Cambs January 2023

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By Peter Ibbett

No Fish with Chips in Edwardian St. Neots.

St. Neots is a riverside town, where back in Edwardian times, a 1905 Guide extolled its attractions to those who liked to while away the hours on its banks hoping to catch the ‘big one.’ (Back in 2012, a stroll by the Pocket Park next to the Eaton Socon Great Ouse would enable you to encounter the ‘big one’ on land! The guide stated that:- ‘every angler worthy the name must know the Ouse; to all such it is a most attractive stream:- in the several seasons pike, perch, bream, chub, roach, rudd, dace, gudgeon and eel challenge his skill to tempt them from its waters.’

For most other pre-Great War folk fish were one of their sources of food. Today you cannot walk ten or twenty yards in St. Neots without being tempted by a fast food emporium encouraging you to add to the overweight statistics of 21st century health. A far cry from my grandfather’s day when it was plentiful pubs that tempted you off the street and into drunkenness. Jeffrey du Cann Grenfell-Hill’s 1980’s ‘Edwardian Childhood in St. Neots’ provides us with an insight into the fish and chip habits of the senior citizens he interviewed about their Edwardian childhood memories :“In St. Neots there was only one fish and chip shop serving the whole town. Emmaline Ashley recalled that her mother always lightly fried her own fish,

usually cod or haddock and only sent out for chips. A h’porth of chips would be sufficient for two people. The only chip shop in town was always busy, but Emmaline thought it was mostly chips they sold and mothers prepared their own fish at home. She suggested that as fat was expensive, the deep frying of chips was not usually done at home as it was cheaper to send out for them.

Ivy Shepherd maintained that a meal of fish and chips was regarded as a special treat. She would be sent for two penn’worth of chips.

Dick Ashton was not used to having fish and chips at all as there was no shop in his village. The only chance the villagers had of buying fresh fish was when the fishmongers in St. Neots sent a pony and cart around the villages late on Saturday night to sell off as much fish as possible. There was no refrigeration and the cart usually got to Great Paxton around ten o’clock at night. People would come out of the pub to buy the fish, and the driver was usually drunk himself by this time!”

Perhaps you have memories of the days before supermarkets and instant meals on wheels that will open the eyes of future generations to the eating habits of the early 21st century. Do let the Museum know and don’t forget to visit its shop and exhibitions when it reopens after its winter break.

Best destinations in Europe for a walking holiday

Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like soaking up the views from a mountain summit, or stumbling upon a hidden waterfall when you least expect it – and it’s all the more rewarding when you’ve got there on your own two feet.

Walking holidays are a fantastic opportunity to venture off the beaten track and see a different side to the country you’re visiting. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? From world famous pilgrimages to secluded alpine mountain trails, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe, so you can start planning your next adventure.

Albania

With a rich heritage that can trace its influences back to the Macedonians, the Greeks and the Ottoman Turks, Albania is an often overlooked

corner of Europe that’s perfect for trekkers who want to escape the typical tourist trails. Boasting alpine mountain valleys, emerald-green lakes, rustic highland villages and snow-capped peaks, this is a land of pure, untouched beauty. Mountains make up 70% of Albania’s terrain, so it’s no surprise that they form the basis for most of the walking tours here. Book a tour within the Albanian Alps, the country’s star attraction, to discover towering waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers and charming mountain villages. Or venture into the south to soak up the coastal charms of the ‘Albanian Riviera’ – home to some of the best beaches in Europe.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you’re looking for drop-dead gorgeous scenery, a combination of sun, sea and sand, and a seemingly endless number of walking trails to choose from, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the answer to all your prayers. Covering a stretch of coastline from Punta Campanella to Salerno, taking in the hilltop towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello, the trails here are truly out of this world. Carved out by Greek settlers as early as the eighth century BC, the mythical Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is perhaps the coastline’s most famous. You’ll truly feel as though you’re walking in the heavens as you explore this skyhigh coastal path, drinking in the far-reaching ocean views. Stretching for five miles from start to finish, the walk culminates in a breathtaking 1,500-step staircase that leads to the village of Arienzo.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Culminating in a visit to the spectacular Santiago Cathedral, this 155km pilgrimage in northern Spain is a unique journey of holy significance that dates back over 1,000 years.

Travelling through undulating countryside, rural farmland and medieval villages, what makes the Camino de Santiago so popular is its variety. There are at least seven verified routes, running through multiple different countries, but the beauty is that you can walk as much or as little as you like. Spend weeks walking from Le Puy to Santiago, one month walking from St Jean Pied de Port, or just a few days trekking the final stretch. If you commit to walking the last 100km, you’ll even receive your very own Compostela pilgrim certificate.

Madeira, Portugal

Hiking Madeira’s levadas is an experience not to be missed, with thousands of people lacing up their hiking boots here each year. These irrigation canals were built to bring water from the northern slopes to the south side of the island. Although still in use, they now have another purpose, giving hikers a way to explore the island’s secret interior and dramatic landscapes.

With more than 2,000km to explore at heights reaching 1,861m, this Portuguese island has trails to suit all experience levels. Whichever you choose, you can expect spectacular scenery at every turn. If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo?

La Gomera, Canary Islands

The Canary Island that time forgot, La Gomera is a hiker’s paradise. This volcanic land is shaped by cloud forests, steep-sided valleys and ancient hiking paths

Albania

– the most famous of which wind their way through the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park. Ascend to the summit of Garajonay, the highest point on the island, or follow the island’s network of stunning footpaths and historic mule trails. Around 25% of the flora and fauna found here are endemic to the island, but what makes La Gomera all the more fascinating is its very own whistling language, ‘el silbo gomero’, which dates back over 500 years.

By Solange Hando

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Amalfi Coast

Camino de Santiago

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Drinks: Red, White, Something Later

Many people like to have a glass of wine by itself – nothing wrong with that. Others obtain great enjoyment in finding wines that accompany a lot of cuisine and foods. It is true to say that certain wines (and other beverages) pair with numerous dishes, particularly well. White wines accompany fish, seafood, plus a good number of other foods. Reds are very much favoured towards red meats, steaks and casseroles, amongst many more dishes.

