Cambs May 2022 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 157 - May 2022

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue A Joyous Jubilee

Study for Success Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Inside this issue Plant a Tree for the

Jubilee Easter Parades and Traditions

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in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue... Yoga for Beginners

Buckden Towers - A Gateway into English History.................. 4 Niagara Falls............................................................................................ 6 A Joyous Jubilee.................................................................................... 8 Yoga for Beginners..............................................................................10 Ahead of the Curve............................................................................ 12 Wines: Choosing a Selection........................................................... 17 Trends, really?.......................................................................................18 Embrace the Curls.............................................................................. 22 Study for Success............................................................................... 25 No Fault Divorce Has Arrived........................................................36 Spending Abroad................................................................................28 Choose a BMAS Mobility Bathroom............................................32 Making Positive Mental Space for Gardening.......................... 34

Beds for Elderly Dogs........................................................................ 39 The Great British Spring Clean......................................................40 Seasonal Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Chicken.................... 42 The Kimbolton Country Fayre.......................................................44 A Cleaning Career............................................................................... 47 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What's On in May...............................................................................50 Save Your Energy - Insulate Your Loft........................................ 53 The Cars Best Suited to Longer Journeys..................................54 Villager Prize Crossword..................................................................58 The Book Nook....................................................................................61 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Niagara Falls

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, Solange Hando, Catherine Rose, Katherine Sorrell, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Kate Duggan, Louise Addison, Leeds Day Solicitors, Caroline Knight, Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, RSPCA and Kate McCarthy

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

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History

Buckden Towers:-

A Gateway into English History There are few better sites to contemplate England’s changing history, past & present, than the Bishops palace at Buckden. The parish church reminds visitors of the four centuries of English history spearheaded by the Frenchman William the Conqueror. Under his successors the small manor owned by the Lincoln bishops grew into an important site for administering Church business, providing local boar and venison as well as fish from its ponds and wine from local vineyards. The Tudor bishops rebuilt the site with buildings still in use today, which served briefly for the imprisonment of Katharine of Aragon who is remembered today with a beautiful Knot Garden. Oliver Cromwell’s men pillaged useful materials and timber but the Restoration Bishops restored the site, which still has some superb specimens of trees they to admire today. By Victorian times the site was no longer needed for church purposes and it acquired a quality Victorian House while the Great Tower became a garden ‘Folly’. Partially restored between the 1st & 2nd World Wars it was returned to religious use in the 1950’s and has been restored to a private but active site. You can visit it by booking a tour via the Friends of Buckden Towers who can personalize it to your interests and provide light refreshments if needed.

By Peter Ibbett 4

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Travel

Niagara Falls By Solange Hando

Straddling the Canada-US border, Niagara is one of the ‘World’s Big Three’, alongside Iguazu and Victoria, and for sheer power and popularity it is top of the list in North America. Draining the waters of Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the river is only thirty-six miles long but awesome from end to end. The Natives called it ‘Great Thunderer of Waters’, honouring the god dwelling in the cataract. According to historians, the first Europeans to view the Falls were a French explorer and his priest who spoke of waters that “foam and boil in fearful manner”. There was twice as much water in those days, prior to hydro-electricity production, but as you approach the Falls Mother Nature still sends shivers down your spine. Three falls will take your breath away. On the US side are the American Falls and beyond Luna Island the Bridal Veil with the best overall view from the Observation Tower. Then comes Goat Island with its shuddering Cave of the Winds and on the other side the Horseshoe, the biggest fall, 2,600 feet across and almost entirely on Canadian territory. It captures 90% of the water rushing over the ledge and drops 187 feet. How much water over the Falls? Almost enough to fill a million baths a minute, they say, but on March 29th 1848 it all stopped as ice blocked

the upper river. This was the first time the Falls were completely frozen, having tumbled and roared ever since the Great Lakes were created at the end of the Ice Age and water carved its way towards the Atlantic. The best panorama is from Canada but cruising below the Falls is stunning from either side: turbulent water, rocks, islands, spray all around, then expect to get really wet (cape provided) when you reach the Horseshoe. It’s exhilarating and a highlight worth queueing for. Other attractions (Canadian side) include a ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ – follow the tunnels and see the Horseshoe plummeting right in front of you – and the Skylon Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Falls and the legendary Rainbow Bridge between the two countries. Then there are tales of daredevils who challenged Niagara, among them the amazing Blondin who performed myriad antics on a tightrope and sixty-three-year-old schoolteacher Annie Taylor who achieved the first successful barrel jump over the Falls. Tourist facilities are available on both sides but ground adjacent to the Falls has been secured for permanent parkland, with flowers and trees adding their own charm according to season. There’s a State Park on the American side and, along the escarpment in Ontario, a biosphere reserve listed by UNESCO. Meanwhile, beyond the Falls the river follows its course through a dramatic gorge, over six miles long, all rapids and whirlpool, before flowing into Lake Ontario in the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake. Erosion has slowed down in modern times so the Niagara Falls might be with us for another 50,000 years.

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Special Report

A Joyous Jubilee! June’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations mark an extraordinary 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, surpassing the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21st April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street, London, the girl nicknamed Lilibet wasn’t destined to be Queen. She was the eldest daughter of Prince Albert and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Duke and Duchess of York. The Duke, a shy man with a pronounced stammer, was the younger brother of Edward who was heir to the throne, and the family of four with their two daughters were anticipating a quiet life without the heavy responsibilities of rule. However, an event that shocked the nation was to propel Elizabeth into the spotlight and take her on a quite different path. Only twelve months after his coronation, Edward VIII’s love for a twice-divorced American woman, Wallace Simpson, led him to abdicate. It may seem strange to us now, but even into the 1960s it was strictly taboo for a sovereign, or member of the Royal family, to marry a divorcee. As second in line to the throne, Edward’s brother Albert had to take his place. Crowned King George VI on 11th December 1936 at 40 years old, Princess Elizabeth, then ten, became heir. From that point, her education and upbringing focused on the fact she would one day be Queen. In 1947, Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in Westminster Abbey. They settled in Clarence House and two years later Prince Charles was born. Although still only 55 years old, in the summer of 1951 King George’s health began to fail and the young Princess Elizabeth had to undertake her first official duty when she stepped in to represent her father at the Trooping of the Colour. That autumn, Elizabeth and Philip departed for a tour of Canada and Washington DC, where the young couple was enthusiastically received. In January 1952, they set out for another tour of Australia and New Zealand. However, on 6th February, while en route in Kenya, the King died of a coronary thrombosis at Sandringham. Elizabeth immediately flew back as Queen. She was just 25 years old. After three months of private mourning for her beloved father, Queen Elizabeth moved into Buckingham Palace and began to start the routine

By Catherine Rose

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Coronation portrait, June 1953, London, England. duties expected of a monarch. She took her role seriously, conducting her first state opening of Parliament in November 1952. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953. Controversially, Prince Philip was instrumental in having the ceremony televised. Both the Queen and her husband subsequently worked to modernise the monarchy while retaining its traditional sense of public duty and creed of “never complain, never explain.” Like all of us, Queen Elizabeth has lived through difficult times, and last year lost her husband and life companion. But despite bouts of ill health herself, she has stoically continued her duties. Now, aged 96 and still head of the Commonwealth, she has lived a life of service to her country and is admired, respected and loved around the globe.

