Cambs May 2021 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 145 - May 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue The History of the

Chimney Sweep Discovering

Pembrokeshire 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

F co1

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Inside this issue... Time for a Picnic

A Day in the Life of a Butcher's Boy.............................................. 4 The History of the Chimney Sweep.............................................. 6 Kids and Uncertainty......................................................................... 12 Be Fire Safe with a Fire Safe............................................................14 Meeting Outside? Time for a Picnic............................................. 17 East Anglia's Children's Hospice - We Need You!.....................19 Summer Key Wardrobe Items........................................................20 Say Cheese.... How to get Brighter Teeth.................................. 22 Stress and Anxiety............................................................................. 24 Star Shine Walk................................................................................... 27 u3a St. Neots and District...............................................................28 Digital Divorce and Financial Proceedings..................................33 And so to sleep................................................................................... 34 Is Buy-to-Let Still Worthwhile?.....................................................38 Discover Pembrokeshire..................................................................40

Perfect Planting.................................................................................. 43 Purple Sprouting Broccoli................................................................44 Why Guinea Pigs Make Perfect Pets...........................................46 Why We Love an Online Quiz.......................................................48 Beautiful cat Looking for a Forever Home................................. 51 Cycling with Bionic Legs.................................................................. 53 What are Premium Fuels?................................................................54 Create Great Storage in your Bathroom....................................56 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe......................................................58 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................60 The Best Gadgets for Every Kitchen........................................... 62 Drinks: The Spirit of Gin...................................................................65 Make Your Bathroom a Relaxing Oasis......................................66 Short Story - The Box Man.............................................................68 Born to Run - Tips for all Runners.................................................71 £25 Villager Prize Crossword...............................................74 Book Review......................................................................................... 76

Make your bathroom a Relaxing Oasis

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, Hannah Merry-Wade, Kate McCarthy, Tom Hancock, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Jackie Mitchell, Leeds Day Solicitors, Beacon Wealth, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton, Louise Addison, Tracey Anderson, RSPCA, Nick Coffer, Trevor Langley, Jackie Brewster, Izzy Holden and Susan Brown

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

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

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

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

History

A Day in the Life of a Butcher's Boy Butcher’s were once a cornerstone of a high street, but there came a time in St. Neots, a few years ago, when not one was left. Recently there has been a small revival to provide an alternative to supermarket fare and help give diversity to the town centre. A century ago life for a butcher’s boy was a full time job as Ken Payne, who was born in St Neots in 1900, remembered:- “I left school at 13, it was easy then if one had a job to go to. I worked for Sam Abrahams, whose shop and house were near to the Fish and Chip Shop on the High Street. My job was on Tuesday and Friday to arrive on the premises at 7 a.m., feed the horse and scrub the inside of the butcher’s cart. At 9.30 a.m. Sam would come out to load the cart with beef, pork and mutton etc., load the cleavers, saw and chopping block, a half quartern loaf, cold chitterlings in a basin and cooked sausage for our meal. By 10 a.m. we were on the road to Great Paxton. At 10.30 we called at the Black Bull public house where I would be given a large wicker basket of meat ordered from the previous trip. My food would be tied in a red and white spotted handkerchief and this was tied to the handle of the basket. I went up London Lane to College Farm, from there to Cottons Farm where I would bring away more meat than I delivered. Then I went up across the

brook to arrive at Toseland Lodge, the farm of Henry Major. From there into Toseland to the Hand in Hand Public House and Mrs. Val Manning’s house. Then on to Graveley for just one delivery. There I would sit on a stile in good weather and eat my meal. Then I went along the sunken road to Papworth St. Agnes. By this time it would be late afternoon. At Papworth the road led out those days directly into Ermine Street where I would sit and read on the roadside and wait for Sam. He would have delivered at Great Paxton, Offord and Godmanchester. He would also have supped at several pubs before picking me up on Ermine Street. From there it was back to St. Neots, the horse leading mostly, to arrive home about 7 p.m. Sam’s wife gave me my dinner after I had fed the horses, and so I arrived home about 8 p.m. On wet days we would sit side by side in the cart with a couple of sacks on our knees.” Have you any stories of your first job? St. Neots Museum web site would love to add them to their LOCAL STORIES page. Do call in to the Museum Shop with its new Spring offerings. Thanks to the 2001 St. Neots History Society newsletter for Bert’s story. Abrahams shop was on the south side of the High street to the east of Church walk.

By Peter Ibbett

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

r1 de

u for y ntr ee

Fre

Salute the bravery of the local SOE agents who flew from local Tempsford in aircraft such as our Lysander.

2021 sees the return of the award-winning Drive-In Displays from the Shuttleworth Trust There is something to keep the whole family entertained! Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/spiesandintrigue

A celebration of innovation and remembering the 1951 Festival of Britain when the Collection’s Comet was suspended from the ceiling in honour of its record-breaking role.

Shuttleworth air shows are the perfect family day out, expect thrilling air displays from historic aircraft and explore the beautiful Shuttleworth Swiss Garden. Find out more and book online at: www.shuttleworth.org/flyingfestival

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

History

As Lucky Can Be? The History of the Chimney Sweep Spring is here, and with it the urge to make everything clean and fresh, including the chimney. If your fireplace is clogged and sooty from use during the cold winter months, now is the time to call a chimney sweep. This skilled high-tech profession has a rich and dark history. The profession of ‘sweep’ dates back to the 16th century. Originally the service was needed only by the wealthy with grand estates, but gradually the trend of installing chimneys in every home caught on, and the demand for sweeps grew. The houses in city streets were tightly packed and sweeps would work from house to house, sometimes roof to roof, cleaning sooty chimneys. In the 17th century the government introduced a hearth tax, based partly on the number of chimneys a house possessed. People wanted to avoid the tax, so builders connected flues of new fireplaces with the existing chimney, creating a maze of narrow, pitch black tunnels inside homes.

When people switched fuel from wood to coal, chimneys became coated with sticky soot deposits. These had to be cleaned frequently; otherwise, the house filled with toxic fumes. So, chimney sweeps became associated with restoring fresh air in homes and thus became symbols of good health. Unfortunately, the sweeps themselves did not enjoy good health. Tiny children between 4 and 11 years old became the primary ‘tools’ used for cleaning because they were small enough to squeeze through the narrow, maze-like chimneys. It must have been a terrifying job, working without light in suffocating cramped conditions.

By Hannah Merry-Wade

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

The children, known as ‘climbing boys’ were either sold by destitute parents or were chosen from orphanages. Their job was to scrape the coal deposits from the flue lining. If a young child was afraid to climb, the master would sometimes light a small fire to ‘motivate’ him to move. It’s actually where the phrase ‘to light a fire under someone’ originated. The boys’ only official day off was May Day, and in Rochester they still commemorate this with the Sweeps Festival (sadly cancelled this year) involving three days of fun, real ale, music, and dancing across the bank holiday weekend. These children suffered bone malformation, soot inhalation, and cancers.

Some of them became trapped and died of suffocation inside chimneys. Most didn’t make it to middle age. After many humanitarian appeals to Government, in 1864, the English Parliament finally passed the “Act for the Regulation of Chimney Sweepers” which made it illegal to send a child up a chimney. Today’s professional chimney sweeps are educated in the science of chimneys and fireplaces as well as in building codes. It is important to employ a qualified professionally trained sweep, from a recognised organisation, so you know they are well-trained and fully insured. Many are also skilled to carry out appliance servicing and fitting chimney cowls etc.

National Association of Chimney Sweeps: nacs.org.uk Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps: apics.org.uk Guild of Master Sweeps: guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

STRUGGLING TO USE YOUR BATHROOM? If using your bathroom has become a chore or you are worried about your safety, BMAS Hitchin can help. We are experts in bathing mobility and will make your bathroom safe and comfortable so you can enjoy independent bathing and showering in your own home.

Choose BMAS Hitchin:

� � �

26 years’ expertise

�

Free bathroom design & full quotation

�

Traditional customer service (no call centres)

�

Finance options available

Full design and installation High-quality products for safety & comfort

“TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE. JUST WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR!”

01462 889 097 bathingmobility.co.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 35277_BMAS_The_Villager_Magazine_194x131_Update_Apr21.indd

Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB

06/04/2021 11:41 9

ENJOY THE MOMENT MSpa UK inflatable hot tubs are innovative, smart, durable and portable.

Pick the perfect one from our collection of over 15 models from six different luxurious design series.

2 Year

Warranty

UK Based

 Service Centre

Free UK and

Ireland Delivery

Same Day

Delivery

THE SMARTEST INFLATABLE HOT TUB EVER • M-One Auto Inflation Monitors the air pressure and stops inflation automatically • Timer Function Set the timer to turn on the heat • Anti-Icing System Helps prevent water from freezing • Smart Filtration Filter cartridge cleaning reminder • UVC Sanitiser Kills more than 60 disease-causing microorganisms and pathogens

• O3 Ozone Generator 50 times more effective than chlorine and works 3,000 times faster to kill odours and bacteria • Whisper Quiet Design Silent motor promotes relaxation • All Around Bubbling Design 360° airjet system which creates a hydromassage • Portable Super lightweight and can be packed away with ease

• Child Safety Lock Allows adults to lock the spa to ensure safety of children • Antibacterial Fabric Further enhances the sterilisation performance • Non-Slip Bottom A bump texture material is applied to provide additional friction • Rhino-Tech Reinforced PVC Cover Fabric 6-layer Reinforced PVC

Free Chemical Starter Kit worth £34.99 with any hot tub purchase Use code ‘VILLAGERMAG’ at www.mspauk.co.uk until 15th July 2021

Tel: 01462 433 388 Email: info@mspauk.co.uk For more information, please visit: 10

www.mspauk.co.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that seeing the back of 2020 was a welcome event for each and every one of us, and we can now hopefully march into 2021 with renewed positivity and optimism. One thing is for sure though, there have also been some heart warming positives that we can take out of last year. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Stephen Moon it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting

the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Stephen commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.com

Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame!

All glazing backed by our

“I really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard

Social distancing in operation

We are a Which? Trusted Trader

Faulty locks, handles or hinges? Priority freephone www.cloudy2clear.co.uk

Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Parenting

Kids and Uncertainty Helping young people cope in uncertain times The COVID-19 pandemic turned out lives upside down. As adults we’ve had too many questions and too few answers, and many of us felt overwhelmed in the face of so much uncertainty. Now imagine what it’s like to be a child or teenager in this environment. Young people don’t have the cognitive development, life experience, and coping skills to deal with all the uncertainties we face. So even though we may be struggling, it’s up to us as the adults to help them manage these feelings. It’s not unusual for young people to be anxious about the future, especially as they near the end of school, or transition from one school to another. They might be stressed about the uncertainty surrounding exams, or what might happen about their university place. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created more uncertainty than usual. As a parent, it’s hard not to have answers and reassurances. If your child or teen is anxious it can help give them the sense of some control. Help them to develop a plan A and a Plan B Plan A - The ideal plan they would have followed in normal times. Plan B - An alternative if plan A isn’t viable right now. Plan A may have involved taking a year out to travel overseas. Plan B may be to complete some online training then volunteer for a charity, with the intention of switching to Plan A several months down the line.