AMANDLA SAUVIGNON BLANC (12% vol), from South Africa, I found to be crisp, with an enticing bouquet and very good flavours of fruits coming through, for the mouthfeel and palate’s delight. A most popular white wine.

SAUVIGNON GRIS (12% vol), from France, is a further, impressive white wine production. Refreshing and most acceptable, using the lesser-known grape, Sauvignon Gris, this wine gives white fruits, for the mouth’s pleasures. Staying with white wines, LOIN de L’OEIL (12% vol) I class as an excellent ‘pleaser’. This French wine has a good bouquet, which leads to flavours of juicy fruits (hint: tropical), for the tastebuds. Red wines hold a very much respectful position, with wine lovers. ALBAROSSA (13% vol) originates from Italy and the grape variety (from 1938) is named after the town of Alba, Piemonte. This smooth production has an abundance of juicy and ripe red fruit flavours. AMANDLA SHIRAZ-ZINFANDEL (14% vol) has arrived from South Africa. A new favourite, with many, this has a hint of spiciness, with its flavour of juicy red and dark fruits. Powerful and rich, for mouthfeel and palate. If rum is a favourite? Certainly, a great number of spirits are hugely popular. DOORLY’S FINE OLD BARBADOS RUM (40% vol) is aged for 5 years. This is ‘classic’. Aged in American white oak casks, the expert method and process of production shows through, to give a splendid, pleasurable nose, which is followed by the wonderful taste. Wallow in the aroma, colour and rich flavour of this delectation.

I located these productions at a Waitrose store. Some are in their ‘Loved & Found’ range, which utilises lesser-known grape varieties, to great advantage and are very much worthwhile seeking out. www.waitrose.com

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.

Little pick-me-ups

It’s cold and dark, and most of us are trying to tighten already tight belts. So this month, we’re focusing on little pick-me-ups to lighten the grey days.

Time to breathe

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to ease stress and anxiety, boost energy and aid sleep. You can buy ready-made blends or make your own. For uplifting scents, try blending lemon, sweet orange and cedarwood, or sweet orange and bergamot. For stress-relief, blend neroli with a few drops of bergamot and clary sage, or neroli with ylang ylang and lavender. Need a restful scent to help you sleep? You can’t beat lavender. If you find it too strong on its own, combine it with vetiver and camomile. Why not make a home-made bath oil? Just add forty drops of your chosen essential oils to half a cup of a base oil, such as olive, jojoba, apricot kernel, grapeseed or sweet almond. You can use the oil straight away, but the aroma will get stronger if you leave it to sit for a couple of weeks. Just store it somewhere dark, like a cupboard. Add a tablespoon of the oil to your bath while the water is running to release the scent and leave your skin soft and smooth.

Time to focus

Try combining mindfulness with your daily skincare routine. Put some calming music on. Slow down and focus on the sensation of cleansing and moisturising. Breathe in through your nose and out through your

mouth. Appreciate the fragrance of any scented products. Consciously unclench your jaw and relax your muscles.

Time to move Numerous studies have shown what most of us already know – time in nature is hugely beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. It’s hard to drag yourself outside when the weather is miserable, but you will feel better for it. Try to take at least a short walk outside every day. Ideally, aim for the morning, as that supports your natural circadian rhythm so can help you sleep better. If you live in a town or city, make time to be in nature at least once a week, whether you head to the woods, a beach, a riverside path or just your local park.

Time to treat

Little luxuries boost our spirits, and they don’t need to be expensive. Ideally, choose something you’ll appreciate every day. A new nail polish is a good choice. Leighton Denny’s are easy to apply and stay chip-free for ages. Plus, they’re vegan and free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals. Jungle Juice is a gorgeous rich plum that really ‘pops’ (£12.50, www.leightondenny.com).

Hand creams, fragranced shower gels and lipsticks also make ideal little luxuries. Why not team up with a friend to gift each other one small treat a month? You could set a budget of £10 or less, and some treats could be home-made or free.

A class act – choosing an exercise class

Many of us start out with the best intentions in January. We’re going to be healthier. We’re going to join a gym. We’re going to get fit… By March, those intentions have all too often fallen by the wayside. One of the best ways to stick to your goals is by joining a gym class. The regular timings make exercising a habit. You’ll be encouraged to keep up the pace and motivated to improve. Plus, the social side of classes make them more fun, so you’ll actually look forward to going. Generally, the best gym class is one you’ll enjoy, as you’re more likely to stick to it. That said, you won’t know what you enjoy until you try it, so here’s a few suggestions to get you started…

Best for strengthening

Think ‘strengthening’ and the first thing that comes to mind is weights. Classes like kettlebells, circuits and body pump combine weights with cardiovascular training, giving you a great all-round workout. But you don’t have to lift weights to strengthen your muscles – you could also try a gentler resistance-based exercise like Pilates, barre or aqua fit.

Best for getting fit

Most exercise classes will burn calories and improve your endurance. If you’re already reasonably fit, you might want to look at a high-energy class like boot camp, circuit training, spin or high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Best for aches and stiffness

Pilates is a fantastic all-round exercise that can help to strengthen your core muscles and improve your flexibility. By doing so, it can reduce stiffness,

backache and other issues. Most leisure centres offer a beginner’s Pilates class or one that’s suitable for all levels. You’ll usually need a yoga mat and comfortable clothes that allow you to move without restriction. As with any new gym class, if you have any injuries or other challenges, let the instructor know. They can then tell you if there are any moves you need to avoid.

Other options:

• Barre

• Yoga

• Body balance

Best for stress relief

To ease stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, you might want to look at doing a combination of classes – one or two high-energy, high-fun classes, like dancercise or boxercise and a more mindful yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi class.

Best for reduced mobility

If agility or mobility is an issue, try a low-impact class like aqua flex. It’s often done to music, and you don’t even need to be able to swim, as it’s usually done standing up in the shallow end.