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Sport

Yoga for beginners Yoga has been practised for thousands of years. Modern yoga mainly focuses on Asanas (postures or poses) and Pranayama (breathing). Stressed? Achy? Stiff joints? You need some yoga in your life… What benefits do you get from yoga? Yoga can help to improve your flexibility, balance and muscle strength. It can also be a great stress reliever and may help to ease anxiety, lower your blood pressure and help you to get a better night’s sleep. Who can practise yoga? Yoga is a low-impact exercise that’s suitable for most people. No one will care that your downward dog pose isn’t perfect or that you wobble a bit doing standing balances. You’re never too old to start and there are even chair-based classes for people with limited mobility. Are there different types of yoga? There are several types of yoga. Hatha is the one most commonly practised in the UK. If a class just says ‘yoga’, it’s likely based on Hatha principles. Other styles include Vinyasa, Iyengar and Sivananda. Bikram and other forms of hot yoga takes place in a studio that’s been heated to 33-41°C. Is yoga the same as pilates? Pilates often incorporates yoga poses, but it’s also influenced by other exercises and tends to involve more movement. Pilates is less spiritual than yoga and places more focus on improving core strength. What should I wear for a yoga class? You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that won’t restrict your movement, trip you up or fall over your

head when you’re bending down. You can invest in exercise clothes designed specifically for yoga, but a T-shirt and pair of leggings will do fine to start with. Yoga classes often end with students lying still for a mindfulness or breathing exercise, so you might want to bring a jumper or light blanket in case you get cold. What equipment will I need? For most types of yoga, you won’t need any special equipment other than a yoga mat. This provides a bit of cushioning from the hard floor and helps prevent your hands and feet from slipping when you’re moving through the poses. Your instructor might suggest using other equipment, such as yoga blocks and straps, but these will usually be provided by the studio. If you’re planning to try hot yoga, you’ll need a towel and a water bottle. How can I learn yoga? It’s best to join a beginner’s class led by a qualified yoga instructor who can check you’re doing the moves correctly. Not only will this help you to get the most out of the poses, it’ll also reduce any risk of injury. Can I learn yoga online? If you can’t afford to sign up for a class right now or want to practise yoga more often, you could try a class on YouTube. Adriene Mishler is probably the best-known online yoga instructor and has hundreds of free videos on YouTube, many of which are suitable for beginners. Search for ‘Yoga with Adriene’.

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Home Products

Ahead of the curve

By Katherine Sorrell Float this elegantly curved sofa in the middle of your living room to anchor an organic furniture plan, or pop it in an underused corner to make a subtle statement. Ether curved sofa in graphite velvet, £4,725, Jonathan Adler.

Welcoming, comfortable and luxurious – one of this year’s top interiors trends is for elegant schemes, striking or subtle, that feature rounded, organic, curvy shapes. Contemporary design meets mid-century style in this cool printed cushion, available in canvas and faux suede. Thelma cushion, from £40, Gail Myerscough. This glamorous but understated occasional side table is made from solid American walnut, with a base in blacklacquered tubular steel. Pebble table, price on application, Ligne Roset.

Finished in toughened black glass, and with a black, polished-marble top, this statement sideboard has a distinctively curved shape and features two spacious cupboard areas and three drawers. The interior is in black stained ash. Anastasia black glass sideboard with brass details, £1,319.99, MY Furniture.

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Round and Round

This alluring headboard is made from a lightweight velvet in a glamorous, scalloped design, creating a sophisticated focal point for an elegant bedroom. Art Deco super-king headboard in beige linen, £1,500, Rockett St George.

This organic statement pendant is hand crafted in Stoke-onTrent from the finest bone china. Each ‘pebble’ is attached with brass slotted finials, with a matching brass ceiling rose and grey cotton braided cable. Pebble pendant, £1,649, Original BTC.

Contrasted with the straight, square lines of the window, the curvy pieces in this living room make an intriguing statement and have a welcoming yet stylish look. Gigi six-light ceiling fitting, £125; Arlo boucle compact two-seater sofa in ivory, £399; Arlo distressed faux leather chair in grey, £249; Enzo cage coffee table, £249; Contour abstract rug; from £109; all Dunelm.

This striking vase has a sculptural, organic feel that would work equally well on its own or combined with ceramics. Galwell curved glass vase, £65, Cult Furniture. Made in the shape of an irregular pebble, the woollen tufts of this rug are sculpted in different heights, achieving the effect of topographical curves. Gavrinis 3 rug in beige, price on application, Ligne Roset. STOCKISTS Cult Furniture: 020 8185 6960; cultfurniture.com Gail Myerscough: 07914 264 973; gailmyerscough.co.uk Ligne Roset: ligne-roset.com/uk Original BTC: 020 7351 2130; originalbtc.com

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• Specifically designed for comfort and relaxation, upholstery is, of course, inherently soft and at least slightly rounded. If, however, you are in the market for a new chair, sofa or headboard, you may wish to up the ante and choose a style that features heavily rounded outlines and extra-squidgy shapes. • A circular rug makes a nice change from the usual square or rectangle. And an organic, non-symmetrical shape would be even better still. • Organic, sculptural shapes can take centre stage in all sorts of other ways, from light fittings to mirrors and side tables, and even small accessories such as vases or candle holders. Add abstract artworks featuring fluid lines and flowing shapes to emphasise the look. • Think about prints: introduce a few curvaceous patterns, whether striking or subtle, on wallpaper, cushions or blinds. • Balance the look with clean, straight lines for added interest. To allow the scheme to shine, keep colours relatively neutral and monochrome, and minimise clutter. Overall, it’s an aesthetic that’s an appealing combination of bold and soft, retro and modern.

Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Jonathan Adler: 020 7589 9563; jonathanadler.com MY Furniture: 0800 092 1636; my-furniture.com Rockett St George: 01444 253 391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk

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

Counselling Service Depressed? Anxious? Relationship Issues? Low Self Esteem? Have you considered Counselling sessions? Based in Grafham village, I offer a professionally qualified Counselling Service to individuals and couples in a secure, confidential & non-judgemental atmosphere. Ample parking. Concessionary rates available.

