aroma of fresh coffee is also a good wake-up call on dark mornings. If you’re thinking that the packaging looks rather like a reusable coffee cup, you’d be right. And if you use that cup at any Hotel Chocolat café, you’ll get 50p off a hot drink. The Coffee Body Scrub costs £16 at Hotel Chocolat and www.rabot1745beauty.com, so will pay for itself in 32 coffees’ time… If it’s your face that’s feeling dry and parched (thanks a bunch central heating and winter winds), Frances Prescott TRI-SPRITZ might help. As well as boosting hydration, the facial mist works to support tissue recovery, calm and reduce inflammation, neutralise free radicals and protect from pollution. As an added bonus, it helps to set your makeup in place. I tend to use TRI-SPRITZ as a quick pick-me-up when my skin feels a bit dehydrated or just generally ‘meh’. It’s £45 from www.francesprescott.com. Blonde hair can start to look dull or brassy between hair appointments. Give it a lift with Philip Kingsley’s Pure Blonde Colour-Correcting Weekly Shampoo (£11.50) and Mask (£15). Whether you’re a natural blonde or have a little help, the shampoo and mask can help to tone down yellow and orange tones while repairing damage and replacing

Beauty By Kate Duggan

moisture. I’ve only tried them a couple of times, but can already see a difference. My hair looks lighter and much closer in colour to when I last had it highlighted. See www. philipkingsley.co.uk. Planning a winter getaway? Whether you’re hitting the slopes or chasing the sun, don’t forget to take your favourite toiletries with you. If you’re only going for a long weekend, it’s worth decanting your toiletries into reusable travel bottles and jars. It’ll mean you pass the 100ml or less rule for liquids and creams in your hand luggage, and saves you lugging extra weight around the airport. You also won’t need to fork out for travel-sized toiletries, which are usually a lot more expensive per ml than their full-sized counterparts. Wilko’s new travel pots (www.wilko. com) start at just 50p and can be used time and time again.

Dry shampoo bars are handy for travelling and an easy switch if you’re trying to reduce your plastic waste. Faith in Nature’s new shampoo bars have a lower PH level than most, making them better for your hair. Choose from Lavender & Geranium (one of the brand’s most popular fragrances) or the extra hydrating Coconut & Shea Butter. Both are 100% natural, packed with nourishing ingredients and fragranced with essential oils. And they’re just £5.79 each from www.faithinnature.co.uk.

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House of Colour

Style & Colour at your Wedding

Q&A

Q. How do I know what shade of white to choose for my wedding dress? A: Prior to dress shopping, if you can see a colour stylist to establish which colours naturally complements your individual skin tone to make you look radiant and your eyes shine brightly on your big day. For example Winter palettes can wear pure white or silvery finish dresses whilst summers suit soft white and delicate powder pinks. Springs look best in creams or perhaps a dove grey, and Autumns suit oyster or a light sage perhaps. It makes wedding dress searching quicker and even more pleasurable to know exactly what suits you before you even go start wedding dress shopping. Q. My partner feels stuffy in a suit, what are the wedding attire alternatives for him whilst still ensuring he looks smart? A: There are lots of great alternatives for men, both contemporary and traditional. If you are getting married in warmer climes, perhaps he can work a linen shirt and chinos for the beach? Colourful, patterned pocket squares add interest as do unique button holes for more formal looks. Some people ditch the jacket altogether and wear a waistcoat or braces for a fun twist. The key is to for the clothes to fit well and suit his body architecture and for it to be the right style to suit his personality. A great fit means the right sleeve, jacket length, button arrangement, shirt and trousers, but the texture and material are both key too. Q. I want to look gorgeous for my partner when we are on honeymoon, what are your top tips? A: Your partner will already think you gorgeous, but it is lovely to feel confident and chic on honeymoon to keep the wedding dream going! Be organised and pair several gorgeous tops, skirts, trousers, shorts, swimwear and scarves in your wow colours and seasonal neutrals so you can mix and match to create a number of outfits. Don’t forget to pack some great jewellery to lift any look. It is fun to get a new dress for a romantic dinner on your honeymoon to grab your partner’s attention and don’t forget to choose some gorgeous, well-fitting lingerie!

Q. What quick tips do you have for bringing colour to the wedding venue? A: Choose accent colours for your flowers, beautiful satin sashes on the wedding chairs and other decorations but everything doesn’t need to completely match. Choose maybe three colours that complement each other from your own season palette or have a range of similar tones so that there is coordination, but still some individuality. Use wedding menu ribbons, table decorations, wedding favours, flower centre pieces and napkins to add a pop of colour. Of course your own beautiful bouquet can have a stunning colourful impact. Q. I am doing my own wedding make up, what are your top tips? A. Make sure you choose cool make up colours if you are cool toned and warm make up colours if you are warm toned. Wear waterproof eye makeup and a good primer to ensure your make up stays on for most of the day. Add translucent powder in your perfect shade for extra staying power. Consider an illuminator on exposed shoulders, collar bones and cheekbones to bring a subtle but beautiful sheen. Always have access to top-up make up for a tidy up or after happy tears on the day. By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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Complementary Health

Tackle the January Blues with a

Winter Walk

During the festive season, we eat much richer food, drink more alcohol and are generally less active. This period can be stressful from many perspectives, financial, time management and socially. The results often leave people feeling tired, grumpy, bloated, sluggish and stressed. Now Christmas is over, we head into the dreary long month of January - long nights, dark mornings, cold days and New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep. However, one of the most simple things that you can do to help combat those January blues and fight off depression is to exercise. Exercise improves mood through increasing brain serotonin (an important neurotransmitter). The good news is that it doesn’t have to mean getting hot and sweaty – a brisk walk is perfect! Thirty minutes of brisk walking a day could also help tackle the January bulge. If you want to pick up the pace you can always use Nordic walking poles. They’ll not only support you and make walking easier, but it will allow you to pick up the pace and work that cardiovascular system a little harder. Walking is a great way to combine a workout with an enjoyable activity with many benefits. It is a relatively injury-free way to burn up calories and get into shape. With regular walking you reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes and can even help relieve and prevent constipation. It is also a weight-bearing exercise so it will strengthen your bones and offset conditions such as osteoporosis. However, it’s really important to have a relaxed, upright walking style to prevent aches and pain. Below are several tips you may like to consider when heading off on a winter walk:

• Make sure you wear waterproof shoes or boots with a good grip. Avoid those with smooth soles and heels. • Slow the pace down - use a wider/penguin like gait in snow and ice. Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your centre of gravity. • When snowy or icy stay on designated walkways - as they are more likely to be cleared, taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous. • Look for, and avoid slippery surfaces - assume that all wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery and icy and approach with caution. • Allow extra time - pay attention and don’t rush. Most accidents occur due to inattention or being in a hurry. • Always look - for trip hazards or obstructions in the path of travel. • Avoid walking in the dark, and if you need to take a good torch, just be mindful that even torches cast shadows. If you are setting out on a long walk on uneven terrain and you have any back or leg injuries then make sure you get yourself checked by a manual therapist, such as an osteopath or physio or check with your GP. There are times when walking boots are not always appropriate for your injuries, such as a chronic achilles injury which doesn’t always tolerate stiff heavy walking boots when used on uneven surfaces. Walk safely and enjoy you walk! If you would like further information on the benefits of regular exercise, please get in touch.