Other options:

• Pilates

• Walking circuits

• Low-impact aerobics

In short…

Gone are the days when gyms only offered a handful of classes. These days, there really is something for everyone. To find the right class for you, discuss your goals with your gym instructor so they can recommend a few classes for you to try.

House of Colour

Need a New Year Refresh? Accessories Re-boot

I’ve said it before but updating your accessories is one of the fastest and sometimes cheapest ways to update your look. There are some easy looks to jump on and ones to find in the local shops too. The ideas below aren’t all new so you may have items already that can be worked afresh. It may also be the time to re-assess those items that don’t get worn anymore, have they lost their shine or look a little dated? I’m also a big fan of getting items re-designed if they hold sentimental value too.

Trends:

Layering continues to be an easy way to add contemporary feel to your look. What do I mean by this? Adding two or three necklaces and wearing them together. To make the best of this they need to be at differing lengths so that they can easily be seen as individual pieces. This is not new but it’s become a rather more refined smoother feel. This is particularly good news if shiny rather than matte materials are your best look. It’s also great for those who look best in smaller scale pieces. Look for chains that are slinky shiny pieces rather than chunkier for this look. It’s also worth noting that this can be added over the top of knitwear/collar necklines too. Don’t think this has to be something requiring an open neckline. Chunkier chains are still very much to the fore and there is a huge variety of options to go for from coloured to rounded links in varying sizes. Those who know medium to larger scale options look best can take up the rounded larger scale. These need to sit higher, slightly closer to the neck to look their best. Hoops – hooped earrings have been more and more popular in the last few seasons. They aren’t everyone’s favourite, (they are far more refined than the 80s 90s variations) but again there is a huge range of options from the larger to the ‘huggie’ option, giving everyone something to go for. Many incorporate a gemstone or two or are even crafted from a semi precious stones as found in Shyla London.

Embellishment – adding more bling to your look is a great way to update. Adding multiple brooches with some sparkle to a lapel is a great way to enliven existing blazers or knitwear. Handbags – small or large, play with the proportions. Add in some padding or look for luxurious fabrics if it’s a non-leather version you’re interested in but leather never dates if you’re looking for an investment piece. Detailing on leather either in the form of texture or chains continue to be a good option but if you’re in the market for a serious investment make sure it really is a classic for you and your clothing personality. Belts – make sure your belts are great quality, in a neutral or a wow colour. Think about buckles with some interest, sparkle or animal inspired, so that they add something to your outfit. Always wear a belt where you have belt loops so you have completed your look! If you can take a wider belt now is the time to capitalise on the corset style belt trends, with dresses or even cinching in a longer tunic jumper for definition. If you’re not sure of the best position for your belt, taking your proportions into account ask your stylist for assistance.

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

How to ensure your morning beverage isn’t brewing up an environmental storm

When, in the mid-Nineties, the likes of Costa Coffee and Starbucks began opening on our high streets, so too did there begin a coffee bean revolution that has transformed our drinking habits. However, such pleasure has come at a cost. With 95 million cups of coffee slurped down in the UK every single day the resulting waste and environmental impact has also increased significantly. A colossal 2.5 billion coffee cups are dumped every year (with only 0.25% currently recycled), while 30,000 coffee pods end up in landfill every single month. And that’s before you even consider the global resource and human costs of what has become the most traded commodity after crude oil. Fortunately, there is much you can do to ensure your caffeine kick is not compromising the planet. As with most products, knowing the origin of what you’re consuming is vital, and many supermarkets are keenly aware of their responsibility to offer ethically sourced coffee. Check for sustainability certifications that ensure things are being done to help make production better for both the environment and the farmers involved. Associations like Fairtrade and the Rainforest Alliance are great examples of this, so look out for beans that feature their logos.

Even fans of pod machines can also lower their coffee carbon footprint. Many appliances are now compatible with foil pods which can be recycled using a very simple and nifty pod recycling device that separates the used coffee grounds from their foil casing. The grounds go on your compost heap, while the accumulated foils head for the recycling bin. You can also source pods that are compostable in their entirety.

When it comes to drinking ‘on the go’, the obvious solution to limiting waste is to switch to a reusable coffee cup, and many cafes will offer a discount on your beverage when you proffer your own vessel. You can also upgrade to beans that are organic; and if your focus is on the imprint being made on the dairy industry, cow’s milk alternatives such as soy, almond, rice or oat have never felt closer to the real thing.

In other words, you don’t have to let your coffee consumption become a burden on your conscience. With an abundance of options available in an industry that is positively booming, it’s actually very easy to make the right choices. It means if you still give in to the temptation of the odd instant coffee – and why should you not? – the assault will be only on your tastebuds, not the planet!

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Is it possible to have a “good” divorce?

Divorces are on the increase again with the most recent statistics showing 113,000 divorces in 2021 – up nearly 10% on the previous year – and the impact on wait times is stark. On average it now takes a year to conclude divorce proceedings. In addition, official figures show that family cases involving parents disagreeing over living and contact arrangements for children were down by 7% during the last year, they are taking on average six weeks longer to reach a conclusion. Estimates suggest it takes nearly two years to resolve financial matters following a separation and divorce.

That leaves many families in limbo for over a year. That has a knock-on effect on children’s schooling and family finances.

Resolution (the national family law association for England and Wales) held its annual “Good Divorce Week” towards the end of November 2022 to highlight why the Government must support better advice for separating families and the human suffering and cost caused by family court delays

Good Divorce Week is an annual awareness campaign run by Resolution, an organisation that represents over 6,500 family professionals, which helps people find a better way to divorce. Resolution surveyed its members on the current court backlogs and found:

• 20% said court delays caused clients to rely on benefits

• 34% said they’d referred a client to a counsellor or therapist to help them cope with the stress of ongoing court delays

• 90% said court backlogs were causing additional and unnecessary stress and pressure for clients

Simon Thomas, Partner and head of the family law team at Leeds Day LLP, comments: “Backlogs are wreaking havoc on local families in location. Even couples who want to separate amicably are having their patience and their continued relationship tested to breaking point by long delays. When it comes to sorting out children arrangements and finances after divorce, the situation is even bleaker. Children are waiting nearly a year for the courts to determine which parent they live with, what school they go to, how much time they spend with the other parent –putting the whole family’s life on hold. This is simply unacceptable and another reason why getting early professional advice is so important for families”. At Leeds Day LLP, our family law solicitors are members of Resolution and committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues and consider the needs of the whole family, in particular the best interests of the children.

