Cambs Jan 2022

VILLAGER The

Issue 153 - Jan 2022

and Town

Life

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

Happy New Year Inside this issue Health and Well-being

Holidays

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in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

RSPCA - Why not foster?................................................................ 39 Choosing and Using Neutral Colours..........................................40 Top Tech for Every Kitchen.............................................................44 New Year, New Bathroom, Fresh Start!......................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What's On in January.......................................................................... 51 Best Apps for Changing Careers.................................................... 51 Drink: It's a Gin Thing!....................................................................... 53 Personal Electric Transport.............................................................54 Villager Prize Crossword..................................................................58 Book Review - Fresh Starts..............................................................61 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Using Neutral Colours

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Two St Neots Victorian Jockeys Contrasting Lives.................. 4 Health and Well-being Holidays in the UK................................. 6 Seasonal Recipe: Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl..............................14 How to put an outfit together.......................................................18 The Perfect Cup of Coffee.............................................................. 23 5 Common Mistakes when Seeking a Divorce......................... 25 Out of Business? Your Rights.........................................................26 Step a Million........................................................................................ 31 Choose a Gym......................................................................................32 All the Colours of the Rainbow.................................................... 34 Plants as Air Purifiers..........................................................................37

Personal Electric Transport

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Jennie Billings, Andy Davis, Leeds Day Solicitors, Toby Malone, Caroline Knight, Rachael Leverton, RSPCA, Katherine Sorrell, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, Trevor Langley, Andy Davis, Beacon Wealth and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography: Brita123 Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel: 07762 969460

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

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

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History

Two St. Neots Victorian Jockeys

Contrasting Lives History is full of strange coincidences. Two future Derby winners briefly lived in Victorian St. Neots, riding in both English and Continental races.

Herbert Otto Madden grew up in the equine atmosphere of the Budapest stables scene, which, at the height of the Hapsburg Dynasty, was world famous. Otto dreamt of the day he would also become famous as a jockey, like his father. So, it is a conundrum as to why his father sent him to a boarding school, in Eaton Socon in the 1880’s. On the day he left school he said to his schoolmistress teacher that he would send her a diamond brooch as a gift when he won the famous Classic race, the Epsom Derby. He went to live at Newmarket for most of his life and in 1898 he duly won the Epsom Derby on the famous Jeddah at the incredible odds of 100 to 1. Otto was an extremely skilled jockey. His riding qualities attracted the attentions of the media and a lampoon-like cartoon of him appeared in the 26th July 1900 edition of Vanity Fair magazine. To give some idea of his importance in the sport his riding fees for the 1899 season totalled £2,827 after coming second in the Jockey’s Table with 130 winners. He died in 1942, a highly esteemed churchwarden at Newmarket, aged 70.

Otto, like all jockeys, had to work his way up from the stable floor and was one of many aspiring contenders for stardom. In a league table of 1889 he is credited with 23 races, 2 winners; 4 seconds and one third. In contrast the ‘cracks’ were riding over 600 mounts with over 150 winners. Also in the 1889 table Henry Ibbett (born in St. Neots in 1870 but moved to Leicester) is listed as riding 23 horses with one win and three 2nds and 3rds. Otto went on to be Champion Jockey for four years in 1898, 1901, 1903 and 1904 but Henry stayed in the third division of English racing with an occasional 1st class win such as Comedy in the 1891 Cambridgeshire at Newmarket. Henry made the opposite journey in life to Otto for he went to the continent and became successful in Hungary and Germany riding Hagen to victory in the German Derby in 1901. His health, however was in a ‘precarious state, with evident signs of that fell disease, consumption’ and he returned home to Leicester where he died after ‘a painful illness’ in July 1903 at the age of 33. ‘The

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news of his death will be received with regret for Ibbett was always popular in his profession’.

Thanks to St. Neots History Societies Newsletter of Autumn 2006 for John Slack’s detailed account of Otto Maddens life. Check out the Museum website for more local stories.

By Peter Ibbett

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Travel

Health and wellbeing holidays

in the UK

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing more important than our health.

With the New Year’s resolution season now upon us, it’s the perfect time to set some goals that prioritise your body and mind – and what better way to start than with a holiday dedicated to just that?

Health and wellbeing holidays are the latest trend to hit the tourism market. In a world where our pace of life is getting faster and faster, there’s becoming a growing need for sanctuaries that allow us to slow down and take some time to focus on what’s important – our health.

Fortunately, you don’t need to travel far for these kinds of holidays either. The UK is packed with fitness, health and wellbeing escapes.

Arvon Creative Writing Retreats, West Yorkshire Calling all aspiring writers; Arvon’s Writing Retreats in the Pennine Hills give you the chance to shut out the noise, gather your thoughts and reignite your creativity. Regardless of your writing experience, you can enjoy a stellar line-up of published writers leading courses on everything from fiction, short stories and poetry to biography, life writing and screenwriting.

Keep it simple in a single room, or stretch out in your very own apartment – the choice is yours!

Reclaim Yourself, Scottish Highlands If sunrise yoga, delicious healthy meals, daily adventures and outstanding natural beauty all

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sound like chicken soup for the soul, you’ll love this wilderness and wellbeing weekend in the Scottish Cairngorms.

When you’re not relaxing in your rustic lodge, you’ll be freewheeling across the mountainscape, taking dips in Loch Garten and exploring the national park with a conservationist. And to top it off, Reclaim Yourself aims to offset the travel emissions of all their guests – making a holiday here good for you and the planet.

The Tree, North Yorkshire Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, The Tree is the perfect place to rest your mind, body and soul.

Stay for the weekend and you can expect tasty vegetarian meals (including Sunday lunch), afternoon tea, spa treatments and relaxation workshops, with plenty of time carved out to spend in the sauna and Jacuzzi too.

There’s also the option to choose the yoga weekend option, for a similar itinerary but with more downward facing dog.

Balance Holidays, Yorkshire Set in Broughton Hall in Yorkshire, a picturesque country estate framed by moorland, Balance Holidays’ holistic summer retreat is all about reconnecting with Mother Nature. Your days here will be filled with activities such as wild swimming, barefoot woodland walks, tree climbing, forest

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bathing and meditation workshops.

Of course, rest is important too, which is why you’ll have plenty of free time to soak up your tranquil surroundings. Book a stay here, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling blissfully refreshed.