Website: www.CentreForCompHealth.com Email: info@CentreForCompHealth.com Phone: 01480 455221

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about

fulfilling residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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At Field Lodge, we offer residential, nursing and respite care, and all-round support to make things easier.

To find out more about living at Field Lodge, call us on 01480 878405 or visit careuk.com/field-lodge

Field Lodge care home London Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EX (Sat nav. PE27 5EZ) careuk.com/field-lodge To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Local News

Volunteering on Huntingdonshire’s Countryside Sites Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your spare time and it makes a world of difference to the local community. Last year volunteers worked over 3500 days on Huntingdonshire District Council’s Countryside sites which include Paxton Pits Nature Reserve (St Neots), Hinchingbrooke Country Park (Huntingdon) and Holt Island Nature Reserve (St Ives), among others. These amazing volunteers carry out a wide range of indoor and outdoor roles which include: Practical Conservation • Events • Outdoor Education Site Checks • Hinchingbrooke Country Park Café Wildlife Surveys • Paxton Pits Visitor Centre If you would be interested in finding out more about the current volunteering opportunities, we would love to hear from you. There are many different reasons why people choose to volunteer. It can range from loyalty to a particular cause, giving back to the community or simply as a way to fill spare time. Whatever their reason, people experience many benefits from volunteering: connecting with others and making friends; a sense of wellbeing and fulfilment; an improvement to their physical and mental health.

Recently our volunteers told us why they enjoy volunteering so much: “Every week is different, the company is fantastic” “I just love it!” “The look of wonder on the faces of the schoolchildren” “It gives me confidence with people and hope for the future” “Always learning something” “The sense of community” “My favourite job” “We love the park and all the people involved in making it a special place” On our Countryside sites we wouldn’t be able to achieve nearly as much without our volunteers but we really need even more people to help. If becoming a volunteer for HDC’s Countryside Service is something you are interested in or if you have any questions about volunteering opportunities, please get in touch with Robyn Staddon (Volunteer Co-ordinator) on 07704 019620 or by email at Robyn.Staddon@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.

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TAX RETURNS Do you have a self assessment tax return due? With over 30 years accounting experience let me do it for you and relieve you of the stress. Tax returns completed accurately and efficiently online for individuals such as the self employed and sole traders.

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A FREE WILL for Homeowners Protect your home and legacy for your children • • • • • •

Keep your hard-earned wealth within the family Stop your home from being sold to pay for long term Care Fees. Prevent the courts from making your financial and healthcare decisions. If you already have a Will … Is it up to date? Several thousand outdated wills are legally challenged every year. Ensure your parents’ home and property is also protected.

DON’T PUT IT OFF – Don’t let your home and money disappear, make sure your estate goes to your family… leaving “what you want” to “who you want”. CALL 01767 660250 for more information or to book a free meeting with one of our Will and Estate Planners either in your own home or at our offices. Baystrait Ltd t/a Will & Estate Planning, Baystrait House, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL

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Local News

East Anglian Air Ambulance East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is an incredible community-funded service in Cambridgeshire and here at The Villager, we are proud to announce that we have chosen to support this lifesaving charity as our charity of the year in 2020. We will be bringing you regular features to learn more about the team at EAAA and all the amazing work they do, as well all the different ways that you can get involved and support the air ambulance. You may not be aware, but over the last year (2018 / 2019), between its two bases and two helicopters (Norwich and Cambridge) the East Anglian Air Ambulance was tasked 1,798 times by helicopter, 1,023 times by rapid response vehicle and attended 1,664 patients in total. Of these patients there were 480 cardiac arrests, 355 road traffic collisions, 256 accidental injuries, 340 medical emergencies, 73 intentional self-harm incidents, 70 sporting incidents and 54 assault patients in the region. On top of this, the charity is striving ahead to become the first air ambulance in the East of England to fly 24/7. EAAA is already incredibly well equipped to fly in the hours of darkness, landing at unlit sites, however they currently only fly until 1:30am in the morning, coming back online by helicopter at 7am. This means there is a five and a half hour gap in the region where there is no helicopter coverage if needed. EAAA Strongly believe the time of day should not dictate the type of emergency medical care available to you, and are passionate about raising an additional £1 million a year in order to fund the extra flying hours to

Barbara McGee Fundraising Manager

provide a 24/7 helicopter emergency medical service. Barbara McGee, Fundraising Manager for Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, said: “The level of care our medical teams provide is absolutely outstanding and with the helicopter they can reach anywhere in East Anglia in 25 mins, taking the hospital to the patient and getting that patient the care they need as quickly as possible. “We’re passionate about being able to provide this service, by helicopter, 24 hours a day and estimate that by doing so we could help hundreds more patients each year, which would be amazing. But we can only do this by raising more money, so we’re incredibly grateful to all of the support we get from the community – and to Charity of the Year partnerships such as this one – which help us to be there for our patients. So please come to one of our events, play our lottery, play our raffle, volunteer for us - anything at all that you can do to help us will make a huge difference to our work.” Find out more at www.eaaa.org.uk/get-invovled

Sunrise at Cambridge Airport with Anglia Two, taken by Critical Care Paramedic Liam Sagi on a day shift in December

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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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Leeds Day Solicitors

Separation and Divorce is hard for everyone, especially at Christmas There is often a sharp increase in new divorces in January. The stress of Christmas often brings to a head issues previously brewing. Splitting up can be done inexpensively, but if you rush and make bad decisions, the costs can be high, financially and emotionally. When seeking advice on ending your marriage and reaching agreement with your spouse over future arrangements, there are alternatives to traditional “lawyer to lawyer” negotiation and/or formal court proceedings: Mediation: Trained in conflict resolution and family law, a mediator facilitates discussions between you and your spouse and can inform you about potential financial and childcare arrangements, helping to reopen the discussion if things break down. This reduces your legal costs because you and your spouse shoulder the burden of gathering/sharing information yourselves, and while your mediator's hourly rate may not be any cheaper than those of your solicitor, you'll spend far less time together with the mediator. Collaborative law: You and your spouse instruct solicitors and conduct discussions round the table with a commitment to resolving your differences without resorting to court proceedings. There will be the short term cost of instructing solicitors to help you reach agreement together, but if agreement is reached, you avoid the long term cost of drawn out litigation. Most of all, you keep control of the process, something that is lost the moment a court is asked to determine your future.

How to reduce the cost? - Avoid these mistakes Unrealistic expectations. One household is about to be split into two. Unless you're a rock star, expect money to be a little tight. Getting into an endless battle. Turning the negotiations into a battleground will drain your emotions and your finances. Pick your battles wisely. Getting hung up on the numbers. A fair split is not necessarily an even split. Two households will be needed. Priority will be given to housing any children. Not listening to professional advice. If you are paying for legal advice, listen to it. The mediator, solicitor or collaborative practitioner will know more than your friends or family! What can Leeds Day offer? Headed by Simon Thomas, a trained collaborative solicitor based at the firm’s St Neots office with over 16 years’ experience, we offer a comprehensive range of family law services. Lisa Leader is based at the St Ives branch, offering clients some twenty years’ experience in family law, and her reputation as an experienced practitioner precedes her. Lee Bailham completes the team, undertaking family law work at the Huntingdon office having also some twenty years’ experience. Like all our family solicitors, he believes a calm approach to matrimonial disputes is the best option and that the best lawyers keep their clients out of the stress and expense of court proceedings, compromise being the ideal solution.

To find out more or to book an appointment, contact Leeds Day on 0844 5672222, send an email to family@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website: www.leedsday.co.uk/family.