To find out more, contact Simon (who is also an accredited Resolution specialist in family finances on divorce and children), by telephone: 01480 474661, email: simon.thomas@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website: www.leedsday.co.uk/family.

Huntingdon

Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD

T: 01480 454301

St. Ives 11 Station Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5BH

T: 01480 464600

St. Neots

Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP

T: 01480 474661

Taxing Times

We’re rapidly approaching the annual self-assessment deadline. If you’re self-employed or in a partnership, you’ll need to file your return by 31st January. These are some top tips to make life simple and (legally) cut your tax bill.

Use an expert. If you have very simple business affairs accounts, you may be able to complete the return yourself, but for everyone else, using a tax professional could make sense. Don’t forget accountancy fees are an allowable business expense.

Remember to claim for every allowable expense, which covers most spending that’s ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes. Most office supplies and equipment are allowable expenses, as is software that you use for a short time or on a subscription basis.

You can claim your actual business-related travel expenses, including parking and a proportion of repairs and servicing on your car. Alternatively, you can claim a flat rate of 45 pence a mile for the first 10,000 miles of business driving and 25 pence a mile after that, though this doesn’t cover a regular commute. If you are going to designate some of your driving as a business activity, check how this affects your car insurance.

You can even claim business costs that aren’t for goods or services. For example, you can claim the cost of any interest or fees on business account overdrafts, loans and credit cards. This is limited to £500 if you use the cash basis for your accounts,

meaning you list costs and expenses when payment is made rather than at the point of invoicing.

If you use a room exclusively for your business, you can claim a proportion of your household bills. The standard formula is that you base the proportion on the number of rooms in your house, not counting bathrooms or kitchens.

If you only work part-time or the room serves another purpose (e.g. spare bedroom) you’ll need to reduce the proportion in a ‘fair and reasonable’ way. This is often a better option, as designating a room as being solely for business could have capital gains tax implications if you sell your property.

As well as energy, broadband and other utility bills, you can claim the relevant share of council tax and even rent or the interest part of your mortgage payments.

You can instead claim a flat rate of expenses: £10 for each month with 25 to 50 hours of business use; £18 for 51 to 100 hours; and £26 for more than 100 hours. This replaces your claim for actual household costs other than phone and broadband, so you’ll need to calculate if it works out better for you.

Watch out for things you aren’t allowed to claim for, as this could bring extra hassle, delay and potential financial penalties if you include them in your self-employment expenses. Examples include: most clothing other than uniforms or protective gear; legal fees that came about because of your wrongdoing; and most food and drink, including hospitality for clients.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is intended to constitute legal or financial advice.

By Jamie Maxfield

Win While You Save

Do you own any Premium Bonds? More than 21 million of us own at least one, and their history dates back to the 19th century.

By 1861 the British Empire was wealthy but ordinary citizens were not. They had little opportunity to save. A Huddersfield banker called Charles Sikes wanted to change this. He proposed a scheme to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Gladstone. Gladstone approved and decided there should be a savings bank within, “...an hour’s walk of every working man’s fireside.”.

The Post Office Savings Bank was established to provide cheap funding to the Government, and the Ordinary Savings Account was born. Because the funds were secured by the Government people felt it was a safe way to invest so the project was a success with 2500 branches opening within two years.

During the First World War, the Government needed to borrow more money, so in 1916 it launched War Savings Certificates in 1916 and followed those with National War Bonds in 1917. These raised £433m (around £24 billion based on today’s values).

During the Second World War there was a similar National Savings campaign and deposits rose from £509m to £1,982m between 1939 and 1946.

After the war the Government wanted to encourage people to save again and on November 1st 1956, Premium Savings Bonds went on sale. These didn’t earn interest, instead each £1 bond received a unique number and had an equal chance to win a prize in a monthly draw. £5 million worth of bonds were sold on the first day (about £121 million today).

So that each £1 bond had an equal chance of winning a prize, the draw needed to be truly random. Because of the complexity of the task, the Government used the team behind the Second World War code breaker, Colossus, to build a piece of Electronic

Random Number Indicator Equipment, dubbed ERNIE. This machine generated bond numbers based on the signal noise created by gas neon diodes. The original ERNIE was the size of a van and took 10 days to complete a draw. Over the past several decades ERNIE has been through several iterations the current machine is ERNIE 5, which was introduced in 2019. ERNIE 5 is powered by quantum technology which uses light rather than thermal noise to generate random numbers and takes just 12 minutes to complete a draw.

Back in 1956 you had to own a bond for six months to be entered into the draw, now it’s one full calendar month. Initially you could only invest £500 maximum, and the biggest prize was £1000. In a time when the average weekly pay was £10 per week, and average house prices were just under £2000, it must have seemed like a huge sum.

Today, you can hold up to £50,000 worth of Premium Bonds, and the maximum prize is £1 million with two chances to win the jackpot each month. There are also many smaller prizes down to a modest £25. 82 billion bonds go into the draw each month so the odds of any individual bond winning a prize (no matter how small) is 24500 to 1. More than £350 000 of bonds from 1956 are still active today and eligible for entry into the monthly draw.

Believe it or not, even in the present economic climate there are currently over 1.6 million prizes worth more than £63 million which have not been claimed. Perhaps now might be a good time to check to see whether you have any old Premium Bonds in your name, which have been forgotten about. You might get lucky!

NOTE: Before making any financial decisions you are advised to consult a professional. financial adviser.

