Cambs March 2020

VILLAGER The

Issue 131 - March 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Easy Veg Growing Win tickets to see

Mark Thomas Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

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Inside this issue...

Trends we will be wearing this spring/summer

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Brexit and Animal Welfare..............................................39 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal..............................................40 Children's Page..............................................................42 Don't be Water Wasteful.................................................44 Fire Blessing Bhutan......................................................46 Puzzle Page....................................................................48 Fun Quiz.........................................................................50 What's On......................................................................52 Spotted Flycatchers........................................................54 Prize Crossword................................................ 58 Book Review..................................................................61 Useful Numbers.............................................................63

Stormy Weather at St Neots.............................................4 How the Computer Began................................................6 EAAA Update..................................................................10 Win Tickets to see Mark Thomas......................... 12 Dining: Royal Lancaster Style.........................................14 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe.........................................17 Spring Back into you Exercise Program...........................19 The Trends we will be wearing this Spring/Summer.......20 Join the BDCPS Team......................................................23 Stepping Stone Investing...............................................29 You can't always see bruises..........................................30 An Annual Fiesta............................................................35 Easy Veg Growing...........................................................36

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Stepping Stone Investing

Get your business off to a flying start this year

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

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

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

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

Stormy Weather at St. Neots

By Peter Ibbett

Around a decade ago scientists pondering the carbon dioxide increase in the atmosphere predicted an increase in global temperatures with a rise in mild winters and more storms and flooding mixed with occasional harsher cold snaps. But our Victorian ancestors had to deal with their own climate changes which caused much more local impact than we suffer today.

One letter to the local paper in 1894 looked back into Georgian times:- “Dear Sir, The floods now affording so much amusement to the young are a source of great anxiety to those who experience loss of property, and know the after consequences.

How few of the old inhabitants are now living who remember the flood of 1823. The dining room of the house in which you now reside was then one foot deep in water, and up to the middle of the fireplace.

Mr William Foster Sen. then lived there and kept his deeds in a lower drawer in his private secretary.

These are now in my possession and many of the old deeds are illegible. The Old Meeting was 18 inches deep in water and the (parish) church about a foot,

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and as the flood happened on a Sunday no services were held.” It makes recent overflowings of the Hen Brook seem trivial! The work of the Environment Agency now regulates the flow of the Great Ouse in ways that were not possible in the past.

An entry in the St Neots Boys’ School Log Book for 3rd October 1880 stated:- “School closed on account of floods, water in nearly every street. Omnibus could not run to the station in the evening as the water reached the knees of the inside passengers.” Thanks to the St. Neots History Society Newsletter and Rodney Todman for the quotes. Hopefully St. Neots will still be flood free in 2020 and you will be able to visit the award winning local Museum, which has a full and varied programme of exhibitions and events for the whole family. It also has a shop with a wide range of items not available elsewhere in the town. Entry is free for locals. Please check its web site for information and also how you can become involved in the work of the ‘Best Small Museum in Cambridgeshire 2019’, either as a Volunteer or a Trustee.

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Our bespoke Smart Conservatory roof insulation solutions are tailored for your conservatory and can be installed with minimal disruption, making your conservatory nice and cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter. Within just a few days, you will be sitting back, relaxing in your new comfortable all-year-round living area.

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For more information or to request a quotation, visit our website or give us a call.

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History

By Catherine Rose

How the Computer Began Believe it or not, the seeds for the earliest computers were sown at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

In 1801 French weaver Joseph Jacquard invented a loom that used punched wooden cards to automatically produce fabric designs – a concept that featured in the first computer systems.

However, it is Charles Babbage who is usually credited with the invention of the computer.

Born in 1791, he conceived a steam-driven programmable engine able to work out mathematical problems. Sadly, Babbage never lived to see his computer built, but amongst his many drawings and plans he left behind such a

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Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine No 1.

detailed technical design for ‘Difference Engine No. 2’ that the Science Museum’s curator decided to undertake the project in the 1980s. Finished in 2002, it works accurately, produces printouts and weighs five tons.

Babbage’s computer was never used in anger.

However, during the late 1880s, population growth in the United States meant that the government was struggling to calculate its census figures, so in 1890 Herman Hollerith designed a punch card system to automate the task. He saved the government $5 million and in the process

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WHAT’S ON AT THE MILL 14th & 15th March THE BIG BREAKFAST WEEKEND

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established the company that went on to become IBM. Alan Turing is often described as the father of modern computers. In 1936 he invented the concept of the ‘Turing Machine’ that was capable of universal calculation, a computer description now referred to as ‘Turing complete’. Theoretically, the machine had limitless memory, could read data, write results, and store a program of instructions just like a modern computer.

Although it was never built, Turing’s subsequent contribution to cracking the Enigma Code during World War II is well-documented. Turing also foresaw the use of artificial intelligence (AI), devising a test he called the ‘Imitation Game’ to measure computer intelligence.

In 1941 German engineer Konrad Zuse attempted to actualise the ‘Turing complete’ concept with the first binary programmable electro-mechanical computer – the Z1 – which read instructions from 35mm punched film.

Between 1943 and 1944, two American professors, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, constructed the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator, known as ENIAC. Considered to be the first electronic computer, it was 1,000 times faster than its predecessors, measured 800 square feet and had 18,000 vacuum tubes. From this came UNIVAC, the first commercial computer which was launched in 1946.

COBOL was the first computer language, invented

by Grace Hopper in 1953. This was closely followed

by FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation), developed by a team of programmers at IBM. Coupled with this, in 1958 Nobel prize-winner Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce manufactured the first computer chip: an integrated electronic circuit.

Towards the end of the 1960s, design engineers at Bell Labs came up with a computer operating system known as UNIX. Written in a programming language they called C, UNIX was useable across multiple platforms. It subsequently became the standard for mainframe computers.

Up until then, computers had not been suitable for use in homes, but in 1964 Douglas Engelbart produced a single user-friendly prototype including the now ubiquitous mouse and a graphical user interface. The famous floppy disk was invented by Alan Shugart of IBM in 1971. For the first time, it easily enabled software to be plugged in and shared between

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computers. As a result, personal computers (PCs) started to become available and Computer Science became the official subject for ‘geeks’ in the school curriculum.

1975 saw the foundation of Microsoft by two such self-confessed geeks: Paul Allen and Bill Gates.

Two years later the two Steves – Jobs and Wozniak – founded Apple Computers. Surprisingly, the first IBM PC wasn’t launched until 1981. It used MS-DOS and included an Intel chip, two floppy disk drives and the option of a colour monitor.

Meanwhile, Apple was busy developing its longstanding rival, the Mackintosh.

The 1980s saw further leaps in computer development. Computer software programs for both home and business use exploded. Word processing revolutionised the typing pool with programs like Wordstar, later replaced by Word.