The idea of Plan B is NOT to give up on Plan A, but rather to postpone it, while still moving forward in other areas. Show your child how to be okay with uncertainty Tolerating uncertainty is a skill that can be learned by practising how to respond in the best way we can to what’s happening in the present. Try doing small things together differently, such as preparing a meal without a recipe using only what’s in the cupboard or picking a random film to watch or podcast to listen to without knowing anything about it. Validate your child’s feelings and concerns Accept how they feel and resist the urge to “fix” them by minimizing their worries or making promises that are not within your control to keep. Instead encourage them to be kind to themselves and realistic in their thinking. Listen to them and remind them that this is a very unusual situation; it would be weirder if they weren’t anxious! Talk about the things they value It’s usually possible to find something, even a small thing that they value or appreciate. Help them to refocus on the good things in their life. Share some of the things you are grateful for. It’s difficult for most of us to remain calm and focused at the moment, and we all have to accept that we can’t predict the future. It helps our kids to see us focus on the things we can control. We can model strategies and show them that whatever happens, we can cope with it together.

By Kate McCarthy

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

SAFFORD’S COACHES 2021 DAY EXCURSIONS

SUN 23 MAY .......... HUNSTANTON SUN 30 MAY .......... SOUTHEND-ON-SEA DUE TO SOCIAL WED 2 JUNE .......... SHERINGHAM & CROMER DISTANCING RULES SUN 6 JUNE ........... GREAT YARMOUTH THERE ARE LIMITED SAT 12 JUNE.......... SKEGNESS PLACES ON THESE SUN 20 JUNE......... HUNSTANTON DAY EXCURSIONS

2021 HOLIDAYS

17-18 JULY............ WINE TASTING BREAK – SURREY 27-31 JULY............ ISLE OF MAN – ISLAND GETAWAY 2-6 AUG................... THE PENNINE EXPLORER 9-13 AUG................ SUMMERTIME IN SOMERSET 12-16 AUG............. A STATELY TOUR OF THE PEAK DISTRICT 13-17 AUG............. AYRSHIRE – SCOTLAND 5-9 SEPT.................. LIVERPOOL & THE BEATLES STORY 10-14 SEPT............ WELCOME TO WEYMOUTH 20-24 SEPT............ WATERFORD, KILKENNY & CO WEXFORD IRELAND 26-30 SEPT............ FOLKESTONE – GARDEN OF ENGLAND 2-6 OCT ................... ISLE OF WIGHT 8-10 OCT ................ BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS 15-18 OCT ............. PIES, PINTS, POTS & PUDDINGS 22-29 OCT ............. THE FRENCH RIVIERA 28 OCT-1 NOV..... KENDAL IN THE LAKES 1-5 NOV................... BIDEFORD TURKEY & TINSEL 7-9 NOV................... 1940’S REMEMBRANCE DAY SPECIAL

RING FOR YOUR FREE COLOUR BROCHURE HIGHBURY FIELDS, GT.GRANSDEN, SANDY, BEDS. SG19 3AR TEL: 01767 677395 OR 677923 www.saffordscoaches.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Security

Be Fire Safe with a Fire Safe

If your house caught fire, would your important documents be safe? By Tom Hancock

We should be proactive about protecting critical information in case of a fire. Although lots of us have gone digital when it comes to storage of personal information, certain items still need to come in hard copies. And some things, other than papers, also need to be stored in a safe place. Ask yourself what you need easy access to when you’re in an emergency fire crisis? Original birth certificate • Wills • Business documents • Property deeds National Insurance details • Insurance documents • Car documents Other original documents • Spare keys for house and car • Passports Heirloom jewellery • Emergency cash A file containing information: emergency numbers of insurance companies, bank, lawyer, family members, medical prescriptions, GP, and vet details. A fire safe is a box designed to protect valuables from heat damage and smoke caused by fire. The level of protection is determined by the type of fire safe and its fire rating. Not all fire safe boxes are alike. Standard fireproof safes protect valuables against intense heat and smoke damage for periods of up to 120 minutes. But it depends on what you want to store. The fire test standards require that the critical maximum temperature of the following media cannot be exceeded: Digital media: 120˚C; Computer data: 52˚C because electronic media melts at a lower temperature than paper combusts. A fire safe rated suitable for paper documents is NOT suitable for digital media. Most homes don’t have a fire safe…but can you afford to be without one?

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

FREE PA R K IN G

FR E E T R IA L S E S S IO N S

Life is fun w more th hen there’s an one

s are Best time mes shared ti

ACT DANCE S A L L AG EIE S & A B IL ITM E W E LC O

www.stageworksstudio.co.uk Kings Road, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 1BF 01480 223331 | info@stageworksstudio.co.uk

SING GRAD C L A S SE D ES

SW Lockdown 3.0 reopening_v3.0.indd 1

31/03/2021 10:13

Platinum Tours have 17 to 53 seat coaches available for private hire. We are happy to say that we have now put some dates in the diary for day trips this summer! Although some have already sold out, we do have spaces on the trips below. All trips will have pick up points in St Neots, Offord, Godmanchester and Huntingdon. Wednesday 21st July - A day out in Great Yarmouth £15 adult £10 child (travel only) Monday 26th July - Highclere Castle - Home of Downton Abbey Explore the Castle and grounds of the setting of one of TV’s most popular period dramas. £37.50 (includes travel and entry) - Bookings must be made by 20th June. Tuesday 31st August - Warehouse Antiques Centre and Tap Room Spend the day at Norfolk’s largest antiques centre, which is adjacent to the largest beer shop in the UK! Enjoy a cream tea as part of your day. £27.50 (includes travel and cream tea) Monday 6th September - A day out in Hunstanton £15 adult £10 child Please book via our website or call us on 01480 810560 and we can book your seats! We reserve the right to cancel any excursion with less than 20 passengers. We will refund all money paid for any cancelled excursion. We have a wheelchair accessible coach. If you need to travel in a wheelchair please call us to discuss your requirements.

To request a brochure, private hire quote or to book online visit www.platinumluxurytours.com or call 01480 810560 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Time of Year

Meeting outside? Time for a picnic We can finally meet up with other households but it’s going to be outside only for a while yet. Let’s make the most of it then with good planning and some fun accessories. Create some evening  atmosphere with Outdoor TruGlow® Candles, £26.99 for 3 from lights4fun.co.uk

• Research your perfect picnic spot carefully. How far is it from the car park and is there a charge for parking? Are there toilets? Can you bring your dog? Is there somewhere to shelter if it’s too hot or there’s a sudden shower. • Pack everything you need for the day: water, sunscreen, a lightweight waterproof (just in case), warmer layers and the all-important face mask and hand-santiser. A plastic bag for your rubbish will be handy too. • Decorate your picnic area with battery-powered fairy lights, lanterns and some bunting. Get comfy with camping chairs or deck chairs, using your picnic basket as a handy side table. Music adds atmosphere so take a Bluetooth speaker. • Bring along games that all the family can play. Rounders and croquet are great, or organise a treasure hunt, play hide and seek, or set up an old-school egg-and-spoon or sack race. • The best picnic food? Anything you can eat with your fingers. Sandwiches, mini pies, kebabs, chopped vegetables with dips, plus fruit and something sweet, for example.

 With compartments for dippy sauce & sections so the peas don’t touch the carrots this little car is perfect for turning fussy eaters into foodies. £32.99 at bluebrontide.com

 Giant picnic blanket means plenty of room for social distancing! £59.95 annabeljames.co.uk  This pirate themed kit allows children to build their very own pirate’s hideaway. £45 at thedenkitco.com

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

We Need You! We need YOU to help us keep our shops open and raise vital funds! With many of our shop volunteers currently unable to lend a hand due to the pandemic, the number of hours’ support we normally receive is down more than 50%. We are facing a financial deficit over the next 12 months, following disruption to fundraising and retail, and at the same time our care and support is more important than ever as vulnerable families become exhausted from shielding.

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

Local News

It is very important we manage our retail activity back to sustainable levels of income, but we will not be able to do this without more volunteer support. Might you be able to help? Just a couple of hours a week can make a difference. There are so many ways you can support us, from sorting donations and dressing windows to running the till and listing items on our eBay shop, and we always guarantee a friendly welcome! Why not pop in to your local EACH shop – we have 43 right across the region – chat to our team and arrange a taster session? Find out more about becoming a retail volunteer, including a full list of our shop locations and phone numbers, at www.each.org.uk/retail-volunteers. Alternatively please contact EACH Volunteer Services on 01223 205183 or at volunteerservices@each.org.uk.

House of Colour

Summer Key Wardrobe Items

Whether you are looking to completely revamp your wardrobe this season or just hunting a few key pieces to update your look this is my take on those items that will see you through the summer. As there is never a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to style, not all these items are going to work for everyone. I know there are lots of articles promising you a ‘this is all you need’ approach. (And indeed I used to lap them up, quite mistakenly as it turns out). This is not one of them. This is a range of items which you can either dig out from your existing wardrobe or find afresh which may work for you depending on your clothing personality (if you need help on finding that then please contact your local consultant, it’s a game changer!). The Shirt – yes the humble shirt is really having a moment. For some it’s never gone away, but the shapes and styles have diversified recently. The ‘boyfriend’ shirt, oversized crisp cotton cut in masculine style is featuring quite strongly. And while it can be limited in terms of colour ways, think men’s shirting, it’s a fresh look tucked in or out which would work well on those with classic and drama in their clothing personality. Softer fabrics lyocell and cupro (new natural based fibre mixes) form the bases of less structured options, with a more relaxed feel, still oversized. Short sleeved versions take this into the warmer weather. Delicate printed puffed sleeve options and ruffled blouses are still very contemporary and perfect for those who need pretty detail. The Jacket – Be it blazer, denim or safari the jacket is a staple for the season. Blazers take the more classic theme but are updated in lighter and brighter colours and team with the shirt classic or floral. The denim jacket, a long serving staple is back too. It chimes in with the utility feel which is very current but it also works so well with the delicate dresses and skirts we’re still seeing this season. Look out for cream or coloured versions. Taking this a step further safari styles are also prominent and a great investment as they rarely seem to date. The Midi Skirt – the midi dress has been around for a number of seasons now and while still current the skirt at this length is featuring more strongly. Often using floaty fabrics with movement or taking a slit/wrap skirt style it features pretty patterns as an update on the pleated versions. Details can include some embroidery or craftwork options – great for those who need some texture in their look. Longer lengths are also coming in this season so if you can wear that length then embrace it. Pair it with a matching top or a slimmer fitting top to complement it. The Mule or Toe Post Sandal – There are a huge variety of options around for both of these. If you need a chunky heavy soled option, a sporty style or a delicate strappy look there is a toe post style for you. The heeled mule is also featuring strongly this season with closed or open toe. Flatter versions including the flatform chunky sole and the more delicate squared slider style are also key options this season. Key Accessories – the smaller structured or softer cross body bag with chain or metal detailing is a great option for those who need smaller scale, continuing from previous seasons. Raffia and natural detailing in larger styles are great for those with natural in their clothing personality. Chunky chains, seashell, craft beading, woven details will all feature on bags, and jewellery this season. 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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Beauty By Kate Duggan

Say cheese…

How to get whiter, brighter teeth whatever your budget

Many of us have spent much of the last year slobbing around in PJs. So it’s not too surprising that some of us have let our dental hygiene slip a bit. If your smile is more disturbing than dazzling, don’t panic. There’s plenty you can do to bring the whiteness back. Dentist treatments First off, visit your dentist. A good scale and polish can work wonders at removing stains. If you need a bit more help, talk to them about teeth whitening options. A popular choice is whitening gel, which you wear in a custom-made mould for one to eight hours. The main side effect is sensitivity, so you might be advised to also use a desensitising gel. Price wise, it depends whether you want top and bottom teeth whitened, how bad the staining is and whether you need the desensitising gel. You’re likely going to be looking at £200 upwards. Laser whitening Want lightning-fast results? Laser whitening might be the answer. A bleaching agent is applied to your teeth and activated using a special laser. It is considerably more expensive than a whitening gel, but it takes under an hour and can whiten teeth by several shades. At-home teeth whitening Looking for a cheaper option? Teeth whitening gels are available to buy from Boots and other pharmacies. These aren’t as strong as gels provided by professionals, so you won’t achieve as noticeable a result but you may still see some benefits.