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Longer days are coming

Beautiful bloomers and bark

The shortest day has passed, so don’t assume that everything in the soil is dormant. Winters are generally warmer than they used to be and you will find glorious snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses, tiny irises and even early narcissi. These are plants with short stems, protecting their flowers from chilling winds. Look above the ground level and you’ll be delighted to find winter honeysuckle, Viburnum bodnantense and witch hazel with its spidery flowers, all blooming in January. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a heavenly intake of sweet fragrance.

It’s also the very best time of year to appreciate tree bark. You need look no further than the popular cherry family to find one of the best displays imaginable. Prunus serrula, or the ‘birch-barked cherry’, looks as if it is on fire during winter when its horizontally striped, mahogany-red bark shines like a beacon. Notice, also, beautiful members of the silver birch family with stunning white stems. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii and various cultivars provide ghostly, atmospheric charm. Some people actually wash the bark in order to obtain the best display. Not only are birch trees the source for traditional witches’ brooms, but bark oil can be used to treat skin conditions.

Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, is also showing its true splendour this month. The cinnamoncoloured bark peels, or exfoliates, as it grows. The thin, papery layers shed to reveal smooth, orange bark underneath. This winter interest is highlighted

at a time of year when there is little undergrowth competing for attention.

Protect tender plants

We all know that January weather can bring snow, heavy frosts, rain, strong winds and very low temperatures. Tender garden specimens will therefore benefit from protection. It’s often the chilling winds that do the most damage. If you wrap horticultural fleece around their shivering forms, it will help to prevent serious damage. Shake off snow from limbs of shrubs and trees in order to release the heavy burden. You will notice the shape begins to splay as the boughs bend, and this is the moment to act.

There are few plants than can tolerate vigorous pruning at this point in the year, so leave the matted hydrangeas and fuchsias but turn instead to the tough climbing roses, wisteria and definitely the grape or ornamental vine such as Vitis coignetiae. All new vine growth can be cut back to within two buds of the main woody framework from which it sprouted. You can be pretty ruthless – it will be sprouting again as soon as the sap starts rising.

Longer days

Rumour has it that January 12th is the magical date when the day length becomes noticeably longer and outdoor plants soon recognise the subtle change. Nature’s force is truly remarkable and it seems that however cold above the soil, there are always things happening beneath. Most plants are poised ready for action, their buds just awaiting a silent signal before a new dawn.

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GreenFingers

The Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses his move to incorporate horticulture into the National Curriculum, and a sidestep into novels. I was in touch with my English teacher a few years ago and, bless her, she said she felt she hadn’t been a particularly good teacher to me. I wrote back saying ‘well whatever it is you did, I’ve ended up doing the job I do now, writing pretty much for a living, so you can’t have got it all wrong’. I thought it was terribly generously spirited of her to admit that she was wrong.

I think my point here is that I was no more a gardener at school than I was a novelist, and I became both; but I did that through exposure and opportunity, and this is what we need to give our children.

And in my mind, there is no greater exposure to the world than you will find in the garden on a frosty Sunday morning, so get your kids and grandkids out

can emerge.

there, and let’s really inspire the next generation! Nurturing a garden can give you a real sense of achievement, and connection to the earth; I always say it is an escape to reality, or a different reality… and for our young people, that’s where real inspiration

Pets

RSPCA Bedforshire North Branch

Ways to support local pets in need

As we enter a new year, especially one of uncertainty as we are facing, as a Branch we want to help where we can during the cost of living crisis. In January last year we started a veterinary help scheme where we would support pet owners facing financial difficulty by paying towards emergency and unexpected vet bills.

Throughout the year requests for help of this nature increased significantly, especially as the cost of living was becoming more of an issue, with September alone accounting for over a third of our annual contributions. In 2023 with the country’s economic state potentially set to worsen, we want to ensure we are still able to offer this lifeline to people who need it most.

Contributing to urgent vet bills alleviates animal suffering, ensuring pets receive urgent treatment they need; keeps much loved pets in family homes; and in turn prevents ever increasing pet neglect and abandonment.

We are a small Branch covering the area of North Bedfordshire who work under the umbrella of the National RSPCA, therefore are run by a small team and almost entirely self funded, so we largely rely on our supporters to continue schemes such as this.

There are many ways to donate to our Branch, the easiest is to donate to our charity shop. The majority of our funding comes from our charity shop located in Bedford Bus Station and although we are very lucky with our donations, we are always in need of more donated goods. The shop accepts anything from unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags, books DVDs, CDs and toys to household goods,

bric-a-brac and even electricals. With Christmas now over and one with, if you have any unwanted gifts or having a new year’s clear out – the shop would be extremely grateful for any donated goods. If you are unsure of anything or have any queries, please give the shop a call on 01234 930304. Another easy way to support our cause is by popping into Biggleswade ASDA throughout January, as we are part of their green token scheme. We will receive a sum of money for coming first second or third in green token votes, which is funding that will go straight towards our veterinary help scheme. We are also part of the same token scheme throughout the Bedford Tesco stores from January until March this year.

Our Branch is also an Amazon Smile charity. This means if Amazon shoppers change their settings to Amazon Smile, when they spend Amazon donates a small percentage to the charity of their choice. A very easy way to fundraise, and you can search for us by our name or charity number – RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch / 202037. We are always so appreciative of any fundraising support we receive, as its means we can help more animals in our area, stopping any animal from suffering needlessly. For more information or any questions about fundraising, our veterinary help scheme or anything else, please email us info@rspcabedfordshirenorth.org.uk or phone 01234 266965.

Help Woodgreen provide miracles for homeless pets

Woodgreen rehomes thousands of pets every year. With more and more being handed in due to the cost of living crisis, the charity is appealing for local volunteers who can offer their hearts and homes to a temporary furry friend.