It was also the era that Microsoft launched their groundbreaking Windows operating system and the first one hundred dot coms were registered for the newly created ‘worldwide web’ after physicist Tim Berners-Lee developed HTML (HyperText Markup Language) on which it was based.

In the last twenty years, computer technology has smashed through the glass ceiling with its evermore fast-paced development, from computers that once filled a whole room to those we now carry in our pockets. Even the relatively new Internet has seen huge changes with dial-up modems being replaced by Wi-Fi, and connectivity speeds increasing thanks to broadband (well, for a lot of areas at least). Computer games no longer require an old-fashioned floppy disk, or even a DVD, as everything increasingly moves into virtual reality.

Could Charles Babbage have foreseen the difference his Difference Machine would make when he was giving demonstrations to his academic friends in London all those years ago? I wonder…

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Local News

Help to save lives by donating your time to East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) It’s just not donations that keep the East Anglian Air Ambulance flying and saving lives, the charity also rely on an army of helpful and passionate volunteers too, who can give us much or as little time as they like.

From volunteering to be an EAAA ambassador in your area to an occasional volunteer at one-off events, there is a lot you can do to help raise funds and awareness for this lifesaving charity.

From giving talks to local groups, representing the charity at cheque presentations, monitoring collection tins in local pubs and centres and banking the monies, there are lots of different ways you can help to save lives on a regular basis, and this can be completely flexible to you and your schedule.

EAAA are currently looking for a volunteer collection tin coordinator in Biggleswade, could you help?

Or, if you’d like to help out but not so often, EAAA has several fundraising events throughout the year where occasional volunteers are needed to lend a hand on the day and help with things like car parking, marshalling, cheering on participants at the finish line, handing out refreshments or helping to pack goody bags ahead of an event, there are so many different ways to help!

There are also periodic events, such as National Air Ambulance Week in September, when EAAA try to organise as many different bucket collections across the region as possible, and this is a time when volunteers really do make all the difference.

If you’d like to learn more about the charity and join a friendly, fun loving team of people that take pride in knowing they make a difference by volunteering their time to EAAA, contact Debbie Howland in the Volunteering team for an informal chat about how you might be able to help.

Call Debbie on 07703 684 599 or email debbie.howland@eaaa.org.uk

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Photo: Steve Ullathorne

WIN a PAIR of TICKETS to see MARK THOMAS at CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION, on 30th MARCH 2020 In his new show 50 Things About Us, Mark Thomas combines his trademark mix of storytelling, stand-up, mischief and really, really well researched material to examine how we have come to inhabit this divided wasteland that some of us call the United Kingdom.

Mark picks through the myths, facts and figures of our national identities to ask how we have so much feeling for such a hollow land. Who do we think we are? It is a show about money, history, songs, gongs, wigs, unicorns, guns, bungs, sods of soil and rich people* in the vein of The Manifesto-meets-sweary history channel.

An unstoppable force both on and off-stage, Mark has stopped arms deals, created a manifesto and brought the winning policy to parliament, walked the entire length of the Israeli wall in the West Bank, set up a comedy club in Jenin, had six series on Channel 4 alongside several television documentaries and radio series, written some books, grabbed a Guinness World Record, toured sell-out tours, won numerous awards, nabbed himself a Medal of Honour and succeeded in changing some laws along the way.

50 Things About Us is also a podcast. *(not the adjective Mark has chosen) We have a pair of tickets to give away for Mark’s Cambridge Junction tour date on Monday 30th March. All you have to do is send in the answer to the below question!

MARK THOMAS COMPETITION ENTRY

How many Channel 4 series did Mark have?



For a chance to win tickets simply answer the question and complete the form below and send to: Mark Thomas Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Deadline: 16th March 2020

Name: Tel: Email: Address:

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Food and Drink

Dining: Royal Lancaster Style London holds much allure, for many. The different areas – be it East End, West End, North or South Bank of the River Thames and whether ancient, historical, pageantry or more modern is of interest, there is something for all ages. Culture, entertainment and sports are further attractions of the capital, which inspires all year through.

Always good, is a break in the time, if a day visit is planned. If a short trip (maybe romantic) is envisaged, a recommended restaurant could be welcoming. The area around Lancaster Gate, a mid-19th century development, has Kensington Palace and Gardens, plus Hyde Park. Also, Mayfair and Knightsbridge are in the vicinity, so thoughts of some ‘retail therapy’ may arise! I found the 5 star Royal Lancaster London Hotel, with its restaurants and bars, opened during 1967, to be a venue that has great attraction. This multi million pound renovated, 411 bedroom hotel, has views of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, plus the immediate area.

Different, outstanding restaurants, are located within the hotel and, depending on cuisine preferences and requirements, each is equally inviting. The Afternoon Tea can be an ‘invitation’, too.

The Island Grill Restaurant is very popular and offers dishes for all tastes. From the menu, starters include Crab Salad (Endive, seaweed crisp, oyster mayonnaise) and Wild Mushroom options. Royal Lancaster Smoked Salmon (Horseradish cream, beetroot, sourdough) has excellent presentation and, with complementing accompaniments, is very flavoursome, making a superb commencement to the dining occasion. Main courses have an array of meats, plus fish choices and more. All beef is organic, British and aged for 35 days. Grilled Free-Range Chicken (seasoned with English mustard and tarragon) is perfect with French fries and choice of sauces. With grilled tenderstembrocolli, suggested to accompany, this warrants, ‘Compliments to Chef’ – absolutely!

Desserts impress too and Dark Chocolate Fondant (Salted caramel ice cream) does not disappoint, oozing chocolate, with great flavour.

High-quality wines/drinks, from worldwide origins have something to satisfy all palates, including some fabulous pairings with cuisine. Gift vouchers are available.

Island Grill Restaurant and Bar Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, Bayswater, London W2 2TY Tel: 44 (0) 207 551 6000 Tel: Island Grill: 44 (0) 207 551 6070 Email: info@royallancaster.com www.royallancaster.com

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl

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Elsie May’s Electric Lounge Café & Bar

Café

(Monday - Sunday, 9am - 4pm)

Homemade cakes, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, locally roasted coffee, fresh loose leaf tea and milkshakes.

Bar (Friday and Saturday, 6.30pm - midnight) Lite bites, cocktails, gin, ale, craft beer and wine.