Another option is charcoal strips, which use activated charcoal to remove stains. You stick them onto your teeth and leave them in place for around half an hour. And then repeat every day for two weeks. Only buy whitening treatments from a reputable brand and make sure you follow the instructions, or you could end up damaging your teeth or gums. And do stop using the product immediately if you get any blisters or sore patches. Realistically, you’ll probably get better results from a simple scale and polish at the dentist, for not much more money. Long-term That bright new smile won’t last forever. In most cases, your teeth will start to dull again after a few months. Smoking, red wine, tea and coffee are particularly adept at discolouring teeth. Whitening toothpastes You can help to keep your teeth bright by swapping to a whitening toothpaste. These contain active whitening agents, which are safe for daily use. Oral B 3D White Luxe Blast (£5) is a good choice. It helps to remove old stains and creates a barrier to protect against new ones. Prefer a more natural option? Try Colgate Smile for Good Whitening Toothpaste (£4.99), which is 99.7% natural. As well as helping to keep teeth white, it’s vegan-friendly and the tube can be recycled (unlike most toothpaste tubes). So you can do your bit for the planet as well as your teeth!

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

covid connections Genomics has transformed how we tackle the pandemic. Meet the people who are making this happen.

Find out more: bit.ly/CovidConnections

Virtual events | FREE To advertise in The Villager and Town 1Life please call 01767 261122 Covid Connections 131x194 ad.indd

14/04/2021 11:1423

Health

By Jackie Mitchell

Stress and Anxiety Are you feeling stressed and anxious about the future? During the pandemic, we are experiencing more stress and anxiety than ever before. This is caused by uncertainty and ever-changing information. According to the mental health charity Mind, 60% of adults said their mental health became worse during lockdown. Stress and anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. Physical symptoms can include an increased heart rate or muscle tension, ‘jelly’ legs or tingling in the hands and feet, breathing too heavily or dizziness. You may experience feelings that you might lose control, faint, think people are looking at you and noticing your anxiety. Dave Smithson from Anxiety UK says “Those who are usually outgoing may become withdrawn or those who are reserved may become erratic. Everyone is different and anxiety can be triggered by a range of things.” Other symptoms can include lack of concentration, catastrophic thoughts, poor memory, excessive alcohol intake, under or overeating, a short temper and tearfulness. A key indicator is blowing things out of proportion.

As Lorraine Collins, psychodynamic counsellor, psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), says “If you’re stressed, how you view situations can become altered and distorted due to the brain not being able to process information in a more balanced way. It can also be a cry for help in communicating distress that can be difficult to put into words, so is ‘acted out’ by slamming doors, banging around, road rage and so on.” How To Manage Stress & Anxiety The good news is there are plenty of practical and useful tools to manage anxiety and reduce stress: • Getting back into nature is a great way of calming your anxiety. This can be a local park, woodland, nature reserve or your garden. Lorraine says “You can practice naming what’s around you, the things you see and hear, and this will interrupt the constant looping of anxious thoughts.” • Looking after mind and body: “Go to bed at a reasonable time without screens and mobiles that will decrease the winding down time we need to settle

into a relaxed state and leave the day behind,” says Lorraine. “Watch your diet, as excessive caffeine and refined sugars will only stimulate an already stimulated body and mind.” • Learning to relax: relaxation techniques can include exercises to release the tension in your body by easing your muscles. The Mind web site lists plenty of options. • Connecting with other people: “Plan to have regular chats with friends and family over the phone,” says Stephen Buckley from Mind. “This is a vital way of maintaining wellbeing.” • Sharing the problem: talking to someone you trust about what is making you stressed can be helpful. If this isn’t possible, you could call a confidential helpline such as Mind’s Infoline or those run by Anxiety UK and the Samaritans. If these self-care techniques don’t work, it’s best to talk to your GP about treatment options. This can include talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). www.lccounselling.com www.mind.org.uk www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

LiLAC Counselling

FREE

Consultation for first-time clients

Listening Loud and Clear

We deal with issues including Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement, Redundancy, Relationship Issues, Addictive Behaviours, Physical and Mental Abuse in a safe, secure, friendly and confidential environment.

Solo Kare

Providing tailored personalised care

Over 40 years continuous nursing experience

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

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

Call Andy Mouldycliff on 07974 765203 or email lilac121counselling@gmail.com www.lilaccounselling.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.

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

The Parkinson’s UK Huntingdonshire Branch offers friendship and support to people with Parkinson’s, and your families and carers, in the local area. We’re running virtual coffee mornings and online activities, including exercise classes and movement lessons. They’re a great way to stay active and social during the coronavirus pandemic. To join or find out more, call the group on 07724 400 527 or www.huntspds.org.uk We look forward to hearing from you. 26

Membership is free. Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Local News

Be part of a weekend to remember with Star Shine Walk! Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is inviting you to walk in memory of someone special on the weekend of 22 and 23 May. The thirteenth annual Star Shine Walk, sponsored by The Cambridgeshire Care Home, will raise much needed funds for hospice care across Cambridgeshire. This will be the second outing for Star Shine Walk as a ‘virtual’ event! Participants get to choose the time, location and method to suit them. They are challenged with completing a 5, 10 or 20 mile distance over the event weekend, and can chose to walk, skip, wheel, trundle, scoot, walk the dog or even dance their way around: whatever suits them most! The walk raises funds for the Hospice’s essential frontline care, whilst providing the perfect motivation to get active. Incredibly in 2020 the memory walk raised more than £40,000 – the equivalent of 67 visits by the Charity’s Hospice at Home team. Teams of colleagues, friends and families can get

involved, no matter how far apart they’re based. Angeline Liles, Events Officer at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, adds: “We have found that people taking part in Star Shine Walk treasure the event as a unique opportunity to actively remember, honour and celebrate the life of someone they love. The beauty of it being a virtual event again this year means anyone can take part wherever in the county, country or world they live. Teams can even set off at the same time if they like! You can also plan your route to take in places of particular significance, or landmarks that are related to special memories.” Register (£17 for over 16s and £15 for children) at arhc.org.uk/starshinewalk by 16 May to receive a Walk Pack, including a special edition event t-shirt and other goodies.

ff ’ Collin l s

‘B

P ace’ et

‘Po

Discover the new you at Moorhouse Lodge Buy a Churchill retirement apartment at Moorhouse Lodge and you can make yourself at home. Every apartment comes with modern, beautiful fittings that are easy to maintain, and you’ll have a Lodge Manager devoted to making sure you’ve everything you need. So you can focus on what really matters: you.

Moorhouse Lodge, Edison Bell Way HUNTINGDON

01480 809172

churchillretirement.co.uk/moorhouse-lodge To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Local News

u3a St. Neots and District Wondering what the u3a is? Well, read on, you may find the u3a is just what you need. Our objective is to provide the opportunity for members who are no longer working full-time to make the most of life. u3a gives them the chance to develop their interests, make new friends and enjoy themselves. Our strap line is Learn Laugh & Live. We have about 60 Group Activities to choose from and members can attend as many or as few as they wish. The choice seems almost endless, covering Walking to Wildlife, Geography to Golf, Dancing to Discussion, Egyptology to Exercise, Crafting to Quizzing and many others. If there is something that you are interested in you can always join us and start a group covering that topic! Annual membership fees are less than £20 per member and Group Activity fees are from as little as a £1 per meeting, or get together, which is fantastic value. Every u3a is run by its members for its members and each Group Activity is run by 1 or 2 Group Leaders who plan and organise the Group’s activities. Activities could take place outdoors or indoors, at pre-set locations or at a variety of different locations they plan to visit.

Ukulele Group (taken pre-covid) From the 22nd May until mid September we intend to have a stall in the market square, coinciding with the Farmers Market. Subject to Covid conditions we intend to have some live displays from such groups as the Ukulele Strummers and Singing. Our members will “man” the stall and be able to tell you about the many other groups and answer any questions you may have. We have a monthly Meeting at the Priory Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2pm. Guests can pop in for free and say hello, listen to the Guest Speaker, chat to members and enjoy a hot drink. Alternatively go to our website https://u3asites.org.uk/ st-neots/home or Google St Neots u3a and follow the links to find more details and contact information.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Care UK leads the way in safety, with enhanced infection control measures and purpose-built visiting suites. We are championing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to protect those living, visiting and working in our care homes. With over 35 years’ experience, our highly trained teams are experts in delivering award winning care. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, discover how Care UK helps residents enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. Please contact us to discuss booking a one-to-one video chat or viewing on 01480 877604 or johan.molloy-cruden@careuk.com

RESPITE CARE AVAIL ABLE

Experts in award winning care. Trusted by over 6,500 families.

Rated

9.7

out of 10 on carehome.co.uk

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Get your PRESCRIPTIONS and DOSSETT BOXES

DELIVERED FOR FREE ST NEOTS, EATON FORD, EYNESBURY,

EATON SOCON, GREAT PAXTON, GET YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS

DELIVERED FOR FREE Counselling Service

LITTLE PAXTON, LONGSANDS & SAWTRY

TO ALCONBURY, Depressed? Anxious? BRAMPTON, HUNTINGDON AND SAWTRY Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem? Have you considered Counselling sessions? Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere. CALL ALCONBURY PHARMACY ON TO ARRANGE Call01480 Loves 896630 Farm Pharmacy to arrange on Ample parking. Concessionary rates available. 1 BELL LANE (Inside NISA STORE), ALCONBURY PE28 4DU www.alconbury-pharmacy.co.uk | @alconburychemist Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am Way, - 6pmSt Neots PE19 6SL For further details: 5 Kester

01480 215665

Tel: 07925 852 985

www.lovesfarmpharmacy.co.uk @lovesfarmpharmacyuk COVID-19 Antibody Testing Service for £69 Opening Hours: Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk or visit 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, Closed for lunch 1pm-2pm, www.jilldightoncounselling.co.uk 9am-1pm Saturday (Dedicated line with voicemail)

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

With over 35 years’ experience, Care UK leads the way in safety, with enhanced infection control measures, purposebuilt visiting suites and vaccination of those living and working in our care homes. At Heathlands House we offer care that puts residents’ personal lifestyle choices, wellbeing and independence at the heart of everything we do. Relaxing in the garden, joining exercise classes, enjoying delicious dishes freshly prepared by our in-house chef or chatting with friends in the café are just some of the ways residents can enjoy life at Heathlands House. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, discover how Care UK helps residents enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. To arrange a tour of our show suite, please call 01223 852662 or email manager.heathlandshouse@careuk.com Experts in award winning care. Trusted by over 6,500 families.