For further details:

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

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

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Food & Drink

Wines: Choosing a Selection

Sparkling wines are a very popular choice, for many people and make an occasion into an event and an event into a celebration. The popularity of sparkling wines increases yearly and they offer excellent value. Numerous countries, globally, have winemakers producing sparkling wines. These types of wines are widely available and I searched for a retailer, that offers a good selection of ‘sparklers’, as well as still productions. English wine is increasing greatly, in appreciation and recognition, gaining numerous awards, both in the UK and abroad. MORRISONS THE BEST ENGLISH SPARKLING BRUT VINTAGE (11.5% vol), I found to be very impressive. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes are utilised, to great advantage, culminating in a grand, finished product. This brut sparkling wine is stored for several years, in cool cellars, before being released. The fine bubbles receive much admiration, from sparkling wine lovers. A very good floral and citrusy bouquet continues to the mouthfeel and sensation for the palate. From France, I located MORRISONS THE BEST CRÉMANT de LIMOUX (12.5% vol). This brut sparkling wine is made in partnership with Sieur d’Arques. Dominant with Chardonnay and aged for a minimum of 12 months in bottle, this ‘sparkler’ is another extremely popular production, indeed, with a good ‘stream’ of bubbles, adored by many. A very good aroma of apple hints, extends to the fruity, citrusy pleasures, on the mouth. Italy is another country with an impressive history for producing sparkling wines. MORRISONS THE BEST PROSECCO VALDOBBIADENE DOCG (11% vol) has a great number of ‘devotees’, too. This production graces dining tables regularly and is very much appreciated and respected, having a good perlage to please the eye, then a most acceptable bouquet and mouthfeel of apple sensations, plus white fruits. I located these sparkling wines at a Morrisons store, in their ‘The Best’ range, which was developed by their wine experts. Perfect by themselves and also to accompany a lot of dishes, including fish, seafood and white meats. Dating from 1899, Morrisons have become a leading supermarket, providing a wealth of products, from everyday household essentials, through specific requirements, to an excellent range of wines, spirits and other beverages. For all products and information, please visit www.morrisons.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

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ey Trevor Langl 17

House of Colour

Trends, really? I love the fashion update we produce twice a year for our clients. This is a great way we stylists can help our clients keep up to date while still honouring their own personality, individuality and body shape. We all go through phases of thinking perhaps that we can’t be bothered, can’t face the shops and frankly don’t know where to begin when it comes to trends and whether any of them are worth being part of or even suit us. But, there is a saying that by keeping our look contemporary we give the impression that our thinking is contemporary – worth considering..? This isn’t about wearing the latest fads or spending a lot on a new wardrobe every season but the odd item that suits us and has a nod to the newer looks. To give you some inspiration: • Joyful brights – you may have heard the term ‘dopamine dressing’. The brighter shades around now are certainly intended for that! Lots of brights for all the seasons, stunning apple green and tangerine for Springs, seagreens for Summers, vibrant fuschia pinks for Winters and rich grass greens for Autumns to name a few. • Anorak – never thought I’d be writing this but yes the anorak is having a moment. Look out for feminine cagoules and longer length parkers with zip detailing. You can wear with pride. Handy at the very least! • Hyper texture – this is texture that is exaggerated. Style into details, add it in accessories. Too much can look messy if it’s not in your clothing personality. • Cargo pants – harking back to a little 90’s nostalgia the cargo is revamped with sleeker lines and different fabrics. Consider the pocket placement and detailing to ensure they are in a flattering position for you. A silk option as an event dressing also an option.

• Wider legged trousers – more volume is definitely more! Many options around often with elasticated waist and draping fabrics. Versatile with a jacket more formally or dressed down with a knit top informally. • Relaxed knits – wider silhouettes and relaxed styling make these an easy addition to your wardrobe. Perfect for layering on cooler days sleeveless options abound! • Bold prints – in maxis for holiday wear, shirting and flowing fabrics. Also to be found in co-ord sets (top and bottom in same print) are a great option in the warmer weather. Needless to say not all trends are our friends, and not all seasons make it easy, but we can all find something that lifts our look and our spirits! This season has some real shifts in it that have given a wider variety of clothing personalities something to go for. Pick up a copy of your fashion update from your stylist. 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

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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

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Beauty

Embrace the curls Whether your hair is wavy, coiled or curly, our top tips will help you achieve soft, frizz-free locks. Switch to sulphate-free - Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and the like can be very drying and strip your hair of its natural oils. Switch to a gentle shampoo that’s free from sulphates or silicones. Or, if your hair is very curly, you might want to skip shampoo altogether and just wash with conditioner. Ideally, aim to wash your hair every three to seven days. Follow each wash with a leave-in conditioner spray. Use a hair mask - Curly hair is prone to dryness, so you’ll want to deep condition your hair once a week to add moisture. Massage a generous amount of a thick conditioner into your hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag and leave for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out. Don’t throw out your rice water - Cooked some rice? Leave the water to cool and then pour it over your hair. Yes, really. Pop a shower cap over the top and leave it to sit for half an hour before rinsing. Follow with a conditioning treatment. Rice water is rich in proteins, amino acids and other nutrients, so it can help to strengthen and moisturise your hair. Go cold - A blast of cold water at the end of your shower is never pleasant, but it will help your hair cuticles to lie flat, which makes your hair look sleeker and shinier. Ditch the towel - Towel-drying your hair is a recipe for frizz. Use an old T-shirt instead and scrunch your hair rather than rubbing it.

Don’t brush - Brushing hair can lead to damage and frizz. Instead, just lightly comb your hair with your fingers. If it does get tangled, slather it in conditioner and use a wide toothed comb to work out the knots. Use a curl cream - Look for a styling cream designed for curly hair. Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream (£20, www.cultbeauty.co.uk) is a good choice for silky soft curls. It’s lightweight, so it won’t weigh your hair down. Oat peptides help to lock moisture in. And, unlike mousse, it won’t leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy. Air dry - If you have time, leave your hair to dry naturally. Otherwise, use a hairdryer with a diffuser, but choose the lowest heat setting. Swap your pillowcase - The easiest thing you can do to prevent frizz is switch to a silk pillowcase. Unlike cotton, it doesn’t absorb moisture and your hair will glide over it rather than rub against it. Yes, a silk pillowcase seems like a luxury, but if you look after it, you’ll reap the benefits for years. See www. pillowboxed.com. Experiment - There are so many different curl types. What works for one person might not work for you. So, you will have to experiment to find the exact routine and products that give you those beautiful bouncy curls you’re craving.