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

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

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St. Neots Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP T: 01480 474661 33

Finance

Five Tasks for an Organised Financial Life in 2020

By Ann Haldon

January is the perfect time to organise your financial life and carry out those onerous or boring tasks you’ve been putting off for so long. Making a will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and checking your credit file are just three important ‘bigger picture’ jobs that can set you up for a secure future, and offer a little protection from life’s uncertainties. So here are the five tasks in more detail – tackle them in any order, and get your financial life organised in 2020. 1. Check your state pension forecast Checking how much state pension you might receive provides a clearer picture of how your financial situation could look in retirement. It also allows you to see if there are any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record. This is important, as you may be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill those gaps and complete your NI record before you retire. At the time of writing you need to make full contributions for 35 years to be eligible for the new full state pension,¹ so it’s definitely worth investigating. 2. Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) A Lasting Power of Attorney is an official document whereby you appoint one or more attorneys to help you make financial or healthrelated decisions, or to make them on your behalf if you lose mental capacity in the future. You need to be over the age of 18 to make an LPA, and have the mental capacity at the time to make your own decisions. Drawing up an LPA is often regarded as unnecessary until later life, but it’s well worth considering at any time. 3. Write a will Making a will ensures your assets are passed down according to your wishes when you die, and with today’s complex family structures it can prevent a great deal of stress for those left behind. It’s advisable to seek professional assistance when making a will, particularly if you have a young family or your circumstances aren’t straightforward. 4. Take out ‘life event’ insurance Adverse life events such as chronic illness or

serious accident can derail your plans for the future. You may not be able to work or function in the way you used to, for instance, but if you’ve taken out appropriate insurance it can reduce some of the devastating financial impact for yourself and your family. 5. Check your credit report The state of your credit report affects your ability to borrow and obtain credit, and is a fundamental part of your overall financial situation. Lenders and credit card companies assess your creditworthiness by checking your credit file, and decide whether or not to sanction loans or grant credit based on its contents. If you blitz these jobs in January, you can relax for the rest of 2020 knowing that some of the mundane but very important financial issues that can affect your life so seriously are all under control. www.gov.uk/new-state-pension/your-nationalinsurance-record-and-your-state-pension www.moneywise.co.uk/work/everyday-life/10financial-chores-you-need-tackle-now www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article6422421/I-incomplete-years-NI-record-late-fill.html www.moneywise.co.uk/news/2019-0301%E2%80%8C%E2%80%8C/deal-week-get-free-willwritten-you-march

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To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Lifestyle

Dear Diary… Did you ever keep a diary when you were younger? I did. I poured my angst-ridden heart out to its blank pages. I look back on those fat notebooks with a mixture of fascination and horrified amusement. They are a funny, embarrassing, touching testament to my teenage turmoil and inner weirdness. I stopped journaling my thoughts at some point, but a few years ago, when I was gifted a rather beautiful notebook one Christmas, I started again. It was a good call. Writing in my diary helps me in many ways. I track my moods, my anxieties, the funny things my kids say, and the daily routine of writing helps me thrash out solutions to some of life’s challenges. There are many benefits to keeping a diary. It organises your thoughts - most of what we think and feel would be incomprehensible to anyone able to look inside our heads. Writing helps to articulate thoughts and make them comprehensible to our conscious mind. It improves your writing - Not everyone aspires to be a journalist or a writer. But many of us have to produce handouts, talks or web content in the course of our jobs. Writing daily in a diary helps us improve our style and fluency. It helps set and achieve goals - A diary is a good place to write down ambitions, aspirations and new year resolutions. Writing them down makes them real. They can then be used as a reminder, and to monitor progress. You can record ideas - It could be ideas for birthday gifts, holiday destinations or the name

By Sarah Davey of the shop in which you saw the perfect curtains for the bedroom you’re currently decorating. The benefit of a diary is that it can all be recorded in one place, whenever it comes to mind. It’s a stress-reliever - It can be helpful to ‘braindump’ anxieties, frustrations and pains into a diary. Teenage me waxed lyrical about problems with my parents, teachers and how worried I was that no boy would find me attractive while I had braces on my teeth. Adult me expresses concerns in my diary as a good way to free up any tension that prevents me from feeling content in my life today. You can reflect - Life races by at breakneck speed. We get caught up in day-to-day responsibilities and expectations. Journalling our thoughts is a good way to hit the pause button, take a step back and reflect. Whether it’s gratitude for something someone has done for us, or simply what we achieved today, a little daily reflection means can look back at our life after a few months or years and see how we’ve changed. We can note how our priorities have shifted and what we might do to be a better person in the future. It’s a memory prompt – Our brain is more likely to store information that we write down. Teachers know that when you write new knowledge down your brain makes stronger connections with the information which means you’ll be able to recall it more easily in the future. It boosts creativity - Diary-writing a great way to unleash creativity. Everyone has the potential to be creative, but most of us don’t take the time. You can start a novel, jot down ideas for outfits, plan a themed party, doodle or sketch. It’s your diary...have fun with it.

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HUNTINGDON GROUPS MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

GODMANCHESTER Comrades Club Cambridge Street 9.30am Kathie 07772 868472

HUNTINGDON Stukeley Meadows School Wertheim Way 5.30pm & 7.30pm Kelly 07711 949380

HUNTINGDON St Peters School St Peters Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Vikki 07955 155215

HUNTINGDON Medway Centre Medway Road 9.30am Sarah 07306 750609

GODMANCHESTER Comrades Club Cambridge Street 5.30pm & 7.30pm Emily 07305 460626

BRAMPTON Memorial Centre Thrapston Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Heather 07877 034 055

HUNTINGDON Huntingdon Methodist Church 17 High Street 8.30am & 10.30am Sarah 07306 750609

ST NEOTS GROUPS

HARTFORD St John Ambulance Centre Mayfield Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Nicky 07860 375095

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

EATON SOCON Eatonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Centre (Behind Coop Superstore) 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Julie 01480 210115

ST NEOTS The Priory Centre Priory Lane 9.30am Oly 07342 651243

ST NEOTS Bowling Club St Anselm Place Nr Waitrose 9.30am Oly 07342 651243

BUCKDEN C & E Primary School School Lane 5.30pm & 7.30pm Helen 07720 773782

ST NEOTS St Neots Conservative Club 12 New Street 8.30am & 10.30am Jennie 07754 210479

KIMBOLTON The Mandeville Hall Thrapston Road 6.30 pm Mandy 01480 860365

EYNESBURY Middlesfield Academy Off Andrew Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Oly 07342 651243 ST NEOTS Priory Junior School Longsands Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Ursula 01480 211568

ST NEOTS The Priory Centre Priory Lane 5.30pm & 7.30pm Oly 07342 651243

LITTLE PAXTON The Hub 5.30pm & 7.30pm Pam 07859 793779 GREAT BARFORD Great Barford Village Hall Fishers Close 6.00pm Jen 07770 938583

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ST IVES, FENSTANTON & SOMERSHAM GROUPS MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

WARBOYS Warboys Sports & Social Club Forge Way 5.30pm & 7.30pm Sarah 07425 156890

ST IVES The Crossways Centre Ramsey Road 9.30am Kathie 07772 868472

ST IVES The Crossways Centre Ramsey Road 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Di 07554 027640

FENSTANTON United Reformed Church 5.30pm & 7.30pm Chequer Street Kathie 07772 868472

SOMERSHAM The Victory Hall Parkhall Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Becs 07887 573336