Our Retreat, Somerset This yoga and meditation retreat is hosted in a beautiful nineteenth-century farmhouse in the heart of Somerset’s idyllic countryside. A daily schedule at Our Retreat typically includes morning meditation, restorative yin yoga or Pilates, breath work, sound baths and guided walks.

Don’t worry, you’ll have flexibility to do what you want too, with plenty of time carved out for reading, massages or simply dozing off in the sun. Throw in some wholesome meals and you have a retreat that’s guaranteed to nourish your mind, body and soul.

Skyros, the Isle of Wight Hosted at The Grange, a Georgian B&B with sweeping sea views and a spacious garden, Skyros is famous for its two, three and four-night courses that help you become the person you truly want to be.

From writing, comedy and photography to yoga, dance and wellbeing, there are holidays for everyone – whatever you’re into and whether you’re travelling

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solo or with friends. The location is pretty idyllic too; set in the south of the Isle of Wight, a stone’s throw from the sea, there’s plenty to do, see and explore nearby.

Yeotown, Devon This rustic-meets-luxury haven near Barnstaple is best known for its health and fitness programme.

This is not your average fitness holiday; expect everything from long hikes along the North Devon coastline and bike rides in the forest to sunrise yoga and lessons on diet and nutrition. There’s also a hot tub and sauna to make the most of, not to mention healthy, vegan cuisine delicious enough to convert even the most hardened carnivore.

Birch, Hertfordshire Proof that you don’t always need to escape to the countryside to slow down, this country manor hotel on the outskirts of London provides a creative space to recharge or get involved in an array of classes.

Take part in classes ranging from gong baths to sourdough and soda breadmaking, glassblowing workshops and yoga. Oh, and did we mention the five-star facilities? Start your day in the gym, swim some lengths in the outdoor pool and dine on homegrown food, every day.

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Foster For Us

Please call

0800 052 0078

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

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

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Text FOSTERING to 60777 www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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Seasonal Recipe

This is such a light, refreshing soup and low-carb too, thanks to the addition of vegetable noodles. You could also use kelp noodles or regular noodles instead.

Ramen Tofu Noodle Bowl Ingredients 1 medium courgette (or use 150g kelp noodles or cooked regular noodles) 1½ tbsp olive oil 450g firm tofu, drained and cut into 2cm cubes 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 600ml vegetable stock 2 pak choi, roughly chopped 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 tbsp white miso paste 2 tbsp tamari soy sauce Handful of beansprouts To serve 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 1. Use a spiraliser to make long noodles from the courgette; alternatively use a swivel potato peeler to create long strips. Set aside. If using kelp or

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 14 minutes Serves 4

regular noodles prepare according to instructions and drain well.

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan and add the tofu. Sauté for 5 minutes over a medium-high heat until the tofu is lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and sauté the spring onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes over a medium heat.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to the boil.

Add the pak choi and mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes until the pak choi has wilted. Stir in the miso paste, tamari soy sauce, beansprouts, tofu and courgette (or other) noodles and stir briefly. Turn off the heat and allow the soup to sit for 1–2 minutes to allow the noodles to soften.

4. Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter over the sesame seeds and coriander to serve.

Nutrition per serving: 176kcal, fat 10.6g (of which saturates 3g), carbohydrates 5.4g (of which sugars 3.7g), protein 14.5g

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Health & Wellbeing Salon FOR ALL YOUR SKIN CARE NEEDS

Red Vein • Skin Tags • Moles Hair Removal Facials • Massage • Nails

To make an appointment please call

01480 457642 Elaine’s of Brampton Brampton Park Golf Club Buckden Road, Brampton Huntingdon PE28 4NF

www.elainesofbrampton.co.uk 16

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House of Colour

How to put an outfit together You’ve probably read countless articles giving you a set of rules that mean you can magically achieve the perfect look, the capsule wardrobe, the ideal level of jewellery etc. I know some of you, as indeed have I held onto many of these ideals years later. Some of which might have been helpful, some less so. We can’t all live in a box and we don’t all suit the same items or looks (although much can be tweaked to suit). I wanted to put together a set of thoughts, some guidance to consider, to help you create some impact, keep contemporary, get the most out of your clothes, and bring together an outfit.

Balance – Not all of us can work a high level of volume on the top and bottom half so choose one area that will have a more relaxed, or greater volume and keep the other area neater in line with your shape. Key to this and true for almost everyone is the need to come in at the waist. I know I may be triggering a shudder here but you need to show your shape to avoid looking oversized. So, if you know your best point (we all have an area that is our most flattering for belt/ waist emphasis, and a style consultation will tell you where that is) use it – tuck your shirt in, try the French tuck if that seems too much, which is tucked in at the front and out at the back. Put a belt on a dress to give you shape.

Honestly, it does look better.

Hi-low dressing – this rarely seems to date. It’s the concept of taking a casual piece and pairing it with something more formal. This could be a blazer with jeans, trainers with more formal trousers. Play around with what you have adding one casual element to a more formal look and vice versa. It’s a great way to get more wear out of our wardrobe.

Colour – there are a lot of neutrals around at the moment plus colour too. If you don’t yet know what colours really flatter your skintone (there are lots too!) think about the occasion. A more professional environment means more neutral tones and currently camel, cream, brown, blue and darker greens are all good contemporary choices (black is not everyone’s friend, and there are lots of alternatives). Add one piece of colour to two neutrals to balance your look in a more formal environment. Make it a wow colour for the best impact!

Accessories – are key. They can add the interest to basics, and give you a much more polished look, whether dressing casually or formally. Wear a necklace, earrings, watch/bracelet, and you instantly look more put together. Keep changing them too, go

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through your jewellery box and dig some out. Find a handbag that suits your look and practical needs, so you don’t have to rely on a supermarket shopper when needs must. Have you got a good umbrella, one with some colour, or style rather than a plain black one? The details can really add the impact.

Shoes – in my experience they can really sabotage a look if they’re not right or look like they’ve seen better days. Highly practical options are probably the most tempting in our January weather, and there’s nothing essentially wrong with that but don’t be tempted to wear them everywhere because it’s easy and they’re near the door. Review your shoe wardrobe as you would your main wardrobe. If you need practicality, find ones that suit you too, that add something. There are lots of heavier styles around right now which are great for the weather and some clothing personalities (not all…).