By Kate Duggan

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Education

Study for

Success

By Louise Addison

Get the results you want with our top tips It’s been a weird couple of years when it comes to studying and exams. The 2022 cohort have had it tough, yet they will still be expected to sit external examinations in this gradual return to the ‘new normal’. It’s all a bit of a mish mash of assessments and examinations, and queries over what will be in the papers and whether students will have covered enough. Whatever the variety of opinions of how this year’s exams have been handled certain truths about revision hold true, no matter the circumstances. Preparation is the key to revising effectively. Make sure you know what type of exams you will have – short questions, multiple-choice or essays – and what topics they will cover. Organise your course notes and textbooks so that everything is easy to find. Work out how much time you have for each subject and don’t avoid the ones that you find particularly difficult – or easy. Make a timetable, but don’t spend so long making it look beautiful that you’re behind before you start! Remember to include your other commitments and try to maintain your normal routine of mealtimes, exercise and so on. Think about the time of day that you work best – some people are night owls while others get more done in the early morning. Plan a ten-minute break in every hour and don’t work for more than three hours at a time. Now divide the topics you need to learn into manageable chunks. To help memorise information, make notes and put as much as you can into your

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own words. Summarise key points and write them on index cards or sticky notes that you can put around the house. You may find that making a spider diagram or mind map is helpful. Try inventing your own mnemonics, such as Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the points of the compass. You can also visualise a scene that includes details you need to remember – a battlefield or mountain habitat, for example. Make the most of revision classes offered by your school or college. You could also revise with a friend – practice explaining difficult concepts and ask each other challenging questions. Get hold of as many old exam papers and example questions as you can. Familiarise yourself with the way questions are worded and make sure you understand exactly what they are asking you to do. Prepare draft answers to questions that come up frequently. When the exam gets close, complete a paper within the time limit to get an idea of how quickly you need to work. To keep motivated, reward yourself with a weekly treat such as a trip to the cinema or a favourite meal. But if it’s not going so well, don’t give up! Adjust your timetable and focus on the areas you find most difficult, or common questions. Keep thinking about what a good grade will bring – a university place or that dream job. The night before the exam, have a quick look through your notes, but don’t cram. Get an early night so you wake up refreshed and ready to go. Good luck!

Leeds Day

No fault divorce has arrived Simon Thomas, a Partner, collaborative lawyer and the family team leader at Leeds Day LLP, discusses the impact the recent changes in divorce law should have on how separating couples approach children and financial matters. The 6th April 2022 marked the biggest change to impact marriage breakdown in decades. The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 brings about the removal of blame or the requirement to live separately for at least two years as reasons for divorce. Does taking the blame out of divorce mean the end of family lawyers? Not at all. For many years family lawyers have recognised that the reasons given for a couple separating have had little, if any, material impact on the future plans and arrangements that need to be made following on from their divorce. That one party behaved in such a way that the other party could no longer be reasonably expected to live with them would not itself be a factor in separating financial resources or making arrangements for the children. I often tell clients that a family court does not exercise moral judgement on one party or the other; its focus very much being on the future and what each party needs to be able to live independently from one another and, where children are concerned, what works best for them above all else. Turning the focus to the future As a family lawyer for over 20 years, I have seen many clients who have focused so much on their past that it created a distraction and shifted focus away from resolving the important issues that needed to be addressed. When anchored to the past, separating couples can often find themselves unable to move forwards, either emotionally or practically, and yet the courts have expressed a lack of interest either through irrelevancy or simply a lack of time to do so.

Huntingdon Godwin House, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3BD T: 01480 454301 26

To quote a senior Judge, the courts discourage parties from undertaking a general “rummage through the attic of their marriage to discover relics from the past” in order to assert a greater level of contribution to the marriage than the other party. A simpler divorce process There is now only one ground for divorce: the marriage has broken down irretrievably. A person can no longer dispute a divorce either save for questions relating to the validity of the marriage or jurisdiction. Language used in the process has also simplified; for example, “decree nisi” has been replaced with simpler description of “conditional order”. Simplifying the legal process does not make it easier to get a divorce. There is and never has been such a thing as a “quickie divorce”, a phrase often used by the media. The new process will take at least 6 months to conclude with a waiting period of 20 weeks from the date of issuing the divorce application before the applicant, or with the new law, both parties as joint applicants, can apply for the conditional order. This 20 week period is designed to give the couple time to pause and reflect on their marriage and to also focus on the practical arrangements that need to be made over children and financial matters. Parties will be actively encouraged to reach agreement wherever possible, using out of court dispute options where possible. Whilst no-fault divorce will not remove the pain that people feel when their marriages end, it will hopefully help them get through the legal process of separation with less emotional impact and help prepare them for the next chapter of their lives. For more information please contact Simon Thomas or the family team at Leeds Day LLP at simon.thomas@leedsday.co.uk or family@leedsday.co.uk or visit www.leedsday.co.uk

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

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

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Finance

Spending abroad

With travel restrictions easing, more of us will be taking a city break or soaking up some sun overseas this summer. That means using foreign currency, but what’s the best way to spend abroad? CASH While a range of options could be best for your case, the golden rule to remember is never to get currency at the airport if you can help it. Those exchanges usually offer highly uncompetitive rates, knowing that at this point you have little opportunity to shop around. The earlier you can get your money, the more options you have. As well as specialist currency exchanges, many supermarkets and large retailers offer foreign money, though you may need to order money for some countries a few days in advance. You can also use online exchanges that will post the money to you by a secure delivery service. To be sure you get the best deal, check out online comparison sites that show you the available rates and fees. BANK CARD Another option is to use your existing bank cards, either to withdraw cash overseas or to make purchases. Using a combination of cards and currency exchanges may be the best blend of cost and convenience. However, you’ll need to check with your bank to see what fees apply. This can be a complex issue as it involves several different fees. Some cards carry a fee to use a cash machine abroad, usually a few percent of the withdrawal amount. Some cards carry a fixed fee for every purchase you make. With both withdrawals and purchases, you may be charged an ‘exchange load’, which is effectively a fee in the form of a slightly worse exchange rate than the current market rate.

CREDIT CARD Be particularly wary of using your ordinary credit card to withdraw cash overseas. You may have to pay interest for the period between making the withdrawal and paying it off on your account, overriding your usual interest-fee period for purchases. Making cash withdrawals on a credit card may also be seen as a bad sign on your credit record, so it’s definitely worth avoiding if you are planning a loan or mortgage application in the coming months. If you expect to be spending a lot overseas, you could consider getting a specialist credit card. These usually carry no fees or exchange load, so you get the cheapest spending. The downside is that they often carry high interest if you don’t pay your bill in full, so they are better as a source of convenience rather than borrowing. You will also have to go through the usual credit checks when applying, so not everyone will be approved for every card. You could also get a prepaid travel card. These let you ‘load’ the card with a balance in pounds and then lock in a fixed exchange rate. Once you’re overseas, you can use them like an ordinary debit card. Check fees carefully: you may have to pay a transaction fee each time you spend or withdraw cash.