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SOMERSHAM The Victory Hall Parkhall Road 9.30am Becs 07887 573336

ST IVES The Crossways Centre Ramsey Road 8.30am Becs 07887 573336

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Witch Hazel January is a great time to plant deciduous trees and at this time of year a tree with added winter interest is always a welcome sight. Enter the witch hazel. These lovely trees with their citrus-scented spidery flowers are widely sold in garden centres as container-grown plants Look for plants with a number of evenly distributed well-placed branches and avoid those showing signs of stress, damage or disease. Ideally choose an open, sunny position in the garden. They also work well if planted next to pathways and doors where you can enjoy their gorgeous scent on wintery days. Avoid very shady sites though or the plant may become straggly Witch hazels need free-draining soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. A light soil mixed with plenty of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, is best. They will also grow on heavier clay soils but make sure that as well as digging in plenty of organic matter you ensure good drainage by planting on a slight mound, about

25-30cm (10in-1ft) high and 1m (3½ft) in diameter. The only soil witch hazels won’t tolerate is a shallow chalky soil. And make sure you don’t plant them out if the ground is waterlogged. Witch hazels grow slowly but eventually make large spreading shrubs. They aren’t fond of pruning so make sure you leave enough space around your plant for it can develop naturally. Make sure they are well-watered throughout the first couple of springs and summers as they take a long time to fully establish and lack of moisture can cause flowers to drop. They don’t need regular feeding but applying a top dressing of a general in late winter or early spring will help young plants to grow.

Happy New Year and Happy Gardening!

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Gardening

High-Rise Edibles By Pippa Greenwood Use high-rise gardening to give extra space, with hanging baskets, wall troughs and window boxes as homes for vegetables, herbs and even fruit. So, what does it take to succeed? Larger containers allow for more room for your crops’ roots and easier maintenance, as they will run out of moisture and fertiliser less frequently. Use suitable supporting brackets and screws for hanging baskets, window boxes and wall troughs, as they must support the weight of fully grown plants laden with crops, which will be heavier after watering. Check walls, balconies and windows sills will not be overloaded and consider using lighterweight loam-free or peat-free composts with lightweight containers made of bamboo, plastics or fibre glass. You’ll need to use good quality compost and feed crops in high-rise planters regularly and, as they’re more susceptible to drying out, regular watering is essential. The dwarf runner bean ‘Hestia’ is perfect for containers and can be sown directly into the compost in April, or raised in small pots or trays and then planted out into the high-rise planter. Dwarf French varieties such as ‘Duel’ or the purplepodded ‘Purple Tee Pee’ do well in a good sized window box Wall baskets, troughs and hanging baskets can play host to strawberries, which trail naturally over container edges. Plants can be bought from garden centres or by mail order at this time of year. There’s a huge selection of lettuce and other salad leaves available in a wide range of colours and leaf shapes. Fast-germinating and fast-growing, you can either buy small plants or sow the seed

directly into the compost. Creeping or trailing forms of herbs are a must for a basket, trough or window box, and thyme in particular is ideal for a container in a sunny spot. As it’s hardy it can be planted out at any time of year. Parsley, sage, tarragon, chives and basil all look good in wall baskets or window boxes and thrive in a sunny spot. Most oriental vegetables, such as the pak choi varieties ‘Red Choi’ and Mizuna (including the purple-veined ‘Mizuna Purple’) do well in a sheltered window box or wall trough. The two look stunning combined together, with the Mizuna positioned to ‘flop’ attractively over container edges. For a red and spicy theme use ‘Mustard Red Giant’. There are several varieties of tomatoes well-suited to containers such as hanging baskets, including the classic ‘Tumbling Tom’, available in both red and yellow varieties, and the red-fruited ‘Tumbler’. Raise them from seed sown now or buy plants to put into containers in late April or May. If you like tiny fruited tomatoes, consider ‘Hundreds and Thousands’. Chilli pepper plants such as ‘Super Chilli’ packed in a window box or wall trough will look stunning when covered in their glossy fruits. Chillies are tender so buy plants in May or June or sow seeds now. At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find natural pest controls, stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, tools, planters, raised bed kits and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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I Do Solemnly Swear I Am Up To A LOT OF Good! Harry Potter references aside, the beginning of a new year sees an abundance of people making new year’s resolutions. Promises and pledges to make positive changes in their lives. Afterall, the beginning of January is the ideal time to pause and reflect once the Christmas festivities have ceased for another year. If thought out carefully New Year’s resolutions can be very positive and a force for good. Many of you will have already had the conversation with yourself about what your new year’s resolutions will be this year. While others haven’t really given it much thought. So here we have a list. For those of you who enjoy setting yourself goals and wishes, here are a few more suggestions with an RSPCA twist. 1) Have an early Spring clean. Eliminating clutter and unwanted ‘stuff’ from your house can feel very liberating and rewarding. So, this year why not vow to visit the RSPCA shop with all of your unwanted items; clothes, shoes, jewellery, books, DVD’s, CD’s. Don’t forget to fill in our gift aid form when you do. You could even keep a curver box under the stairs for charity items, when its full, bring it in. 2) Volunteering your time All of our shops rely on the dedication of our volunteers, who we could not operate without. They all do an incredible job. I regularly hear from our volunteers how rewarding it is working for the RSPCA, and many love the flexibility of the role. So it you have some regular spare time, why not pop down to your local RSPCA shop to find out how you can help. 3) Recycling Christmas presents Every now and then we receive Christmas presents that we are grateful for but didn’t ask for and will therefore never use. They end up at the bottom of the wardrobe or at the

Pets

back of a drawer collecting dust. We keep these gifts as we do not want to appear ungrateful nor do we want to upset anyone. Sound familiar? Well pop into your local RSPCA shop with any unwanted Christmas gifts and put them to good use. 4) Holding a sponsored event at work Organising and participating in a charity event at work is so uplifting. It raises team spirit and valuable amounts of money are raised in the process. So why not this year, hold an event at work to raise money for the RSPCA. Big or small we are incredibly grateful for all of our donations. You could hold a coffee morning, sponsored walk, golf tournament, an auction, football match, car wash or a bake sale. 5) Be a foster carer The RSPCA are really lucky to have an amazing group of foster carers that provide temporary homes for animals. Fostering an animal is incredibly rewarding and can help the animal to recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury. Fostering also provides people who would normally be unable to have an animal long term with an alternative. 6) Buying from charity shops more often Finally, one resolution you can make this year is to buy from charity shops more often, and to have them more in the forefront of your mind. So when it is World Book Day and you are being asked to magic a costume out of thin air – go to your local RSPCA shop! If you are after a new coat – check out your local RSPCA shop first. Whatever you decide your new year’s resolutions are going to be this coming year, see if any of them can have a ‘caring for animals’ theme.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Hattie

Hattie is a short-haired tabby who is about 8 years old. She moved out of her home as she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get on with the other cats, (which is not so unusual) and she was taken in by a neighbour. Unfortunately, they are unable to keep her permanently. Hattie now deserves to find her forever home where there are no other pets or young children. A family with older children would be fine. She is friendly and likes to be fussed (sometimes it is on her terms). She is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and would love to find her forever home. If you would like to find out more about Hattie, please call Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook. com/ratscharity. You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Parenting

Making family life that little bit easier Ever feel like you’re trying to juggle too many balls, half of which are on fire? Here are a few ideas that might help… Plan like a pro If you have school-age children, you no doubt find yourself wishing they had their own personal assistant at times. (And a cook, cleaner and driver.) Between them, my two have drama, yoga, maths club, choir, piano, Taekwondo, dance, computer club, youth club and swimming lessons. And that’s before you factor in play dates, homework and school projects. I find the easiest way to remember who needs what, where and on what day, is through a Google calendar that I share with my partner. It means we constantly have notifications pinging at us, but we can remind the kids to grab their piano book or swim stuff in the morning. A wall planner is also handy, particularly a wipeclean weekly planner hung next to the front door or on the fridge. Use it to keep track of clubs, play dates, homework deadlines, whether they’re on school dinners or packed lunches and so on. I bought ours from Amazon for £5. Now I just need to get my kids to remember to check it… Encouraging children to put things away Fed up of the kids dumping their bags and coats on the floor when they walk through the door?