Do you feel good in it? If you don’t like what you’re wearing then let it go. You know how it affects your day…

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

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

Solo Kare

Providing tailored personalised care

Over 40 years continuous nursing experience

All Aspects of Personal Care Domestic Help • Meal Provision Shopping • Dog Walking Overnight sits available Fully insured. DBS available.

COVID safety measures adhered to.

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:

Contact Karen Kingsbury M: 07544 662460 T: 01480 812297 E: karenkingsbury48@gmail.com

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

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

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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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

DO YOU EVER WISH YOU HAD AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS? NO MONEY OR TIME TO EMPLOY THAT EXTRA PERSON! WHY NOT CALL ME!!

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Food & Drink

The Perfect Cup of Coffee Do you love a cup of freshly brewed coffee? Me too.

But making it is such a faff - coffee grinder, beans, filter, etc. It can get very tedious, especially if you just want a quick shot. So, what about getting rid of all of that hassle with a coffee pod machine?

Coffee pod machines are a great shortcut to great tasting drinks. Simply load a pre packaged pod into the holder, press brew, and let the machine do all the work for you. Recycle the empty pod and sit back to enjoy your drink. No mess, no fuss.

The machine works by having a precisely measured amount of coffee (along with any other flavourings) in a special pod. When you press the brew button the device draws water from its reservoir, heats it, and then pumps it through the pod to brew the drink.

Your coffee is then poured into your cup and frothed on the way.

The contents of the pod dictate what drink you’ll get.

There are endless options from expresso to latte to hot chocolates and other drinks. Some machines allow you to manually vary how the drink is made, others identify each pod and will run the best program for that particular drink.

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Prices vary from around £40 to a couple of hundred depending on what features you want. There are a few different types of pods, and each machine is usually tied to a particular brand, so make sure you check out what’s available before you buy. Recycling pods has become a lot easier with initiatives like https:// podback.org/ So put your feet up and let technology take the strain.

By Andy Davis

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Ever stopped to think about equity release?

NOW COULD BE A GOOD TIME TO TALK! Equity Release Lifetime Mortgages, allow over 55’s to release tax-free cash tied up in the value of your home.

You don’t have to move house or downsize.

It’s a popular way to get the money you need, to enjoy the retirement you deserve.

Releasing Equity from your home is a big decision, which is why we’ll make sure you understand the benefits, costs and risks.

We’ll be happy to set up a meeting, where we can talk you through the eligibility requirements that apply.

The initial meeting is completely FREE!

Telephone today

01480 477774 for more information

www.premierplusltd.co.uk 24

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Leeds Day

5 common mistakes

when seeking a divorce Without stating the obvious, divorce can be an overwhelming process. Most people who separate get divorced once in their life, and so are usually going through the experience for the first time. As with anything new, it can feel confusing, like you’re navigating unknown pitfalls and unsure how to avoid mistakes. Here are just 5 examples of where mistakes are often made, so you can avoid them.

1. Not getting a financial order Many people choose to deal with the divorce proceedings themselves. However, there is often the misconception that your decree absolute also severs your financial ties. It does not! If you have a reached an agreement relating to the financial aspects of your relationship, or even where there are no finances to divide, you need a financial order to provide you with a clean break and prevent future financial claims being made.

Financial orders can be technical, and you need to get it right. A solicitor who specialises in this area of law can provide that advice and draft the document.

2. Re-marrying before the finances have been resolved New relationships can complicate ongoing divorce proceedings. If you re-marry without a financial order, then you may lose your right to apply for one. This means that you cannot rely on the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and the fairness that this act looks to achieve. Instead, any applications would need to be made under the ‘Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996’, which is much stricter and gives the courts far less discretion. Randomly, pension claims can still be made after re-marriage.

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

3. Discussing the divorce, or your ex-partner with the children Whilst your relationship may have ended, you will both remain the childrens’ parents. Children don’t have the emotional maturity to deal with these complex adult problems and they shouldn’t have to. It is not uncommon for a parent to say that they think it is important that the children know “the truth” about the other parent. This can be deeply damaging and may even backfire.

4. Taking legal advice on your separation from family or friends Whilst your friends and family have good intentions and may have been through a divorce themselves, they were not married to your expartner, and they are not going through your divorce. The people who care for you are on your side and should be there to provide you with emotional support but the only person you should be taking legal advice from is a qualified solicitor.

5. Doing everything yourself Getting divorced is a complex and technical process. At the very least you should ensure that you seek legal advice at the very start, so that you are clear on your options and expectations and before reaching any agreement and/or signing any documentation.

If you are going through or thinking about separating, then the family team at Leeds Day LLP are here to help. To find out more, contact the team on 01480 474661, email: family@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website: www.leedsday.co.uk/family.

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 25

Finance

Out of Business? Your Rights When a retailer or service provider goes out of business, you may be worried about whether you’ll lose out if you’ve paid for goods or services you haven’t yet received, or you want a refund for faulty products. Let’s run through your legal rights.

Administration or Liquidation? If the business is in administration then it’s still ‘in business’, even if it isn’t actively trading. There’ll be an attempt to rescue it, for example by selling it to a new owner. While this happens, your legal rights are still technically valid. This means it’s still worth asking for a refund or return as it’s possible (if unlikely) that you’ll get what you ask for.

If the company has gone into liquidation, it’s definitely not coming back. You’ll need to find the appointed administrator and write to formally register your claim. In most cases you’ll only get a small proportion of what you’re owed (or nothing at all) as some creditors take priority, for example HMRC chasing uncollected taxes. However, it’s still worth lodging the claim just in case.

Card Cover - Another option is to make a claim through your card provider. If you paid some or all of the cost on a credit card and the total cost was at least £100, you have a legal right to get any relevant refunds from your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If you paid using a debit card, you can often make a similar claim under a voluntary industry scheme called chargeback.

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Holiday Cover - Many tour operators are part of the government’s ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) scheme, run by the Civil Aviation Authority. If you book through an ATOL member and they go out of business, you should get a refund. If you are already abroad when the business fails, the scheme should settle any outstanding hotel bills and cover your flight home. Note that ATOL is designed for package holidays that include a flight. If you only booked accommodation, you’ll need to check if you booked through a member of ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents). If so, and the company fails, you should get similar benefits to the ATOL scheme.

Utility Cover - Another industry with protection is gas and electricity. As many customers have experienced in recent months, when a utility supplier stops trading, regulator Ofgem guarantees supplies are uninterrupted. It will source another supplier to take on the customers, though this will be at a ‘deemed’ rate that will often be more than your tariff with the old supplier.