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Bathing Mobility

Choose a BMAS mobility bathroom for independent living in the home you love

Wet Room

Walk in shower

Are you thinking about renovating your bathroom? Your current bathroom may be tired and in need of updating, or you may be planning for when getting around the house becomes more difficult. Or you may have an immediate need, unable to get in and out of your traditional bath or finding the shower difficult to use. Whatever the reason, it makes sense to speak with a bathing mobility specialist who has the expert experience to design and install your bathroom. When using the Bathing Mobility Advisory Service (BMAS), you really are in safe hands - their sole focus is designing and installing mobility bathrooms. Managed by Lee Brand with 26 years’ experience in the adaptation industry, they have been installing safe, easy access bathrooms locally for over two years, with over 200 bathroom projects already completed. Regain your bathroom and your independence Their passion is to provide you with a safe bathroom environment that will improve your everyday life and indeed, your quality of life. BMAS listen to you so that the bathroom they create will meet your individual requirements exactly. Even though a new bathroom may seem an extravagance, it can mean someone has more years of independent living and brings peace of mind to the whole family. Wet rooms are the ultimate accessibility solution, offering total level access, but BMAS also install bathrooms with low level shower trays and walk in baths. Combined with specialist slip-resistant flooring, easy-clean hygienic wallboards, safety grab

rails and fold down shower seating, your bathroom can become fully usable again. A complete service for your convenience BMAS provides an end-to-end service, starting with the initial free consultation to providing a well thought-out, accessible bathroom design and a comprehensive quote. They supply all the products and carry out all the necessary works themselves, including removing the old bathroom and any building adaptations and electrical works. Importantly, they manage the whole process for you, so you won’t have to arrange multiple tradespeople and payments and they will be there to answer your questions every step of the way. Works can be completed in as little as four days and your home will be kept clean and tidy throughout. To find out how BMAS could help you visit the BMAS showroom at 67 Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1DB, call 01462 889 097, email them at herts@bathingmobility.co.uk or see bathingmobility.co.uk

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Gardening

Making positive mental space for gardening Make mental space for gardening Phrases come and phrases go and ‘cancel culture’ is one of the current expressions thst tends to arouse passion. Within the gardening community we prefer to think in terms of ‘subtraction satisfaction’. What is this and how can it help improve mental health (another well-used phrase that uses loaded language)? Simply put, most of us need to do less. Many people seem to have too much going on. The digital age and our comparatively luxurious lifestyles mean there are multiple demands on our time. There’s always another gadget to buy, ‘life-enhancing’ changes to make to the home or that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ holiday to save for (these things always happen more than once). We work more in order to play more and often give in to peer pressure urging us to join in with a greater number of things. This lifestyle suits a wide range of people, but very rarely is it perfect for gardening folk. So, this wonderful time in spring is the very best time to

make space for gardening. Subtracting commitments from the diary will help you to do it. Gardening cannot be rushed! A garden is a healing, nurturing place where mental health is soothed and the soul is fed with contentment. Tend to your green carpet in glorious spring This is the month of plenty, so it’s vital to allow yourself time to enjoy it. Garden tasks can feel overwhelming because everything is growing so fast. Prioritise the lawn, if you have one, because it will provide a visual feature during the months to come. Cut and reshape the edges, it’s amazing what a difference this makes. Gradually lower the cutting blade each mowing time, aiming for grass length of around 6cm – don’t be tempted to take it too low. Most importantly, leave some patches of longer grass for wildlife. At least one square metre is recommended. Joyful garden tasks for late spring The long days mean that summer is almost here and early spring growth in the garden can be tidied up to

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make way for the glorious summer show. Springflowering shrubs often benefit from being pruned back to healthy buds, but take time to check the most effective method for each species. In the case of forsythia, for example, best results are achieved by taking out some of the older stems, right down to the ground. This thins the shrub whilst still allowing it to adopt its natural form. What you don’t want is a ‘mechanical massacre’ whereby everything is rounded into a blob. Take a walk around your local modern housing estate to see it! Abelia, choisya, helichrysum and chaenomeles can also be pruned now. Climbers such as clematis need you to be wise. Some of them can have a light clip at this time of year, but not those that are about to flower! The easy-to-remember advice “if it flowers before June, don’t prune” will tell you what type of pruning group your clematis falls into. The early-flowering clematis only need a very light clip after flowering, whereas those that flower after June will mostly benefit from a harder prune next February. This will encourage the plant to produce flowers all the way down the stems rather than purely on the newer top growth. Celebrate the season by planting out your annuals towards the end of the month, when all danger of frost has passed. Hanging baskets and bedding will provide vibrant colour and interest right through until October. Jobs in the kitchen garden • If you are growing strawberries, lay straw between the plants and the soil. It will lessen the chance of mould spoiling the crop and will keep those luscious red fruits clean, too.

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• Did you know that you can achieve greater yields from your vegetable beds if you plant in triangles rather than rows or squares? Stagger your plants, but don’t plant too closely. The crop is far better when there’s a bit more space in between. • It’s time to make supports for runner beans. Allow about 2.5m of height and plant just one bean per support. These can go in the ground at the end of the month. • Chit and plant potatoes, if you haven’t done so already. They like soft, crumbly soil. Always avoid planting them in boggy sites. • Get weeds under control this month and it will make the rest of the growing season much easier. Hoe when the weather is dry, as this stops weeds in their tracks. Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

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Pets

Beds for Elderly Dogs A place to rest their head, extra support for arthritic bones and a little extra TLC - dogs need all of these things as they grow old. Being aware of the issues they face and what you can do to help, will make their twilight years a happy time for both of you. An orthopaedic bed with a memory foam mattress will support their joints by moulding itself around them, helping with blood circulation. Problems such as hip dysplasia often show themselves in middle age, so even if you don’t consider your dog to be elderly, it may be worthwhile investing in this type of bed. Luxury beds A self-heating bed has metallised insulation below the lining and Charley Chau Snuggle Bed £100. ‘reflects’ your pet’s body heat back for extra warmth. Covered http://www.charleychau.com/ with a sheepskin or fleece outer layer, your dog will love you all winter long! By Caroline Knight Hard floors are very popular with many home-owners and particularly with pet owners, but would you want to sleep on one? An elevated bed keeps your dog away from a cold floor. One of the most important considerations is the material used to make the bed and mattress. You can buy alpaca fibre and soft fleece fillings, but it’s also important to think about practicality, so zip-off covers should be a priority to maintain hygiene. A comfortable place to sleep is important for dogs of all ages, but particularly so for those in their later years.