Make it as easy as possible for them to hang things up by installing extra hooks in your hallway. If the hooks are low enough to reach easily, and only for your kids’ coats and bags, it’s more likely they’ll get used. Once you’ve reminded your children to go back and hang their things up a dozen or so times, it becomes habit. Help babies to sleep outside your home When you’re a parenting journalist, you get sent a lot of press releases. The one new product that’s really stood out from the crowd for me recently is the POD Travel Crib. In short, it’s a travel cot that folds up to become a changing bag. The bag can be used to carry nappies, wipes and spare clothes, and the cot mattress doubles up as a changing mat. Genius, right? It takes less than a minute to turn it from bag into cot (and we all know that every second counts when it comes to sleeping babies). And, unlike a lot of baby products, this one looks rather stylish. Think designer laptop bag, but on a larger scale. I ordered one for my sister the day I received the press release, and it now goes with her pretty much everywhere. My niece sleeps better in it than the car seat and it means my sister doesn’t have to lug the pram around. It’s£65 from www.bizzigrowin.com.

By Kate Duggan - www.kateduggan.co.uk

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Food & Drink

Portuguese Custard Tarts It’s been said over and again, food takes us back to a place, back to a memory, back to a moment in time. Whenever I smell fresh biscuits baking, I’m right back to my grandma’s kitchen. Whenever I smell a fresh baguette, it takes me back to my time living in France and that unmistakable early morning aroma which fills the villages and towns (often mixed in with the smell of strong coffee too!). So often on my Weekend Kitchen radio show, I am taken back to happy places by the food which my guests make. One such happy place is Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, where I have spent days and days enjoying the perfect weather, wonderful hospitality and amazing fresh food. And nothing personifies Portugal better than their traditional custard tart - moreish, light, and with the signature dark brown top crust, they will brighten any dark day. They’re also surprisingly easy to make - as shown in this brilliant recipe by Victoria Chidgey. She’s a highly talented young cake maker and baker, with her own thriving business called The Tring Cake Company. These tarts will put a smile on your face. Ingredients 1 block of puff pastry Icing sugar for dusting 6 egg yolks 185g caster sugar 50g cornflour 600ml whole milk 10g vanilla extract 1. In a pan, bring together the yolks, sugar, cornflour and vanilla. Slowly stir in the milk. 2. Put the pan onto a moderate heat and stir continuously until big bubbles appear in the middle.

3. Take off the heat, pour the mix into a bowl and cover with clingfilm. 4. Put this bowl in the fridge to chill while you roll your pastry. 5. Roll out the puff pastry using the icing sugar to dust the surface and rolling pin. 6. Cut the pastry in half and place one half of the pastry on top of the other. 7. Roll the pastry again until 5mm thick. 8. Roll the pastry into a tight sausage and cut into 16 discs. 9. Push the pastry into each hole of a cupcake tray, applying pressure around the sides so that they are evenly covered, all the way to the top edge. 10. Dust with icing sugar.

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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Shopping

By Anne McCarthy

Shop Local in 2020 Why? Personalized Service - A small business owner will go the extra mile to make you happy. Local businesses are owned by your neighbours and friends. They care about you and are invested in your community. Unique Products - A national chain will sell hundreds or thousands of identikit products. Local stores sell unique merchandise in smaller numbers so you will buy something truly individual. It supports the arts - Small local businesses support creativity! Look for art on display created by local artists. These are one-of-akind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. It helps the local economy - The money you spend in a local business stays within your town and community, thus improving its future.

How? Instead of purchasing items from national chains, try to purchase things from a business local to your area. Buy a gift or a gift card at a local business in your area and give to a friend, family member, or co-worker. This will introduce the company to someone new and allow for the “shop local” mantra to spread. Promote their business! If you like a particular shop or independent restaurant share and like their social media accounts. Spread the word. Give them a great review. Send them a thank you. Say why you love them and let them share your testimonial.

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Astrology

By Louise Addison

It’s Written in the Stars…or is it? What should we make of astrology? As the new year begins, those who enjoy astrology will check the heavens to see what the future might have in store. Astrologers look for answers, signs and predictions in the movements of the celestial bodies. There is a long history of humans using the stars to plan their lives. Farmers used the skies as a calendar as long ago as Ancient Egyptians, when the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, around mid-July, was seen as a marker of the imminent annual flooding of the Nile; and Sailors have long used the night skies to aid navigation. We don’t know who first came up with the idea of looking at divining the influences of nature on humans, but some form of astrology shows up in the various belief systems of ancient cultures. In Ancient China, noblemen looked at eclipses or sunspots as portents of good or bad times for their emperor. The Sumerians and Babylonians watched planets and stars as a way to keep track of where gods were in the sky. The ancient Egyptians contributed the idea that patterns of stars made up constellations, through which the sun appears to “move” at a specific time during the year. It’s thought that all of these ideas came together when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in around 330 BC. The Greek logisticians and mathematicians worked out rules for how divination by the stars could work. Imagine a straight line drawn from Earth through the Sun and out into space beyond our solar system to where the stars are. As the Earth follows its orbit around the Sun this imaginary line

rotates, pointing to different stars throughout one complete trip around the Sun — or one year. All the stars that lie close to the imaginary flat disk swept out by this imaginary line are said to be in the zodiac. The astronomer Ptolemy helped popularize the 12 signs in his book The Tetrabiblos. They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Ptolemy also developed the idea that signs along the zodiac that were 30° wide, and that the sun moved through them regularly during the year. For centuries, astrology was considered basically the same thing as astronomy - the scientific study of celestial bodies. This only changed around the beginning of the Enlightenment in the late 17th century with Sir Isaac Newton’s work on the motion of the planets and gravity. He started a whole new mathematical and scientific approach to looking at the sky and the motion of planets and the earth. But the appeal of looking to the stars for answers has never waned. Astrology remains popular today, probably due to the fact that humans tend towards romanticism and also towards a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias where we search for interpretations that match what we already hope to be true. We latch on to events that corroborate our beliefs and ignore those that don’t fit the pattern. But if nothing else, astrology is fun, and scientist that I am…I still read the horoscopes!

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Technology

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High-tech ways to keep your New Year’s resolutions

Ace 2 for children. Garmin has fitness-focused smartwatches at all price points plus the cute and sub-£100 Vivosmart 4 trackers, and firms such as Huawei offer budget bargains such as the £59 Band 3 Pro. Every device is different, of course, but the main difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker is apps. Smartwatches generally have them and fitness trackers generally don’t. Not all fitness technology goes on your wrist. Smart scales have become even smarter recently and many of them now connect to the health app on your phone, so you can see changes to your body composition and your weight over time. If you don’t feel like dropping £130-plus on a Nokia / Withings smart scale, the budget technology brand Eufy makes some really nice smart ones for much less: its Bluetooth-connected smart scales are currently £39.99 and work brilliantly.

