Cambs Nov 2021

VILLAGER The

Issue 151 - Nov 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Host the Perfect

Bonfire Night Bash Best Tech to

Keep You Warm Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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Inside this issue...

Fireworks in the Borders

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Victorian Entertainment by the Great Ouse at St Neots...... 4 A Most Magical Time.......................................................................... 6 Host the Perfect Bonfire Bight Bash............................................10 Wine: Christmas Crackers................................................................. 12 The Glorious Madness of The Beaujolais Run..........................16 The New Office Workwear..............................................................19 If only I had a moustache!..............................................................20 Your Right to a Refund..................................................................... 23 You can't always See Bruises.......................................................... 25 How much is that phone in the advert?....................................26 Fun Quiz.................................................................................................30

Fireworks in the Borders.................................................................. 34 Feeding Garden Birds During the Autumn.................................37 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal................................................................ 39 Schools and the Pandemic..............................................................41 Traditions Crafts Brought Up-To-Date........................................ 42 Seasonal Recipe - Roast Beef Fillet..............................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What's On in November................................................................... 51 First Drive: Vauxhall Crossland....................................................... 53 Best tech to keep you warm this winter...................................54 Villager Prize Crossword.......................................................58 Book Review: Historical Fiction......................................................61 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Traditional Crafts

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Trevor Langley, Sarah Davey, Jennie Billings, Tom Hancock, Leeds Day Solicitors, Caroline Knight, RSPCA, RATS, Katherine Sorrell, Beacon Wealth and Kate Duggan

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History

Victorian Entertainment by the Great Ouse at St. Neots By Peter Ibbett

As you wait in your car on St. Neots bridge for your turn to enter the Market Square you eye may be caught by the attractive town sign in the little garden offering a pleasant view of the river and a place to sit and watch the world go by. Up to the early 1960’s it was the site of William Medland’s ‘New Room’ [built c1839], and known to locals as the ‘Public Rooms’. It was demolished to make way for a ‘Bailey’ bridge while the old river bridge was demolished and replaced by the present river crossing. In Victorian times it hosted a range of talks and entertainment.

In May 1851 the Bosjemans, described as ‘dwarfish African savages’ were exhibited at the New Room.

April 1852 brought to the New Room an exhibition of minerals and natural curiosities which had been collected “by a lady who had visited the mining districts of the country”. In April 1858 Bellamy’s Model Exhibition was warmly recommended. The centre piece was a ‘magnificent’ model of Windsor Castle, while smaller models of celebrated buildings and ruins were also to be seen. The Rev T Fiske, who came to the town in June 1852 to lecture on, and

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demonstrate, what he called Electro Biology. His publicity stated that “Disbelievers, on payment of 1s., will have a chance to judge for themselves.” Not surprisingly, perhaps, he drew one of the largest audiences that people could ever remember for any public entertainment.

Most of these lecturers were genuine, but there were a few impostors. In October 1858 St. Neots people were warned about ‘Professor Young’. His practice was to go around persuading people to buy tickets for his forthcoming lecture. He would then disappear with the proceeds and the lecture would never take place.

Present day St. Neots provides a wide range of activities which would amaze our ancestors. The Library will provide you with all the information you need to enjoy an active life both physically and mentally. The Museum (free to locals) has an increasing range of exhibitions and activities as well as local walks. The History Society provides regular talks (thanks to their newsletter of summer 1999 for the information in this article.

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Staycation

Gibside Tyne & Wear

A Most Magical Time It wouldn’t be the most magical time of the year without a twinkling Christmas light trail. With everything from enchanting fairy-lit tunnels to themed light shows, these after-dark illuminated experiences have boomed in popularity over recent years. Throw in some mulled wine and festive music, and Christmas light trails have everything you need to add some sparkle to your winter this year.

With so many to choose from, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas light trails in the UK. Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh Founded all the way back in 1670, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden’s lush landscape makes the perfect backdrop for this botany-themed trail that will be returning for the fifth year this Christmas.

Wander amongst laser lights, giant luminescent sculptures, tunnels of light, giant baubles and sparkling snowflakes. Be sure to hang around for the grand finale too; a technicolour light show cast across the garden’s Inverleith House, this spectacle is just another way Edinburgh brings this historic facade to life.

Christmas at Gibside, Tyne and Wear This spectacular light trail is what happens when lighting specialists, Ignite, partner up with one of the National Trust’s grandest Georgian estates.

These eighteenth-century gardens near Newcastle are transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland each Christmas, complete with glowing woodland mushrooms, lantern-lit trails, illuminated trees and picture-perfect tunnels filled with twinkling lights.

Don’t forget to look out for Father Christmas amidst all the action too!

Lightopia, Manchester Lighting up Heaton Park for yet another year, this award-winning annual festival of light is bringing with it fresh installations and exciting new routes this Christmas.

It’s advised to come hungry, as there’s an entire food court for your taste buds to explore. Once you’ve refuelled, an interactive music space, astronomy zone filled with space-themed installations, and synchronised light, sound and water show await.

Royal Bontanic Gardens, Edinburgh

Lightopia, Manchester

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Kew Gardens, London

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Christmas at Kew Gardens, London Arguably the most popular and established festive light trail in the South, Christmas at Kew Gardens uses its exotic plants and beautiful botanicals to give visitors a truly magical experience.

New imaginative installations are added each year to keep the trail fresh. You can expect to see everything from treetop waterfalls and neonwrapped trees to flaming sculptures and spectacular water displays – all set against the impressive backdrop that is Kew’s gigantic greenhouse.

Christmas at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire One of the National Trust’s most visited properties, Waddesdon Manor’s Victorian country house and gardens are a spectacle to see at any time of year.

Add in the immersive light and sound installations, twinkling fairy-tale tunnels and a show-stopping light display, and you’re left with an immersive experience that never fails to amaze.

To top it off, there’s even a Christmas fair that pops up each winter. Shop for presents while sipping mulled wine and nibbling mince pies.

Christmas at the Eden Project, Cornwall Cornwall’s Eden Project is nothing short of inspiring, but seeing its world-famous biomes light up the landscape at Christmas could fool you into thinking you’ve travelled to another planet entirely.

Mixing innovative light installations and live music with ice skating, a reindeer trail and Father Christmas himself, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to soak up the magic of Christmas.