Ofgem advises customers not to initiate a switch until they are set up with the new supplier, at which point they can switch elsewhere with no exit fees.

Customers who were in credit and owed money by the old supplier will get it back from the new supplier, though this may take some time. Customers who were in debit to the old supplier will normally need to pay back the money to the new supplier.

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Local News

Step out in the new year and make a difference!

Step a Million is simple…. you have 100 days to walk one million steps! This January, put your best foot forward in solidarity with Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and ‘Step a Million’ for your local hospice!

You have 100 days to walk one million steps, between 10 January and 19 April.

As we enter the new year, this is the perfect way to get 2022 off on the right foot (or the left one!) whilst raising vital funds and awareness for Arthur

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Rank Hospice Charity’s frontline services.

In order to reach one million steps by 19 April, you need to accumulate an average of 10,000 steps every day. You could also encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to get involved and keep each other motivated along the way. You could even go head-to-head to see who can reach one million steps first!

Walking 10,000 steps a day can result in you feeling more energetic and awake, look after your blood pressure and heart health, sleep better and reduce stress levels. What’s more, what better motivation can there be for getting out on those (hopefully) crisp fresh mornings, than knowing that your efforts will make a real difference to people when it really matters?

Registration is just £12 per person and includes dedicated support from a member of our fundraising team. You can sign up to take part at arhc.org.uk/stepamillion

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Health/Fitness

By Toby Malone

Choose a Gym You’ve made it through Christmas but, as usual, you’ve come out the other side with a few extra pounds around your middle. It’s time to don the workout kit and exercise. But choosing a gym can be a challenging task. What workout regime do you want? Will you feel comfortable? What facilities and equipment should you be using?

The best way to find this out is to book appointments and visit a few. Most gyms will be happy to have a member of staff walk you around the facility, show you what’s on offer and explain what other classes and programs there are. As you go round you need to keep an eye open to work out if this is the right place for you.

Are the staff friendly and helpful? Chat to some of the trainers and fitness team. They should be happy to talk to you about your goals and offer guidance as to what sorts of exercise might work best for you. You should get a feel for their attitude to new members, especially if you’ve never been a regular gym goer.

Have a think before you go about what sorts of exercise you might like best. If you prefer classes then you’ll need to make sure you ask about their timetable. Ask to see where the classes take place and ask about numbers attending. Too few people can mean a class loses the group energy.

If you like pumping iron, make sure the weight area and machines match your skill level. Again, check numbers as you want to be able to use the equipment without having to wait for too long. Are

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there enough stations? Is there enough room for what you want to do? Is there enough equipment so you’re not waiting for someone else to finish with it before you can get going again?

Functional training is becoming more popular now, where you use body weight and movement to build strength and flexibility. If this is your thing make sure the gym has the right equipment for what you want to do. Is there a big enough space set aside for this activity?

What sort of people are using the gym? If it’s full of body builders you might feel out of place if your aim is simply to tone up a little. If the swimming pool is full of people in their seventies swimming slowly and chatting and you like to sprint lengths, you might need to look elsewhere for your work outs. The gym should be somewhere you enjoy going. Having the right mix of people goes a long way to creating that feeling.

After you’ve seen round the gym think about attending for a couple of sessions before committing to a membership. Many places offer a proper introductory gym session where a trainer will take you through all the equipment and suggest an individualised workout program. Use this session to confirm whether the place is right for you and to jump start your exercise program.

Going to the gym has to be fun. If it’s not you will find excuses not to go. Losing weight and getting in shape is all about perseverance. It’s hard work but worth it.

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33

Gardening

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

All the colours of the rainbow Joy in the winter garden - The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your patch of outdoor space to ensure it fills you with joy – even in January.

You need either strong structural design that looks stunning at any time of year, or a wonderful array of rainbow shades, punctuated by architectural forms.

But how can you achieve this?

Planting a rainbow - Aim to provide something that fits into the chart of the seven visible spectrum colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Almost certainly, you will already have some green, but there are many different shades. The secret is to have one shade of green set off against another – dark and light is the classic combination.

You can play with greens all year round, but January is the month they can really bring the show alive.

Reds for the winter garden - Think about stems and bark as well as flowers, foliage and berries, and there is a feast of red opportunity. The fiery stems of Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ will set the border ablaze, particularly if you prune down your cornus in late winter or very early spring so that the new growth is pleasingly vertical.

The rich mahogany bark of Prunus serrula, or Tibetan cherry, can look stunning against a backdrop of dark green hedging or the brown leaves of winter beech.

Lower to the ground you might consider heuchera such as H. ‘Forever Red’ or H. ‘Paprika’. Then we have rhododendrons, some of which can be adorned with a blousy show of scarlet this month. Don’t forget red-flowering evergreen camellias too – their winter flowers stand out against the dark green foliage.

Create orange and yellow sunshine in the garden With ornamental grasses in borders or pots, January will glow. Clumps of tall miscanthus with its warm,

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yellow-orange stems and seed heads will look dignified in January, providing structure and colour.

Choose an orange-stemmed cornus for vertical accent and dot these plants around in repeated forms to bring the picture together. Plant Eranthis hyemalis, the winter aconite, under deciduous shrubs to create a spreading, golden carpet and consider Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’, a magnificent structural shrub with yellow, scented winter flowers to transform a shady corner.

Beat the winter blues with garden blue, indigo and violet - Blue fescue is an evergreen grass that can create winter blues and there are plenty of conifers and shrubs with steely-blue foliage to provide structure and colour, including Juniperus ‘Blue Star’ and Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’. Eucalyptus gunnii, with its strikingly blue juvenile leaves, can be tamed by clipping for winter beauty. For an indigo or violet hue, consider the conifer Cryptomeria japonica, which turns a pleasing shade of purple in winter.

Evergreen heucheras can provide low mounds of purple foliage to line paths and provide a safe haven for wildlife.

Your winter garden is likely to be viewed through glass for much of this month, so help it to come alive with colour!

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

Plants as air purifiers A friend recently asked me whether there are any plants which might help with the humidity and mould problem in the bathroom and back bedroom of her Victorian house. It’s a problem that actually affects many British households. Many of our homes are old, and in our damp climate humidity can rise pretty quickly in the winter when all the windows are closed, and the radiators are on. With increased humidity comes the increased risk of mould and associated respiratory problems Obviously, we can install a dehumidifier or an extractor fan, but nature also provides her own dehumidifiers and air purifiers in the form of certain house plants.