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Takeaway Coffee - Dogs Welcome - Gift Vouchers Private Hire - Live Music 58 Market Square, St Neots PE19 2AA 01480 472683 info@elsiemays.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 Elsie May Feb2020.indd 1

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Food & Drink

Vegan BBQ pulled jackfruit kebab with spicy slaw and vegan tzatziki Over recent years on my Weekend Kitchen show, it’s been really interesting to watch the way our perceptions of vegan food have developed. Initially met with a lot of scepticism, vegan food on my show would usually have been met with “that’s better than I expected” or “you wouldn’t know it’s vegan”. Now we no longer need to make excuses – vegan food is just food, which happens to be vegan. This wonderful vegan kebab stands on its own as a brilliant meal. It was created by a vibrant and clever chef, Paul Nicholls (@ chefpaulnicholls on Insta), who runs the kitchen at Woburn Golf Course and his own catering company, Olive and Basil, named after his grandparents. Packed with flavour, fun and texture, it’s absolutely delicious, and so easy to make too.

Ingredients 1 tin jackfruit 1 tsp smoked paprika 4 tbsp BBQ sauce 1 large carrot, grated 1 small red onion, finely sliced 1 handful shredded cabbage 1 handful grated celeriac 1 tsp harissa paste 2 limes, zested and juiced 4 tbsp vegan cream cheese 1/2 cucumber grated 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 4 mint leaves, finely chopped 4 large pita breads

1. Firstly make the zesty slaw. Mix the cabbage, carrots, onion and celeriac in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add a little lime zest and juice and finish with the harissa.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the vegan cheese with the garlic, mint, cucumber and a little lime juice to taste.

3. Fully drain the jackfruit from the tin and fry it, with the paprika, in a little oil in a pan. You want it to start to pull apart and caramelise a little.

Finish by mixing in the BBQ sauce.

4. Warm up your pittas and fill them with the pulled jackfruit and the coleslaw and drizzle over some of the tzatziki. Serve immediately.

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

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EMERGENCY DENTURE REPAIRS

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Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

ACUPUNCTURE

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09/09/2016 16:42

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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Complementary Health

Spring Back Into Your

Exercise Program Spring is almost here and even though it's important to stay fit and healthy all year round, many people find an extra boost of motivation to start exercising and eating well again this time of year.

Many of us have busy schedules, enjoy high calorie foods and relaxing in front of the TV, but making small changes to your daily lifestyle will add up to big changes over time. The question is how do we motivate ourselves to make more of the choices we know are good for us? One-way is by reminding ourselves of the benefits of exercise which are profound, numerous and far reaching.

More exercise guarantees a healthier, happier life, improved sleep and work productivity. Mood and relationships will improve and a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Can any of us afford to say no?

People can see the benefits of regular exercise from just 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). This doesn’t mean you have to join the local gym or running club, even household chores like vacuuming or gardening, or walking to work are classed as moderate exercise as long as you do 150 minutes per week. More vigorous exercise could be running, swimming or football. 1 minute of vigorous activity is considered the same as to 2 minutes of moderate activity.

Diet is obviously an important part of exercise and as a general guide eating 8 to 12 grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight per 24 hours for 1.5 to 2 days before big events such as football matches or marathons, is good preparation.

You may have heard "carb loading" is known to increase exercise performance, but unless you are planning a hard 90-minute workout it may be better to skip the big bowel of pasta. Try to match your energy requirements to your energy input. If you are having a big day with lots of activity, you may need more food than a quiet day at the office.

After exercise "post-workout" is when research has shown it is important to eat protein, the building blocks of our muscles and bodies. Guidelines

suggest 20 grams of protein within 30 to 60 minutes of finishing exercise to build new muscle. Your main meal should also include 20 grams of protein (which does not have to be animal based) in every main meal for the next day or so as your muscles need it and you have definitely earned it.

If you would like further information on the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet, please give us a call on 01480 455221 or visit www.CentreForCompHealth.com for more details.

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

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House of Colour

The trends we will be wearing this Spring/Summer 1. Minimal Futurist is a clear trend for the season with clean lines, block colours, minimal details, fluid movement and drape. Think layering simple blazers and sheath dresses with wide and slim leg trousers, finish the look with architectural accessories.

2. Elegance as Staple – Classic wardrobe staples have added feminine elegance for a balance between fluidity and structure. Tailored suits are worn with soft bow blouses, city shorts, and feminine dresses in simple and elegant shapes.

3. Modern Utility – Safari, shirt dresses, utility jackets, and trousers with utility style pockets and details continue to update modern silhouettes especially with waist definition.

4. Paradise Island – Perfect for your holiday wardrobe, blend exotic prints and textures with your safari colours and utility details.

Alternatively choose voluminous maxi dresses, crochet details, palm prints and handcrafted accessories.

5. Neo Victoriana’s fanciful ruffles and volume are underpinned by decadent florals. Puff and bishop sleeves on dresses and blouses, peplum jackets, refined ruffles and Victorian style accessories give a nod to historical influences.

On trend styles to keep in mind on shopping trips: • Short suits – for a contemporary look consider high waisted and longer length shorts teamed with a blazer.

• Texture is increasingly important. From soft buttery leather to light chiffons and crochet, layering is key. Satin continues as a must have fabric, reworked for SS20 in blazers and summer dresses in pastel shades.

• Environmental influence - Focus on investment pieces and trans-seasonal dressing for wardrobe staples so you can wear again and again appealing to those who want to buy less and wear more. Especially important when considering overcoats, blazers, classic shirts and trench coats.

• Versatile enough to be worn casually with sports shoes or dressed up with heels, the patterned midi remains the go-to dress shape. Puff sleeves, deep V and corset necklines or off the shoulder designs offer something different.

• Romantic puff sleeves and elasticated balloon shapes are still very in vogue as simple strings

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and long sweeping ties replace buttons as fastenings for a more natural feel.

• Layering midi dresses and longline shirts over trousers taps into the mood for seasonal dressing so you can wear your favourite dresses earlier in the season.

• Cardigans become a fashion favourite with matching cardigan and knitwear top sets in tight fitting to oversized options.

• Consumers still want comfort and style in their clothes but SS20 is the season of the blazer as the key item perfect for a smart/casual look. A wardrobe staple item that can be layered and worn between seasons. Adapt to suit your personality from simple tailoring to exaggerated shoulders or peplum details, there is a blazer for everyone.

• The Pantone Colour Institute has announced their colour of 2020 is the beautiful ‘Classic Blue’ so expect to see it all over the shops. Here are some other key colour trends:  Soft green – from autumn light sage to moss green  Bold red – the vibrant reds for all season  Yellow – yellow ochre, canary yellow and corn yellow, saffron and tangerine.  Pastel shades – the summer pinks, purples and greens  White – across all seasons from cream to bright white  Aqua  Lilac

By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

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WORDWHEEL

Jill Dighton BSc (Hons) MBACP (Accred)., UKCP Reg.

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

Counselling Service

TARGET Excellent: 23 or more words Good: 19 words Fair: 16 words

Depressed? Anxious?

Relationship Issues?

Low Self Esteem?

E

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.

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Concessionary rates available.