OPENING SOON Heathlands House care home 442 Bullen Close, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB1 8YU careuk.com/heathlands-house 32

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Leeds Day

The Age of the Digital Divorce & Financial Proceedings The Covid pandemic has seen huge changes in the administration of justice. This includes family law cases. The time it takes for a divorce to proceed through the court has without doubt taken much longer than previously because of the pandemic. It is not unusual to wait for more than three months for a reply to routine correspondence. These delays pervade the entire court system, not just the processing of a divorce and have had a severe impact on when court hearings take place and indeed how they will proceed, as most court appointments now have to take place remotely by telephone or via video conferencing facilities. In terms of the divorce process itself however, there is more positive news. There is now an online divorce portal. The use of this digital facility heralds a revolution that is potentially a “gamechanger”. Overall, a divorce can now between 12 and 16 weeks on average, whereas previously this could take as long as 18 months. With the ability to do everything digitally, some may feel less inclined to consult a Solicitor but instead to act for themselves taking no professional legal advice. The availability of digital divorces can also tempt people into a knee jerk reaction by issuing a divorce too quickly, for example, following a heated argument with their spouse. The best approach however is to always take legal advice before starting divorce proceedings. Online divorces, whilst swift and economical, do not take into account financial matters between spouses. For example, those using the online divorce portal may well need an additional financial order to formalise their

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

financial settlement. They should also be aware that ending the marriage itself can seriously affect their financial rights as between themselves and their spouse. As stated earlier, the lockdown restrictions have resulted in family court hearings being conducted remotely through video and telephone. Virtual hearings mean couples do not have to be in the same room; this can be of particular advantage to couples who do not want to sit together and affords them opportunity to have some space or where one party may feel uncomfortable being in the same room as the other. Remote hearings may not be suitable for all cases which may be better dealt with in person. For example, if all the parties are gathered in the precincts of the Court building for a hearing and discussions are underway often a resolution is achieved that way the same day. If the hearing takes place remotely and people do not like what the Judge says they have more opportunity to withdraw and the conflict may continue. What can Leeds Day offer? We at Leeds Day offer a comprehensive family law service embracing divorce, financial and children cases. If we are engaged to act for you our costs can be paid over the period of the case and you will always be aware of both what legal costs have been expended and what the likely future costs will be. To find out more or to book an appointment, contact Leeds Day on 0844 5672222, email family@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website: www.leedsday.co.uk/family.

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

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

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

Parenting

And so to sleep…

By Kate Duggan Older children and teenagers need around ten hours of sleep a night. Tell that to a hyperactive nine-yearold who’s still bouncing around the house at 11.30pm, declaring that he’s not even slightly tired… Wind down Remember the whole ‘bath, warm milk, story, bed’ routine you tried when they were little? A winddown routine still helps now they’re older; you just need to adapt it for their age. Make sure they’ve burned off their energy long before bedtime, and help them to calm their mind with a book, meditation app or calming music before bed. Fresh air Children need light, air and exercise to thrive. So do teens. My kids always sleep better after a day at the beach or a run through the woods. Those outings are pretty rare these days, but I try to at least drag them out for a walk a few times a week, or chuck them out into the garden to wear off some energy on the trampoline. It’s easier to get kids to exercise, but teens can be another matter. According to the NHS, teenagers need at least an hour’s exercise every day . Restrictions allowing, you could encourage them to go for a walk with a friend or head out for a bike ride. They could also start a new activity, such as a martial art or dance, even if they just follow an online class to start with. Cut the screen-time It’s best to have at least an hour away from screens before bed as the blue light can interfere with sleep. Ideally, keep tablets, phones, TVs and so on out of

bedrooms. It’s just too tempting to watch another funny video, answer a message or build another Minecraft creation. Stick to a routine Most of enjoy staying up later at the weekend and having a lie in. However, if your child struggles with sleep, it’s best if they stick to a routine – going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Keep a diary Everyone has the occasional bad night’s sleep. But if your child or teen regularly trails into the kitchen bleary-eyed and tetchy, it might be worth keeping a sleep diary. This basically just means noting down what time they fell asleep and woke up, the quality of sleep and anything that might have contributed towards that (e.g. stressed about school, sugary treat after dinner etc.). You can also note how much time they spent outdoors, how much screen time they had, what they ate for dinner and so on. At the end of the month, look back to see if there are any patterns. If there are, it might be time to make some changes. Do what works for you You need to do what works best for you and your child. If I know my kids really need an early night, I cuddle up with them in my bed and we all read together. They fall asleep earlier than usual and then I just take them through to their own beds. Many parenting experts would likely be horrified at this suggestion, but it’s what works for us. For more tips, visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleepand-tiredness.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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

NVQ 3 IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ECDL QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE IN WORD, EXCEL AND OUTLOOK EXPERIENCED RECEPTIONIST EXPERIENCE IN SAGE LINE 50 AND VARIOUS IN HOUSE ACCOUNTS PACKAGES • EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS *REASONABLE RATES* TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEBSITE AND GIVE ME A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS www.helpinghandsofficeservices.com Tel: 01767 690075 / 07966 554304 Email: maureen@helpinghandsofficeservices.co.uk

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Finance

Is Buy-To-Let Still Worthwhile?

Buy-to-let remains an attractive investment vehicle for many, but it’s an ever-changing market. The key is understanding the risks and responsibilities rather than thinking of it as a sure-fire route to riches. The appeal is obvious. The respective market conditions mean rents on a property commonly exceed mortgage costs, leaving headroom for a healthy profit even after maintenance costs. Buyto-let landlords also have the potential profit from long-term house price rises if and when they sell. The rental market varies greatly between regions. In the most recent annual figures, English rents rose nearly three times as much as those in Scotland. London makes a big difference: as a rough rule over the past decade, swings in the rate of increase have been more dramatic in the city than across the country as a whole. The long-term effects of changes to work and study locations on rental markets remains uncertain. Legal changes both effective and planned may also make buy-to-let less attractive. During the pandemic renters received extra protection against eviction when falling into arrears. Meanwhile the right of landlords to end rolling tenancies (those without fixed terms) on two months’ notice may be under threat. The tax situation is also changing. From the 2020-21 tax year, landlords can no longer claim mortgage interest as a taxable expense against rental income. Instead they can claim a 20 per cent tax credit on the value of mortgage interest payments. That rate is fixed regardless of the landlord’s tax bracket, leading some higher-tax and additional-tax payers to explore setting up a limited company to buy and

rent property and benefit from lower corporation tax rates. You’ll also need to take professional advice on the effects of capital gains tax if and when you sell the property. Rates and allowances are both under ongoing reviews, while the rules on what happens if you lived in the property before renting (or had a lodger) are changing. You’ll also need to pay attention to ever-increasing safety regulations. From April 2021 all electrical installations must be tested and inspected at least once every five years. None of this really matters if you can’t afford to buy a property for rental purposes in the first place. Much of the application and assessment process is the same as for getting a mortgage on your own home, though a buy-to-let mortgage is normally on an interest-only basis. Rates tend to be significantly higher than for residential mortgages, with 3 per cent a rough average at the end of 2020. You’ll need a high deposit, often at least 25 per cent of the purchase value. You’ll also need to show that the property can reasonably be expected to command a rent that’s at least 25 per cent higher than the mortgage payment. If you own more than three buy-to-let properties you’re considered a ‘portfolio landlord’ and government rules mean lenders have to apply stricter criteria to new applications. Remember also that you’ll have to pay any applicable stamp duty on each purchase (as and when the current coronavirus stamp duty holiday ends). The exemption for first-time buyers only applies when buying a property to live in yourself.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Established :: Trusted :: Local

Geeng I.T. right the ﬁrst me, every me. -- COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY SOLVED -• WINDOWS 10 UPGRADES & NEW PC’s / LAPTOP’s • FAULTS, REPAIRS & INSTALLATION • NETWORKING & BROADBAND • UPGRADES & UPDATES • APPLE IPHONE, IPAD & MAC • VIRUS REMOVAL & PROTECTION • DATA RECOVERY & BACKUPS • HOME AND SMALL BUSINESS • FIXED THERE AND THEN - COVID SAFE

Contact Stuart on: Tel: 01480 369 665 Mob: 07734 652 239

E-mail: stuart@shconsultancy.co.uk Whether your computer is not working at all or just needs a boost, I can help.

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

Staycation

Tenby

Discover Pembrokeshire

If you’re craving sandy beaches and coastal scenery, but aren’t pinning much hope on travelling abroad this summer, the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire could be the staycation you’re searching for. Nestled into the tip of Wales’ most westerly point, Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff faces, horseshoe bays and sandy beaches could fool you into thinking you travelled abroad after all. The county’s coastline is so beautiful, in fact, that it’s a national park in its own right. Then there are its Celtic and pre-Celtic sites, stunning castles and offshore islands, not to mention Britain’s smallest – and probably most charming – city. Whether you’re a rambler, birdwatcher or historian, or simply want to feel the sand between your toes, Pembrokeshire has something for Aroth Beach

everyone. And to top it off, it’s no more than half a day’s drive from much of the South-East and Midlands, and is easily accessible by train too. Before you get packing, check out these top things to do during your stay. Spend a day in St Davids The tiny city of St Davids is really no bigger than a village, but is full to the brim with history, religious significance and Welsh charm. Its star attraction is the twelfth century cathedral, which is also the birthplace and burial site of Wales’ patron saint, St David. A pilgrimage site for centuries, the cathedral still draws in thousands of religious and non-religious visitors each year. After a tour of the cathedral, pay a visit to the medieval ruins of Bishop’s Palace on the opposite side of the river. And don’t leave without stopping for ice cream or coffee in one of the city’s cosy little eateries! Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path 186 glorious miles of sheer coastal beauty, Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the most spectacular long-distance trails in Britain. Established in 1970, the path runs from Amroth in the south all the way to St Dogmaels in the north. Serious hikers take on the whole trail over two or three weeks, but you only have to walk a small section to get a taste of the coastline’s sublime scenery.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Drink in Pembrokeshire’s dramatic cliff tops and stunning ocean views, looking out for rare birds, and stop for a rest on one of the gloriously wide, sandy beaches that are peppered across the trail. Hop from beach to beach If you miss collapsing onto a soft, sandy beach, Pembrokeshire could be the answer. The beaches here are renowned for being some of the best in the UK. And with 50 to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. Barafundle Bay is a must-visit – a pocket of semitropical paradise on Pembrokeshire’s south coast. Home to the magnificent North and South beaches, Castle Beach and Harbour Beach, the seaside town of Tenby is also a fantastic place to stay if you’re a fan of sea and sand. Then there are the water sports. Adventure companies have been cropping up all over the peninsular, giving visitors the chance to try water skiing, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and coasteering. Born and bred on these very shores, coasteering is a Pembrokeshire speciality. Try this thrill-seeking combination of adventure swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping to get up close and personal with Pembrokeshire’s wonderful wildlife. Visit a Celtic village If you’ve ever wondered how things might have looked thousands of years ago, Pembrokeshire’s very own Iron Age settlement can paint a pretty accurate picture. Evidence of numerous Iron Age roundhouses has been excavated at the treasured historical site

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

of Castell Henllys, dating back to between 500 and 100 BC. The Celtic village has now been reconstructed for visitors to experience. Take a tour of the four roundhouses and old granary, and stroll across the site’s beautiful woodland and riverside paths, learning about Celtic life, myths and legends. Take a boat to Pembrokeshire’s islands Pembrokeshire’s rocky offshore islands are known for their rich and diverse wildlife, with puffins, grey seals and thousands of rare birds all calling the islands home. Skomer and Skockholm are by far the most visited. Take a boat trip there during nesting season to sight millions of seabirds, including razorbills, puffins, storm petrels and guillemots, and stay overnight to witness the islands at their most peaceful. Ramsey Island is another popular visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This RSPB bird reserve is an important breeding site for endangered species such as the chough and peregrine, and is open during the summer months for day trips.