The Eden Project, Cornwall

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Time of Year

Snap, Crackle and POP Host the Perfect Bonfire Night Bash

By Kate McCarthy

Pre Covid we hosted an annual bonfire party for friends. We’re not big on planning but we follow the four Fs – Friends, Flame, Food, Fireworks. Our little bonfire bash afforded our social group the opportunity to meet together informally to enjoy life’s simple things: food, warmth, companionship, and laughter, and we really missed it in 2020, so this year we’re planning to bring it back. If you fancy hosting your own get together I’ll share our ‘recipe for success’ here.

Let’s start with the bonfire. There is a ‘proper’ way to build a fire which affects how long it will last and the amount of heat it gives off. It’s best to arrange kindling (e.g., twigs, cardboard, and small pieces of wood) in a sort of wigwam shape over a base of tinder (e.g., paper, wood shavings or fire lighters) and then add more bulky pieces of wood and logs which ignite more slowly but burn longer. Light the fire about 20-30 minutes before the party is due to start so that it is burning merrily when your guests arrive.

Some people don’t like the idea of a Guy Fawkes, but if it appeals to you, you can hold a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the best or the funniest.

Our garden is small, so we don’t have room for huge effigies, so we dress up our Halloween skeleton as Guy and he gets a seat of honour at our garden table…that’s probably weird but it’s our party so you don’t get to judge!

No gathering is complete without food. November weather is traditionally cold and damp, so homemade soup, served in old mugs is always welcome.

Guests often want to contribute to the food

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table. We have no rules so this usually results in a completely random selection of goodies, though we always provide hot dogs with fried onions (is there anything on earth that can beat that smell?) and homemade parkin, mainly because parkin is easy, and I can make it when I remember.

Fireworks are a must of course. They are also expensive in large quantities so don’t be shy about asking your guests to bring along a banger or two.

Even with a substantial financial outlay, your display is unlikely to be hugely impressive, but that is absolutely not the point of a homegrown bonfire night party. It’s amazing how much enjoyment can be gleaned from the humblest box of shop-bought rockets. Invest in lots of sparklers too. Everyone loves sparklers, even adults, so be sure to have a good supply at hand, with matches to light them with and a bucket of water to extinguish them.

Always remember the firework code and stay safe at all times.

Other tips we have learned from (sometimes bitter) personal experience is to make sure that carpets are protected if people are going to be in and out of the house, especially if the ground outside is wet, and have a supply of torches on hand if your bonfire is located some distance from the back door (which to be honest it should be!)

For me, the key to hosting a successful bonfire party is similar to handling fireworks – set everything up, light the fuse, then step away and allow the magic to happen.

Happy Bonfire Night!

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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”.

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Food & Drink

Wine: Christmas Crackers

For Christmas festivities wines always find general favour. Which wines, what with and when, need not be so complex. I selected some popular choices, that satisfy many situations and also pair with food, admirably. Not forgetting Santa (and his grown-up helpers!), when he does his rounds, a joyful sherry is always welcome!

For Christmas morning Bucks Fizz has become a regular, traditional, option, for many. A mix of two parts orange juice and one part champagne, can incorporate your favourite champagne. I like a champagne that is powerful, elegant and crisp. Bucks Fizz can also be purchased ready mixed, in bottles.

To accompany turkey, Merlot can be classed as a lighter wine option. Chilean Merlot is wonderful and Clos Apalta Casa Lapostolle is excellent. This dark-coloured production is bold and voluptuous. A great recommendation for a wine to enjoy around the Christmas table.

Goose has a stronger flavour than turkey and Pinot Noir makes a splendid accompaniment. Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough, from New Zealand, pairs well with the rich flavours of goose. The complex palate is well-balanced for this wine, which is regularly chosen as a pairing for this dish.

Cherry Brandy Liqueur, having grand notes of maraschino cherries and fresh morella, is also splendid by itself.

The Grant’s production (a favourite tipple of Queen Victoria, I am informed), makes a brilliant tasting addition to a rich and fruity Christmas punch, as well as being a fabulous pairing with Christmas pudding.

Port is a trusted favourite, for ending a meal, particularly with cheeses. A favourite of mine is Graham’s. The deep ruby-red colour entices to the dark, fruity bouquet, which furthers the enjoyment for the mouthfeel and palate, with a long finish.

We cannot forget Santa, of course! A good idea (in my opinion) is to leave a very acceptable sherry for Santa – and his grown-up helpers! Fernando de Castilla Classic Pedro Ximenez I find to be a sherry that goes on pleasing. Big on flavour and sweetness, this is very good and elegant.

I know, I know, it’s that time of year again. But, if it works, it works!

I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the drinks (if you wish to) that suit you. Merry Christmas!

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 12

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Food & Drink

The Glorious Madness of The Beaujolais Run At one minute past midnight on the third Sunday in November, villages and towns in a region in France release cases of wine for immediate delivery across the world.

“Le Beaujolais est arrivé!” This rousing call signals the introduction of the year’s new wine, the famous Beaujolais Nouveau. Originally, pitchers of the wine were taken straight from the producers’ barrels to the towns amid much fanfare and celebration. Then in 1972 an enterprising soul saw a fabulous marketing opportunity: a race to distribute the first bottles of the new vintage.

The Beaujolais Run involves teams competing to be the first to get the first case of Nouveau from Paris to London. It’s a 500mile race to south-eastern France to collect the first bottles of the new wine, and then 500 miles back again. Beaujolais is described by wine sellers as ‘…a light fruity red burgundy wine made from the Gamay grape.’ It’s described by almost everyone else as ‘awful’, and by French standards it’s pretty rubbish if we’re honest, so you’d have to be utterly bonkers to undertake a round trip of 1000 miles to get your hands on a bottle. Well, us Brits have elevated being bonkers to an artform. The more ridiculous or pointless the challenge, the more likely we are to bounce enthusiastically into action. And so it proved with the Beaujolais Run. In its early years the event was purely about speed.

