Cambs October 2020 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 138 - October 2020

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Coping with

Arthritis Is Halloween

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Inside this issue...

The History of Whisky

A Home-Grown Eynesbury Victorian Schoolmaster............... 4 The Angels' Share - A History of Whisky..................................... 6 Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe.......................................................10 Andorra................................................................................................... 12 Dine in Style: Sam's Riverside..........................................................14 Coping with Arthritis.........................................................................16 Walk to Remember............................................................................19 Look and feel your best post lockdown...................................20 A new trend.... going to the office?............................................. 23 20 Years Together - EAAA...............................................................29 Wills for Unmarried Couples.........................................................30

The Money Pandemic........................................................................32 Beautiful Berberis............................................................................... 35 Is Halloween Cancelled?..................................................................36 R.A.T.S. Rehoming Appeal................................................................ 39 Inspiring Kindness................................................................................41 The ten cars with the biggest boots........................................... 42 Bedrooms on a budget....................................................................46 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 Prevent tech horrors this Halloween..........................................50 An Arcade in your Pocket!.............................................................. 53 Villager Prize Crossword..................................................................58 Book Review.........................................................................................60 Useful Numbers.................................................................................. 63

Beautiful Berberis

Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £35.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Peter Ibbett, Catherine Rose, Nick Coffer, Solange Hando, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Sarah Davey, Leeds Day Solicitors, John Lister, Rachael Leverton, EAAA, RSPCA, Bob Grant and Kate Duggan

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

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History

A Home-Grown Eynesbury Victorian Schoolmaster The all-pervasive virus has reminded us of many of the everyday things that we take for granted such as the sound of happy children released from their National Curriculum classroom bondage enjoying all the fun of the playground. It has also encouraged a ‘grow-your-own’ boom in back garden mini allotments. Back in Victorian times local communities such as Eynesbury often grew their own vegetables and, occasionally, a schoolmaster. The Rev. Maule (Rector 1851-90) raised the money to build a new school which was opened by the Bishop of Ely in 1868. The locals had to find the money to pay for a schoolmaster. Often Victorian teachers had been ‘grown’ through a system of class monitors and pupil teachers, which meant that they already had considerable classroom experience before they embarked on formal teacher training. George Flavill of Eynesbury was a good example of this system. He was the son of a saddler and attended Eynesbury Church School, where he made good progress, achieving Standard III at the early age of eight By 1870 he had reached Standard V, the highest Standard in the school at that time and was selected as having sound roots from which a useful teacher could be grown. His teaching career began when he was barely twelve years old, for on 29th January 1872 he was appointed as monitor to the 4th Class. In 1874 at the age of fourteen, he was formally apprenticed as a pupil teacher of the first year. By October 1876 he was ‘best in show’ being 1st in the 1st class of Huntingdonshire pupil teachers and 3rd in three counties. For this performance he was

awarded a £3 prize, a considerable sum at that time. In July 1877 he received a £1 prize from the HMI. In December 1878 he received a real vote of confidence from Mr Jennings when, at the age of 18, he was left in charge of the school. The Log Book entry for 16th December reads: “Master absent. School in charge of Mr George Flavill, Queen’s Scholar.” The grounding George had received at Eynesbury stood him in good stead. Having qualified he went on to enjoy a successful career in his chosen profession, becoming headmaster of Romsey Council School, Cambridge. Acknowledgements to the St Neots History Society newsletter from 2001. St. Neots Museum is another home-grown part of the town. Visit its web site for its latest activities. Drop in to buy exclusive presents from its shop.