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Pets

The Great British Spring Clean

Between 2020 and 2021 we received a staggering 7, 500 calls about animals that were injured or caught up in litter. This equates to an average of 10 incidents per day! And this is only the ones that we actually know about. The RSPCA have therefore launched a national campaign to help address this upsetting statistic and to raise awareness of litter’s impact on our environment, ecosystems and wildlife. Our plea to prevent animals from suffering is simply to join us in the Great British Spring Clean and to help us Keep Britain Tidy. Our team of inspectors on the frontline are regularly responding to wildlife emergencies. They are rarely surprised by the entanglements and litter traps that they release our wildlife from. We are heavily reliant upon on the eyes and ears of the general public, and for them to report such cases. As a result, many will go unseen and the only way the suffering will stop is if we are more mindful about our litter and how we dispose of it. Litter is still an ongoing issue across the country. We are now seeing a new menace on our streets. We are all used to wearing face masks to help us all keep safe but the disposable face masks are not always being disposed of responsibly. They are being seen far too often discarded as litter and not placed in bins. This worrying new trend that is emerging requires a swift response. We are advising that you must ‘snip the straps’ before disposing of the face mask, to reduce any likelihood of it causing distress to an animal. Similarly, animals can also get entangled in the plastic hooped packaging around tins and cans. They can suffer deep wounds or even choke. Help prevent suffering by always cutting the loops before recycling. Animals looking for food can get trapped in cans or injured by sharp edges. To help prevent harm to animals, clean and empty containers after use, pinch cans shut and cut containers in half

before recycling whenever possible. Balloons. While a nice touch at a party, animals can actually try to eat balloons and then choke or become impacted by discarded decorations. You can help protect animals by cutting up balloons before putting them safely into your bin. It’s really that simple! Balloon releases are also very threatening to wildlife. Always deflate balloons and bin them once the party’s over. Sadly, even balloons marked as degradable may take a number of weeks to degrade - yet it only takes a second for an animal to swallow a balloon. Everyday objects that seem perfectly safe can sadly become hazardous when found by animals. By disposing of our rubbish safely instead of littering, we’re making choices that could save many lives. 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. info@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 266965 / 01234 930304

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Business gone slow? Let us help!

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Seasonal Recipe

Full of Mediterranean flavours, this one pot dish is perfect for busy days.

Mediterranean baked chicken with new potatoes and tomatoes Ingredients 8 new potatoes, halved 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless 2 tsp Italian seasoning Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp crushed garlic 1 onion, finely chopped 1 400g can coconut milk 200g cherry tomatoes, halved 4 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped 1 tbsp cornflour 250g baby spinach leaves Handful of basil leaves or parsley to serve, optional 1. Preheat the oven to 180C / 160C fan / gas mark 4. 2. Place the new potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water and parboil for 5 minutes, then drain. 3. Rub the chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. 4. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a casserole dish. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves 4 until starting to turn lightly golden. Flip over and cook for a further 5 minutes. 5. Remove the chicken and place on a plate. 6. Add the rest of the oil then stir in the garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes to soften. 7. Pour in the coconut milk. Add the chicken, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and new potatoes. Stir well. 8. Cover and place in the oven for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. 9. Remove the pan from the oven and place on the hob. 10. Mix the cornflour with a little water to slacken. 11. Stir in the spinach and cornflour mixture. Simmer for a couple of minutes over a low heat to thicken the sauce. 12. Serve with a scattering of basil or parsley (if using) and a mixed salad.

Nutrition per serving: 329kcal, fat 21g (of which saturates 16g), carbohydrates 15g (of which sugars 5.2g), protein 35g

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Local News

Sunday 10th July at Kimbolton Castle All Profits go to charities and good causes supported by Rotary On Sunday 10th July the annual Kimbolton Country Fayre is being held in the attractive 60-acre grounds of Kimbolton Castle. New this year: The Stannage Stunt Team, Welsh Axemen and a new Wildlife Display. We also welcome back the beagles. 800+ classic cars accompanied by their owners, over 50 stall holders, coconut shy, archery, secondary ring events, big band music, dancing, Dreamrides to mention but a few. We still have our favourites such as Beagles, Galaxy Big Band, Lindy Hop and Morris Dancers. Also new this year Barefoot Doctors blues band. As you would expect at such an event, the catering is important too. There will be both Beer and Tea

Marquees available, serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and sandwiches in separate covered seated areas. Also, a wide selection of other food stalls including a burger bar, fish and chips and superior quality ice cream available throughout the day. Also new this year a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. For more details, visit our web

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

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

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Special Report

A Cleaning Career Houses, offices, factories, shops and public areas all have one thing in common: they need to be regularly cleaned and that needs people to do it. Although most people do clean their own homes, there’s a significant demand for domestic cleaners. WHY BECOME A CLEANER? The work has flexible hours and offers a premium rate of pay. For a job which may be viewed as relatively unskilled – there’s no such thing as a cleaning degree - pay rates are well over the minimum wage. Provided you are trustworthy, reliable and good at what you do, you’ll always be able to find work. SELF-EMPLOYMENT At first glance this seems ideal. You set your own pay rate and you choose when to work. But anyone who’s self-employed knows it’s not quite as simple as that. You will have to visit each potential customer to see what their requirement is and come up with a mutually acceptable amount of time to do the job. You need to agree what your duties do and don’t include and you need to be prepared to accept short notice changes to your cleaning day, criticism of your work, cancellations, finding new customers and dealing with your own tax and national insurance. Your clients can usually terminate the agreement with no notice. WORKING FOR A COMPANY This option removes all the self-employment hassles although it may be a bit less flexible in that you are

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likely to be asked to commit to regular shifts. But you’ll have full employment rights including sick pay, holiday and pension. If you want to do commercial cleaning – shops and offices for example – you’ll almost certainly need to be with a company. THE CASH ECONOMY Let’s not pretend otherwise; many cleaners don’t declare their income. They expect to be paid cash means they don’t have to pay tax and reduces the cost to their clients. But if you do this, the benefit is all with the person you are cleaning for. That is, if your rate is high enough to cover the tax bill, the take home pay is the same amount. Furthermore if you’re being serious about this as a way to earn a living, ‘cash only’ means you could ultimately lose out. The lockdowns of the last couple of years really highlighted this. People who had been operating in the cash economy suddenly found themselves with no income and with no tax records to be able to claim furlough pay. ARE YOU GOOD AT THIS? If you see cleaning as a quick way to make a bit of money but you aren’t that good at it, you really won’t last. A householder may overlook dust and a few cobwebs when they do their own cleaning, but if they are paying for it, you can bet they’ll expect much higher standards. Again if you are working for a company, you’ll have the benefit of training which will stand you in good stead for a long satisfying career.