Any mode of transport could be used. The glorious madness peaked in the 1980s when the RAF touched down in Beaujeu with a Harrier Jump-Jet at midnight, picked up the wine and then landed 32 minutes later in London. At that point the organisers had to rethink the rules! So now the mission is to get

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By Sarah Davey

from southern England to Mâcon by covering the shortest distance. The Beaujolais Run has become a treasure hunt through the French countryside, following a series of cryptic navigational clues through six checkpoints. Competitors must take a photograph of themselves at an obscure landmark at each checkpoint to prove they were there. You can use maps, sat-navs or even ask the locals! Handy Hint: Map readers tend to succeed over tech-users because some countryside back routes thwart the sat-navs.

The Beaujolais Run is a popular event in the amateur motor sport year, and anything goes - vintage cars family saloons, motorcycles and even supercars.

Dress code is fancy dress! There is a new theme every year and locals have learned to be quite blasé about being stopped and asked for directions by someone dressed as a gorilla, or a WWII German Officer, driving a Morris Minor! The entry fee is £1995 per car which includes the Eurotunnel fees, accommodation, and organised dinners and drinks events along the way. In addition, participants are required to raise a minimum of £1,250 per car for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

If you fancy taking part, take a look at www. beaujolaisrun.com for further information. You need a minimum of two team members, a vehicle, an entry fee, and the intention to raise a lot of money via sponsorship. A sense of humour and a love of scavenger hunts, cryptic clues and / or escape rooms is advantageous.

The French say, ‘La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin’, which translates as Life is too short to drink poor wine, however it would appear that Brits will happily drive very long distances for it!

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House of Colour

The New Office Workwear You may be venturing into the office, you may be starting a new position or looking at what you have an what you need this season to go to work.

The office environment has had dramatic shift for obvious reasons and office workwear has been shifting to a more casual phase. This movement is not altogether new but has been speeded up in the recent year. Over history our formal wear has always given way to the casual/sports options. The fashion trends are also reflecting this move. I know though that it’s not always going to work well for us if we relinquish all elements of formality – offices of people in tracksuits and dressing gowns aren’t going to work well!

• If you love your casual wear there are some looks at the moment that elevate your casual. This trend is about looks that can be taken to the office but retain their comfort level. Hi-lo styling is the key – taking a casual piece and adding something more structured. A more structured blazer with looser fitting trousers. The key here is a more relaxed silhouette with knitwear that skims your shape. Lots of knit waistcoats, and practical detailing, quilting and elasticated fabrics are key elements you will see this season. This is particularly useful look on clothing personalities that need some texture.

• Colours that match and or tone (tonal dressing) is a great way to bring this to life. Neutrals are wonderful here, as they are the most useful colours in your wardrobe and often convey the higher levels of authority and we could still do with retaining some of that! Use one of your best neutrals and add in other tones of the same colour to create the look. This is a fabulous look on Autumns and Summers.

• Accessories can add to the formality where casual has been the focus in the clothing choices. You can add in some structure with a tote bag, useful shape too. Heels in either slingbacks or boots also add some structure to the looser silhouettes.

• Ultra-wide leg trousers paired with cable knit is a fab way to tie together this relaxed working style.

Look out for the chequerboard and jacquard design on knitwear too. You might also pair this with blanket-like shawls and scarves – an easy way to add the texture in. This is an ultra-relaxed look and not necessarily right for all office environments but a great way to smarten up from the tracksuit!

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• If texture is not your best friend then opt for sleeker look. The minimalist looks at the moment feature clean-cut asymmetric lines in both tops and skirts, cut out detailing, and refined knitwear. Look out for the cleaner lines. Straight leg trousers and jeans are key pieces here (you probably already have some…), add minimal jewellery, sleeker shapes. You might add a leather blazer here.

• If you need a prettier look opt for the fuller rounded statement sleeve tops that we have been seeing over the last few seasons which continue into this. Pair it with a pencil or midi skirt, cinching in your waist – definitely use a belt here. The bow and lace, ruffles are all still very current so take a top from your summer wardrobe with longer sleeves and see if it won’t work with skirt from your winter wardrobe? Play around and don’t confine your self necessarily to ‘winter’ and ‘summer’ wardrobes but try combining some items. Add some heeled knee high boots to a midi skirt for your autumn work look.

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

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Time of Year

If I Only Had a Moustache! It’s Movember!

So sings the character Marcus Thornton in the film A Million Ways to Die in the West. If you haven’t seen the clip on YouTube, watch it and give yourself an ear worm for the whole of Movember! You’re welcome.

The Movember movement started in Australia in 2003.

Travis Garone and Luke Slattery came up with the idea (over a beer of course). It began as a jokey way of trying to bring the moustache back into fashion.

Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to make generate a campaign for men’s health and prostate cancer.

They designed the rules of Movember, which remain unchanged today, and agreed to charge ten dollars to ‘Grow a Mo’. Trav designed the first Movember logo, and they sent out an email, subject: ‘Are you man enough to be my man?’ and found 30 volunteers.

In 2004 they formalised the idea, registered a company and created a website.

They researched men’s health issues and agreed to formally support prostate cancer as their cause. By 2006 the Movember Foundation was established as an official Australian charity. They also started to branch out into supporting male mental health.

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The following year Movember started to grow internationally.

There are now official campaigns in 21 countries and together they have raised around 350 million pounds and supported more than 1,000 men’s health programs. They focus on the four key men’s health issues: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health, and physical inactivity.

So, what are the rules.

The first step is simply registering on Movember.com.

1 Start with a clean-shaven, including your upper lip, sideburns, and handlebar zones.

2 For the entire month of Movember, you must grow and groom a moustache 3 Beards, goatees and fake moustaches don’t count 4 Use the power of the moustache to create conversation and raise funds for men’s health 5 Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman

By Tom Hancock

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Finance

Your Right to a Refund When you buy something and you want your money back, it’s key to know your rights. Your legal position depends not just on how you bought a product and what, if anything, is wrong with it. It also depends on how you paid for it.

Faulty, false or fake You have the legal right to a refund in three cases: the item is faulty, the item isn’t as described, or the item doesn’t do something the seller said it would. In each case you have the right to a full refund and you don’t have to accept a credit note or voucher.

There’s no time limit as such for exercising the legal refund right. However, the more time passes, the less scope you have for getting a refund when something breaks. It becomes a question of whether you should reasonably have expected it to last as long.

Changed your mind?

For goods that don’t meet first three rules return rights are dependent on the seller’s policy. They may offer a refund or a credit note, and they may impose a time limit.