By Peter Ibbett

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VISIT St Neots Museum The Kimbolton Coin Hoard and Iron Age St Neots

Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am - 4.00pm St Neots Museum, 8 New Street, PE19 1AE Tel: 01480 214163 Winter Craft & Gift Fair 17th Oct ~ 24th Dec 2020 Unique, handmade gifts by local artists and craft makers

Now on until Saturday 14th October 2017 at St Neots Museum

On our website Family craft activities Art exhibitions Local history blogs Family trail around St Neots town centre KS2 local history videos Toddler Time

Museum shop open Handmade gifts, souvenirs, books, cards, toys, crystals & minerals, jewellery

Visit our website or search for St Neots Museum on YouTube to find our content.

www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk Hands on activities include, excavate hidden treasures in our sand tray, add a leaf to our oak tree and make an oﬀering in our ‘well’.

St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Tel: 01480 214163 Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11.00am - 4.00pm

Admission Free to Local Residents

Other visitors: Adults £3.00, Seniors £2.00, Children £1.00

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History

By Catherine Rose

The Angels’ Share A History of Whisky Whisky (or whiskey) is the tipple of connoisseurs. It is made from fermented grain mash distilled in either copper or Coffey (patent) stills, depending on the type of whisky being produced. Barley is normally used, although rye, wheat, and corn (the base of American bourbon) are also suitable. The grains can be malted for flavour by steeping them until they start to germinate and then drying them. This not only locks in enzymes helpful to the fermentation process but also brings out the grain sugar known as maltose, which gives malt whisky its characteristic caramel taste. After distilling, whisky is then traditionally aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. The word whisky comes from the Gaelic for ‘water’ – uisce (Irish) or uisge (Scottish) (pronounced oosh keh). Short for ‘water of life’, this term originated from the Latin for alcohol – aqua vitae. But is it whisky or whiskey? Technically, both are correct. Whiskey is the spelling used by the Irish whereas in Scotland it is Scotch whisky, or simply Scotch – a term popular in the United States. There are three different types of whisky: malt whisky (which can be single or blended), grain

whisky and blended whisky. The champagne of whiskies – single malt – comes from one distillery, while a blended malt will be the product of more than one. Grain whiskies are made using grains that have not been malted, while blended whiskies can be a mix of grain whiskies or of grain and malt. Blended whiskies tend to be the least expensive (and the brands you would probably use for a whisky mac). The earliest evidence of whisky distillation can be found in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was used not as a drink but as a base for making perfumes. There is subsequent evidence that the ancient Celts distilled whisky as a beverage. Northern Europe did not have the climate to grow grapes, so people who lived in these colder areas had to use more readily available sources to make alcohol. By the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Christian monks in Ireland and Scotland were distilling whisky, which they used as a health tonic. The first written record of whisky making was in 1494 when Friar John Cor “received eight bolls of malt to make aqua vitae”. This would have been enough to make around 1,500 bottles. During this time, whisky was not being left to age in casks as its primary use was as medicine, so it had not yet been discovered that ageing improved the flavour.

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With the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII in 1541, banished monks set up their own distilleries which increased whisky’s consumption and popularity. The oldest surviving distillery is in Ireland - Old Bushmills Distillery - founded in 1608. Whisky became Scotland’s national drink after King James IV of Scotland was said to have visited Islay in 1493 to see distilling there. He popularised whisky drinking, and when Scotland was made a part of Great Britain in 1707 it quickly became synonymous with the alcoholic beverage. Whisky has also been at the heart of conflict. In 1725 England introduced a higher tax on malt, along with legislation that dictated the minimum size for a still. The Scots saw this as a direct attack on their heritage, which consisted mainly of cottage distilleries. There were bloody riots and as a consequence, it is estimated that nearly half of the whisky production across Scotland went underground after people refused to pay the tax. Across the North Channel, the old Irish ballad Whiskey in the Jar (made famous by Thin Lizzy in the 1970s) was originally about Irish Highwayman Patrick Fleming, who was hanged in 1650. Although a violent criminal, he became a folk hero for robbing and killing the English gentry after Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Ireland. In 1823 the British Government was petitioned to