The best houseplants for mould-prone areas are those which are efficient at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Not all plants are equally efficient at this task so I’ve selected four of the best.

Each offers a different aesthetic so there should be one that’s perfect for you.

English ivy is a native plant and it’s a low-cost option.

It removes airborne mould, but also other toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight so is perfect for north-facing rooms. You need to keep it out of reach of toddlers and pets because the leaves are toxic.

Peace Lilies remind me of the film Hot Fuzz. Sergeant Angel, played by Sean Pegg loved his Peace Lily, and he had good reason. Not only are they elegant plants with stunning white flowers, but research conducted by NASA found the Peace Lily to be one

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of the top indoor plants for air purification. This tropical plant breaks down and neutralizes benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.

One of the advantages of a Peace Lily is that it tells you when its thirsty by drooping and that it’s getting too much light by turning yellow. They love high humidity areas with indirect sunlight like most bathrooms and are great at preventing mould. Like English ivy the leaves and flowers are toxic.

Palms add a tropical touch to a room and will efficiently reduce humidity. There are many varieties and some of the best are the lady palm, dwarf palm and reed palm. Indirect light is best and keep the surface of the soil moist but not wet.

The Snake Plant is a wonderfully architectural succulent. Its evergreen sword-shaped leaves grow upright, and almost resemble artificial foliage. It’s great at air purification and is one of the few plants that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. This quality makes it particularly good for use in a bedroom as it can help regulate healthy airflow.

Snake plants can absorb cancer-causing pollutants, including CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene and act as an effective defence against airborne allergies.

Plants can’t solve a full-on damp problem and they won’t replace a built-in humidifier or extractor fan.

But plants are a great way to improve the quality of the air in your home and they look beautiful too.

Happy Indoor Gardening 37

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Why Not Foster?

Have you ever considered becoming a foster carer?

Caring for a pet is very rewarding, but for some families it is not always possible. Quite often when you are renting or between homes, having a pet in not an option. For many, cost is the reason they have not got a pet. Recently the cost of kittens, cats, puppies and dogs seems to have grown and grown. So being a foster carer may be a better and cheaper option.

Being a foster carer is extremely rewarding. The RSPCA are always on the look out for new volunteer foster carers who can provide a safe, calm and loving environment for the cats and dogs our inspectors rescue each year. Fostering an animal can help them recover from neglect, abuse, illness or injury - taking the first steps towards finding a new, loving forever home.

Why do we need foster carers at the RSPCA? The volunteer role of a foster carer is both a crucial and a rewarding one, giving people the opportunity to make a huge difference to animal welfare. Our foster carers aim to help rehabilitate animals which then increases their chances of finding a forever home.

Naturally, we try to rehome our animals as quickly as possible, but if they are involved in a prosecution case we could have them in our care for long periods.

Some animals need one-to-one care or perhaps don’t cope well in an animal centre environment. This is where our team of fantastic foster carers comes in.

When an animal is fostered space in our centres then become free, so that we can rescue more animals in desperate need.

What does the role involve?

There are two types of fostering roles at the RSPCA: 1) Foster carers for animals ready to be rehomed.

2) Foster carers for case animals whilst the legal proceedings take place.

Pets

All carers are responsible for the welfare of the animal in their care and are a crucial part in the rehabilitation of the animal. You would be required to provide the care the animal needs; feeding, exercising, cleaning, socialising, giving medication and grooming. Many animals that we take in have either suffered or are not used to the care and affection that they deserved.

Living with a foster family helps to provide them with one-to-one care, allowing them to build up their confidence and get used to a normal lifestyle.

You may even be asked to foster an animal that is convalescing following illness or injury while they prepare for the adoption process.

Providing stable futures Did you know that you could also foster a horse or a pony? You can foster a horse or a pony as a companion for your own horse. Or if you don’t currently own one and you are able, you can foster two horses as company for each other. If you fit the criteria for an equine foster carer why not find out more and apply online.

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in the role of an animal fosterer, use our volunteer search on our national website to find opportunities near you.

If there is nothing listed in your area, then it’s always worth checking with your nearest RSPCA branch or animal centre.

The RSPCA is always delighted to hear about people’s positive fostering experiences. Get in touch if you have a story you’d like to share.

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

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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39

Interiors

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By Katherine Sorrell

Choosing and using neutral colours For a look that is classically stylish, easy to live with and works in every room, choose a subtle palette of whites, greys and browns.

In a room decorated with neutrals, you will always feel at home. With an almost infinite range of colours, from the purest white to pale, mid and deep tones of grey, beige and brown, they work well for both old and new houses, and for small or large spaces. Think of the glow of polished wood, the texture of rattan, the variations of natural pebbles – these luscious shades, chosen and combined with care, can be full of character.

First, the basics. Pale can definitely be interesting: shades of not-quite-white offer a surprising range of options, from fresh, bright and airy to rich, warm and restful. Rooms painted in pure white can appear bigger and brighter, thanks to the way the colour reflects light around. A clean white wall is a great background for vibrant paintings, for the coloured spines of books, or for a simple jug of flowers. And if brilliant white is too cold, choose a white with a pink or yellow undertone that warms the space and

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is more flattering against the skin.

Beyond white, pale neutrals vary in hue from cream to sand, through taupe to stone and bleachedtimber tones, while darker neutrals vary from charcoal and ebony to chocolate – and there is a whole rainbow in between to choose from, including beautiful greys, from palest dove to darkest steel.

Many people love the laid-back, fresh feel of a room that puts white on white, or combines a range of very pale tones, but with neutrals it is also possible to employ counterpoints of darker tones against lighter colours, or even to go dark and dramatic all over.

Choose colours by trying them out in situ, using small tester pots before committing to a bigger purchase. Paint at least two coats on several pieces of card, and stick them up on every wall around the room in question. Observe the colours at the times you’ll usually be in the room, and with your lights

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both on and off, as lighting has a marked effect on neutrals.

The trick is to select layers of colour rather than just one, creating an interesting, subtly varied effect.

When combining neutrals, avoid using different hues that are all of the same tone. An easy way to choose is to take a colour chart and go up or down (dark to light) within the same colour family, rather than working across from colour to colour. You could use darker tones for woodwork, with lighter ones for walls or, if you have features such as cornices and dadoes, perhaps vary the wall tones with lighter ones above and darker ones below the divisions. You can also use different neutrals to provide a gentle visual link from room to room: perhaps a very pale colour in a narrow hallway, with slightly darker hues in a living room and a warm tone in a dining room, for example.