If you bought something online, by mail or over the phone, you have an extra ‘distance selling’ right. With such purchases you have the right to change your mind and cancel your purchase without a reason, even if the products are not faulty.

This right has three time limits. You have 14 days after receiving the goods to tell the seller you want the refund. You then have 14 days to return the goods,

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at your own expense. The seller than has 14 days to refund you.

Card cover If you use a card, the card provider may also be liable. For example, the ‘Section 75’ rule applies if you make a purchase between £100 and £30,000 and use a credit card to pay any or all of the cost. The rule applies even if you pay just £1 on the credit card and the balance by cash or debit card.

Section 75 simply means your card provider has the same legal responsibility as the seller. This can mean issuing refunds for faulty goods, but also making things right if the seller doesn’t deliver the goods at all.

Chargeback If you used a debit card or the purchase cost was less than £100, you can use an alternative claiming method called chargeback. This involves your card provider claiming the money back from the seller’s bank.

Chargeback isn’t a legal right but rather a scheme operated by most major card providers. The rules are a bit tighter than Section 75. You’ve normally got 120 days after discovering a problem to make a claim.

Another big difference is that you must have tried and failed to get a refund from the seller before you can make a chargeback claim. Unlike with Section 75, you can only get back the money you actually spent on the card, not necessarily the entire purchase price.

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Leeds Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Charlene Powell of Leeds Day

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

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St. Neots Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP T: 01480 474661 25

Technology

How Much Is That Phone in the Advert?

By Tom Hancock

Mobile phones are expensive. I mean really expensive.

The latest iPhones and top of the range Android phones cost upwards of £1000 so they are a big financial commitment. But are they value for money?

Is £1000 phone any better than one which costs £200?

When you watch a phone advert it’s easy to believe that owning the latest model will make your life infinitely better. With ultrahigh resolution screens, multiple professional quality cameras and massively powerful computing engines, you could easily use your phone to replace your laptop, camera, TV and, at a push, your spouse!

But how many of these fantastic features will you actually use?

Most of use our phones for fairly mundane, lowpower tasks. We text, check our social media, post selfies or snapshots, watch YouTube videos, make quick videos to post on social media, play a game, and some of us even use them to make phone calls.

But none of these tasks require any of the high-end features that are pushing the cost of your phone through the roof.

Budget phones summon up the image of a piece of sad plastic that struggles to turn on, let alone do anything useful. But there’s a big difference between ‘budget’ and ‘great value for money.’

Big brand names such as Apple and Samsung market their phones as status symbols. Pulling out the latest iPhone or flipping open your foldable Samsung is the

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same as wearing a Rolex watch or rocking up in your sports car. If you enjoy that feeling and are happy with the cost then these are the phones for you.

If you want a phone that has almost all the features of the top brands; screen, cameras, powerful processor etc., there are a range of less well-known brands that will deliver all this for a lower cost. Many of these from Chinese manufacturers where components and labour costs are lower. You’ll still get a high-quality product, and the phone will power through all of your day-to-day tasks with room to spare, but people won’t recognise the logo on the back.

For example, my 12-year-old needed a new phone and we wanted to get one that would be fun to use rather than the low powered basic model he’d started out with. I came across a phone from Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 9. This has a powerful octa core processor, loads of memory, 64 GB of storage space, ultrahigh resolution screen, three high resolution specialist cameras, fast charge, and long battery life and all for the very pocket friendly cost of £150. From a preteenage point of view, he’s pleased as punch with the power and quality of the phone. Form a parent point of view, I’m delighted with the price.

So, when buying a new phone my advice is to be honest about what you’re going to use it for. If you feel a premium phone is worth the money go for it. If you want a phone that does everything and is a pleasure to use but is easy on your pocket, shop around.

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VIRTUAL PA / GIRL FRIDAY

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1. What was the surname of the Vietnam War veteran who was the main character in 1982 film First Blood?

2. The Last Frontier is the official nickname of which US state?

3. The 2017 Christmas special of Doctor Who saw actor David Bradley play “the First Doctor”. Which other actor originally played this role when the TV show was first broadcast?

4. The Last Night of the Proms normally takes place on the second Saturday in which month?

5. Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters To The First Pets was a children’s book written in 1998 by which famous woman?

First & Last

6. Published in 1956, The Last Battle was the seventh and final novel in a series set in which fictional land?

7. The 2018 film First Man starred Ryan Gosling as which real life person?

8. In which European city would you find Leonardo Da Vinci’s mural painting “The Last Supper”?

9. What was the surname of the Vietnam War veteran who was the main character in 1982 film First Blood?

10. The TV comedy show The Last Leg was originally broadcast during which event of 2012, with each episode looking back at the day’s events from this?

1. Rambo 2. Alaska 3. William Hartnell 4. September 5. Hillary Clinton (referring to the two pets that lived in the White House when she was First Lady) 6. Narnia 7. Malaysia 8. Milan 9. Neil Armstrong 10. The Summer Paralympic Games

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Recruitment Administrator/Trainee Consultant £20,000 - £23,000, plus incentive scheme We are seeking a full time staff member to join our office team based in Spaldwick, six miles west of Huntingdon.

Previous recruitment or healthcare experience is not essential and this role also has potential to progress to a Recruitment Consultant position.

Jarrodean is a small family-owned consultancy, offering a national and international recruitment service to Nurses and Allied Health Professionals seeking employment in the UK. We do not supply temporary or agency staff.

Our attention to detail is highly valued by our candidates and employing clients who include; the NHS, independent and charity sector hospitals across the UK and British territories.

The quality of our business processes distinguishes us from our competitors and is a major factor in our success.

Key duties of the role will include: - Pre and post interview candidate support, dealing with all aspects of their recruitment journey.

- Managing pre-employment compliance administration, including handling of confidential data.

Person requirements: - A high level of English communication skills, including by telephone/video.

- Ability to build good working relationships with clients, candidates, and colleagues.

- Be proactive while being able to effectively manage workload and adapt to a sometimes rapidly-changing environment.

- A committed and flexible approach to meeting the needs of a small, busy yet informal working environment.

- Spaldwick is a village location, as such your own transport would be essential for this role.