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For further details: Visit: www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk Tel: 07925 852 985 (Voicemail available)

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22Dragonfly Beauty Spa Advert AUGUST14 131x94mm.indd 1 07/02/2017 15:54 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Local News

BDCPS are looking for people to join the team BDCPS are looking for people to join our award winning organisation and dynamic team, for an exciting, fun and life changing experience you will never forget! We are a small, local charity who provide holiday schemes and clubs for young people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

At BDCPS we ensure that we have a 1:1 support for our young people, ensuring that all of their care needs are met, meaning that we rely heavily on bank staff and volunteers to be able to offer out the services to our families.

Genevieve, now 18 and a paid member of staff, was just 14 when she began volunteering with BDCPS. “Working with BDCPS is the thing I am most proud of. My confidence has improved, I have met so many amazing people and I always leave with a smile on my face. You are making a difference, no matter how big or small, in someone’s life. Worth every moment’.

What we offer: •Excellent training and induction • Reward Scheme • Room for progression • DBS check You will gain: • Valuable life skills • Experience for future careers • A new perspective on life • New friendships Location: Bedford. Scheme weeks: 22nd July - 16th August (including training) Hourly rate (inc. holiday pay) starts from £6.61- £9.90 (depending on age and experience) Find out more information and apply today by calling 01234 351759, emailing cp.enquiries@bdcps.org.uk or visiting our website www.bdcps.org.uk to download an application pack.

We’re passionate about

fulfilling residents’

lives

At Field Lodge, we understand that choosing a care home can be stressful for everyone involved.

We offer residential, nursing and dementia care, and all-round support to make things easier.

To find out more about living at Field Lodge, call us on 01480 879641 or visit careuk.com/field-lodge Field Lodge care home London Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EX (Sat nav. PE27 5EZ) careuk.com/field-lodge To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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Finance

Stepping stone investing and other ways to get more from your money If you don’t have much money left for saving or investing once your essential bills have been paid, it’s important to make sure you get the most out of your money and make good use of compound interest.

The stepping stone method can bring huge rewards even if you only have small amounts to invest each month, but there’s a whole range of other financial products and strategies you could also use to seriously improve your financial situation over time.

Saving and investing using the stepping stone method The stepping stone method involves increasing the amount you save or invest by 10% each year. Whether you start off with £100 or £10, exponentially you could achieve a considerable increase in your return with minimal effect on your monthly finances.

If you’re reluctant to invest, finding a good savings account or current account that pays credit interest can reap serious rewards, even for smaller amounts. This is what makes the stepping stone method so accessible, and one of the best ways to get the most from your money.

If you do decide to invest, be aware that investments can go down as well as up and past performance is no guarantee of future growth, so you’d need to take professional advice before going ahead.

Current accounts for credit interest If you pay a regular sum into your current account, such as your wages, you may be entitled to credit interest on your balance. Some current

accounts offer higher rates of interest than savings accounts, but you’ll need to meet each bank’s eligibility criteria.

Consider locking in a fixed rate If you’re sure you won’t need access to the funds, you can get more from your money by locking in a fixed rate. Fixed rate savings accounts and ISAs are typically available from one to five years, and the longer your money is tied up the higher the rate you’ll get.

Move your money around It doesn’t pay to be loyal to companies these days as the best deals are typically offered to new customers. From the banks’ perspective, a higher interest rate does attract new business but, again, these offers are often time-limited.

Tracker accounts Tracker accounts track the Bank of England base rate and offer a specific percentage figure above this rate for a defined period of time. They help to ensure you benefit from any interest rate rises, as some financial institutions are slow to pass these on to their customers.

What about a monthly saver?

Regular savings accounts can be a good way to maximise your savings. You gain access to a higher interest rate for a fixed timescale, but there are limits on how much you can put away each month.

Finding the right financial products takes a little time and effort but the rewards can be high as compound interest takes effect. Whether you try the stepping stone method or take advantage of specific deals, making the most of your money offers financial stability and peace of mind for the future.

By Ann Haldon

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Leeds Day Solicitors

You Can’t Always See Bruises People often wonder how they come to find themselves in an abusive relationship. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their sex, wealth or background.

Abuse is not always physical; it can also be emotional, psychological or financial.

It usually starts off slowly through a process of manipulation, which can go unnoticed until it becomes unbearable for the victim, causing them to feel powerless, dominated and alone.

Financial abuse in particular is often the precursor to other forms of abuse and has nothing to do with money but instead, is all about controlling the other person and using money to do so.

The Family Team at Leeds Day see many cases where one partner has complete control of the finances. Often one spouse has given up work to look after the family and is given ‘pocket money’ to pay for things such as bills, groceries and after-school clubs, leaving nothing for themselves.

Often this role is taken on by a wife but this is changing over time. Sadly many wives endure the situation until a certain point in their lives, such as when the children leave home, when they feel that they can then focus on their own needs. However, the long lasting effects of abuse should not be overlooked.

There is no doubt that it is a difficult subject to talk about. Many clients are a shell of their former selves when they come to us, having

Our offices: Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 30

not spoken to anyone about their situation during their marriage but no one should suffer in silence. Often clients feel liberated and empowered following their decision to divorce their controlling spouse.

There are also various remedies available through the Courts to protect against domestic violence, including orders regarding harassment, threats of violence and the occupation of the home. A breach of these orders can result in a fine or even imprisonment.

To make a successful application to the Court for a protective order or an injunction, called a non-molestation order, time is of the essence.

The Court can also make an order that a violent partner must leave the family home immediately in circumstances where there has been actual harm. Either way, it is vital that the person seeking help speaks to a legal advisor as soon as possible.

If your partner makes you feel threatened or anxious or if you feel you are in an abusive relationship, please call our Family Team on 0844 567 2222, email us at family@leedsday.co.uk or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline, which is open 24 hours a day and can be reached on 0808 2000 247.

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

By Charlene Powell of Leeds Day

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

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SB TURF • Turf supplied and laid • All overgrown gardens rotivated • Cleared, levelled and laid with cultivated lawn turf • Grass seeding • Block paving and patio service All work carried out by experienced staff Recommendations and portfolios available Free Estimates

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Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

An Annual Fiesta I’ve always loved an annual. From Bunty to The Blue Peter Annual, they were crammed full of interest and fun. As I grew older my taste in annuals has become more horticultural. One little pack of seeds is now my gardening equivalent of the Beano - a brief shelf-life and packed with colour.

Hardy annuals are the most obliging. They don’t need a propagator or a greenhouse, or even a windowsill; all they need is a sunny spot and some well-drained soil. Just sprinkle the seeds in the ground and you can look forward to a fiesta of summer colour for very little work.

The choice of plants and hue is wide. If blue is your thing try a soft shade of love-in-a-mist, or a vivid blue cornflower, or the most gorgeous tiny phacelia. For pinks try a fluffy clarkia or delicate godetia. Nasturtiums span the colour wheel from cream through yellow and orange to deep red.