With paint colours sorted, continue the layering effect with flooring, wallcoverings, furnishings and accessories. In any neutral scheme, it is surfaces that are the star, and success comes from choosing textures – hard and soft, rough and smooth, squishy and knobbly – as carefully as you would colours.

Natural is key, so aim for simple upholstery, window treatments, bed linen and table linens, in fabrics that have subtle and attractive variations in texture – crisp linen, soft cotton, warm wool, floaty muslin, fluffy sheepskin, and so on. Bring out the cosiness of a small bedroom, for example, with a shaggy rug, matt-painted walls, velvet curtains and soft woollen

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throws. Or emphasise a light and airy living room with satin-varnished floorboards, glossy woodwork, sheer curtains and silk cushions.

While there is inherent pattern in many of these textures (the weave of a rug or a wicker basket, for example) you may wish to introduce some surface pattern, too. In rooms that are, on the whole, relatively plain, small pattern features will stand out as focal points. Checks and stripes, chevrons and zigzags, damasks and geometrics can all look particularly good. Similarly, the occasional spot of colour, whether it’s a pale pink cushion, a turquoise vase or a mustard-coloured lampshade, may be the perfect finishing touch for an all-neutral room, adding just a touch of drama and personality to the calm and welcoming vibe.

1 Handmade in the UK, this love seat is composed of Scandinavian birch, with feather-wrapped foam cushions for squishy comfort. Banoffee love seat, £1,445, Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com.

2 Inspired by classic wingback chairs, these stately beds have ample storage space concealed beneath.

Kenley ottoman storage bed in oatmeal fabric, £699.99 (double), Furniture & Choice: 0333 015 0000; furniturechoice.co.uk.

3 This table teams two planks of tactile and sustainably sourced white oiled oak with black metal legs.

Industrial oak table, £975; Edie dining chairs, £525 (pair); all Nordic House: 01872 223 220; nordichouse.co.uk.

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Technology

Top tech for every kitchen Brilliant buys for every kind of cooking From setting alarms on our smart speakers to using an instant-read digital thermometer to check our roasts are the perfect temperature, technology has helped us make countless meals.

Some of the cleverest tech is also very simple. Take the Meater, for example. It’s a thermometer with a built-in Bluetooth connection that sends temperature information to your phone and rings an alarm when it’s time to take your roast out of the oven; its case doubles as a charger so it’s always ready to help.

Technology has revitalised lots of devices. The Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC is a newer version of BBC Good Food’s favourite bread maker, with programmes not just for bread but for pasta and pizza dough and cake too, while the £22 Stirr gives the humble wooden spoon an upgrade: it’s an automatic stirrer you put in your pot to prevent your soup sticking or your gravy getting lumpy.

If you prefer do-everything devices, you’ll love the Thermomix. It’s not so much a gadget as an entire food preparation system that’s capable of doing pretty much anything: weighing ingredients, blending vegetables, grinding spices, boiling and simmering, kneading dough, whisking sauces, grating vegetables and cheese, chopping meat, caramelising onions and much more.

Two kinds of device have become incredibly popular in the last few years: the Instant Pot and the air fryer. The former is a programmable one-pot electric pressure cooker that can do multiple kinds of cooking: slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, yoghurt making, soup making and much more, and with prices under £60 for the entry level model it’s a brilliant buy.

An air fryer uses heat and air to get the same effects as deep frying without the oil: instead of immersing the food in a vat of boiling oil you just give it a little spray with cooking oil.

The results are superb for almost everything apart from wet batters, which tend to fall off, and there are stacks of models: our current favourite, Sage’s The Smart Oven, is an air fryer, oven, grill, toaster, pizza oven, slow cooker and much more. You can even get an Instant Pot with a second lid that turns it into an air fryer: the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer is currently around £199.

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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 If you haven’t tried Instant Pot boiled eggs you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s also great for making soup, stews, chilli, rice and even yoghurt. £59, Amazon.co.uk Sage The Smart Oven This brilliant multi-cooker is great for small spaces because it does so much: it’s a grill, an oven, an air fryer, a toaster, a food warmer, a pizza oven and more. £249, sageappliances.com Thermomix It’s not cheap but when you consider all the things the Thermomix can do, from weighing and chopping ingredients to sautéing and even frying, it’s incredibly useful. £1,099, vorwerk.co.uk

Panasonic SD-YR2550SXC There are bread makers, and then there are bread makers that can also make cakes and pizza dough and pasta dough. If you can bake it, this Panasonic can make it. £199, johnlewis.com

Stirr Say goodbye to the tyranny of pots that need constant stirring: Stirr does it for you so you can do something more fun while your sauce thickens or your soup cooks. £21.99, uutensil.com

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Business Review

New year, new bathroom Fresh start!

AFTER

Being able to enjoy a warm bath or a shower is something we take for granted but when mobility is impaired, people are often denied that simple pleasure.

When the bathroom in your home has served you well over the years, and is functioning perfectly, it seems an extravagance to replace it. But if getting in and out of the bath or shower is becoming increasingly challenging, that investment could be the key to living independently for longer, and to improving your health and wellbeing.

At the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS) Hitchin, they know just what a positive impact having easy and safe access to a shower or bath can have.

BMAS manager Lee Brand, says the benefits of making your bathroom safe and comfortable are not just restricted to the physical ones, such as reducing the risk of slipping or tripping, but have wider health benefits bringing peace of mind and improved quality of life.

Regain your independence “You don’t have the anxiety of worrying about slipping or falling,” he says. “Having a bathroom that is safe and easy to use reduces the stress of trying to manage with facilities that are no longer fit for purpose.”

Being able to maintain the standards of personal hygiene you would want, at any age, makes a big difference to your confidence and self-esteem too, he says. Even though a new bathroom may seem an extravagance, it can mean someone has more years of independent living and brings peace of mind to the whole family.

Wet rooms are the ultimate accessibility solution, offering total level access, but BMAS also install

BEFORE

bathrooms with low level shower trays and walk in baths. Combined with specialist slip-resistant flooring, easy-clean hygienic wallboards, safety grab rails and fold down shower seating, your bathroom can become fully usable again.