make whisky production both profitable and legal, so The Excise Act was passed and whisky smuggling, which had been rife for around 150 years, died out. The whisky market took off. Up until then, whisky had continued to be drunk fresh from the still, but now, thanks to increased storage and overseas shipping, it was discovered that whisky tasted better when left longer in the barrel. Seven years after The Excise Act was passed, Aenas Coffey invented a process to make blended whisky in higher volumes. This lighter drink proved so popular that widespread consumption grew. Along with the Coffey still came the art of the whisky blender – Johnnie Walker, a grocer from Kilmarnock, being one of the first. Today whisky has never been more popular. There are over a hundred working distilleries in Scotland. Stills on the Scottish island of Islay still use water from the peat-rich streams there to make their distinctive-tasting malt whiskies. And after a decline in Ireland there has been a recent resurgence in whisky making, with twenty-five distilleries operating in 2019 and a further twentyfour planned. And for those of you who don’t already know, ‘the angels’ share’ is the evocative term given to the amount of whisky lost through evaporation during distillation.

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Food & Drink

Classic French Chocolate Mousse I’m all for innovation and doing things differently. But some things just need to stay true to their classic routes. For example, I love making fresh pizza, and a true Napolitana pizza base only uses yeast, water and flour. No new-fangled additions of sugar, honey or semolina. The same goes for the classic French version of chocolate mousse. No need for whipped cream or any flavourings – this is strictly just chocolate, eggs and a touch of sugar. Perfectly simple and simply perfect. This recipe works on a per person basis, just make it as big or as small as you need, although a minimum batch for two people is best… Ingredients per person: 1 egg 35g quality dark chocolate (70% is best) 1 teaspoon caster sugar 1. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a gently simmering pan of water (the bowl mustn’t touch the water). 2. Meanwhile. separate out the egg white and egg yolk. 3. Whisk the egg white until firm and stiff. Whisk in the sugar. You’ll get a lovely silky mix.

4. Once the chocolate is melted, add in the egg yolk and stir well. The mix will go a little thick. 5. Stir in one third of the beaten egg whites to loosen the chocolate mix. 6. Now you need to fold in the remaining egg white. Pour it onto the chocolate mix. Using a metal spoon, fold the egg white using a swirling “figure of eight” motion. Turn the bowl as you do it too. The combination of the figure of eight and turning the bowl will mean the egg whites fold in beautifully. It’s important to fold and not stir – if you stir too hard, you will take all of the air out of the egg. 7. Pour the finished mix into either several small ramekins/ glasses, or one large one bowl, and chill in the fridge for at least four hours. 8. You can decorate with a little grated chocolate and serve.

BBC Three Counties Radio presenter and cook, Nick Coffer 10

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Travel

By Solange Hando

Andorra Enclosed by the Pyrenees in a narrow valley between France and Spain, the principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe at just 15 by 18 miles. On the right bank of the Gran Valira, at over 3,000 feet, Andora la Vella is the highest capital, its tall buildings making the most of limited space. But beyond the duty-free shops of Escaldes, mountains and valleys spread across the land, so peaceful and unspoiled, it is nature at its best. Imagine seventy-two peaks in this mini-country, dozens of lakes glistening blue, rivers and wetlands and, for those in the know, fabulous ski slopes in winter and in the bright summer sun wonderful trails rambling from Mediterranean to Alpine zones. Family walks or challenging hikes, this is a well-kept secret, and with so much to explore in summer the only problem is knowing where to start. Rambling, climbing, horse riding, canyoning, fishing, the scenery unfolds all along the trails, catering for different abilities and sometimes joining the long-distance footpaths dotted with mountain shelters. In the south-east, close to the capital, MadriuPerafita-Claror is the country’s second most important river basin and a UNESCO site listed for its cultural landscape. Rising up to 9,530 feet at Portelleta Peak, the park stretches over seven miles and, with no traffic allowed, boasts 70% of Andorra’s 1,500 species of fauna and flora, including rare and endangered specimens. It’s sheer