Annual doesn’t mean small either. Both larkspurs and amaranthus are tall and elegant, and cleomes which also provide height probably only need to be planted once as they are prolific self-seeders!

Look around your garden for gaps in beds and borders which are in a sunny spot and welldrained. Don’t plant when it’s cold or the soil is wet

and sticky. Wait until the weather is mild and soil is damp and crumbly, then fork it lightly to break it up. Use a rake to create shallow furrows, sprinkle the seeds over and rake them gently in, raking across the furrows to cover them. Bigger seeds like nasturtiums can be pushed into the soil a couple of centimetres deep and 10-15cm apart. Label the area so you know what should come up.

The biggest enemy of the newly-planted hardy annual seed is the domestic cat! They love a patch of freshly raked soil, and will happily do their business in your handiwork and then kick up all your seeds without a second thought. Thwart the moggies by laying twiggy pea sticks over the area (and particularly twiggy and thorny prunings will do!). Remove them with the shoots are big enough or stand them up and use them to support the taller annuals.

Thin them out a little to one plant per 10cm and water them if the weather is very dry. You don’t need to feed them, they flower best when the soil is not rich. Food and manure will favour leaf production whereas we’re after flowers and lots of them!

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Happy Gardening!

35

Gardening

Easy Veg Growing

By Pippa Greenwood

Growing your own vegetables is easier than you might think, and this is the perfect time to start.

Salads, herbs and classic main meal vegetables can all be planted to be picked fresh from your garden in the coming year.

Some vegetables are best grown from seed – the classics are carrots, so plant a row or two as soon as the soil is not too wet. Consider coloured varieties such as ‘Purple Haze’ or ‘Purple Dragon’ to ring the changes.

Sow some salad leaves and within a few weeks they’ll be growing strongly enough to harvest.

Small sowings made every two weeks or so will give supply of salad throughout the summer and well into autumn.

Grow tomatoes in a warm, sunny spot in your garden, or better still in a greenhouse or frame.

It’s often better value (and a lot easier) to buy some small garden-ready plants. Greenhouse and outdoor varieties are available so check catalogues or labels to make sure you choose correctly.

Cucumbers are best grown from plants, and in the garden ‘ridge’ cucumbers are best as they perform better outside.

If time is short then vegetable plants are a great choice for most crops. Send off for them now and avoid time-consuming potting on and pricking out. Why not share with friends and save cash if the packs come in quantities too large for the available space?

Choose garden-ready mail order plants so you can plant them out straight away, or only have to grow them on in pots for a couple of weeks.

Unwrap as soon as they arrive and if you can’t

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plant them immediately, water the compost if necessary and pot each root ball into some compost.

At this time of year the soil is often really wet, so try covering it with a polythene sheet or a polythene covered pull-out tunnel for a couple of weeks before your plants are due to arrive or you are due to plant out vegetables sown from seed, removing it just before planting out. This keeps off excessive rain and allows the soil to warm up a little beforehand.

Small plants may still be tender, so make sure frosts are past before planting out and give them a chance to gradually acclimatise to their new surroundings by covering them with cloches or fleece for a few days.

I’ve also got a great solution: ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’, perfect if you need a bit of help and advice. Visit my website www. pippagreenwood.com for great quality, UK-grown garden-ready vegetable plants. Once delivered you’ll get weekly emails explaining how best to prepare the ground, plant out and look after your growing vegetables. To save you time, the emails are only for the plants you’ve bought and include timely reminders, hints and tips to make it easier to get a tasty crop.

At Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) you’ll find stylish cloches, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system. Or book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club.

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Greens up and thickens the lawn

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Pets

Brexit and Animal Welfare It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Every day, with the help of our people and our generous supporters, we take steps to achieve our mission. From rescuing a stranded deer to changing the law, we’ve already achieved so much and come so far.

Animal welfare has been in the news a lot recently with regards Brexit, and has become a hot topic of debate. We’re campaigning to ensure animal welfare isn’t compromised when we leave the EU on 31 January, and that our high standards are protected.

We’d like to see the process of leaving the EU as an opportunity to improve animal welfare.

Our Concerns Around 80 percent of current animal welfare legislation comes from EU law (with over 40 animal welfare laws) EU animal welfare laws cover four key areas - there are 17 laws relevant to farm animals, 11 laws for wildlife, eight laws covering animals used in research, and four laws about companion animals Current EU law, known as the Lisbon Treaty (a binding agreement between EU member countries), recognises animals as sentient beings, this means they’re understood as having the capacity to feel pain and suffering.

Depending on which trade framework is agreed post-Brexit, there’s a possibility that new trade agreements will be made with countries which have lower animal welfare standards. For example, the USA gives growth hormones to their cows, still uses conventional battery cages (in most states), don’t have species specific slaughter regulations and still uses sow stalls in most pig production.

The UK farming industry currently receives over €3 billion in EU subsidies and the UK Government will now be exploring a new support system for farms.

Our Recommendations In the lead up to Brexit, the UK government will decide which EU laws we’ll keep and carry out all trade negotiations, then the devolved governments will implement across the UK. During this process, we’d like to ensure the following is maintained or improved upon.

• All current animal welfare laws, at the very least, to be kept to the same standard • All animals to still be recognised as sentient beings • A new system of farm subsidies - rewarding the farming industry for higher welfare standards • Free trade agreements that prohibit products being imported with lower welfare standards • Improvement in key areas of animal welfare, such as long distance transport, food labelling, trade of endangered species and puppy imports.

Interesting documents There are a number of key reports and documents regarding Brexit and animal welfare that can be found on our website. You can find a more detailed summary of animal welfare laws in the UK before and after Brexit in a report entitled ‘Brexit - Getting The Best For Animals.’ A second document ‘Into The Fold; Targeted Financial Support To Improve Farm Animal Welfare’, another very worthwhile read.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Butter and Scotch

Butter and Scotch are a pair of beautiful Lop cross rabbits. They are 3 years old and very friendly. They were handed in to our vet as strays and have now been vaccinated, wormed and neutered.

Since they have been in our care, Scotch has been diagnosed with Pasturella (Snuffles) so they will have to be the only rabbits in the home. Could you be the family to give this lovely pair the special home they will need?

If Scotch needs any treatment in the future for his (Snuffles) Rats will cover the cost.

For more information please contact Zoe on 01234 342150 Alternatively, please email Philippa at info.rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry onto the team.

View other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity.

You can also see photographs and details of the animals in our care in our charity shop in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade SG18 8AX. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.

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Environment

Don’t be Water Wasteful

When you’ve been through a British winter, it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate the need to save water. However, cutting your consumption will bring both environmental and financial benefits.

PLASTIC IS NOT FANTASTIC Let’s be realistic about this. Not everywhere has pleasanttasting tap water and saying it tastes the same as bottled water simply isn’t true. But those plastic bottles have to go.