A complete service for your convenience BMAS provides an end-to-end service, starting with the initial free consultation to providing a well thought-out, accessible bathroom design and a comprehensive quote. They supply all the products and carry out all the necessary works themselves, including removing the old bathroom and any building adaptations and electrical works.

Importantly, they manage the whole process for you, so you won’t have to arrange multiple tradespeople and payments and they will be there to answer your questions every step of the way. Works can be completed in as little as five days and your home will be kept clean and tidy throughout.

To find out more about their range of bathrooms visit the BMAS showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB or call 01462 889 097 or see bathingmobility.co.uk They offer a free design appointment service in your own home with absolutely no obligation or pressure selling.

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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FOR ALL YOUR GLAZING NEEDS: • SINGLE & DOUBLE GLAZING • SEALED UNITS GONE ‘FOGGY’ • MIRRORS • SHELVES • WINDOWS & DOORS • LOCKS, WINDOW & DOOR ACCESSORIES

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY 4, 11, 18 & 25 JANUARY St Neots & District Camera Club Via Zoom Regular talks and competitions. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk

4 & 18 JANUARY

Volunteer Work Party 10.30am-1pm. Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge Care for green spaces and their wildlife - get active and meet others.

All instruction, equipment and tools provided. Wear tough clothes and footwear and bring packed lunch. www.cambridgeppf.org

5, 12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm. Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members. Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time.

Tel: 01480 212298 for enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk

7 JANUARY

St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘The Golden Age of Fen Skating’ by Guy Hussey of the Norris Museum.

From the Dutch origins of ice skating, to the earliest account of skating on the fens in the late 18th Century to the height of the golden age of fen skating in the late 19th Century.

Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk

8 JANUARY

Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Talk by Kerry Barehead on Roses dos and don'ts. Visitors welcome – small charge. www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

8 JANUARY

Huntingdon Comedy Club 7pm. Tickets £15 + booking fee Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon With Fin Taylor (Live at the Apollo), Troy Hawke (“undeniably funny” Chortle), Alice Fraser ( The Herald Sun) and Aurie Styla (Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club). www.chuckl.co.uk/huntingdon-january

18 JANUARY

Winter Trees 10am-12 noon. Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge £18 per family Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Gentle guided walk to learn how to identify tree species in winter.

Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

18 JANUARY

10am-12 noon Dementia Café St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers.

Tel: George Smerdon 07725 588145 Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity

21 JANUARY

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

22 JANUARY

Bedford RSPB Local Group Meeting 7.30-9.30pm ARA Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Members £1, guests £2, under 18 free ‘Jewels in the Air’ by Wilf Powell which describes aspects of the biology and behaviour of hummingbirds.

COVID restrictions may apply. RSPB membership not essential. Annual membership £5.

Web: rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford

27 JANUARY

St Neots & District Gardening Club Meetings 7.30pm. St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 A talk on Cacti and Succulents by Barry Clayton. Visitors welcome.

Web: www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk

UNTIL 29 JANUARY

Aladdin Cambridge Arts Theatre Suitable for ages 1-101! Tel: 01223 503333 Web: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

The Best Apps for Changing Careers The Dots Designed for “people who don’t wear suits”, The Dots is a jobhunting app and social network for creative types and freelancers.

In addition to finding vacancies you can learn via virtual seminars and find project collaborators too.

Reed Reed is where some of the UK’s biggest employers advertise their vacancies, and there are over 5,000 new jobs added every day.

It’s rather like a dating app in that it will only show you jobs that fit your app profile and location criteria, ensuring you only see relevant jobs.

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edX Want to learn a new discipline? There are apps for that, including Khan Academy and the web-based Futurelearn and OpenLearn. This app comes from the prestigious Harvard and MIT and other top universities, and it offers free courses in everything from coding to construction and mathematics.

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

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

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Food & Drink

Drinks: It’s a Gin Thing!

Juniper berries form the base flavour for gins and productions of these alcoholic beverages dates back centuries.

Today, many different botanicals can be and are used, to great advantage, to produce gins that are a clear liquid through to a great number of coloured variations, which are appreciated and loved by numerous gin connoisseurs. Gin cocktails are hugely popular too and have devotees, globally. For some gin lovers a simple gin & tonic is satisfying and welcoming. I searched for a company producing a good range of handcrafted gins, that utilises botanicals to create outstanding gins, which appeal to many.

The Ruddy Fine Distillery is very proud of their productions, which have been developed over recent years, by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe. Their LONDON DRY GIN (42% ABV) is infused with 11 botanicals, all carefully selected to provide an excellent, balanced product. The sweetness of orange zest is complemented by fragrant spices and botanicals, to produce this smooth, extremely popular gin. Botanicals used for the production of this gin include the exotic lemongrass.

SUMMER BERRIES GIN (42% ABV) has, as the name suggests, juicy berries, evoking thoughts of summer in England. Red fruits are in abundance, for the bouquet. Again, excellent on the mouthfeel and palate’s sensation.

Cardamom combines with the other botanicals, to provide this ‘pink favourite’, that pink gin lovers fully enjoy.

Other Ruddy Fine gin productions include NAVY STRENGTH GIN, CHRISTMAS GIN (Limited Edition) and LOCKDOWN GIN (Limited Edition). Gift vouchers are available too, plus other merchandise to complement the range. The Ruddy Fine Distillery, created by Cheryl Stretton and Rory Thorpe, is located in the pretty, rural village of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire.

The Ruddy Fine Gin Club is very popular, with memberships steadily increasing. For a ‘something different’ type of gift the Ruddy Fine Minis Gift Boxes are very attractively presented and could be the answer. As Cheryl and Rory say, “Our passion and desire to create the finest small batch craft gins comes through in every refreshing sip”. For all details and information please contact or visit their website.

The Ruddy Fine Distillery Ltd, 39 Nottingham South & Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Nottingham NG11 7EP. Tel: 07540 096 234 E-mail: info@ruddyfine.co.uk www.ruddyfine.co.uk ways, Enjoy!

As al

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ey Trevor Langl 53

Special Report

Personal Electric Transport Going Green on the Roads Our efforts to be green have been centring around transport recently.

The UK is set to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. But what about going even greener still with small, personal electric vehicles.

Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) have been around since the Eighties. The concept was pioneered by Sir Clive Sinclair with his C5. At that time, the vision of personal electric transport was ahead of its time as the technology for batteries and motors could not deliver a truly usable vehicle. But in 2021 electric powered bikes and scooters have now made their way on to our streets and roads.