Fostering is a hugely rewarding way to help pets in need – meaning you can enjoy their company without the long-term commitment and without the price tag. It doesn’t cost you a penny! When you become a volunteer foster carer, Woodgreen will provide everything you need and cover all expenses, as well as providing you with full training and round-the-clock support. You’ll make friends with the volunteers that are already enjoying fostering too. You can apply to foster dogs, cats and/or small pets (like rabbits and guinea pigs), and take care of them until they find a loving new home. This could take weeks or months, but Woodgreen are flexible around holidays and any commitments you have. Some pets might be recovering from operations, be pregnant or too young to rehome, need further training and support, or just feel happier in a home environment. By opening your door to a homeless pet, it will make space for Woodgreen to help another pet who needs them.

The pets looking for fosterers are best suited to homes without any other animals or small children, but anyone can volunteer – whether you’re an experienced pet owner or you’ve never had a pet. All Woodgreen asks is that you’re aged over 18, you live within 40 minutes of the charity’s centre in Cambridgeshire, and you have the time and love to give to pets like Nugget and Freddie (pictured above). To find out more and to apply, please visit woodgreen.org.uk/foster

A Warming Wood Burner

By Katherine Sorrell

Our essential guide outlines what to look for when buying a new stove.

On long, dark days there’s nothing nicer than curling up by a real fire and enjoying the warmth and glow of flickering flames. And with fuel bills rocketing, homeowners are increasingly turning to wood-burning stoves as a cheaper alternative to other forms of heating. The Stove Industry Alliance reported a 40% increase of sales in the second quarter of 2022, and this trend shows no signs of abating. Whether you are replacing an older model or purchasing a wood burner for the first time, what are the key considerations?

Efficiency first and foremost

Since 1st January 2022, all newly manufactured stoves have had to comply with Ecodesign regulations relating to efficiency and emissions. Some stoves, however, are more efficient than others. Look for the clearSkies label, which shows models that go above and beyond the regulations. In fact clearSkies level 5 – the highest – is almost 30% better than the standard Ecodesign requirement. In addition, stoves also have energy efficiency labels, just like fridges or washing machines, which range from A++ to G.

Smoke control areas

If you live in a smoke control area (find the map online at uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/ or check with your local authority), you may only use a DEFRA-

exempt wood burner. Look for the round, green logo that says ‘DEFRA approved’. The clearSkies accreditations 4 and 5 are automatically suitable to use in smoke control areas. Always discuss these requirements with the manufacturer or retailer. What size to buy? Buy too small a stove and it will place stress on the appliance, while if it is too large it will underrun, which can be damaging to the stove, the flue and the environment in general. “Before purchasing a stove, you should verify the heat requirement for its intended location,” says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. “To calculate the heating demand of a specific space, simply work out the volume of the room in cubic metres and divide by 14.” You’ll find that stove capacities vary tremendously, from 3kw to 15kw.

Storing your wood Think carefully about where you will store your log supplies. Will you have them delivered in bulk – which takes up a lot of space – or are you able to buy smaller amounts on a regular basis? Some stoves have a small, built-in section in which logs can be stored, and you may have space near your stove or fireplace for a basket or other container. Bear in mind that logs must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area, and if you are planning to buy or collect ‘wet’ wood and dry it yourself, this process can take at least two years.

Comply with regulations

New stove installations must comply with building regulations to do with the flue, the hearth and the distance from combustibles. Provided you use a ‘Competent Person’ to install your stove, however, they can certify it for you. They will do a smoke test to check that your chimney is sound – if it leaks you may need a liner. Remember that you must have a carbon monoxide detector in the room, and consider fitting a fireguard to keep pets and young children safe from the heat.

Regular maintenance

A stove can take time and effort to light, needs to be fed with fuel at intervals and the ash has to be cleaned regularly. A removable ash pan will help with this task, a feature worth looking out for when you make your choice. When it’s time for a spring clean, polish up the exterior with a lint-free cloth or a clean shoe brush, says Jon Butterworth, director of Arada Stoves. “For the interior, make sure to clean the glass by dipping a damp cloth in the wood ash and using it to clean the door, then vacuum away any soot or remaining ash. When the stove isn’t being used in the summer, remove the throat plate and leave the air inlets open to allow a flow of air to prevent rust.” Don’t forget that you must also budget for having the chimney cleaned at least once a year.

The Stove Industry Alliance’s tips for cost-effective, low-carbon, low-emission wood burning

• Ensure your stove is fitted and maintained by an appropriately qualified, competent person such as HETAS or OFTEC.

• Only use wood fuel that has 20% moisture content or less, such as Ready to Burn (look for the round, orange and red flame logo).

• Never use waste or chemically treated wood in your stove.

• When re-fuelling your stove, open the door by just a small amount and wait a few moments to allow the pressure in the stove to equalise, before opening the door fully to refuel. Close and latch the door immediately afterwards.

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year by a qualified chimney sweep. You’ll find links to all the main UK chimney sweeping associations via the Federation of British Chimney Sweeps.

1

2 A classic design incorporating the latest technology, this wood burner is suitable for heating areas of up to 75 cubic metres. 3112 wood burning stove, £1,550, Morsø.

3 This striking pedestal stove is DEFRA-exempt and features an airwash system that keeps the large glass door clean. NEO3P-ECO wood-burning stove, £2,530, ACR.

STOCKISTS: ACR: 0121 706 8266; acrheatproducts.com Arada Stoves: 01297 632 050; aradastoves.com Morsø: 01788 554 410; morsoe.co.uk

Stick with your existing phone

If you’re coming to the end of a mobile phone contract, don’t keep it going: you can almost certainly save money by switching to a month-tomonth SIM-only plan, and you can still keep your existing phone number even if you’re moving to a different network.

Don’t buy more than you need

A deal with 150GB of mobile data every month sounds brilliant, but do you need it? Even if you use mobile data every day of the week you’ll rarely exceed 10GB in a month. You should be able to check how much data you’ve been using in your current provider’s website or app.

Buy a new phone separately

Need a new phone too? Buy it outright and then go shopping for a suitable mobile phone plan to use it with. It does mean having to pay the price of the phone up front, but you’ll be able to get a much better deal by taking out a SIM-only contract.