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

T: 01733 322562 or M: 07468 442002

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Gardening

Perfect Planting By Pippa Greenwood

With the warmer weather and more time being spent in your garden, you may be considering additions, such as something to bring more architecture or structure, to clothe a wall or fence, or add perfume or perhaps colour at an ‘off’ time of year. It’s important to plant correctly, so what are the top tips for tremendous planting? Make sure the plant is properly suited to the space you have available and dig the planting hole bigger than the current root ball. Use a fork on clay soils, as this is less likely to impede drainage, and make sure the hole is large enough to incorporate some bulky organic matter plus some grit. Fork over the sides of the planting hole. Use garden compost, well-rotted manure or proprietary planting mix to improve the soil texture and add nutrients. If the soil is really poor, use some general fertiliser. Tease the roots out well before planting. If necessary, soak the root ball in water for a couple of hours first, to loosen it up and make it easier for the roots to spread. Lower the plant into the hole and gradually add the soil mixed with planting compost. Check that only the roots are buried, not the stem, as planting too deep can kill and will make the plant perform poorly. (The only exception to this is clematis.) Place a cane over the top of the planting hole to judge the correct soil level. Firm the soil around the roots. The surface of the compost on the existing root ball needs to be level

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

with the soil surface. Re-check the planting depth, water in well and apply a 7.5cm (3”) deep mulch all over the root area. This reduces moisture loss and helps keep weeds in check. Very lanky or large tress should be staked. Make sure that the stake goes in so that root damage is minimised, holding it in place with a tree-tie and buffer. Short stakes are generally believed to be best. Keep the new tree or shrub really well watered and don’t let the soil become dry – watering is key to success in this establishment phase. It’s good to have a garden that’s productive and pretty, so save some space for growing some vegetables. At this time of year, you can still raise some plants from seed yourself, but you may want to buy some garden-ready plants to get things moving even more quickly and ensure they crop before the season ends. For a selection of my favourite varieties of tomatoes, sweetcorn, broccoli, runner beans, climbing French beans, lettuces, beetroot, peppers, chillies, courgettes, squash, onions and more, accompanied by my weekly tips and advice, take a look at my new website and select what you want to grow from the UK-grown range! At www.pippagreenwood.com you’ll find stylish cloches, Nemaslug, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, Grower Frames and the ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa’ system.

Garden View

Purple sprouting broccoli Purple Sprouting Broccoli is a beautiful, tasty addition to the dinner table, and the garden. It has a great flavour, a long harvesting season and is nutritionally beneficial. A single portion provides half your daily requirement of carotenoids, plus high levels of folic acid and vitamins A and C. It’s definitely a ‘planahead’ crop though. If you start planting now you will give yourself something to look forward to next January, and as it is a ‘cut and come again’ crop, that long season should keep you going until April or May! Purple-sprouting broccoli is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -12°C. You can actually start raising seeds in March, for even earlier crops. I usually start the new year with good intentions of staggering my planting like this (because it is one of my favourites veg), then forget and end up planting in April or May. One of the reasons I love it is that I garden on fairly alkaline soil, in which it thrives. It prefers a heavier soil than mine ideally but seems to do well enough in my garden. I dig in a fair amount of leaf mould and well-rotted manure to bulk it up. Purple sprouting broccoli doesn’t like exposed sites, because the wind buffets the stems, so if your garden is more open it will need a bit of protection. Sow seeds into small pots or multi-cell trays, using a good quality multi-purpose seed and cuttings compost. When the little plants are large enough to

handle, prick the seedlings out and transplant them into single 9cm pots. Watering them in well. Once the plants have matured, fork the soil over. Remove large stones and perennial weeds. Even if your soil is heavier it’s worth digging in some organic matter to improve texture and moisture retention. I don’t need to add lime to my soil but if you garden on neutral or acid soil, you’d be advised to work some in. Transplant when the broccoli plants are 7-9cm tall. Water them well before removing from their pots, and plant them 50-60cm apart, with a similar distance between the rows. Brassicas dislike loose soil, so make sure you firm around the plants lightly with your foot. Water again after planting. Six plants will produce enough broccoli to feed a family of four. I grow more because I love it. Harvest when the flower shoots are well developed but before the flowers have actually opened. Cut the central spears with a sharp knife first, as this encourages the side shoots to develop quickly. Then crop the side shoots regularly to extend the cropping time. January seems a long way away right now, but a little planning and preparation will ensure that deliciousness will await when we get there.

Happy Gardening By Rachael Leverton

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Pets

Why guinea pigs make perfect pets When I was twelve I begged my dad for a pet. He vetoed a dog or a cat but one night he arrived home with a large cage which housed two chubby balls of cuteness. It was my introduction to guinea pigs. I christened them Siouxsie Sioux and Roxy (which gives away my teenage musical tastes). They became my characterful and vocal companions for the next six or so years. Guinea pigs, or ‘cavies’, are short-tailed, rough-haired South American rodents. They are longer-lived and friendlier than hamsters, and more socially acceptable than rats (disclaimer…I love rats, but many people don’t). Guinea pigs are pretty hardy and healthy if fed properly. They can be prone to dental issues and bladder stones, but proper nutrition and regular medical check-ups help prevent this. They originate from cool climates and don’t do well in hot, humid, or freezing conditions, so avoid positioning the cage next to a radiator or keeping them outside unless you have a very sheltered warm shed. The warnings in the previous paragraph notwithstanding guinea pigs are actually easy to care for. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables, a small quantity of specialist guinea pig pellets, and a vitamin C supplement each day. Their cage should be as large as possible and lined with paper-based bedding. It needs to be spot cleaned daily and thoroughly cleaned weekly. They are very sociable and highly fertile so don’t keep a male and female together unless you want baby guinea pigs! They are great pets for younger children under parental

supervision. They can be short or long-haired and come in a variety of colours. The long-haired ones are very pretty but do require frequent grooming. The fact that they can live up to 7-8 years (average around 5-6) is both a bonus but also something to consider if your child requests a guinea pig aged fifteen but plans to move out to attend university at 18! Guinea pigs are rodents with definite personalities so take the time to interact with a few before taking one home. Some are shy and quiet; others are bold and vocal. You need to choose one (or two) that suit your personality and expectations. One of the most delightful characteristics of guinea pigs is the sounds they make. They purr like a cat when they are happy and relaxed. They make soft squeaks and squeals to communicate and chatter their teeth when disgruntled. They also exhibit a behaviour called ‘popcorning’ - they jump up and down when happy or excited). My son (who has two guinea pigs) calls it their ‘happy dance’. It’s cute to watch; and they really do like people. They bond with their owners and are as interactive and friendly as cats or dogs. The flip side of this is that if they are ignored they can become depressed. Guinea pigs make amazing companion. If you’re considering a pet then check out these cute little creatures.

By Louise Addison

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Call 07494 583532 or 07966 523239

Arrington Garden Centre Come and visit our friendly team for expert advice! UK and home grown veg plants, herbs, bedding, herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees Large range of Mr Fothergill flower seeds Specialist composts, mulches, garden aggregates and grits ...and much more!

Located directly off the A1198 near Arrington, SG8 0AG | Open 7 days a week | 01223 208194 www.arringtongardencentre.co.uk | manager@arringtongardencentre.com

ALL YOU NEED FOR YOUR GARDEN, THROUGH ALL THE SEASONS To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Special Report

Why We Love an Online Quiz My friend Sally looked up from her phone and chuckled. ‘Look…this is me as a dog!’ She proffered her phone. The pic was of a Chihuahua, wearing RayBans, lying on a sunbed next to a cocktail…actually pretty representative of Sal, with her diminutive stature and love of beach holidays. Why do we find these online quizzes irresistible? Why do we have the urge to know what we will look like as an old lady, a man, or a biscuit? Most of us are more than a little self-obsessed. We like to talk about ourselves and we like to learn about ourselves. 40% of the words we utter in life are about us! Researchers in psychology at Harvard University ran a series of studies comparing how people felt when talking about themselves, compared to how they felt when talking about other people. The researchers found that, no matter how the studies were set up the results indicated that the reward centres in human brains were stimulated most during self-disclosure. We actually get a brain buzz from talking about ourselves! Online quizzes and surveys tend to ask questions such as, ‘What is your favourite colour from this selection?’ or ‘Would your ideal Saturday evening be spent a) dancing in a nightclub? b) camping in the Cairngorms? c) curled up with a good book in front of a fire?’ etc. The quiz allows self-expression based on personal preferences. We disclose something about ourselves which releases the shot of dopamine which makes us feel good. But we also like to learn about ourselves. Have you or any of your friends every taken part in an online quiz or survey which starts off by declaring, ‘Every woman has her own Eighties anthem. Which is yours?’ or ‘Which celebrity would play you in the movie of your life?’. You click the link, answer a couple of questions

By Tracey Anderson

and the song title or photo of the celeb pops up, along with, ‘Tracey is a hardworking woman. She’s been through some tough times but always keeps smiling. She is fiercely loyal and will stand by her friends through thick and thin. If you hurt her, she may not show her feelings outwardly but rest assured, she’ll never forgive you.’ We could all probably be described like that, and even though we know it’s hokum, like horoscopes, we lap it up precisely because these online quiz results are relentlessly positive, and while we love learning things about ourselves, we love learning good things about ourselves even more. We share it with friends because it validates the positive things we feel about who we are. Learning about ourselves is a national pastime. The self-help industry is a £7.5 billion per year business worldwide. Its entire premise is that understanding yourself is the key to a happier, more fulfilled life. People pay serious money to go on retreats, courses or to see a therapist to learn about themselves, which probably explains why a free quiz claiming to reveal our personality type based on which Avengers character we prefer is so alluring.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Greens up and thickens the lawn