For a confidential and informal discussion please contact Shayne Parfrey, Managing Director on 07710 586 098 or shayne@jarrodean.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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33

Gardening

Fireworks in the Borders

Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Seize the opportunity for planting As winter begins to wrap its chilly fingers around the garden, it’s hardly surprising that many people turn inwards and gardening activities gradually slow down or even cease. But there’s plenty of opportunity to create a visual feast that will carry you through the colder months of the year. The garden can be enjoyed from both indoors and out, and November is the perfect planting time while there is still warmth in the soil. What’s more, bare-rooted plants are often available at this time of year, making them much easier to transport – and less expensive too.

Consider planting shrubs that will give you colourful berries, trees for fiery autumn foliage, those that provide winter stem colour and structural plants that will make your garden look appealing throughout every season. Aim to have a few plants that give you something beautiful every month, so that your garden is set alight during dull days.

Be sure to invite birds into your garden too. They will love most autumn and winter berries and will also appreciate supplementary food from bird feeders. In return they’ll provide a continually changing picture to brighten up the season.

Five shrubs to provide fireworks for the season Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ looks fairly inconspicuous for most of the year, but then comes its awe-inspiring bead-like berries that are violetpurple in colour. They stay on the shrub after the leaves have dropped, when the display of pom-pom berries is as vibrant as any firework in the sky. It’s easy

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to see why this plant is known as the beautyberry.

The spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, is a great little shrub at any time of year. But autumn is when it excels. Choose the variety E. ‘Red Cascade’ for maximum impact. The autumn leaf colour is wonderful, then the generous display of fruits needs to be seen in order to be believed. Each one is a vibrant red but when it splits open it reveals delightfully clashing colours from bright orange seeds.

Viburnum opulus, the guelder rose, is a shrub that provides interest during three seasons. There are clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, then it is smothered in hanging bunches of luscious red berries in autumn that are loved by birds. The rich red autumn foliage colour is also a sight to behold.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to autumn leaf colour. Acers are well known for their incredible display of red, yellow and orange leaves. But it’s Amelanchier that wins the autumn show. Also known as snowy mespilus, this small tree sets the borders alight with scarlet, orange and crimson leaves.

Shrubs really do steal the show at this time of year, but not only because of their leaves and berries.

Cornus, or dogwood, has vibrant stem colour once the leaves have dropped. There are varieties with lime-green stems, some with flaming orange and red stems and others with dark purple tones. Plant en masse for maximum effect and cut the stems down each year in late winter, so that next year’s show is equally as vibrant.

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Fresh cut, rooted and potted ‘re-usable’ trees available from late November Top quality Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Fraser Fir from certified British suppliers From table-top to ‘barn-conversion’ extra large, all displayed under cover for weatherproof shopping Wreaths, mistletoe, poinsettias and foliage Garden tools and accessories - perfect Christmas presents for green fingered friends & family 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

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Pets

Feeding Garden Birds During the Autumn

It is that beautiful time of year again, when everything in nature looks stunning. The leaves have turned shades of orange and brown and some of our birds start migrating south to warmer climates. For the birds that do stick around, it is important to feed them the correct foods to get them ready for the colder months ahead. For the birds that are migrating, such as the fieldfare and redwing, they will need to stock up on plenty of energy for their trip.

Why should you feed birds in the autumn?

It isn’t just during the cold winter months that we need to be thinking about the birds in our gardens.

For many birds Autumn is a time when getting enough to eat is very important. Migrating birds need a lot of calories to fly the thousands of miles that they do.

There may be birds that pass by your area that are migrating and need a high energy food source to help them gather more calories during their trip. Some birds may even return to your garden in the Spring as they will see it as a reliable food source. You never know, you may even end up attracting new species into your garden by replenishing food stocks.

What should we be feeding our feathery friends?

• Provide appropriate seeds and grains (like Nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds).

• Only feed peanuts if they’re unsalted, fresh and

sold for human consumption or by a reputable feed shop.

• Why not try cooked pasta or rice, boiled potatoes, cheese, uncooked and unsalted bacon rind, raisins and sultanas.

• Net-free fat or suet balls attract a wide range of species and provide a great boost of calories.

• Apples, pears and soft fruits are popular and are a great autumn food.

• Insects such as mealworms or waxworms.

It is best to place feeders up high, above the height at which a cat can reach. Avoid leaving food on the ground, as any small mammals and birds eating it will become vulnerable to cats. Keep water bowls full of clean water. Check them regularly especially during frosty or snowy periods.

Once you start putting food out for the birds, try to keep it up. Try to keep regularly topping up the feeders. The birds you are feeding will get used to visiting your garden and may struggle to find alternative sources of food should you suddenly stop.

Scrub your feeders regularly in hot soapy water and give them a good rinse. Clear away any accumulations of droppings or spilled seeds. Keep feeders free of wet or mouldy foods.

Have you entered our exciting Autumn raffle?

With every £1 ticket you buy, you are increasing your chances of winning a whopping £10,000 AND you are also helping us to cancel out cruelty.

Visit our website for more details, and to enter.

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

Lines are open 7 days a week 24/7.

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

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal Java

This handsome boy is Java. He is 12 years old and has a lovely gentle nature. He can be nervous with people he doesn’t know and new situations but once he gets to know people, he is a friendly boy who is quite “talkative”, likes to be fussed and to play with his toys.

Unfortunately, his previous owner is unable to care for him due to ill health and has asked RATS to find him a quiet, loving home.

Java would be most suited to an adult only home or one with older children and no other pets.

He is neutered and microchipped and his vaccinations are up to date.

Could you give Java the special home he deserves? He may be an older boy but he has a lot to give and will make a wonderful companion.

If you would like to find out more about him, please contact, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively email Philippa at info. rats@gmail.com who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team.

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

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

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39

Foster For Us

Please call

0800 052 0078

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

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

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Text FOSTERING to 60777 www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering fostering@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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Education

Schools and the Pandemic

The pandemic has been incredibly challenging for the education sector. There was no blueprint for schools to follow, no guide telling head teachers how to provide remote learning. Some schools were at a digital disadvantage, unable to deliver lessons to pupils remotely, either because the school did not have the resources, or because pupils did not have the right devices or reliable internet access.