A water filter jug goes a long way to achieving a bottled water taste. A company called Phox have recently released what they claim is ‘The World’s Most Eco-Friendly Water Filter’, which uses refillable filters.

A sparkling water maker such as a Sodastream, whilst not eco-neutral, is still better and cheaper over time than all those plastic shrink-wrapped fizzy water multipacks.

CONSERVATION IS WORTH IT Water has to be processed before it arrives at your house and cutting back on energy is something we all know we should do. Besides, most of us have water meters these days so you are paying for every last drop.

Surprisingly a dishwasher is better than washing by hand provided you don’t put it on until it’s full. But don’t pre-wash your dishes – it’s not necessary.

Don’t run a tap unless you are actually using it at that moment – this includes shaving and brushing your teeth. Even with a shower, give it the shortest time possible to warm up before jumping in. And if your taps or cisterns are dripping, you are literally throwing money down the drain.

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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

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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

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Travel

Fire Blessing Bhutan Tucked away in the Himalaya, this small kingdom has boldly stepped into the twenty-first century, but cultural values remain at the heart of everyday life to ensure the ‘gross national happiness’ promised in the constitution. It’s a strong Buddhist culture punctuated by myriad festivals, but most dramatic perhaps is Thangbi Mani, the ‘fire blessing’ held in Bumthang, the country’s spiritual heartlands.

Soon after dawn on this special autumn day, townsfolk and farmers come from all directions, beautifully dressed in hand-woven gowns shimmering like rainbows. There are women with babies on their back, old people leaning on bamboo staffs, men in knee-length chequered gho and sweeping white cuffs, and garlands of children whose dark eyes sparkle with excitement.

They walk up the valley or tumble down the pinescented slopes to cross the footbridge, like one long line of ants suspended high above the river.

Meanwhile in the temple, monks offer fresh water to the gods and butter lamps flicker all around.

Now tingling in anticipation, the faithful pour into the monastery for the welcome dance, as village girls in their best finery shuffle on the flagstones to the rhythm of long horns and drums. There is much chanting and praying then suddenly something passes through the air and everyone rushes out into the nearby field, led by dignitaries and red-robed monks.

Just feet apart, two ominous haystacks are waiting and as more blessings rise under the deep blue

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By Solange Hando

sky an eerie silence falls upon the crowds, a human chain ready to break loose at the first spark. All is set for the purification rite and highlight of the year. Watched by thousands of eyes, the hay is set alight, smoke and ash filling the air, and in one massive surge young and old run through the flames to cleanse their sins and ensure good luck for the coming year. Friends drag each other through, toddlers hold on to their mothers and men pull up their collars to protect their hair.

Three times round then they come out, bubbling all over, ready for a fresh start. The flames die down as quickly as they started and great clouds of smoke drift downstream, bearing witness to a faith stronger than pain. Prayer wheels tinkle along the banks, Buddhist flags flutter in the breeze and now, in the valley sprinkled with apple trees and nodding buckwheat, the harvest will be good and the children healthy.

Back in the temple there are traditional jesters and masked dancers twirling barefoot on sun-baked stones, in a flurry of multi-coloured brocade and ‘thunderbolt steps’. Hoisted on the wall for a better view toddlers munch sunflower seeds, monks shelter from the midday heat under makeshift awnings and families gather around home-made offerings of marigolds and lucky chapattis to share with friends, as if nothing unusual had happened at all. The haystacks have vanished leaving just a patch of singed grass, and now in this bucolic land the river tumbles crystal clear as cymbals and gongs echo across the hills.

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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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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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Islands 1. Which group of 12 large islands and numerous small islands has a name that literally means “twelve islands”?

2. Who sings the first line of the 1983 hit single Islands In The Stream?... Kenny Rogers or Dolly Parton?

3. Which American state was named after the largest of the Channel Islands?

4. In the book Gulliver’s Travels, there are two islands in which the inhabitants are about onetwelfth of the height of a normal human. One of these is called Blefuscu. What is the other island called?

5. On each episode of the radio show Desert Island Discs, how many recordings is a guest allowed to choose when deciding what they would take if they were to be cast away on a desert island?

6. Found in a number of Indonesian islands, including the island it is named after, what is the world’s largest living species of lizard?

7. Behind Great Britain and Ireland, what is name of the third largest island in the British Isles?

8. True or False… the official International Bartenders Association recipe for a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail contains tea?

9. A villa on which island was used as the setting for the TV show Love Island when the show was revived in 2015?

10. What term, that was first created by Sir Thomas More to refer to a fictional island society off the coast of Australia, is now used as a general term for an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect?

1. The Dodecanese . Kenny Rogers 3. New Jersey 4. Lilliput 5. Eight 6. The Komodo dragon 7. Lewis and Harris 8. False 9. Majorca 10. Utopia N O T YO U R AV E R A G E H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T C O M PA N Y

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n O s ’ t Wha In March

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

2 March NIA (Non-Impact Aerobic) Dance 7-9pm Tesco Community Room £5. Come and try this mindful, dance, fitness practice. For anybody seeking a gentler movement class to complement and facilitate healing of mind, body, emotions and spirit. No floor work involved.

Tel: 07590 909057 www.stneotstimebank.org.uk

4 March Brampton Flower Club 7.15pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Visitors £6 on the door. ‘A Life of Flowers’ with Emma Remington. ‘Working with Nature’ with Tim Meakin.

Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com

2, 9 & 16 March Singing Shed 1.30-2.30pm Arthur’s Shed, Arthur Rank Hospice, Cherry Hinton Road, Shelford Bottom Free - £5 suggested donation. An informal drop in choir, no experience required. Tel: 01223 675777 www.arhc.org.uk/arthurs-shed.asp

4 March Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2. ‘A History of Gardening in 100 Objects’ by Michael Brown, garden historian, researcher, horticulturist and lecturer, who is well-known to our club. Tel: Jane 01480 218805 Email: lpgardeningclub@hotmail.com

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 March Osprey Judo Club Juniors 6.30-7.30pm, Seniors 7.30-9.30pm Ellington Village Hall, The Green, Ellington Sessions every Monday night. Tel: Sensei Paul Aston on 07747630361. Web: ospreyjudo.com

4, 11, 18 & 25 March Kimbolton Bridge Club 9.30am-12 noon Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday morning to play friendly, social bridge. No partner needed.

Tel: Vanessa 01480 453929

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 March Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com

5, 12, 19 & 26 March Yelling Art Group 10am-12.30pm Yelling Village Hall Meets on Thursdays during term-time. We are a friendly group seeking new members of any art ability. Tel: 07580 470166

3 March Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.30pm Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, Non-members £2. ‘Chelsea exhibits and the gardens of Grenada’. An informative talk by Suzanne Gaywood MBE, RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Winner. New members/visitors welcome.