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. 48

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN MAY 1 MAY The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk 10.30am Free event – donations welcome Experience the sight and scent of a carpet of bluebells in the ancient Brampton Wood. Meet at Visitors Barn, Brampton Wood (TL184698). What3Words plates.plodding. photocopy. Park in the Trust car park. Everyone welcome. Tel: George 01480 450809 3 MAY Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Members £1, non-members £3, under 18s free Guided walk in Brampton Wood, a haven for nature. Learn about the conservation work within this very beautiful site from the experts. Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com for more info/to book 3, 10, 17 & 24 MAY St Neots Sinfonia 7.45-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Tuesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotssinfonia.org.uk 4 MAY Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, Brampton High Street Meets the first Wednesday of the month. Visitors welcome. 4, 11, 18 & 25 MAY Kimbolton Bridge Club 10am-12pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday for friendly, social bridge. Players of all standards are welcome with or without a partner. Just turn up!

4, 11, 18 & 25 MAY St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time. Tel: 01480 212298 for membership enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 5 MAY Roxton & District Local History Group 7.15pm for 7.30pm Roxton Village Hall Members free, visitors £4 Talk by Ken Lewis ‘The History of National Service. Did it make or break you’. Email: mariascreen1@gmail.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAY Riverport Singers 10.15-11.15am The Corn Exchange, St Ives Community choir for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends. Come along and sing a range of songs (folk, pop, musicals) in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Tel: Agi 07757 811802 Email: agipeach@icloud.com Web: Facebook.com/ riverportsingers 5, 12, 19 & 26 MAY Bingo 7.30pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club Eyes down for the weekly Bingo session! Web: www.assc.org.uk 6 MAY St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘The Facts and Folklore of the Littleport Riots 1816’ by Dr Maureen James. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk

6, 13, 20 & 27 MAY Great Fen Little Bugs 10.30am-12pm Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights Wildlife Trust BCN child member £5, non-member £7 A fun and sociable morning of exploration and discovery for preschool children and their guardians. Web: wildlifebcn.org 7 MAY The World of Gilbert and Sullivan 6.30pm St Botolph’s Church, Stow Longa Tickets £15 Performance by the well-known singing group ‘The Wandering Minstrels’ who will sing, act and dance their way through a selection from eight of The Savoy Operas. A must for G&S fans so get your tickets early. Proceeds to St Botolph’s Church. Tel: Tickets 01480 860263, 01480 860519 or 01480 860018 7 MAY Jubilation! 7.30pm-9.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £19.50 A massed bands concert by the Band of the Grenadier Guards and Huntingdonshire Concert Band. Jubilation! will include an exciting programme of music for everyone spanning 70 glorious years. Raising funds for ‘SAFFA’ (The Armed Forces Charity). Web: www.hcband.co.uk Tickets: https://www.ticketsource. co.uk/pac/t-yrlqnk 7 MAY Huntingdon Comedy Club 7.30pm Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Tickets £13 + booking fee With Troy Hake, Alison Spittle, Stephanie Laing and Adam Beardsmore. Line up may be subject to change. Web: www.chuckl.co.uk/ huntingdon-may

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN MAY 8 MAY Hinxton Watermill Open Day 2.30pm-5pm CambridgePPF members free, nonmembers - adult £3, child £1 This stunning working watermill dates to the seventeenth century. On six Sundays during the summer the mill is opened and guides will show you how the mill works and tell you the history of this incredible building. No need to book. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org 9 MAY St Neots Astronomical Association 7.30-9.30pm Paxton Pits Visitor Centre ‘Snowball Earth’ by Paul Fellows. Meets first Monday of the month (second if bank holiday). During the summer months we have visiting speakers covering a range of Astronomical subjects with spectacular slides. No astronomical knowledge needed to appreciate the talks. Non-members welcome first visit free. Web: snaa.co.uk 14 MAY Jumble Sale 10am. Entry 20p Keysoe Village Hall Organised by The Village Show at Keysoe to raise funds to finance the show in September. Tel: 01234 378878 17 MAY 10am-12pm Dementia Café St Ives Free Church, St Ives £2.50 per person. For people with dementia and their carers. Tel: George 07725 588145 Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity 18 MAY Godmanchester WI 7.30pm Church Hall, Chadley Lane, Godmanchester Spring flower arranging. Meets the third Wednesday of the month. Regular speakers and activities. New members welcome.

23 MAY Wild Babies at Paxton Pits 9.45-11.30am Paxton Pits Education Centre, Little Paxton Bring your pre-walking aged baby along in a buggy, pram or sling for a gentle relaxing stroll with plenty of chance to chat to other 'wild baby' parents. Web: www.wildlifebcn.org

28 MAY Wandlebury Wildlife Day 11.30-4pm Wandlebury Country Park Fun and informative nature activities for all ages. Free, drop-in event. Part of the Cambridge Nature Festival. Activities include pond dipping, sweep netting, nature trail and much more. Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

26 MAY St Neots & District Gardening Club Meetings 7.30pm St Mary's Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 ‘Cacti and Succulents’ by Barry Gayton. Visitors welcome. Web: www.stneotsgardenclub.org. uk

30 & 31 MAY Holiday Bushcraft for 5-12 years 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park £38 per child/day Experienced qualified teachers from Wild Thyme & Embers will inspire children and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild. Focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach. Web: wildthymeandembers.co.uk

27 MAY Knit, Lit and Natter 2pm Huntingdon Library Do you love to knit, crochet or sew? Do you also love to read? Get together with other crafters to work on projects and chat about books. Call or pop into the library to join up. Tel: 0345 045 5225 27 MAY Quiz Night 8pm Alconbury Sports & Social Club £3 each. Maximum six in a group. Prize for the winner. Web: www.assc.org.uk

5 JUNE Jubilee Flying Circus Air Show 9.30am-5pm Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade From the moment you arrive, circus performers on the ground and in the air will leave you with wide eyes and open mouths, whilst a circus skills workshop will teach your children the ropes. A truly unique day out and memorable occasion for all the family to celebrate. Web: www.shuttleworth.org/ jubileeflyingcircus

27 MAY-30 JUNE Cambridge Nature Festival The Cambridge Nature Festival is a celebration of nature on our doorstep, as well as the wonderful people and organisations that work tirelessly for the natural world. Nature-based activities and events will be held in and around Cambridge and will include BioBlitzes, guided nature wanders, live music, wildlife ID workshops, art installations and much more. Web: www. cambridgenaturenetwork.org

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Energy

Save Your Energy - Insulate your loft It can’t have escaped your notice that gas and electrivity bills have been rising at an astronomical rate. Energy is suddenly a more precious resource than ever before and we want to preserve every last joule. One of the most efficient ways to conserve energy in your home is to make sure it’s properly insulated. Heat rises, so if your loft isn’t adequately insulated your home could lose as much as a quarter of its heat through the roof. There are four types of insulation to choose from. Mineral wool matting is sold in rolls and is laid between the joists, with a second layer placed at right angles to cover the joists. Rigid insulation boards can be laid in lofts used for storage. Laid on top of mineral wool, wooden boarding is then fitted on top of the insulation boards. Alternatively, floor boarding pre-bonded with insulation board is available. If your loft space is irregular use loose-fill insulation. It’s sold in bags, and is poured between the joists to the correct depth. Finally loose, fire-retardant insulation material should