Those schools that were able to deliver remote learning successfully still faced challenges. Laura Castree, a secondary school teacher, told us, “A huge part of teaching is deciphering what your pupil needs and planning accordingly; this became incredibly difficult when teaching remotely, and we had to overhaul resources, teaching styles and priorities practically overnight.”

Many children fell behind with their schoolwork during the lockdowns. When pupils returned to school, teachers were then faced with classrooms of children all at different stages of their learning.

Disadvantaged children fell even further behind their peers.

Even more worrying was the effect of the pandemic on children’s mental health. When surveyed, most schools said that some of their pupils were suffering from Covid-related anxiety. OFSTED found that some children had lost physical fitness, others showed signs of mental distress, and there was an increase in eating disorders and self-harm.

It hasn’t just been pupils who have struggled with mental health. The pandemic came on the back of years of per-pupil spending cuts, increased class sizes and numerous curriculum changes, so thousands of teachers were already suffering from work-related stress. A 2019 survey by the teachers’

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union NASUWT found that 70% of teachers felt their job had adversely affected their mental health.

By September 2020, more than half of teachers said that their mental health had declined further. By April 2021, 43% of teachers were experiencing all four of the main symptoms of burnout.

It’s hardly surprising that teachers struggled, considering the additional pressures they were under. Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, commented, “Our teachers have had to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances on many occasions. They have: rapidly become experts in delivering remote learning; run on-site provision for the children of key workers and vulnerable children during lockdowns; managed complex Covid safety measures; set up testing stations to enable pupils to return to classrooms; and, most recently, taken responsibility for assessing students following the cancellation of public exams.”

It may take years before we understand the longterm effects of the pandemic on children. However, there is a sense of optimism in the education sector.

Both pupils and teachers experienced a much more normal return to school this year. Extra-curricular clubs have restarted and children have more freedom to socialise again.

As Laura Castree explains, “It has been apparent that some pupils fared better than others during lockdowns, but it was wonderful to see them back in the classroom, and actually the majority returned with a new and positive attitude towards school and their teachers that endured throughout the year and made the catch-up process much easier.”

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Home Products

Traditional crafts brought right up to date

By Katherine Sorrell Team pretty florals with chunky knits, a woven rug and soft colours. Chunky knit throw in cream, £15; Meadow Ditsy duvet set, from £22; Clio jute cotton rug, £119; all Dunelm.

For cosy appeal that’s right on trend, introduce the intriguing textures of knitting, weaving and crochet to your home.

Made with love by Rachel Castle for Castle & Things, this colourful cushion includes a plump European feather insert. Castle Darling knit cushion, £65, Antipodream.

Add a little pattern and texture while maintaining a pared-back, Scandinavianinspired aesthetic. Liv knitted cushion, £50, Cox & Cox.

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Picture Framing By

Nesan Arts

Fine Art Picture Framing Choose Picture Framing in the comfort of your own home Consultation, collection and delivery included in the service Established 19 years Please call Sue on: 01954 719467 For a no obligation appointment nesan.arts@btinternet.com www.nesanarts.co.uk

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Knit One, Love One!

Knitted from a super-soft 100% cotton, this cushion will add striking colour and bold pattern.

Mustard-yellow geometric cotton knitted cushion cover, £10.99, Homescapes Online.

Pick a colour to go with more or less any sofa, armchair or bed.

Easy Knit throw range in pink, teal, grey, yellow, sage and blue, £135 each, Loaf.

Adorn your wall with a unique piece of handmade, contemporary crochet art.

Navy ‘Maggie’, £115, Pineapple Fibre Art.

Add some snuggle with an updated classic in the form of this statement cushion. Sophie Allport Highland Stag knitted cushion, £54, Sophie Allport.

Woven from vegetable fibres, these rugs add a boho-natural feel to any room. Large round jute mat, £79.50, oval jute mat, £34, both Oliver Bonas.

What home could be without a hanging plant pot? Make yours a unique, made-to-order crochet version in recycled cotton. Crochet plant hanger, £18, Wearth London.

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STOCKISTS Cox & Cox: 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk Homescapes Online: 0121 368 0051; homescapesonline.com Oliver Bonas: 020 8059 2414; oliverbonas.com Sophie Allport: 01778 560 256; sophieallport.com

• Colours and patterns are often the first things you notice when you walk into a room, but textures are equally significant, adding visual interest and tactile appeal, even in a monochrome scheme.

Introducing elements of weaving, crochet and knitting will provide gorgeous, nubbly textures that are especially welcoming in the cooler months.

• Knitted and crocheted accessories bring a welcome sense of softness, warmth and comfort, vital for that feeling of hygge in midwinter – in other words, a feeling of cosiness and contentment in an inviting atmosphere.

• In bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms that feature lots of smooth, shiny surfaces, woven accessories such as rugs, baskets, plant pots and wall hangings add character and help alleviate the flat, sterile feeling.

• From Fair Isle to moss stitch, accent rugs to chunky throws, textures can be mixed and contrasted for an overall feel that is layered, vibrant and embracing.

Antipodream: 07391 514 622; antipodream.co.uk Dunelm: 0845 165 6565; dunelm.com Loaf: 020 3141 8300; loaf.com Pineapple Fibre Art: pineapplefibreart.com Wearth London: wearthlondon.com

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Seasonal Recipe

Roast Beef Fillet with Roasted Garlic, Tomato and Herb Sauce Succulent beef served with a delicious rich and tangy garlic and herb sauce makes a sensational feast. Any leftover meat can be served cold with salad the following day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinating time: 2-3 hours or overnight Cooking time: 65 minutes Serves 4

Ingredients 500g beef fillet (one piece) 1 tbsp oil, for searing Marinade 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tbsp oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed Herb Sauce 1 bulb garlic 1 tbsp olive oil and a little for drizzling 1 shallot, diced 250g cherry tomatoes, halved 4 anchovy fillets 1 tsp caster sugar 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 25g sultanas 1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed 50g blanched almonds 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 100ml passata Sea salt and black pepper to taste Small bunch of parsley, chopped Small bunch basil, leaves picked, to garnish Bag of baby spinach leaves, to serve

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together and rub all over the fillet. Leave to marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas mark 4.

3. Slice off the top quarter of the garlic bulb. Put the bulb on a piece of foil, drizzle over a little oil and season. Wrap up in the foil and roast for 40 minutes.