Email: Liz Bacon lizbacon187@gmail.com 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March Men’s Shed 1.30-2.30pm Arthur’s Shed, Arthur Rank Hospice, Cherry Hinton Road, Shelford Bottom Free - £5 suggested donation. An informal drop in choir, no experience required. Open to all.

Tel: 01223 675777 Web: www.arhc.org.uk/arthurs-shed.asp 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 March St Ives Photographic Club 8-10pm Winter programme - see website for full details.

Email: events@stives-photoclub.org.uk Web: www.stives-photoclub.org.uk 4 March Friends of Paxton Pits Talk 2.30pm Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve £2.50 on the day. The Insects of Paxton Pits’, an illustrated talk by Keith Porter. Keith is an entomologist who has recently retired from Natural England. He will talk about the last 25 years of recording insects on the Reserve, and explore which habitats are most important.

Tel: 01480 406795

6 March St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Junior School Members free, non-members £3 ‘Love and Toil’, a talk by Grace Richards.

Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 7 March Saturday Workshops Adult Learning & Skills, St Ives Beekeeping, Breadmaking, Dowsing, First Aid, Indian Head Massage, Indian Street Food, Art: Watercolour Pen and Wash, Wedding Flowers and Windows 10.

Web: www.aclearning.org.uk 7 March Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Free entry. Quality handmade art and craft stalls.

7 March Quiz Night 7.30pm Offord Village Hall Tickets £5 each. Teams of up to 6 can be made on the night. Bring your own food and drink.

Tel: John 01480 810049 for info/tickets 8 March Farrington Scents - Beginners Soap Making Workshop 10am-12.30pm & 1.30-4pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £25. Each person will make at least three soaps, using all natural ingredients and make unique packaging for the bar. Age 18+. Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

9 March Wild Home Educator Session 1.15-3.15pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £5.50. 2 hour sessions on the second Monday of every month for home schooled children. Each session will have curriculum and nature focused activities, with a different theme each month. Theme for March is pirates. Aimed at KS1. Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk 9 & 23 March Cambridge Backgammon Club 7.30pm The River Mill, Eaton Socon Join us to play the world’s oldest game! We meet to play casual games and informal tournaments depending on numbers, and for more serious players we have a league that runs throughout the year.

Players of all standards welcomed.

10 March St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugar modelling. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 for more info 12 March Local Police Surgery 6-8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Meeting Room St. Neots Community Policing Team’s Police Surgery.

A great opportunity for residents to meet the local Police team and to raise any concerns.

13 March Prize Bingo 7.30pm Offord Village Hall Raffle. Refreshments are provided.

14 March Hemingford Village Market 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey Second Saturday of the month. Food, crafts, plants and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford Grey Parish Council surgery should you wish to meet councillors to discuss local issues. Refreshments.

14 March St. Mary’s Church Charity Auction Viewing 10-11am, auction begins 11am prompt Buckden Village Hall.

All proceeds to St. Mary’s Church Repair Fund.

Tel: Patsy Gray 01480 810041 for further details 15 March Spring Clean Litter Pick 10am or 10.30am-11am CambridgePPF event. Do your bit to keep the stunning Coton countryside reserve looking beautiful by lending a hand to help pick litter from footpaths and hedgerows in the reserve and surrounding village. Part of the Great British Spring Clean – with the aim of inspiring half a million people nationwide to join forces and collect, dispose of and recycle single-use plastic litter. Meet outside The Plough pub in Coton village. Tel: 01223 243830 extension 207 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/whats-on

n O s ’ t Wha In March

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

16 March St Neots Royal Naval Association 7.30pm The RAFA Club, 44 Huntingdon Street, St Neots St Neots & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association meet on the third Monday of every month. For further details contact the Secretary Tel: Tony Webley 01480 215218 Email: jj.awebley@btinternet.com 16 March Little Paxton W I 7.45pm St James’ Church Meets every third Monday of the month, except December when it meets on the second Monday.

Email: evans-margaret@sky.com

17 March Kimbolton Flower Club 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Visitors £7.50. Flower arranging demonstration by Stephanie Laing entitled ‘On the Move’. Raffle of the arrangement and refreshments. Visitors welcome.

19 March Friends of Paxton Pits Guided Walk 10am-12.30pm Visitor Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve £2.50 on the day. Explore Paxton Pits Nature Reserve with experienced local experts. The route will depend on the time of year and conditions underfoot, but will be designed to show you the best of what the Reserve has to offer. Don’t forget your binoculars. Walks start at the Visitor Centre and last approximately two hours. No need to book.

Tel: 01480 406795 19 March St Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm Visitors £7, annual subscription £43 Hemingford Pavilion, Manor Road, Hemingford Grey Demonstration by Vicki Hease titled ‘Treasured Moments Part 2’. Meets third Thursday of the month except August and December.

19 March Love’s Farm Women’s Institute 8-10pm St Neots Football Club Meets on the third Thursday of the month. Come to make friends and do something new.

Tel: Nikki Jackson 07563 715043 Email: lovesfarmladieswi@gmail.com 20 March Baby Clothes swap 10am-1pm St Neots Library Come along to our baby clothes swap. Donate your unwanted baby clothes (0-3) and get one of our bags to fill up with clothes your baby needs. If you don’t have any clothes to donate, you can buy one of our bags to fill for only £1.

21 March Lego Club 2-3.30pm 50p per child. Come along to our monthly Lego club and see what you can build. Suitable for children aged 5 and above.

21 March Be Part of the Pick 2-4pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Come along and take part in the village Community Litter Pick. All equipment provided. Several litter routes around the village to choose from. Little Paxton Parish Council event.

21 March Simply Saturday Quiz Night 7.30pm St. James Church, High Street, Little Paxton 6 people per team. Bring your own food and drinks.

Closing date for tickets 19 March.

Tel: Lee Duncan 07931 315648 Email: lm.duncan@ntlworld.com 22 March Wandlebury Wildlife 10am or 10.30am-11am Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Free event, parking £3. CambridgePPF event.

Explore the habitats of Wandlebury and the wildlife that calls it home. Learn from interactive displays and talks from our conservation partners, and meet the team that works to protect and safeguard Wandlebury’s wildlife. Fun and learning for all ages!

Donations welcome. Tel: 01223 243830 Email: bookings@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org/walking 25 March David Brown Art Workshop 10.30am-1pm St Neots Library Tickets £10. Join David Brown for the next in his series of art workshops. This month’s class will be focussing on drawing in pen and ink. All materials provided. Tickets available from the library.

25 March Roxtonettes Music Evenings 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall, High Street, Roxton £2.50 inc. refreshments. Do you enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument? We meet twice a month – dates can be found on our Facebook page.