Do something to make a difference

Got some spare time on your hands? Becoming a volunteer could be the perfect option for you. From being a tour guide at a National Trust property to fostering an animal that had a difficult start to life, there’s a volunteer’s role out there for everyone. You may have more time on your hands now you’re retired, the children have gone off to university, or your working routine has changed since the pandemic – whatever the reason, before you commit to volunteering think about what you want to do, why you want to do it and realistically how much time you can give. Would you be able to commit regularly, say a few hours every week, or is it more likely to be on an ad hoc basis?

There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which include:

• Abroad

• Online

• With animals

• Helping the elderly

Or it may be that you are inspired by a cause and want to get involved with a charity. Some ideas to get you started…

• Crisis response charities

• Nature and the environment

• Faith-based charities

• Homeless and hunger charities

• Women’s charities

• Military charities

Close to home - Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time, as well as give you an opportunity to use your skills and experience to support a cause or organisation close to your heart. If you’re keen to volunteer locally, contact your parish council or check

out the notice board in the local library or community centre.

• Read your local newspaper or check online for upcoming events. At certain times of the year councils often appeal for volunteers to help clean up beaches or river banks. If you have a National Trust or English Heritage site close to you, you will find a huge range of volunteer roles available.

• Is there a ‘be a friend’ or ‘buddy’ scheme, where you can visit a neighbour who is housebound for a cuppa and a chat or do some shopping?

• Check out your local charity shops too – they are always keen to welcome new volunteers in a variety of roles.

Further afield - From aid projects in Africa to teaching English in Nepal, there are a multitude of opportunities to do worthy and rewarding voluntary work overseas.

Don’t be put off from getting involved because you’re not the classic gap-year student volunteer. According to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), for instance, around two fifths of its volunteers are in their fifties or sixties, with two per cent in their seventies. Organisations value older people for their calm, problem-solving skills, empathy and experience. Visit vsointernational.org. For more information

• do-it.org.uk is a website that makes volunteering easy.

• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, visit www.ncvo.org.uk.

• Volunteering Matters, volunteeringmatters.co.uk.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.

What's On

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY

4 JANUARY

Buckden Local History Society 7.30pm Millard Suite, Village Hall Visitors £4, children free ‘What’s Glorious about a Revolution?’ by Linda Upham. Linda looks at the power politics struggle of the late 17th century and how we lost a king and gained a parliament, culminating with William of Orange. Meets first Wednesday of each month. New members/visitors welcome. Annual membership £16. Web: www.buckdenhistory.co.uk

4,

11, 18 & 25 JANUARY

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

5, 12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

RIVERPORT SINGERS 10.15-11.15AM

THE CORN EXCHANGE, ST IVES

Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends.

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

5,

12, 19 & 26 JANUARY

Huntingdon Male Voice Choir 7.30pm

Abbots Ripton Village Hall

Huntingdon Male Voice Choir is always pleased to see new singers. No formal audition and you do not need to be able to read music; all you need to do is sing a few notes so the musical director can determine which part of the choir suits you best. Web: www.hmvc.org.uk

6 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. Web: www.stneotslhs.org.uk

9 JANUARY

Perry WI

7.30pm Sailability Club House, Grafham Water Centre Tel: Jakki Spall 07703 431900

9 JANUARY-13 MARCH

Huntingdon Area Lifelong Learners 10.15am-12.15pm

Huntingdon Library

£45. Nine-week course ‘Hollywood - the golden age of the studio system’ with Christopher Budd. Tel: 01480 457631 Email: huntingdonarealifelonglearners@ gmail.com

10, 17, 24 & 31 JANUARY

St Neots & District Camera Club 7.15pm for 7.30pm Bowls Club, St Neots Regular talks and competitions. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk

10, 17 24 & 31 JANUARY

St Neots Sinfonia 7.45-9.30pm

Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Tuesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 Web: www.stneotssinfonia.org.uk

11 JANUARY

Brampton Flower Club 7pm for 7.30pm

Lady Olivia Hall, Central Drive, Brampton Winter social supper and quiz. Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome. www.bramptonflowerclub.com

11, 18 & 25 JANUARY

St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm

Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk

12 JANUARY

Comedy Night: ‘Up and Coming Comedians’ 7.30pm

Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £6.50 + booking fee Come and support the stars of tomorrow! Web: https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/booking/select/ RdiEJKhzXNnT

UNTIL 14 JANUARY Superstition and Tradition Exhibition

Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm Norris Museum, St Ives Step into the folklore of Huntingdonshire and experience the county’s history in a new light. Web: www.norrismuseum.org.uk

14 JANUARY

Community Led Plan - Coffee, Cakes & Chat 10am-12 noon

Little Paxton Village Hall

The Community Led Plan survey results will be on display. To help make Little Paxton better - come along to see the key areas for action.

Prizes for the Best Kept Allotment Competition 2022 will be presented at 10.30am.

Tel: Parish Clerk Tel 01480 470193

WHAT'S ON IN JANUARY

14 & 28 JANUARY

St Neots Farmers & Craft Market 8am-1.30pm Products from local food producers and craft makers.

17 JANUARY

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

17 JANUARY

Greensands Writers' Group 7-9pm

Free event. Enjoy writing? Join Greensands Writers' Group for a monthly Zoom meeting. Wgreensandswriters.wixsite.com/

20 JANUARY

16th Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 7.30pm

Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Charles Owen, piano. Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/pac

26 JANUARY

St Neots & District Gardening Club 7.30pm. St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Visitors £2.50 ‘History of Easton Lodge - the countess gardens’ with Gary Matthews. www.stneotsgardenclub.org.uk

31 JANUARY

An afternoon with author Elly Griffiths 2pm. The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Tickets £7.50. A chance to buy personally signed copies of newly published ‘The Last Remains’ as well as Elly’s other books, including the Brighton mysteries and the Justice series for younger readers.