Locally owned & operated business

Removes weeds & minimises moss

Regular personalised treatments

Completely safe for children & pets

No contract - Direct Debit available

www.greensleeves-uk.com • Email: hunts@greensleeves-uk.com

huntingdon_95_128.indd 1

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

09/03/2018 11:06

FOUR SEASONS TREE SERVICES Qualified & Professional Tree and Client Care

PRUNING • LOPPING • FELLING PLANTING • REDUCING & RESHAPING CROWN RAISING • HEDGE TRIMMING THINNING • POLLARDING • STUMP REMOVALS OVERGROWN GARDENS PUT BACK INTO SHAPE FRUIT TREES TREATED • LOG & WOODCHIP SALES FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE WITH NO OBLIGATION For quality jobs at a competitive price call:

Home: 01353 721665 - Mob: 07771 707921 All work carried out to BS 3998 Standard

A genuine family managed business est. for over 30 years - fully insured

Registered Waste Carrier This company offers a 7 day cooling off period

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Pets

Beautiful Cat Looking for a Forever Home We have a lovely cat that is looking for a forever home. A lovely cat who we will all dearly miss. His name is Max, and he joined us in October last year via the RSPCA Inspectorate. Very often when the national RSPCA pick up sick and injured animals, they are given to their local Branch to care for and rehome. Unfortunately, Max came in with horrendous wounds. It was not clear to the team whether his injuries had been caused by a bad collar injury, a burn, or another type of injury. But it was clear that he would need to be in our care for quite some time. Some animals such as Max, spend much longer in our care for rehabilitation purposes. It is essential that we make sure that each animal is fit, well and healthy before being rehomed. Our Vet advised that it would take time and some medical intervention to help him heal. Progress has been very slow, but very rewarding. We now feel we are nearly there, and Max is ready for the next stage, and to find a loving home. Max has spent a lot of time in our cattery facilities and also with one of our dedicated foster carers. He would make such a lovely pet. We believe he used to be somebody’s pet, but when he was found he was as a stray. Despite our best efforts, nobody has come forward to claim him.

Max is an extremely friendly cat. He has shown everybody a lot of love and affection. Max loves to play - his favourite toy is currently a walnut!! He is often seen with it bopping it around the room. Max is definitely a ‘lap-sitter’, and loves being cosy and warm. You will be pleased to know that he is a very clean cat and is very good at using his litter tray. Max loves going outside, so he will need access to a quiet garden. We think that Max is approximately 4 years old. If Max sounds like your ideal pet, then please contact the team using the contact details below. All of our dogs and cats will come spayed or snipped, vaccinated and microchipped. And, to help your pet in their time of need why not consider getting RSPCA Pet Insurance? If you need to contact our Branch (North Bedfordshire) for any reason we can be reached by the details below, or for an animal welfare issue or emergency, contact; 0300 1234 999. Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7. Email: info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk Tel: 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Special Report

Cycling With Bionic Legs! Cyrusher XF690 folding fat bike, £1,799 from Cyrusher.co.uk

An introduction to e-bikes E-bikes are like normal bikes given super powers: you still pedal them, but they have an electric motor that gives you some extra help. It feels rather like having bionic legs: you can pull away from traffic lights quickly and easily tackle steep hills. That makes them brilliant for commuting and urban cycling, and a great choice for people who want to improve their fitness and haven’t been on a bike for years. What kind of e-bikes are there? Commuter bikes are all-rounders while MTBs are mountain bikes and road bikes are racing bikes. The former have big tyres and great suspension, while the latter use super-light materials and aggressive geometry to achieve high speeds. Cargo bikes are for carrying loads that are too big for panniers or a backpack, and usually have bigger tyres and better brakes. Cube Cargo 2021, £4,599 from Cube.eu

How do I get the right e-bike size? E-bike sizes are usually expressed as S, M, L and XL. Small bikes are generally suitable for riders up to 5’5” while XL bikes are designed for six footers and above. Some e-bikes have very adjustable seats and handlebars that enable them to skip between sizes. Is there more than one kind of e-bike motor? Crank drives connect directly to the bike chain, while hub drives sit in the wheel hub – usually the rear wheel. Crank drives are more energy efficient and feel more natural when pedalling but hub drives are usually much cheaper. What about gears? E-bikes come with the same kind of gear systems as ordinary bikes and the gears adjust how much pedalling is needed – in higher gears you pedal less because Volt Metro Folding Commuter Bike, £1,599 from Voltbikes.co.uk

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

you’re going faster. With e-bikes you’ll usually be able to control the assistance level the motor gives you. You might choose Turbo for fast pulling away from traffic lights but Eco (or equivalent) when on a relaxing country ride. How do I know what battery to choose? Most manufacturers provide a battery range estimate, or you can calculate the range by dividing the battery’s power by 20 – a battery with a 400Wh rating should give about 20 miles on full assist, which is when the electric motor is operating at full power. Most e-bikes have a little bike computer that shows battery charge and the range remaining before recharging is needed. When the battery runs out of power, your e-bike behaves like a normal bike, albeit a heavier one. Typical recharge time is three to four hours and batteries typically last for two to four years. How much should I spend? You can get perfectly decent e-bikes for around £500, or you can spend over £4,000 on a carbon road bike. The more you spend the lighter the bikes become and the better the hardware: where cheaper e-bikes are designed for everyday use, the most expensive e-bikes are serious bits of sporting equipment with matching price tags. Whatever you buy, make sure you also acquire a very good U-lock: sadly, all e-bikes are targets for bike thieves. Swifty E-Mountain Bike, £799 from Amazon.co.uk

Motoring

What are premium fuels and are they worth it? You’ve probably seen premium fuels on offer when filling up. They’re often more expensive than ‘regular’ petrol and diesel, commanding more pence per litre with the promise of better efficiency – among other things. So, are premium fuels really worth it and what do they do? What are premium fuels? So-called premium fuels promise better engine response, smoother running, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. Premium petrol options deliver a higher octane rating – whereas regular unleaded has an octane rating of 95 in the UK, super unleaded increases this to between 98 and 100. This higher rating unlocks the engine’s full potential and allows it to run more effectively. Many petrol retailers offer premium fuels, such as Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate and Esso Synergy Supreme. Diesel, meanwhile, features a higher cetane rating in premium versions compared to standard ones. It means that the fuel ignites quicker when subjected to pressure in the engine. What do they promise? Premium unleaded is said to have an effect on throttle response, engine smoothness and emissions. They’re mostly pitched towards performance cars, as more highly tuned engines react more favourably to higher-octane fuels. You’ll probably notice that the powertrain responds more keenly to throttle inputs when it’s using premium fuel. Premium diesel, meanwhile, won’t affect engine

response much but promises cleaner running with fewer exhaust particulates being emitted. Should I run my car on premium fuels all the time? You’ll likely notice the switch to premium fuel if you have a high-end sports or performance car, particularly when it comes to longer trips where the fuel can better work through the engine’s system. Diesel owners will most likely benefit from premium fuel if they have a sooty engine, as these fuels can ‘clean’ the engine of any leftover deposits and hence rid your car of sooty emissions from the exhaust. What is the price difference? The difference between regular and super unleaded is quite large. At the time of writing it was 15p per litre on average – quite an increase that will certainly make a difference for a full tank of fuel. For example, a regular family-sized car with a 55-litre tank that cost £62.70 to fill with regular fuel would cost to £70.95 to fill with premium fuel. Should I use premium fuels as a way of maintaining my car instead? It’s a good idea. Rather than using a premium fuel each time you fill up, look at it instead as a way of preserving the life of your engine. Perhaps prior to undertaking a longer journey fill up with super unleaded or premium diesel and allow it to effectively work through the engine. By doing this, you allow these fuels to clean your engine. Over longer trips, your engine can properly warm up and clear any deposits. It’s a good technique to use prior to an MOT, too, when engines have to be at their cleanest in order to meet emissions tests.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Home Products

Create Great Storage in your Bathroom

Find a place for everything and make your bathroom both tidy and beautiful.

Baskets and smaller containers are handy when you need to sub-divide shelving. This new PEP&CO range is in Poundland stores now.

Match pretty storage pots to toothbrush holders and soap dispensers for a co-ordinated look. Dorma porcelain lotion dispenser, £12; tumbler, £10; small storage trinket, £10; and soap dish, £8, all Dunelm. Go for dark colours and interesting textures – they look great against white sanitaryware. Charcoal grey ceramic storage pot, £28, Ella James.

Tall and slim, a bathroom caddy is essential when you need to fit a lot of storage into a small space. Maxine mango wood bathroom caddy, £85, Made. A mirror can also function as a useful small shelf. Metal mirror with shelf, £99, Salt and Steel.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

A Place for Everything

A slim, wall-mounted cupboard with mirrored doors is invaluable in a bathroom. This one can be painted in a range of colours and offers a choice of handles or knobs. Rochester mirror cupboard, £290, The Dormy House.

Peg rails can be used for more than coats – why not add some useful wall storage to your bathroom? Oak hanging hooks, £15, Kinfolk Décor.

Clear jars are useful for identifying what’s inside. These are made from glass, with bamboo lids. Audley storage jars, £8 and £10, Garden Trading.

The terrazzo look is all the rage, and small pieces such as this concrete tumbler can really add character. Speckled concrete tumbler, £10, House of Flora.

By Katherine Sorrell

STOCKISTS Ella James: 01572 759 190; ellajames.co.uk House of Flora: 0333 303 4295; house-of-flora.com Made: made.com Salt and Steel: 07785 978 327; saltandsteel.co.uk

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

• Bathrooms look their best – and function most efficiently – when clutter is kept out of sight. If you don’t already have a vanity cupboard below your basin, you’ll have to think creatively. Can you mount a slim cupboard on the wall somewhere? If it has mirrored doors, then above the basin works perfectly. Inside, adjustable shelving is useful, and it may even be handy to add a hook or two on one or both sides. If you have young children and plan to keep medicines inside, it is best to add a lock. • Other options for walls – ideal for items you’re happy to have out on display – include shelves, racks, hooks and peg rails – all useful options depending on what you need to store. You could also add a rack to the back of the door, where its contents will be a little more hidden away. • When space is tight, think tall and slender. Ladder shelves, caddies (perhaps on wheels) and tallboy cupboards can be squeezed into small spaces and will hold a surprisingly large amount of bathroom kit. For very small items, use baskets or small acrylic boxes to subdivide the storage conveniently. • Bathrooms tend to be full of glossy white sanitaryware, so variations of colour and texture can be very welcome. It’s easy to add these in the form of small storage items – woven baskets, terrazzo pots, glass tumblers, wooden boxes and so on – which can be replaced quite cheaply when you feel like a change.

Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Garden Trading: 01993 845 559; gardentrading.co.uk Kinfolk Décor: kinfolkdecor.co.uk Poundland: 0800 731 5622; poundland.co.uk The Dormy House: 01264 365 808; thedormyhouse.com

Food & Drink

All the Quesadillas

Time to talk about one of the staples in my house. We are a bit quesadilla “crazy”. They are so versatile, so quick and so cheap that I just keep serving them up in different ways to my children. They are also a brilliant way of using up leftovers and, perhaps surprisingly, hold up pretty well in a packed lunch box too to be eaten cold at school. Once you have got the basics mastered, there is no looking back. For each quesadilla, you’ll need two large flour tortillas, the filling, a hot large pan and some olive oil. There are no limits to the filling combinations you can The filings will usually always need something melty, use. Here are some of the ones I use at home: just to glue it all together - not to mention that the translation of quesadilla is apparently “Cheesy-Dude”! Leftover chilli con carne and cheddar Simply build the quesadilla by placing one tortilla on Leftover bolognese sauce and parmesan your worktop, cover it with your choice of filling and Leftover Sunday roast and veg, topped with a little leave a border of a couple of centimetre. cheese (I love using brie with chicken) Top the filling with the other tortilla and heat up your Thinly spread tomato puree and grated mozzarella pan to a medium-high temperature. Grated cheddar, sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes Pour in a good glug of oil. Sliced cooked chorizo and feta Carefully slide the quesadilla in Lightly mashed butternut squash or sweet potato with and let the base crisp up nicely. feta Using a flat spatula, gently turn the French mustard, crispy bacon and grated Emmental quesadilla over and crisp up the cheese other tortilla. Serve immediately, cut into segments like a pizza. Camembert with red onion chutney

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 58

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 60

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

COVID-19 - SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMERS & COLLEAGUES

FREE*

Georgia toilet & basin with every bathroom order

A RELIABLE, QUALITY SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST • Gas Boiler Installation, Servicing and Repairs • Landlord Gas Safety Certificates • Central Heating System Installation and Upgrades • Radiator Flushing • All General Plumbing

Bathing a problem? – we can help • Wet rooms • Walk in showers and baths • Waterproof wall panelling • Slip resistant safety flooring • Grab rails & shower seats • Zero VAT on disabled bathrooms • Discounts for over 60s SSAFA and Ex Service personnel • Disabled Facilities Grants • Charity work and grants Call for friendly advice and free survey and quote

01480 275559

info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk Terms and conditions apply, visit our website for more details.

Village 62 x 93 .indd 3

Based in St. Neots Covering All Surrounding Areas

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

05/02/2021 09:21

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

Technology

The best gadgets for every kitchen Now that many of us are cooking so much more at home, there are lots of gadgets that promise to make our kitchen time better. Some of them enable you to do much more with much less washing up; others ensure brilliant results for every meal; and still others enable you to cook like the pros. One of our favourite kitchen gadgets is the electric pressure cooker. The most famous one is the Instant Pot, but there are lots of rivals. It’s a one-pot machine that you can use to make soup, stews, casseroles and even yogurt, and unlike many multi-cook devices it’s good at all of them. One of the best things about it is that it enables you to slow cook quickly: pressure cooking means you get all the flavour and tenderness of slow cooking in less than an hour. And when you’re done, there’s only one dishwasher-safe pot to clean. Another firm favourite in our kitchen is the air fryer, which gives you deep fried taste without the mess, smell or unhealthiness. They’ve come a very long way in just a few years and they’re brilliant for fantastic fried chicken, amazing chips and quickly reheating takeaways: the only thing they’re not great at is food with lots of runny batter, which just falls off. If you’re feeling really fancy, a Thermomix can do pretty much everything: it can vacuum cook meat, fish and vegetables for sous vide cooking; it can slow cook; it can caramelise, brown, blend, boil, knead, emulsify and more. It even has a display to show you video tutorials. It’s very expensive but it’s an incredible device. If you prefer to cook manually we’d thoroughly recommend the Thermapen, an instant thermometer that enables you to test the temperature of things like large roasts. It takes the guesswork out of cooking times, ensuring that every roast is perfectly done, and it’s also really useful in barbecue season when you don’t want to risk giving people undercooked meat.

Thermomix TM6 The TM6 is incredibly expensive but it’s a truly extraordinary intelligent cooking machine that’ll replace many of your existing appliances. £1,145, Vorwerk.co.uk

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus This isn’t the cheapest Instant Pot – the Duo is half the price – but this is more flexible and has a brilliant display that makes it even easier to use. £129.99, Amazon.co.uk

Philips Avance Collection Air Fryer Philips’ air fryers are easy to use, easy to clean and deliver excellent results. This is one of the larger models, with a 1.2kg capacity that makes it ideal for families. £250, Amazon.co.uk Thermapen This instant-read digital thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking meat, fish and bread, and while clones are cheaper they’re not as accurate. £51, Thermapen.co.uk Anova Precision Cooker Nano Sous Vide – gently cooking food for hours in warm water – delivers incredible tenderness and flavour, and the Anova enables you to do it in any big pot. It’s app-controlled, easy to use and produces amazing results. £129, Anovaculinary.com

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

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

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

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

07842 195152 01480 811629

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

se youU r local glazier

01480 896678

www.brookviewglaziers.com email: info@brookviewglaziers.com

CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

WE’RE HIRING!

we’ve got your home improvements covered PLUMBING & HEATING

BUILDING SERVICES

fit a new boiler

bathroom & kitchen installation

upgrade your heating system

new build

annual service for your boiler

home renovation

call: 01954 782920 or visit: www.ijcbuildingservices.co.uk IJC is a family run Cambridgeshire business with over 30 years’ experience. We offer a comprehensive range of domestic and small commercial works across all forms of building, plumbing, heating and renewable services.

45 Viking Way, Bar Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8EL 64

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Food & Drink

Drinks: The Spirit of Gin

History is in abundance in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Also, with this area being renowned as a prime agricultural region, numerous grains, plus vegetables, fruits and flowers, stem (excuse the pun) from here. Animals, including cattle and sheep, are another reason for Lincolnshire’s success, through to these modern times, plus events, sports, places and venues of much interest. Lincolnshire has its fair share of drinks’ producers and I searched for something that (I considered) was different and very worthwhile locating. The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd is a small and friendly family-based company, located in the historic city of Lincoln. All the team at the Gentlemen Distillers Ltd are or have been musicians, that played in brass bands and concert bands. The production of gins has to be ‘balanced’, with each inclusion playing its part – rather like the members’ instruments of a band. BANDSMAN GIN (40% vol) is produced using the method of cold compounding. A mix of both fresh and dried botanicals are utilised, to great advantage, to flavour the spirit in its liquid form. Smooth and silk-like, is how I would describe this gin. High-quality botanicals/inclusions used are Juniper, Dandelion Root, Tomatoes, Basil, Raisins, Rosemary, Parsley and Elderflower. Pale lemon, in colour, I found this gin crisp and with a good, fresh, juniper-led taste. BANDMASTER LONDON DRY GIN (40% vol) came into being following a substantial development period – a ‘journey of discovery’. The Bandmaster production finally evolved and was created by redistilling through a handmade copper pot still. This gin, too, gained much interest and praise, when launched, being crisp and with the initial bouquet enticing to the impressive mouthfeel. Herbaceous notes are most acceptably evident in this production, which has a hint of fruit, for an excellent ending on the palate. Ordering is easy (online, too). Orders are processed and dispatched quickly. These gins are perfect to enjoy on their own, over ice and with a good number of mixers, tonic, ginger ale, etc. Take time to find a favourite ‘tipple’. For all products, merchandise, details, gift presentations and stockists, please contact The Gentlemen Distillers Ltd. Tel: 44 (0) 1522 695 893 Mob: 44 (0) 7857 629 101 E-mail: james@thegentlemendistillers.co.uk and visit: www.bandsmangin.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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

Interiors

12 Ways to Make your Bathroom a Relaxing Oasis

1 By Katherine Sorrell

Recharge and Revive in a Bathroom that Makes you Feel Great Functionality comes first in the bathroom, but once past those basics, what else do we really want from this sometimes overlooked room? Somewhere to luxuriate in a spacious, powerful shower before the daily commute? A place where you can light a candle and soak in the bath with a good book and a glass of wine? A quiet spot in which to enjoy the preparations for a special party? There’s no reason why you can’t combine efficiency with aesthetics – and gain all the benefits of a space that looks good and feels good at the same time. Just like the best hotel bathrooms, you can make this room in your house a blissful escape from humdrum reality. Here are a dozen ideas to start you off: • Lighting is vital. Check that the bulbs in your light fittings are giving off the right light. It’s down to what you prefer, though try not to mix different light temperatures (warm or cool) in the same room. Choose smart bulbs and you can switch them on and off, change the colour temperature and dim them as you wish, using a remote control or an app. Or, if you have a light switch outside

the bathroom door, consider swapping it for a dimmer. • Sort out your storage. A room full of clutter is never going to be relaxing. Slim wall cupboards, shelves, ladders, caddies, peg rails and over-door hooks are options to consider, while small storage items – such as wicker baskets, pretty ceramics or bright plastic tubs – bring texture, colour and interest. • Plumbing can be confusing and is not always straightforward, but if your shower is pathetic it’s well worth investigating whether you can add a pump to turn a weak shower into a power shower. • Get rid of the grunge and scrape out the old grout and silicone between and around your tiles, especially if there are any mouldy areas. It’s not much work to redo them, but the difference will be extraordinary. • Replace a flappy, mouldy shower curtain with a shiny glass shower screen – the look is clean and minimally efficient (and won’t need replacing regularly).

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

• Jazz up your windows. Options include decorative window film, a beautiful blind (Roman or roller) or some minimal wooden louvres. • Add a large mirror – it’s not only useful but also helps to increase the feeling of light and space in the room, and can become a focal point. • Buy a new set of coordinating towels. The fluffier the better, in clean, bright, hotel-white or a fabulously colourful pattern. • Pop in some plants, large and small, high and low – they usually love the humid atmosphere in a bathroom and should thrive, adding a lovely, natural feel. Choose pots that complement your overall scheme. • Lay a woven cotton or ‘outdoor’ rug on the floor – it can easily be washed or wiped down and will introduce a softer feel, adding colour, pattern and texture, too. • It’s much easier than you think to change a dated pair of taps for some good-looking, modern ones. Check that they will suit your water pressure, and make sure the new spout extends the correct amount over the bath or basin – the rule is to look for ones that reach about as far as the plug hole. • A chair or stool is always useful in a bathroom, if you have the space – even if it’s just to throw clothes over or to hold soap and books next to the bath.

2 Longer-term changes If you are rethinking your entire room, decide on basic layout issues at the start. Should the WC be in a separate room, for example? Do you need to knock down or add partition walls? Or would you like a walk-in shower, extensive fitted storage or perhaps a pair of his and hers basins? Avoid moving existing plumbing, if possible, as it will save money and effort. However, if the floorplan of your current bathroom really isn’t working for you, this one-off plumbing cost could be worth it in the long run. When thinking about the overall room design, it makes sense to build shallow false walls within which to hide cables and pipework, while installing underfloor heating allows you to remove a radiator, thus freeing up some wall space for a statement towel warmer as well as providing cosy, constant heat. A brand new lighting scheme can provide a real upgrade and, if you’re renovating the whole bathroom, it may be possible to install two lighting circuits: one for working lights and the other, on a dimmer switch, for soothing, ambient lights. Some gorgeous new flooring is a must: for the look of luxurious stone or marble on a lower budget, lookalike porcelain tiles are a great option, while vinyl flooring comes in a huge range of colours and patterns.