7.30pm onwards for instrumentalists and 8pm onwards for singers. Under the guidance of Eamonn Nicholson-Clinch. You do not need to read music!

Tel: Eamonn 07422 501131 Email: eamonnnc@googlemail.com 26 March RNLI Ouse River Bridge Drive 10.15 for 10.45am Roxton Village Hall £16 inc. fork luncheon. Book by 14 March.

Tel: 01767 225341 Email: netmcnair@hotmail.co.uk 27 March A Polish Heart in a Feldgrau Uniform 2-4pm St Neots Library Free event. By May 1945 almost every third man who wore a battledress with ‘Poland’ on his shoulder titles at some point in the past wore a feldgrau uniform. Magda Kowalska-Cheffey will talk about the often complicated journeys those soldiers had to undertake to find a place for themselves in the Polish Army. Tickets available from the library.

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

27 March The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Adults £15, Groups 20+ £10 each, Under 21s £5 Marina Nadiradze and Grace Mo, piano duo. Both performers come with an impressive history of international prizewinning and will include in their programme music by Schubert, Debussy and Ravel.

Tel: 01480 375678 (9am-3pm) Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac 27 March Downton Abbey (U) 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £5, Over 60s £4, Children £2.50 Kimbolton Community Cinema. Tickets available from Oliver’s, Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café or on the door. Bar, ice creams and free popcorn.

Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema 28 March Polish Evening Offord Village Hall Food and drink tasters.

Tel: Sarah Cutworth 01480 811888 for info/tickets Email: sarahcutworth@yahoo.co.uk 28 March Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Choral and Orchestral Concert 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Adults £15, Children/students £5. Brahms , Symphony No 4 in E minor. Schumann , Missa Sacra.

Conductor, Bjorn Bantock This moving work deserves to be heard, appreciated, and enjoyed so much more widely. Tickets available online or on the door.

Web: www.huntsphil.org.uk 29 March Friends & Family Volunteering Session 10am-12 noon & 1-3pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough Children, couples, grandparents, friends - everybody welcome. All tools and training provided, just bring along lots of enthusiasm. Free car parking for all.

Age 5+. Tel: 01733 234193 Email: visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk 30 March Wildlife Trust Talk: Innovative Conservation 6.45-8.30pm David Attenborough Building, Cambridge £2.50. John Comont, Conservation Director Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire, will talk about some of the exciting new conservation projects which are taking place across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Tel: Edgar Turner 07738 243676 Email: ect23@cam.ac.uk Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2020-03-30innovative-wildlife-projects-three-counties

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Local News

Spotted Flycatchers Spotted Flycatchers – have you got this increasingly rare bird breeding in your garden? Let us know!

In recent years many Cambridgeshire community and parish newsletters, magazines and websites have helped with a County-wide survey of Spotted Flycatchers. These are attractive migrant birds, about the size of a Robin, which are summer visitors to village gardens and churchyards.

Although they breed with us, they spend up to nine months of the year travelling as much as 16,000 miles a year between here and their wintering grounds in Southern Africa – Angola and Namibia. This is an increasingly dangerous journey for them, and sadly they are in deep decline.

Widespread losses amounted to a 50% decline during 1995-2010, continuing an 90% decline since 1970.

Only a few hundred pairs remain breeding in Cambridgeshire, but most villages still have a pair or two; they rarely breed out in the wider countryside. We are continuing our work to find

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Photo credit: Tom Reynolds

and monitor nesting pairs. It’s almost certain that there are many additional pairs out there of which we are not aware.

Do you have flycatchers in your garden? Will you see one this year, or have you in recent years?

The few that remain are here from mid-May to September. And there’s lots more to read about our project and Spotted Flycatchers in general at bit.ly/SpotFly Please email: spofl@cambridgebirdclub.org.uk with any sightings.

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

February’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Donald Brightley from Hitchin Bluesky Competition Winner Peter Jennison (Hitchin), Adam Brookman (Sandy), Cheryl Jeffrey (Shefford), Carol Clapham (St Neots), Suzanne Kay (Stevenage) and Yvonne Sowerby (Bedford)

Easy

Hard

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01438 211302 info@eastanglianloftladders.co.uk eastanglianloftladders.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Call now for a free, no obligation quotation 57

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1. Bewitched (7) 5. Trimmed (5) 8. Loosens (5) 9. Evil (7) 10. Vertical (13) 11. Without trouble (6) 12. Teeth (6) 15. Display (13) 18. Detonate (7) 19. Business transactions (5) 20. Stairs (5) 21. Destroys hearing (7)

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

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

Down 1. Crawl (5) 2. Soaks up (7) 3. Sundry items (13) 4. Split (6) 5. Book of facts (13) 6. Guttural noise (5) 7. Arid regions (7) 11. Perpetual (7) 13. Shake briskly (7) 14. To be present at (6) 16. Type of syrup (5) 17. Facial features (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan The Binding

by Bridget Collins

In Emmett Farmer’s world, it’s possible to forget the pain of your past. All you have to do is tell your story to a binder, who’ll lock it away in a book.

But as apprentice-binder Emmett soon discovers, not all stories are meant to be forgotten.

A highly original book that deftly combines fantasy, historical fiction and romance into one captivating tale.

Grandmothers

by Salley Vickers

Three different women find their paths crossing. Wealthy Blanche has developed a compulsion for shoplifting after being banned from seeing her grandchildren. Poet Nan is planning her funeral and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, but she has a blind spot when it comes to her grandson. And then finally there’s shy Minna, who’s in danger of losing the only person she really cares about. A beautiful, quiet book that looks at family life in all its complexities.

Our Planet: The One Place We Call Home

by Matt Whyman and Richard Jones

This children’s companion to last year’s Netflix hit is sure to prove popular with young nature buffs. Stunning photography and illustrations accompany short, easily digestible paragraphs of text. Our Planet educates and inspires in equal measure. As Sir David Attenborough says, ‘You will be among the next characters who can, if they wish, tell the most extraordinary story of all – how human beings in the twenty-first century came to their senses and started to protect Planet Earth.’

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Classifieds Antique Furniture Restoration

Heating and Plumbing Services

Cleaning Services

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Electrician

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established in 1996 Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111 62

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USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

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Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Al-Anon Family Groups..............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Addenbrooks Hospital............................... 01223 245151 Papworth Hospital..................................... 01480 830541 Benefits for people with Disabilities...........0800 882 200 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue............... 01480 444500 Carers Line..................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine...........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice...........................................0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..............................................0800 555 111

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

Cruse Bereavement Care............................0333 252 9152 Floodline....................................................0845 988 1188 Frank—Drug Advisory................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line.....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency............................................0800 111 999 NHS Direct.........................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..............................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.........................................101 NSPCC.........................................................0808 800 5000 Relate..........................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line....................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans............................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline.....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support..........................................0845 30 30 900

For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:

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Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com

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