Go slow! Mushroom & Brown Lentil Ragu

Serves 4 Cooking time low 6-7 hours, high 4½-5½ hours

Ingredients

• 30g dried porcini mushrooms

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 celery stick, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

• 380g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped

• 150ml red wine or extra hot stock

• About 300ml hot vegetable stock

• 160g brown lentils, rinsed

• 400g passata

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp yeast extract or brown barley miso

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

• Cooked tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta

• Grated vegetarian Parmesan (optional)

• Freshly chopped basil

1. Put the dried porcini in a heatproof bowl and pour over enough just-boiled water to cover. Leave to rehydrate for 30 minutes. Strain the mushrooms over a bowl with a slotted spoon and squeeze out any excess liquid. Finely chop the porcini and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion, celery and carrot for 5 minutes, until starting to soften. Add the garlic, rehydrated porcini and chestnut mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for another 5 minutes, until softened.

3. Pour the red wine into the pan, if using, and allow to boil until reduced and there is no aroma of alcohol – alternatively leave this step out and increase the quantity of hot stock.

4. Pour enough hot stock into the jug containing the porcini soaking liquor to make 500ml. Add to the slow cooker pot with the lentils, passata and thyme and stir until combined. Add the mushroom mixture and bay leaves. Cover and cook for 6-7 hours on low or 4½-5½ hours on high. Just before the ragu is ready, stir in the yeast extract or miso and season with salt and pepper to taste, then leave to rest for 5 minutes.

5. Serve spooned over pasta, adding a ladleful of the pasta cooking water to the ragu, topped with grated vegetarian Parmesan and chopped basil, if you like.

COST-EFFECTIVE COOKING

First drive: is the new Kia Niro a fitting replacement for the popular original?

Kia is back with a three-pronged approach with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV Niro. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like.

What is it? Kia’s Niro has proved to be a hugely popular car for the Korean firm and has been a consistent bestseller. Sitting on a new platform and with a range of new technologies, the Niro has a host of revisions to ensure it’s as successful as the car it replaces.

What’s new? Overall, the Niro is longer, wider and taller than before, bringing improved spaciousness and practicality.

The styling has been overhauled, giving the Niro added presence and bringing it closer in terms of design to the rest of Kia’s range.

What’s under the bonnet? Both the regular ‘self-charging’ hybrid or the PHEV we tested have a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The difference lies in the electric motor (more powerful in the latter) and the increased-capacity battery.

Combined, you get 180bhp and 265Nm of torque, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 40 miles of electric range is possible and CO2 emissions of 22g/km put this in the business car-friendly category. Kia claim up to 353.1mpg is achievable, though the batteries must be kept topped up.

What’s it like to drive? It’s straightforward to drive and the steering wheel is similar to other recent Kia models. It’s easy to use, with the PHEV setup switching between electric and petrol power without fuss.

It’s quiet, with good levels of refinement. However,

the steering is quite lifeless and the brake pedal feels spongy, while the regenerative braking takes some getting used to.

How does it look? The new car has a really bold front end incorporating Kia’s latest interpretation of its famous ‘Tiger Face’.

We like the sharp daytime running lights. The rear lights continue the theme, though the large panel underneath them on the sides looks a little ugly. What’s it like inside? The Kia Niro has grown considerably and is now 65mm longer and 20mm wider, giving ample head- and legroom In the rear seats. The USB-C charging sockets integrated into the backs of the front seats give the back of the car a clean look.

This plug-in hybrid has the least boot space at 346 litres, while the regular hybrid has 451 litres and the full EV 475 litres. Lowering the seats increases this to 1,342 litres.

What’s the spec like? The Niro is packed with standard equipment. Prices for the plug-in hybrid start from £33,245 in entry-level ‘2’ grade, but the kit level is impressive. All cars get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Our test car’s ‘4’ specification at £39,175 included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, heated rear seats and an electric sunroof. However, the ‘2’ model is arguably the strongest proposition. Verdict Kia’s Niro is even more practical than before and has a stronger identity through more eyecatching styling, thus strengthening its appeal. With its excellent level of standard equipment and trio of powertrain options, the Niro should continue to appeal to all manner of buyers.

Winter Thrillers Books

The Happy Family Jackie Kabler

The Bullet that Missed Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club is back. As usual, they’re investigating an unsolved murder. But this time, there’s no body, and the chief suspect is hidden behind a complex paper trail. As they get closer to finding out the truth, Elizabeth’s past comes back to haunt her. Can she commit her own murder to save a friend? Cosy crime at its best.

The Long Call Ann Cleeves

Detective Matthew Venn is estranged from his family and the community he grew up in. But now he’s back to investigate the murder of a man with an albatross tattoo. It’s not surprising that The Long Call got made into a TV series. It’s a slow burner, but well worth sticking with. And once you reach the end, there’s already a second book in the series to order.

The Family Game

Catherine Steadman

Harriet’s fiancé Edward is heir to a small fortune. And with wealth often comes power and entitlement, as Harriet soon discovers when she meets his family. They like to play games. Dangerous games. Games that end up with her lying on the floor bleeding from a head wound. But just how far will they go to

If psychological thrillers are your thing, The Happy Family deserves a place on your bookshelf. Beth’s mother, Alice, has reappeared after disappearing many years ago. Alice moves in with Beth and her family, but things soon start to go very wrong. It seems someone is out to destroy the new life Beth has made for herself. Fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Favour Nicci French

Jude grants a small favour to Liam – an old flame. But when Liam turns up dead, Jude finds herself drawn into the murder investigation and entangled in the life Liam had built for himself. As you’d expect from Nicci French, this is a characterdriven plot with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes.

The Thirteen Problems Agatha Christie

Find it hard to fit time in for reading? Try this collection of short stories by queen of crime writing Agatha Christie. A group of friends visit Miss Marple’s house where the conversation soon turns to unsolved crimes. Each guest shares one crime. Each believes they have the upper hand when it comes to solving the crime. But it’s unassuming Miss Marple who hits upon the truth. These stories might have been published 90 years ago, but they feel just as fresh and original today.

By Kate Duggan

protect their secrets?

Cold winter days call for tales of mystery, intrigue and maybe a murder or two…