1 Wooden blinds are elegant and practical, and come in a range of natural colours, or brighter, painted shades. Luxury Clay Brown wooden Venetian blinds with tapes, price depends on size, English Blinds. 2 Incredibly glamorous, these pink wall tiles have a glossy, crackle-glazed finish, and fit right into this luxurious bathroom, which features huge amounts of built-in storage. Bella Pink wall tiles, £35.99 per square metre, Tile Mountain. 3 This hybrid bath is designed with the smaller room in mind, allowing luxury, comfort and choice to fit into even a modest space. Mini Ebb shower bath, £1,495, Waters Baths of Ashbourne.

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

Short Story

The Box Man “Mrs Asquith, you know how you said to let you know if a customer comes in with a peculiar interest in boxes?” Natalie poked her head around the stockroom door. “I think he’s here now.” “Not him again! I thought the police had taken care of him.” Mrs Asquith hurriedly gulped her tea. “Natalie, keep some rubber gloves and antibacterial spray handy, we’re going to need them.” It had been several weeks since the box man had visited the shop and Mrs Asquith hoped she’d seen the last of him. He had some very strange habits. So far she’d managed to avoid sharing the details with Natalie; the girl was young and impressionable. Natalie followed her back to the counter where a gentleman stood waiting, cleaning his nails with his keys. “Can I help you, sir?” Mrs Asquith enquired politely. “My assistant tells me you’re after boxes.” “I am indeed.” He smiled broadly. “I have an unusual request.” “Perhaps I could direct you to our display.” Mrs Asquith gestured at the shelves behind her. “We’ve got gift boxes, large plastic boxes with lids, boxes for storing items under the bed, all at very reasonable prices.” “He said,” Natalie leaned forward to whisper in her ear, “have we got any boxes we don’t want.” “I’m after big boxes.” He smiled. “A box big enough to fit a big box in, if you catch my drift?” “I beg your pardon?” Mrs Asquith frowned. She glanced at Natalie, who shrugged. “I’m moving house next week,” he said. “As you know it’s an expensive business.” “It can be, yes.” Mrs Asquith had to agree. “So I’d like to keep my sundry costs to a minimum,” he continued. “I’m therefore looking to you for donations.” Mrs Asquith raised her eyebrows. “We’re a shop, sir. We sell boxes.” She spoke as clearly and politely as she knew how. “We can’t afford to just give them away

By Jackie Brewster

otherwise we wouldn’t stay in business for very long, would we?” “That’s what I told him,” Natalie said, “and then he asked to speak to the manager.” “A lot of our customers buy those big sturdy ones for a house move.” Mrs Asquith returned his attention to her display. “And they’re good value for money if you buy the multipack.” The man both nodded and shook his head, as though considering and dismissing her suggestion at the same time. “What I’m really after,” he leaned forward onto the counter, “are the boxes these boxes were delivered to you in.” He winked, as though this was all perfectly clear. “You mean the packaging?” Natalie said suddenly. “The cardboard boxes?” “Bingo!” He slammed his palm down. “I assume you have no use for those?” “They’re all packed flat, waiting to be recycled,” Natalie protested. “I did it myself this morning.” “Then you won’t mind if I recycle them for you?” He smiled smarmily. “With some parcel tape they’ll be good as new.” Mrs Asquith sighed. It was close to closing time, he clearly had no plans to make a purchase and she was in no mood to argue. “Natalie, go into the back room,” she said finally, “and grab a couple of those empty boxes for this gentleman.” “I thank you kindly, madam.” He bowed. “Do we still need these?” Natalie whispered, showing her the rubber gloves and the antibacterial spray hidden under the counter. Mrs Asquith looked at the girl in surprise, and then laughed. “Oh no, dear, not this time, thank goodness.” She chuckled. “This gentleman isn’t the box man I warned you about. This is a new one.”

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

PREFERRED PLUMBING AND HEATING

 24 Hour Plumbing and Heating Call Out Service  Oil and Gas Boiler Installation, Repair and Servicing  Heating Controls Installation and Upgrades  Bathroom Installations  Underfloor Heating  Landlord Certificates  Plumbing and Heating Inspections

20% Off

Oil Boiler Servicing

Gas Safe & Oftec Registered

for new clients with this advert

We undertake all plumbing and heating work No job is too small

Contact: 07463 004120 Email: steve@preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk Website: preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk 70

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Exercise

Born to Run - Tips for all Runners Did you start Couch to 5K during lockdown? Did you fall in love with running? Or do you need motivating? Here are our top tips as runners. Walk – You heard us. Walk to warm up, loosen your muscles, and prime your joints for the activity of running. If you walk the first five to 10 minutes of your workout, especially if it’s early in the morning, of you’ve been sitting at a desk for hours, it’s easier on your body and you’ll find your rhythm more quickly. Go slower – Not walking this time. We mean find your sustainable pace. This is the pace you can run at easily and most of your runs should be at this level of effort. Once or twice a week you can do the speedwork and tempo runs, which train your body to get faster. Running this way reduces your risk of injury and burnout. The sustainable pace should be slow enough to maintain a conversation without huffing and puffing, but not so slow you can sing your favourite song! Find your time of day – We all have a natural body clock. Try running at different times until you find the perfect workout hour for you.

Eat wholesome carbs beforehand – The meal you eat before your run should be the most carb rich one of the day (think fruit, veg and wholegrains rather than chocolate cake!), so your body has plenty of ready-to-burn fuel. Obviously don’t eat JUST before you run…but you knew that, right? Make it recreational – Choose a great playlist, or your favourite audio book or podcast. Or run with a friend to catch up on all the gossip or put the world to rights. This is your time, and it should be enjoyable, so you’ll look forward to it and want to keep doing it. By Izzy Holden and Susan Brown

 All building work  Property maintenance  Kitchens and Bathrooms  Painting and Decorating  Carpentry and Joinery  Plumbing and Tiling  Electrics  Fencing and Landscaping

Contact: 07463 004120 Email: steve@preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk Website: preferredplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Crossword Puzzle Solution from our April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Anne Goodger, Gamlingay

April’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Choose (6) 4 Bends (6) 9 Latest style (7) 10 Work out (5) 11 Scour (5) 12 Remove (7) 13 Arguing (11) 18 Changed (7) 20 Used to steer a car (5) 22 Attempted (5) 23 Kindergarten (7) 24 Area, district (6) 25 Head of newspaper (6)

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

16th May 2021 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Down 1 Least risk (6) 2 Not the winner (5) 3 Type of plant (7) 5 Overturn (5) 6 Rogue (7) 7 Bedding (6) 8 Unconnected (11) 14 Loosening (7) 15 Taken down (7) 16 Haggle (6) 17 Participant (6) 19 Wireless (5) 21 Expel (5)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Shire Roofing

Quality above all

Family Run Roof Design and Costing • Slate and Tiled Roofing • Specialist Lead Roofing Installations Mineral Felt & GRP Roofing • Maintenance and Repairs • Property Maintenance

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Books

Coming-of-age Tales Stories of grit, determination, friendship and hope Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens

When her mother walks out, Kya is left to fend for herself – her father too drunk or disinterested to care for a young child. Kya finds her own way in her beloved marshlands. Many years later, popular Chase Andrews is found dead. Fingers start pointing at the reclusive ‘Marsh Girl’, whose shack Chase is known to have regularly visited. Can Kya receive a fair trial by the town that turned its back on her? A powerful, lyrical read that will leave you wanting more.

By Kate Duggan

We Need New Names By NoViolet Bulawayo

In some ways, Darling is like any other ten-year-old – running around with her friends, chatting about pop stars and creating mischief. But Darling is living in a poverty-stricken area of Zimbabwe called Paradise. Her friends are dressed in rags, her school has been closed and there are few opportunities to break out. But when Darling gets the chance to move to the USA, it’s far from the paradise she hopes for.

King of Rabbits By Karla Neblett

Girl A By Abigail Dean

Lex Gracie is Girl A. The girl that survived the house of horrors. The girl that escaped and freed her siblings. Now in her twenties with a successful career, Lex is tasked with executing her dead mother’s will. She wants to turn her former home into a community centre. But to do so, she’ll need her siblings’ agreement and to confront her own past. This is far from an easy read, but it’s even harder to put down.

King of Rabbits is a story of a child brought up in a family ravaged by drug addiction, poverty and crime. The story is revealed by both five-year-old Kai and his teenage self. One is full of optimism; his main concern is whether he can become the fastest runner in his primary school. Fifteen-year-old Kai, however, is defined by a past tragedy and seems set to follow his parents’ mistakes. At times heart-breaking, at others hopeful, King of Rabbits is a stunningly wellexecuted debut novel.

Body of Stars by Laura Maylene Walter

Careless By Kirsty Capes

Like all the other girls she knows, Celeste was born with a pattern of birthmarks setting out her future, and with it, the future of her family. At some point, those birthmarks will become fixed and Celeste will enter a transition to adulthood. But this transition is a dangerous time. Can Celeste forge her own path, or is she bound to follow the road set out by her birthmarks? A unique, dystopian story, with relatable characters, Body of Stars is a must read for fans of A Handmaid’s Tale, Vox and The Power.

Bess is fifteen, a foster child and pregnant by an older teenager who isn’t interested in a full-time relationship. But this book is about so much more. Above all, it’s about friendship, resilience and that tricky time of being a teenager and feeling like the world is against you. In Bess’s case, she has more obstacles to overcome than most teenagers, but she faces them with wry humour, bucketloads of grit and her best friend by her side. The author was in care herself and keen to widen the narrative around children in care. She’s succeeded.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

Classifieds Plumbing

Electrician

Gary’s Plumbing

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections

Over 40 years experience No job too small!

No job too small. Free estimates Established in 1996 Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111

Please call Gary on

07530 728091

Heating and Plumbing Services

Property Maintenance

Motorhome and Caravan Servicing

Business gone slow? Let us help!

Pest Services

Reliable Local Pest Control Services. We provide fast and effective control of WASPS, RATS, MICE, COCKROACHES, BEDBUGS and FLEAS. ULV residential and commercial disinfection services. Jobs and service contracts catered for. Call today 01480 369802 / 07969753267 Please note: we are currently using unmarked vans

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Al-Anon Family Groups..............................0800 008 6811 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Addenbrooks Hospital............................... 01223 245151 Papworth Hospital..................................... 01223 638000 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..............................................................................111 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 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com 79

Cambs May 2021

Articles inside

£25 Villager Prize Crossword

Born to Run - Tips for all Runners

Make Your Bathroom a Relaxing Oasis

Drinks: The Spirit of Gin

The Best Gadgets for Every Kitchen

Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe

Cycling with Bionic Legs

What are Premium Fuels?

Create Great Storage in your Bathroom

Beautiful cat Looking for a Forever Home

Why We Love an Online Quiz

Why Guinea Pigs Make Perfect Pets

Purple Sprouting Broccoli

And so to sleep

Is Buy-to-Let Still Worthwhile?

Perfect Planting

Digital Divorce and Financial Proceedings

Discover Pembrokeshire

u3a St. Neots and District

Stress and Anxiety

Meeting Outside? Time for a Picnic

East Anglia's Children's Hospice - We Need You

Star Shine Walk

Say Cheese.... How to get Brighter Teeth

Summer Key Wardrobe Items

A Day in the Life of a Butcher's Boy

The History of the Chimney Sweep