The decorations are down, the gyms are going to be packed for the next few weeks and many of us have vowed to sort ourselves out. We’re going to get fitter, happier and more productive – and technology can help. One way technology can help is by making fitness more fun. For example, instead of a pricey gym subscription, why not buy yourself an e-bike? While some electric bikes are incredibly expensive, prices are falling fast: for example, Halfords sells a number of electric bikes for less than £600 and one is just £479. By comparison, a year’s membership of a very wellknown gym chain is £672. Whether you’re cycling down the streets, pounding the pavements or hitting the gym, it’s useful to track your progress to help with your motivation. There are tons of apps for everything, from recording the calories you consume to giving you challenging workouts. Some are incredibly focused, such as Seven: it gives you workouts you

can do in just seven minutes. Phones can track your movements through the day but if you really want to track your progress, a fitness tracker or a smartwatch can give you all kinds of information about what your body’s doing. The big daddy of the fitness tracking world is the Apple Watch, which comes in two flavours: the Series 3, which starts at £199, and the Series 5, which starts at £399. The series 4 was discontinued last year. If you have an iPhone, they’re the best smart watches you can buy. If you don’t have an iPhone or just don’t need a £400 Apple Watch, there are plenty of other options. Samsung makes a range of Galaxy Active watches from around £200 up that work really well with Android phones, and it also makes a simple fitness tracker called the Galaxy Fit. That’s currently £89. Fitbit has the £199 Versa 2 smartwatch and a range of fitness trackers including the £119 Charge 3 and the £69

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n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

1 January Friends of Paxton Pits 10.30am Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Friends of Paxton Pits. Tick 'n' Twitch with local guides. How many kinds of bird can you see, 20 or 30? We are aiming for 50! Pay 10p for each bird species seen. Don’t forget your binoculars and your money. Walk starts at the Visitor Centre. Tel: 01480 406795

1 January New Year’s Day Walk at Coton Countryside Reserve 11am-1pm As a perfect antidote to the festivities, why not welcome in the new year and blow off the cobwebs by joining us for a free, sociable ramble through Coton Reserve and the surrounding countryside. You’ll enjoy the stunning winter landscapes at the same time as kick-starting that resolution to get more exercise in 2020! The walk is free but donations towards the upkeep of the reserve are always welcome. Meet outside The Plough, Grantchester Road, Coton, CB23 7PZ at 11am. Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on 3 January St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, PE19 2TD Members free, non-members £3 ‘St Neots 1949 - A Snapshot in Time’ by Rodney Todman. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 31 January Computing problems? 10am-12.30pm Bytes Café, Kimbolton Bytes Café is open in the small hall behind the Mandeville Hall. Volunteers can help with your computing problems from the simplest to the more challenging. Colour and black and white printing, enlarging A4 to A3 and laminating at a reasonable price. Drop by and see what is available. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 January Friday Night Drinks 7.30-11pm Buckworth Cricket Club, Church Road, Buckworth, Huntingdon Join us at the Club to celebrate the end of the week, have a drink with friends and relax. Web: www.buckworthcricketclub.co.uk 4 January Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton Buffalo. Bring and share lunch followed by activities from 1.30pm. Suggested donation £1. Tel: Helen Young 01480 216255 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 January Huntingdon parkrun 9am Hinchingbrooke Country Park Free, weekly, timed 5k run for anyone aged 4 years and over. Email: huntingdon@parkrun.com

4, 11, 18 & 25 January parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 5k timed run. Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate

5, 12, 19 & 26 January Jubilee Junior parkrun 9am Jubilee Park, Huntingdon Free, weekly, timed 2k run for 4-14 year olds. Email: jubileejuniors@parkrun.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 January Junior parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 2k timed run for 4-14 year olds. Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate-juniors 6 January St Neots Timebank Evening 7-9pm Tesco Community Room Members evening. NIA dance with tutor Ildiko Miklos certified Brown Belt Nia Technique Teacher. Classes £5 each. Nia is a mindful dance fitness practice. It is for anybody seeking a gentler movement class to complement and facilitate healing of body, mind, emotions and spirit. Suitable for all ages and abilities. No need to book – just come along. Tel: 07590 909057 Web: www.stneotstimebank.org.uk 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 January St Neots Badminton Club 8-10pm One Leisure, St Neots Play badminton to a good standard and interested in joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays. Email: Committee@stneotsbadminton.org 6, 13, 20 & 27 January 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, such as music and singing exercises, quizzes, card and board games 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: Annabelle Blackham 07527741495 6, 13, 20 & 27 January Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club 6.30-9pm Godmanchester Town Hall £1 for Whist drive inc. tea & biscuits If you are feeling lonely and over 55 years of age, then you will find a warm welcome waiting for you in the Senior Citizens Club. The club has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of activities. Monday 6.30-9pm is Whist Drive, Tuesday 2-4pm is Bingo and Friday 1.30-4pm is another opportunity to play Whist. Members also meet on a Saturday morning at 10am for games, chat, tea and biscuits. Nonmembers are welcome to visit on Saturday mornings to find out more. Email: johnseal25@virginmedia.com Web: www.godmanchesterseniors.weebly.com

6, 13, 20 & 27 January Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Godmanchester Monday evenings. Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St. Neots & District Camera Club 7.15 for 7.30pm St. Neots Bowling Club (beside the tennis courts) Free entry. Everyone welcome, no experience is necessary. All you need is an interest in photography. Web: www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday evening. Tel: Mary 01480 212552 Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St Neots Folk Club 8pm The Priory Centre, St Neots Tickets: 01234 37278 www.stneotsfolkclub.co.uk 7, 14, 21 & 28 January St Ives Photographic Club 8-10pm Winter programme - see website for full details. Email: events@stives-photoclub.org.uk Web: www.stives-photoclub.org.uk 8 January Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat Second Wednesday of every month. Monthly meetup for adults with M.E. and partners/friends. Web: www.crmetea.org 8 January Brampton Flower Club 7.15pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Visitors £6 on the door. Stephen Hall will present a talk on his Chelsea gold medal winning landscape designs. The evening will commence with a fish and chip supper at 7.15pm for members (pre-paid in December). Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 8 January Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall Suzanne Edgington will be talking about ‘Complementary & Alternative therapies’. The group usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 8 January Wildlife Trust 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Hall, Thrapston Road, Brampton £5 per person. ‘Fascinating Fungi - An Introduction to Mycology’ an illustrated talk by Peter Walker. Peter has a wealth of knowledge and will present an absorbing talk about these diverse organisms that often appear only transiently before disappearing again to spend most of their lives hidden underground. Tel: Alistair Grant 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In January

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

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Hemingford Ladies Choir 10-11.30am St Ives Free Church A small choir who sing a wide range of music in support of local charities. Tel: 01480 417925 Email: vivienneoxley64@gmail.com

8, 15, 22 & 29 January Wednesday Walk 11am-12.30pm Wimpole Estate Join us for a different walk each week, showing off some of the best views, woodland paths and secret seats in and around Wimpole's parkland. Walks range from 3-5 miles and are often muddy. Experienced Walk Leaders will guide you through the estate, pointing out interesting features in the landscape, wildlife and tantalising snippets of Wimpole's history. Guided walk is free but there is a parking charge for non-members. 8 & 22 January Knit, Stitch & Natter Group 1.30-3pm St James Church, Little Paxton £2 inc. tea, coffee, cakes & biscuits. Why not come and join us?Tel: June Griffin 01480 39977