Cool slightly then squeeze out the garlic bulb into a food processor.

4. For the sauce, heat the oil and sauté the shallot, tomatoes, anchovy fillets with the caster sugar and vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes. Add to the food processor with the remaining sauce ingredients except the herbs and blend to form a thick sauce.

Add a little water, if needed, to thin the sauce slightly. Place in a pan and add the parsley.

5. Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6.

6. Remove the beef from the marinade. Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan and sear the beef on all sides. Place in an ovenproof roasting tin and roast for 20 minutes until cooked through. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7. Heat the sauce and spoon over the beef to serve.

Accompany with spinach and basil leaves.

Nutrition per serving: 442kcal, fat 31g (of which saturates 6.4g), carbohydrate 9.6g (of which sugars 8.6g), protein 31.3g.

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Sudoku

Hard Sudoku

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

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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

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

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

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What's On

WHAT'S ON IN NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7pm. Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, non-members £2 Moths and Butterflies in Huntingdonshire with speaker Martin Davies. Email: hwwgg@yahoo.com 2. 9. 16. 23 & 30 NOVEMBER St Neots & District Camera Club Via Zoom.

Regular talks and competitions. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 3, 10, 17 & 24 NOVEMBER St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm. Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members. Rehearsals are every Wednesday in term time.

Tel: 01480 212298 for enquiries Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 5 NOVEMBER St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm. Eynesbury Primary School SNLHS members free, visitors £4 ‘Digging for Buckden’ with Aileen Connor of Oxford Archaeology East on the discovery and excavation of Anglo-Saxon Buckden.

Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk 5 NOVEMBER Kimbolton Castle Fireworks Gates open 5.45pm Adults £15, under 16s free Fireworks at 8pm approx.

6 NOVEMBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm. Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Plant hunting in Vietnam’ with Andrew Luke who is the head gardener at Wrest Park.

Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk 6 & 7 NOVEMBER Dracula at the Leper Chapel 7.30pm. Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge Adults £14, Under 18s £10 Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Jonathan Harker recounts his terrifying encounter with Dracula.

Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

10 NOVEMBER History and archaeology walk 10am-12 noon Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge Free – donations welcome Cambridge Past, Present & Future event. Gentle guided walk with a warden.

Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

10 NOVEMBER The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Talk 7.30pm on Zoom Free event ‘Lockdown wildlife’ with Jim Stevenson who has recently retired as the Senior Wildlife Ranger for Paxton Pits.

Often known as Ranger Jim on Radio Cambridgeshire, he had spells with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust under Peter Scott, and over 20 years with the RSPB. Tel: Alistair 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com for more info or jp.doody@ntlworld.com to book 13 NOVEMBER Little Paxton Community Litter Pick 1.30-3.30pm Start and finish at the QEII Playing Field. Litter grabbers, high viz jackets, bin bags provided. Please bring own gloves. Little Paxton Parish Council event.

13 NOVEMBER The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 7.30pm The Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon The Pantaloons present ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde’.

Recommended for children over 12.

16 NOVEMBER Dementia Café 10am-12pm St Ives Free Church, St Ives PE27 5AL £2.50 per person For people with dementia and their carers.

Tel: George Smerdon 07725 588145 Web: facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity

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17 NOVEMBER Advent Coffee Morning 10am-12 noon.

Buckden Village Hall Entry £2 inc. refreshments St Mary’s Fundraisers. Cards and gifts; raffle; white elephant and cake stall.

Everyone welcome.

Tel: Patsy Gray 01480 810041 19 NOVEMBER Kimbolton Community Cinema 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Nomadland (12A). Tickets from The Flower Shop (not Mondays) The Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café on Monday and Friday mornings and by email.

Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com 26 NOVEMBER-4 DECEMBER Bring It On The Musical 2.30pm and 7.30pm New Theatre, Peterborough Tickets from £18 Amber Davies and Louis Smith are ready to BRING IT ON as the smashhit Broadway Musical backflips into the UK.

27 NOVEMBER Forest of Imagination Exhibition 10.30am-3.00pm. Free entry Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills, Cambridge Outdoor exhibition of artwork.

2 December-29 January Aladdin. Cambridge Arts Theatre Suitable for ages 1-101!

Tel: 01223 503333 Web: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 3-5 DECEMBER Christmas Tree Festival St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Grand opening Friday evening.

Seasonal refreshments available throughout. www.kymchurch.org.uk

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

07842 195152 01480 811629

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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 52

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Motoring

First Drive: Vauxhall Crossland

Vauxhall has tweaked its popular crossover, but is it for the better? Ted Welford finds out.

What is it? The Crossland X is the most affordable high-riding Vauxhall crossover model, but despite the impressive sales, a poor driving experience and low-quality cabin let the side down. Can this facelift improve it?

What’s new? It’s now just called the Crossland and most notable is the updated design, with the front end getting Vauxhall’s new ‘Vizor’ design that wraps the badge and headlights behind one main panel.

Steering and damping changes aim to improve the way the Crossland drives.

What’s under the bonnet? The engine choice remains the same as before, with an option of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, plus a turbo diesel.

Our test car uses a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 128bhp and 230Nm of torque. Front wheel drive via a six-speed manual gearbox gives a 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

This model still offers decent efficiency – Vauxhall claims almost 50mpg, with CO2 emissions of 132g/km.

What’s it like to drive? The driving experience over the previous Crossland X is improved, with a more comfortable ride and more refined driving manners at speed, while around town it has good visibility and light steering. This turbocharged petrol engine delivers decent acceleration.

However, despite some improvements, the Crossland’s steering is lifeless and handling is poor.

How does it look? The appealing Vizor gives a more bold, modern design, and new LED headlights and a silver-effect front bumper give a more rugged look.

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At the rear, the ‘Crossland’ name across the boot and gloss-black panel around the badge and lights gives a more stylish look.

What’s it like inside? Inside, Vauxhall has added extra flair with new trim; however, nothing else has really changed, with the same familiar layout and displays as before. Ultimately it continues to lag behind rivals.

The Crossland is practical - adults can sit comfortably in the rear and the rear seat slides. The boot measures up to 520 litres.

What’s the spec like? All Crosslands have decent equipment levels – entry-level SE models have a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the mid-spec SRi Nav adds a larger eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control, along with styling changes.