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be blown into loft areas that are hard to access. This is not really a DIY job so hire a professional. It should take no more than a few hours. In all other cases if you are experienced at DIY you should be able to insulate your loftd yourself, but do wear a protective mask and gloves if handling mineral wool. To get a list of possible installers go to the National Insulation Association website www.nia-uk.org By Kate McCarthy

Motoring

The cars best suited to longer journeys For many people, long-distance driving is a common occurrence. Be that for work or personal reasons, sometimes doing big miles is a part of daily life – and a car that’ll conquer big trips without breaking a sweat can make a real difference. So here, we’re going to be looking at the cars that’ll take the backache out of long-distance journeys.

Citroen C4 If you’re after all-out comfort then Citroen has historically been one of the best options. Its latest C4, despite its distinctive design, has kept this time-honoured tradition to heart, maintaining high levels of comfort and refinement. There’s also an electric version that, with its 217-mile range and rapid charging capabilities, isn’t just restricted to local drives.

Mercedes S-Class We’re starting with a car that is famed for its comfort and refinement. The S-Class – which was recently revised – has always brought a sumptuous quality to driving and this latest version is no different. Thanks to air suspension and armchair-like seats, the S-Class is a car with which the hours will fly by – be that for passengers or drivers.

BMW 8 Series BMW has a fine history when it comes to making comfortable yet involving grand tourers and the 8 Series is a great extension of this. It’s superb to drive and will monster even the longest stints with no hesitation. There’s also an excellent diesel that, though not the most sporting of options, gives the 8 Series excellent long-range abilities.

Skoda Fabia Cars don’t need to be large in order to be comfortable. The Fabia is a great example of this, packing big-car refinement into a compact set-up. It’s surprisingly spacious, too, while a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines means it’s not expensive to run, either. Skoda has also kitted the Fabia out with loads of features, ensuring that those long journeys remain as comfortable as possible.

Audi Q5 Audi’s extensive line-up of SUVs might mean it’s tricky to choose, but we’d still opt for the Q5 given the choice. A mainstay of the firm’s range for many years now, the Q5 is a great option for families or those who need a little extra space. But if you’re after the best possible ride comfort, don’t be tempted to opt for a Q5 on larger alloy wheels – they tend to upset the suspension somewhat.

Peugeot 3008 Peugeot, much like Citroen, has many years’ worth of experience when it comes to creating cars that are comfortable over long distances. The new 3008 is no different, with well-sorted suspension combined with comfortable chairs in one refined package. Many drivers will appreciate the somewhat raised-up driving position it offers, too.

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

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our April Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Jane Grumball from Great Ashby, Stevenage

April’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Stove (4) 3 Confessed (8) 9 Remove (7) 10 Tall structure (5) 11 Current (12) 14 Married woman (3) 16 Smooth surface (5) 17 Perceive (3) 18 Clarifications (12) 21 Fine porcelain (5) 22 Passion (7) 23 Calamity (8) 24 Small room (4)

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

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

Down 1 Conquer (8) 2 Devoured (5) 4 Small spot (3) 5 Road junction (12) 6 Defeats (7) 7 Terrible (4) 8 Butterfly larva (12) 12 Simple (5) 13 Private (8) 15 A swinging time? (7) 19 Small fruit (5) 20 Not alkali (4) 22 Female sheep (3)

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Shire Roofing

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07778 634900 or email: russ@shireroofing.com 60

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The Book Nook

Books

Stories of bravery, determination and resilience… Nightcrawling Leila Mottley

17-year-old Kiara’s mother is in prison and her brother looks set to follow. When their landlord puts the rent up, it’s down to Kiara to find the extra money. With no qualifications or work experience to her name, she has little choice other than prostitution. And when she’s picked up by the police, things look even bleaker. A harrowing book, but one with glimpses of light and hope, Nightcrawling is a masterpiece.

Bravely Being Me Sam Langley-Swain, Nicci Martin

Bravely Being Me celebrates the stories of people who have been adopted, including chef Lorraine Pascale, presenter Toby Anstis and comedian Dara Ó Briain. It’s aimed at children who have been adopted and each story is beautifully illustrated. Bravely Being Me is only available from www.adoptionuk.org and all proceeds help to support the Adoption UK charity.

The Return of Faraz Ali Aamina Ahmad

As a small boy, Faraz was ripped from his home in Lahore’s red-light district. Many years later, he’s sent back to cover up the murder of a young girl. Corruption is rife and the life of a prostitute is seen as having little value, but Faraz can’t bring himself to obey orders. Meanwhile, Faraz’s sister is trying to escape their birthplace with her young daughter before it’s too late. An epic, historically rich story that will sweep you away.

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The Girl with the Louding Voice Abi Daré

Fourteen-year-old Adunni dreams of going back to school. But her father has other ideas – selling her as a third wife to a local man in his fifties. Adunni flees her small Nigerian village but with no money and no protection, her future looks uncertain. The Girl with the Louding Voice is lyrically beautiful and one of those rare books that will haunt your thoughts for weeks after you’ve turned the last page.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Dr Julie Smith

Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith has created a handbook packed with straightforward advice to build resilience. She shares simple tools to help you cope with whatever life throws your way. From dealing with criticism to battling anxiety and overcoming a lack of motivation, these are skills that anyone can benefit from.

On Bloody Sunday Julieann Campbell

Fourteen people were killed by the Bloody Sunday massacre, half of whom were teenagers. All were unarmed. Most of the people who were shot were running away or helping other victims. Campbell’s On Bloody Sunday includes 110 first-hand accounts of the atrocity, from witnesses, survivors and relatives. It examines both the lead-up to the tragedy and the long-fought campaign for justice.

By Kate Duggan 61

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Electrician

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

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

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Tai Chi

Are you looking for a mortgage? We can help with:

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Cambs May 2022

Articles inside

Villager Prize Crossword

The Book Nook

The Cars Best Suited to Longer Journeys

Save Your Energy - Insulate Your Loft

A Cleaning Career

What's On in May

The Kimbolton Country Fayre

Seasonal Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Chicken

Beds for Elderly Dogs

No Fault Divorce Has Arrived

The Great British Spring Clean

Making Positive Mental Space for Gardening

A Joyous Jubilee

Niagara Falls

Spending Abroad

Study for Success

Trends, really?

Buckden Towers - A Gateway into English History

Wines: Choosing a Selection

Yoga for Beginners