13 January Adult Learning St Ives First day of the term for adult evening/daytime/ Saturday courses. Start dates vary – see website for information. Web: www.aclearning.org.uk

20 January Little Paxton W I 7.45pm St James' Church Little Paxton WI meets every third Monday of the month, except December when it meets on the second Monday. Email: evans-margaret@sky.com

13 January Godmanchester Trefoil Guild 7.30-9pm Godmanchester Football Ground Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguiding for Adults aged 18+. They meet on the second Monday of the month. Email: jeanmking@outlook.com

22 January Roxtonettes Monthly Music Evenings 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Do you enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument? We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month. 7.30pm onwards for instrumentalists and 8pm onwards for singers. Under the guidance of Eamonn Nicholson-Clinch, we are an informal community singing group. You do not need to read music! Tel: Eamonn 07780 954314

15 January Carers Coffee Club 2-3.30pm The Royal Oak, Hail Weston Are you caring for a loved one with a memory loss? Then come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in a similar situation. Our informal group meets on every third Wednesday of the month. Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 Email: kimpigfarmer@tiscali.co.uk

16 January Winter Tree Walk at Wandelbury Country Park 10am-12 noon 11 January Wandlebury Country Park, CB22 3AE Hemingford Village Market Free – donations welcome. Join one of our wardens 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey for a gentle guided walk around Wandlebury to Second Saturday of the month. Food, crafts, plants learn how to identify winter trees. Meet at the and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford noticeboard in the car park. www.cambridgeppf.org Grey Parish Council surgery should you wish to meet councillors to discuss local issues. Refreshments 16 January available in the Hemingford Garden Room. Friends of Paxton Pits Guided Walk 10am-12.30pm 11 January Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust Mindful Wintry Wander £2.50 on the day. Explore Paxton Pits Nature Reserve 10.30am-midday Trumpington Meadows, with experienced local experts. Walks start at the Grantchester Road CB2 9LH Visitor Centre and last approximately two hours. No £5 per person. Mindful walking and nature need to book. Tel: 01480 406795 connection have the power to revive on cold dark days, with much evidence of the benefits of getting 16 January outdoors for physical and mental health. Join Claire Love’s Farm Women’s Institute Thompson, author of Mindfulness of the Natural 8-10pm St Neots Football Club World and Becky Green, Wildlife Trust Senior Ranger Meets on the third Thursday of the month. at Trumpington Meadows, for guided mindful walks Tel: Nikki Jackson 07563 715043 at the reserve this month. Walks will include guided Email: lovesfarmladieswi@gmail.com mindfulness practices and periods of silent walking bringing opportunities to engage senses and 17 January connect with ourselves and winter wildlife wonders All is True on the reserve. Tea and biscuits will be available to 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton warm up at the end! Kimbolton Community Cinema. Tickets available Email: clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com from Oliver’s, Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or on Web www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2020-01-11the door. Bar, ice creams and free popcorn. mindful-winter-wanders Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ 11 January themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 20 January 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, St Neots Royal Naval Association 7.30pm Biggleswade The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots ‘The Chrysanthemum in Art and Culture’ with Twigs St Neots & District Branch of the Royal Naval Way. Twigs is a writer, researcher and speaker on Association meet on the third Monday of every garden history including landscapes in art and month. Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 literature. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com

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23 January Huntingdonshire Fauna & Flora Society 7.30pm Countryside Centre, Hinchingbrooke Country Park Members free, Visitors £2. ‘Murderous Monarchs, Toxic Smogs and Texting Cows: The History, Wildlife and Ongoing Management of Epping Forest’ by Gordon Wyatt. Visitor fee is refunded if you join on the night. Web: www.hffs.org.uk 23 January St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 inc. refreshments & raffle ticket. ‘History of Peter’s gardens 197-2019’ by Peter Walker. www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk 26 January Wildlife Trust Mindful Wintry Wander 3-4.30pm Trumpington Meadows, Grantchester Road CB2 9LH £5 per person. Mindful walking and nature connection have the power to revive on cold dark days, with much evidence of the benefits of getting outdoors for physical and mental health. Join Claire Thompson, author of Mindfulness of the Natural World and Becky Green, Wildlife Trust Senior Ranger at Trumpington Meadows, for guided mindful walks at the reserve. Tea and biscuits will be available at the end! Email: clairethompson@mindfulness-of-nature.com Web www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2020-01-11mindful-winter-wanders 28 January Huntingdonshire Diabetes Group 7.30pm Millennium Hall, Burberry Road, Buckden Email: hunts.diabetesuk@gmail.com Web: huntingdonshire.diabetesukgroup.org 31 January The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Adults £15, Groups 20+ £10 each, Under 21s £5 Alexandra Lomeiko, violin with Christine Zerafa, piano; Richard Zhang, solo piano. Tel: 01480 375678 (9am-3pm) Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac

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Quirky Britain

By Kate McLelland

Our eccentric inventors: Are they having the last laugh? They might have been created the best part of a century ago, but William Heath Robinson’s delightfully wacky cartoons have a special resonance for us today, in our technology-obsessed age. Born in 1872, the famous British illustrator became a household name with his tonguein-cheek drawings of imaginary, labour-saving contraptions assembled from old bicycle wheels, bits of wood, lengths of piping and lots and lots of string. Heath Robinson used gentle humour to celebrate the kind of well-intentioned amateur inventor who spends hours tinkering with various odds and ends, dreaming of commercial success. Times may have changed, but thankfully we still have inventors who are happy to keep plodding away in the hope of a big breakthrough – even if some of their ideas are almost as wacky as those in Heath Robinson’s drawings. John Ward and the window cleaners’ friend Eccentric inventor John Ward is known for inventions such as the musical frying pan, the revolving teaspoon and the portable bra warmer. Starting out as a trainee painter and decorator, John tried several occupations before deciding to build a career around his barmy inventions. Like the contraptions in Heath Robinson’s famous cartoons, John uses recycled materials to create many of his inventions. These include a ‘helicopter car’ and the ‘ladder-bicycle’: a bike which can be ridden, but when turned through ninety degrees becomes a handy stepladder for cleaning windows. Although John doesn’t take his work too seriously, he has been invited to showcase his inventions on TV in the UK, America, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Russia. He has also been involved in all kinds of promotional work, and is often asked to create props, store displays and contraptions to be shown at county shows and exhibitions. Willy Johnson’s bottle top brainwave Willy Johnson is another British inventor who has patented a number of weird and wonderful ideas, including the ‘expanding plant pot’, a pleated plastic container “which can be expanded progressively to accommodate

increased root growth.” He has also invented a floating soap containing a compressed sponge (that only becomes accessible once the soap is used up), and a television that can be turned off by means of a ‘soft missile’ thrown at the screen. Although none of these inventions has yet reached a mass market, one of Willy Johnson’s recent inspirations – providing a further life for the humble bottle top – has attracted considerable media interest. His invention, known as a ‘ToPo®’, has been designed to become a fun educational toy once the bottle is empty. ToPo® bricks can be joined together in various ways, creating all kinds of shapes, and the addition of a single letter on each brick means they can also be used to spell out words. While William Heath Robinson’s work satirises the lengths some inventors will go to in order to develop a winning idea, it’s great to see two British inventors whose slightly off-the-wall approach and quirky creativity has paid off. It shows how far you can go with a few recycled bits and pieces … and a lot of string.