So, what are your choices and what are you legally allowed to do with these new PLEVs? E-bikes are the easiest to understand. These are basically bicycles, (so they are not classed as an electric vehicle), with an electric motor and battery bolted on to the frame to provide power assistance to your normal pedalling. Providing your electrically powered bicycle has working pedals, a less than 250 W motor, and a top speed of under 15 mph it still classes as a bicycle. You can ride it on roads, cycle paths and anywhere else a pushbike is legal. You can of course buy more powerful e-bikes, but as soon as you go above these specifications they are classed as a motorbike and you’ll need a licence, road tax, insurance, and everything else that goes with it.

An alternative is to go for an electric scooter. You’ve probably seen these popping up around

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the country in various rental hire schemes. These are basically stand-up scooters with a battery and motor built into the footplate.

With a throttle and brake built onto the handlebars you simply step on and off you go.

But one of the big differences to e-bikes is that electric scooters are actually illegal to ride on UK roads. This may come as a surprise as you’ve no doubt seen numerous people zipping around towns on rental machines. Scooter law is evolving fast and rental scooters have been given special permission to run on roads while the government analyses their effect on town congestion and traffic usage.

But this special permission is not (yet) extended to privately owned personal electric scooters. These are still classed as electric vehicles which would again mean having tax, insurance, etc. to be legal on the roads. Even then, because they fall into the Personal Light

Electric Vehicle category, their low-power and maximum speed mean they can’t be used on public roads. This leaves scooters stuck in an inconvenient situation, even if you made them road legal…they wouldn’t be road legal!

There is a lot of pressure to change this, but for now if you have a personal electric scooter you are only legally allowed to use it on private land where you have the landowner’s permission. Riding a scooter on the road or pavement is breaking the law and you could be prosecuted.

So, before you invest in one of these innovative personal transport solutions do make sure that you are legally allowed to use it to get to where you want to go. With the potential savings in carbon emissions and traffic congestion expect the laws to change quickly over the next few years as we all try to do our bit to save the planet.

By Andy Davis

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LESTER O’DRISCOLL CARPENTRY Door Hanging, Skirting, Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Fencing, Decking, General Carpentry, Bespoke Timber Garden Offices, Workshops & Garden Sheds

07842 195152 01480 811629

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our December Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Lindsey Smith, Abbotsley

December’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 King’s title (7) 5 Herb (5) 8 Sprays water (9) 9 Curved line (3) 10 Sword (5) 12 Remote military camp (7) 13 Incendiary guns (13) 15 Highest noble rank (7) 17 Tests (5) 19 Concerned with the environment (3) 20 Raised area (9) 22 Give up (5) 23 Wandered (7)

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

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

Down 1 Disguises (5) 2 Glass container (3) 3 Genuine, honest (7) 4 Colourful small birds (13) 5 Hat (5) 6 E.g. EastEnders (4,5) 7 Finds (7) 11 Region in space (5,4) 13 Nervous (7) 14 Outside (4-3) 16 Fear (5) 18 Church council (5) 21 Climbing plant (3)

Name:

Address:

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Healeys Stoves Ltd QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED HETAS INSTALLER FULLY CERTIFIED AND INSURANCE APPROVED Excellence and Professionalism are first when it comes to installing your new wood burner.

With over 13 years experience, covering all areas in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire.

• Wood Burner Installations • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue systems • Prefabricated Chimneys • Fireplace Renovations and Restorations Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote to discuss your ideas.

Healeys Stoves Ltd www.healeysstovesltd.co.uk (M) 07596 996039 (T) 01480 510161

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

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

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Fresh starts Give your New Year’s resolutions a helping hand…

Running Made Easy Lisa Jackson and Susie Whalley

Whether you’ve got your mind set on running a marathon this year, or you just want to complete Couch to 5K, this book could prove as invaluable as the right pair of trainers. Within its pages, you’ll find plenty of tips, running plans and advice, mainly aimed at beginner runners. Perhaps most importantly, however, you’ll also find lots of motivational real-life stories of people who’ve used running to dramatically improve their lives.

The Book of Hopes Edited by Katherine Rundell

This book brings together poems, short stories, essays and illustrations – all designed to ‘comfort, inspire and entertain’.

It’s perfect for dipping into on a coffee break or when you’re in need of a moment of solace. While it’s aimed at children, there’s no reason why The Book of Hopes can’t be enjoyed just as much by adults. A beautiful book to give or receive.

Everyday Cook Donal Skehan

Is your New Year’s resolution to cook more meals from scratch?

Most of the recipes in Everyday Cook are designed to take you from fridge to table within half an hour. (Some dishes can be whipped up in just fifteen minutes.) There are also meals to freeze for days when you really don’t have the energy to cook. The recipes might be simple, but they’re far from boring. Think Cheat’s Spring Risotto, Kung Pao Chicken and Aubergine, and Spicy Prawn Aglio e Olio.

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Books

By Kate Duggan

The Wildlife Gardener Kate Bradbury

British wildlife has declined dramatically over the last few decades. Once common species, such as the hedgehog, are under threat. If you want to play a role in helping to reverse the decline, this book is a good starting point. It’s packed with practical tips on encouraging all manner of wildlife into your garden. You’ll find step-by-step projects, ideas for plants and plenty of gorgeous photography. And you’ll also be taught how to identify some of your new garden visitors.

Farrow & Ball Recipes for Decorating Joa Studholme

Planning to refresh your home in 2022? Before you go anywhere near a paintbrush, get some advice and inspiration from the experts. Farrow & Ball’s no-nonsense guide covers everything from creating different moods using colour, to tackling common problems such as dark rooms and small spaces.

There are several case studies and tons of photos.

Whether you’re craving an ultra-modern living room or want to bring some country-cottage comfort to your kitchen, this book is for you.

The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide Jen Gale

Going green can feel pretty daunting, but this book sets out small steps we can all take to help combat climate change, reduce plastic and cut waste. It’s about making more conscious, informed choices – from small swaps that you’ll barely notice to more impactful life changes. There are no lectures, no guilt trips and no preaching – just relatable, easy-toread advice and ideas.

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MOVING HOME • HELP-TO-BUY FIRST TIME BUYERS • REMORTGAGING BUY TO LET

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Plumbing

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

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

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07530 728091

Heating and Plumbing Services

Property Maintenance

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Tai Chi

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