There are notable safety omissions, with even autonomous emergency braking being optional across the range.

The Crossland starts from £19,355, or £21,705 for the SRi Nav. However, avoid the lethargic 83bhp engine – our test car being available from £24,040.

Verdict - This Crossland looks better and is improved behind the wheel. A relatively low starting price and plenty of cabin space will appeal, especially to families. But despite these changes, it still doesn’t excel in any real area and remains a middle-of-theroad choice, with far better options out there – the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq being two far more accomplished choices.

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Technology

The best tech to keep you warm this winter From toasty toes to remote-controlled radiators We love winter, but sometimes it gets so cold that the central heating just isn’t enough. Not to worry: there’s tons of tech designed to keep you toasty.

There are lots of heaters for your home in a range of prices. If money is no object, Dyson’s Purifier Hot+Cool uses Dyson’s bladeless fan technology to deliver winter warmth or summer cool without the buffering or noise of traditional fan heaters.

Now might be a good time to invest in a smart heating system. Systems such as British Gas’s Hive enable you to make your thermostat smart, so you can control it from your phone, tablet, smartwatch or smart speaker. You can get it to turn on automatically when you’re coming home and off when you’re going out, so you’re not paying to heat an empty home. You can also get smart radiator valves that only heat the room(s) you’re currently using.

Many free-standing heaters and radiators have built-in timers, but you can also add a smart timer to existing plug-in heaters by fitting a £10 smart plug.

If you have frosty feet an electric foot warmer could be a brilliant buy. We like the ones that look like a single oversized slipper – although they’re not ideal when you have to get up and answer the door.

Technology has the answer when we venture outside too. In addition to smart fabrics that retain body heat, which you’ll find in products such as Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Heat jackets and fleeces, you can even take an electric blanket under your coat: lots of different firms make heated body warmers, which look like normal body warmers but include heating elements and batteries that recharge just like phones. Expect around ten hours of warmth at the lowest setting and three on high. To just warm up your hands, you can get a rechargeable hand warmer, or there’s a rechargeable heated scarf for less than £10 – and if your car doesn’t have heated seats, you can add a heated cushion for less than £40.

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Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Keep cool in summer, warm in winter and breathe nicer air all year round with this typically clever Dyson appliance. £549, Dyson.com

Hive Smart Thermostat Make any heating system into a smart heating system with the Hive Smart Thermostat. You can control it with your phone, tablet, smart watch or smart speaker. £249 including installation, Hive.com

Conqueco Heated Vest There are many heated vests on sites such as Amazon and this is one of the more expensive models, but it has hundreds of positive reviews. £102, Amazon.co.uk

Columbia Omni-Heat Jacket There’s a whole range of Omni-Heat products from this famous sportswear brand, including fleeces, lightweight coats and heavy jackets. From around £200, Columbia.com

Zippo Heat Bank 9s Hand Warmer Zippo are famous for their lighters, but there’s a whole range of hand warmers too.

The 9s is the latest model, and it not only heats your hands but charges your gadgets too. £44, zippo.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our October Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs Carol Peters, Letchworth

October’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Nearest (7) 5 Inexpensive (5) 8 Type of cattle (7) 9 A slight fever (5) 10 Sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 Flat area of high land (7) 12 Form of dance (6) 14 In good condition (6) 17 Family member (7) 19 Trimmed (5) 22 Enclosed within (5) 23 Non-professional (7) 24 Dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7)

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

16th November 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 3D squares (5) 2 To give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 Bedtime drink (5) 6 Obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 Imploring (7) 13 Highly intelligent (7) 15 Graceful (7) 16 Type of fruit (6) 18 Unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)

Name:

Address:

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Tel:

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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

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• Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation

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Books

Historical Fiction Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline

Foster child Molly steals a book from the local library. As retribution, she’s told to help an elderly lady clean out her loft.

While they sort through her childhood belongings, Vivian reveals the stories behind them.

As one of 250,000 destitute children sent from New York to rural states, Vivian was at the mercy of strangers, some of whom would see her as little more than free labour. A hauntingly evocative novel about a little-known practice, Orphan Train is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night.

Hidden Child Louise Fein

Eleanor seems to have it all, including a devoted, successful husband – Edward – and a delightful four-year-old daughter – Mabel. But when Mabel starts having seizures, life takes a drastic turn. For Edward is a passionate advocate of the eugenics movement and is pushing for the forced sterilisation of those the movement sees as defective – people like Mabel. How far will the family go to keep their secrets hidden?

And the Mountains Echoed Khalid Hosseini

This multi-layered story starts in 1950s Afghanistan when a beloved sister, Pari, is sold into a ‘better life’. Over the years, numerous characters reveal their tales, from the girl’s brother, Abdullah, and their stepmother to a seemingly unconnected expat. While Pari forgets her past, she cannot escape the feeling that something is missing. And The Mountains Echoed reads like a series of connected short stories, all of which are beautifully written, tender and rich in detail.

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All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr

Marie-Laure huddles in a Saint-Malo house as WWII bombs rain down around her.

Blind, alone, with just a small stone to protect her. A few streets away, a German boy – Werner – works alongside his comrades as they make a last stand against the Americans.

The lyrical writing of All The Light We Cannot See makes you want to savour every page. The characters make you want to race from one page to the next. Stunning.

Pony R. J. Palacio

The author of Wonder is back.

This time, the book is set in 1860s America. When Silas’s father is abducted by outlaws, Silas sets out to find him.

He’s accompanied by a pony belonging to one of the outlaws and his friend Mittenwool, who’s a ghost. Twists and turns abound. Part adventure, part Wild West coming of age, Pony has been marketed as a children’s book, but will no doubt be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.

A Net for Small Fishes Lucy Jago

Set in the early 1600s, A Net for Small Fishes is based on the true story of Frances Howard and Anne Turner. Here, Frances has wealth and beauty, but is married to an abusive husband and is deeply unhappy. Anne has talent and charm, but little power. The pair form an unlikely friendship. But their attempt to break away from conventions and seek some small happiness could lead to their downfall.

By Kate Duggan 61

Classifieds Plumbing

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

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

Please call Gary on

07530 728091

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Mortgage Specialist

Are you looking for a mortgage?

We can help with:

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

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