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Interiors

Cosy up your home 1

By Katherine Sorrell Spring may still be a while off, but there are many ways to make your interior more inviting, even in the midst of winter. Long, dark nights and chilly mornings can be made more bearable by some clever thinking in your home. To start, make sure your lighting is up to scratch. A well-designed lighting scheme reinforces a sense of security, comfort and vitality, and making dramatic improvements could be as simple as adding a floor lamp in a dark corner or a reading lamp next to a favourite armchair. For the best effect, layer lighting in the same way that an interior designer layers fabrics and textiles, ensuring

that light comes from a variety of sources and directions. For a quick upgrade on a budget, replace main light switches with dimmers, and plug in a selection of table or floor lamps at strategic points. Check that your bulbs give off the correct amount of illumination for the task at hand, and also that, where appropriate, they are a ‘warm’ white in colour rather than ‘cool’. Add the leaping flames of a log burner or a few pretty tea lights or candles (safely positioned, of course) for an atmospheric evening in. Colour can make all the difference to the feel of a room, and a quick paint job – perhaps just on one wall – can be

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transformative. Earthy or spicy colours such as claret, mustard, ochre or chocolate are great choices, while navy or dark grey are more neutral and perhaps easier to live with all year round. Don’t be afraid of trying out darker shades – not only are they very on-trend, but they are really effective at creating a feeling of cocooning comfort. Think about the other main colours and textures in each room. For warmth underfoot, throw down a deep pile rug or two to add extra softness, while at the windows it may be possible to swap sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier and in a bolder shade – think wool,

tweed, velvet, even felt, denim or mohair. In the bedroom, replace pale linens with sheets or a duvet cover in a deeper shade, piling on quilts, eiderdowns, bedcovers, throws and blankets, combining colours, patterns and fabrics for a glorious mixture that feels truly sumptuous. And in the living room, pile up cushions on sofas and armchairs for a sense of cosy luxury, then add some generously sized throws over the back: great for snuggling under. You could use a length of tweed edged with velvet ribbon, chunky knitting or crochet, fake fur or soft fleece. Draw the curtains, light the fire, pull on some fluffy socks, make a mug of hot chocolate and settle down with a good book or a favourite box set – baby it may be cold outside, but inside it’s warm, cosy and welcoming.

How to increase your home’s heat efficiency • Insulate your loft. Use 300mm of quilt insulation, but retain some ventilation so as to avoid condensation. • Deal with draughts. At windows, fit rebated seals, secondary glazing or wellfitting shutters (which can be as effective as double glazing). Or use the old-fashioned method: heavy, floor-to-ceiling curtains with a thermal lining. Venetian blinds can come treated with a special coating to add more insulation, or you can invest in made-to-measure blinds that feature a cellular structure to retain warm air. • Doors will also benefit from seals or a curtain – a rising door curtain rod (aka a portiere rod) will hold the curtain out of the way when the door is opened.

• If the suspended timber floor is draughty, seal any gaps at the bottom of skirting boards with foam strips, silicon mastic or slivers of timber. For gaps between floorboards you could use fillets of wood, pack the gaps with string or cord and finish with wood filler, or try a special gap filler that comes on a roll with its own applicator. • When fitting carpet, look for underlay with the highest possible tog rating. • Bear in mind that woodburning stoves are far more energy-efficient than open fires. • Help prevent heat loss from radiators – especially when fitted on an outside wall – by fitting tin foil (or special radiator reflectors) behind them to reflect the heat back in.

1. Curtains: Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; cushions left to right: Moda fabric in Gilt, from £36 per metre; Kortori fabric in Gilt, from £34 per metre; throws: Asami fabric in Gilt/ Willow, from £42 per metre; all from the Orientalis collection by ILIV: 01772 651199; i-liv.co.uk 2. Venetian Thermostop® blinds in Dove Grey, from £107 for a made-to-measure 400mm x 600mm blind, Style Studio: 0141 814 3500; stylestudio.co.uk 3. Beaumont 8 series wood-burning stove, from £1,800; with the Burlington limestone fire surround, £1,995; both Chesneys: 020 7627 1410; chesneys.co.uk 70

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Crossword Solution for The Villager December Edition Last Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword Winner - Heather Urquhart from Hitchin Cambridge Gliding Competition Winner - Mrs Beverley Sale-James from St Neots Christmas Quiz Competition Winner - Mrs P Davies from Biggleswade

Decemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th January 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Demand (6) 4 Swollen (5) 9 Tract of level high ground (7) 10 Examinations (5) 11 Restored to health (5) 12 Exact (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Sudden bursts of light (7) 20 Contest (5) 22 Strongly flavoured edible bulb (5) 23 Interconnected system (7) 24 Traffic light (5) 25 Changes to fit purpose (6) Down 1 Collision (6) 2 Step (5) 3 Slim (7) 5 Loosen (5) 6 Popular style (7) 7 Keeping down (11) 8 Pale or colourless (5) 14 Ingredient of nuclear power (7) 15 Restricted (7) 16 Happening, underway (5) 17 Trembles (6) 19 Thus (5) 21 Unit of soldiers (5)

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Books

Book Review A Year of Reading Aloud by Georgina Rodgers (editor)

If you love poetry, try this collection of ‘52 poems to learn and love’, where you’ll find well-known names such as Sylvia Plath, E.E Cummings, William Blake and Maya Angelou alongside newer poets. Most of the poems are short enough to learn without too much difficulty, and they’re accompanied by a paragraph about the poet and the reason why the poem has been selected. Take up the challenge of learning one each week, or just dip in and out when you need an extra dose of beauty in your life.

Grow Cook Eat Diary 2020 by Sarah Raven

If you love gardening and cooking this could be the diary for you. Each month has a short list of what to sow, plant and harvest in your garden, along with other garden-related tasks and a simple recipe using in-season produce. Dishes range from Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry to Beef Carpaccio with Fennel Flowers. As you’d expect, there are plenty of stunning flower photographs throughout the diary, with one image for each week.

A Year of Living Thankfully by Lois Blyth

365 Days of Creativity by Lorna Scobie

As the blurb says, “Creativity is not just about making your mark on the paper. It’s about looking at the world a little differently.” If you’re stuck in a creative rut, this book might help you get out of it. The daily artistic challenges are split into how they help you feel, so you can choose one based on whether you want to feel calm, inspired, energetic or reflective. They range from drawing patterns on a snake to capturing the view through a doorway. Whether you take five minutes or five hours on each one is up to you.

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating by Joa Studholme

Planning to redecorate this year? This book might help you come up with a plan. There are thirteen case studies, from city centre apartments to a classic Georgian house, as well as tips and tricks for decorating each room of your home. There’s also plenty of advice on decorating in general, including making small rooms look bigger and using colour to make an impact.

Booker Prize Shortlist 2019 Various

Can being more grateful change your life? According to this book it can, and Lois Blyth is on a mission to show you how. Each week, you’ll work through an activity to help you embrace gratitude and take pleasure in the little things. There’s guidance on turning negative thoughts around, learning to appreciate what you have and not letting others spoil your mood.

By Kate Duggan

Looking for a new fiction book to lose yourself in on a long winter’s night? Fancy trying something a bit different to your usual genre? Treat yourself to the six novels from the Booker Prize shortlist. Stories range from Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities to Elif Shalak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World. Read them all to see whether you agree with the judges’ final decision.

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