delight for nature lovers: here a lonely mountain goat perched on a rock, there a family of boars scrounging in the shadows, marmots twittering in the sun, bearded vultures gliding overhead or a tiny goldcrest, ‘King of the Birds’ in local folklore. There’s a wealth of medicinal plants, mushrooms, flowers, trees and shrubs, thriving in their own microclimates according to altitude and soil, on sunny slopes or in the shade. Among the many trails is the ‘Mountain Path’ climbing up the Madriu valley, ‘the Mother River’, towards the distant peaks tackled by mountaineers. But even a morning trek from the capital is full of rewards, though steep in places. First there are fabulous views of the town far below, framed by peaks draped in eternal snow, then beyond the old bridge and foaming rapids is a nostalgic mule trail winding its way up through stones and rocks, as it has done for hundreds of years. At over 5,300 feet, the forlorn settlement of Ramio nestles among pastures and fields dotted with remnants of dry stone walls and huts. Lizards bask on the stones, butterflies flutter here and there then all is quiet until a thunderous roar sends shivers down your spine, the Madriu crashing through fallen branches and trees. But further up, beyond the conifers, the landslides and barren ridges, the valley opens out and the Fontverd refuge greets trekkers with flower meadows, rivulets and pools plus the young Madriu where they can dip their feet in freezing water. At 6,151 feet, it feels like a dream.

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08/09/2020 12:02:36

Food & Drink

Dine in Style: Sam’s Riverside Hammersmith is located in west London. Kensington borders the district to the east and Chiswick to the west. Shepherd’s Bush is found to the north and Fulham to the south of Hammersmith. The original definition of Hammersmith was a place with a hammer smithy or forge. Architecture and culture feature as further attractions to this area. The world-famous Hammersmith Apollo Concert Hall and Theatre, plus other entertainment venues, attract many visitors, too.

Sam’s Riverside is Sam Harrison’s restaurant and is located by the River Thames, adjacent to the Riverside Studios and close to Hammersmith Bridge. Opened 2019, Sam’s Riverside has attracted much interest (and recommendations) since commencement. Whether pre theatre, lunch, dinner (maybe romantic) or the ever- popular Sunday Lunch event is of interest, Sam’s Riverside certainly does not disappoint in any way – ambience, cuisine, food, drinks, service and the genuine, warm welcome from Arianna. Starters offer oysters and seafood, including salmon and crab, plus other favourites of beef tartare, quail egg and game terrine. My selection of Roast Butternut Squash, Goat’s Curd, Spinach and Pumpkin Seeds arrived perfectly cooked and presented. Certainly a good indication of the qualities that were to follow. Main courses have fish options, plus pork, steak, partridge, duck and more. I opted for Brick Chicken, Black Cabbage, plus Poor Man’s Parmesan, with selected sides of brussels sprouts, nutmeg brown butter and creamed spinach. This proved to be an excellent choice, being succulent, tender and very flavoursome. The complementing flavours were ‘exceptional’ – not a word I use lightly. Desserts list indulgent delectations, including Queen of Puddings and Rum Baba. Chilled Chocolate Pudding, Milk Ice Cream, Honeycomb, absolutely ‘hits the spot’ and, with the flavours coming through, brings the dining experience towards a (reluctant) close. The wines and drinks offer beverages from worldwide origins, with something for everyone. The wines showcase countries, regions and varietals that are most excellent and very popular, be it a red, white, sparkling, fortified or other. Gift vouchers are available, too – now, there’s a thought! Thank you to the brigade of very talented chefs and kitchen personnel and to Krystian for knowledge of the cuisine and exemplary service, throughout. Highly recommended. Sam’s Riverside, 1 Crisp Walk, London W6 9DN Tel: 44 (0) 20 8237 1020 E-mail: sam@samsriverside.co.uk www.samsriverside.co.uk

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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Health

Coping with Arthritis Put simply, arthritis means inflammation of the joints and can be due to numerous causes. Although it is thought of as a disease of the elderly, it can affect people of all ages, even children. There are more than a hundred different types and over 10,000 people in the UK live with the disease. Arthritic symptoms can be very debilitating, with joint pain, stiffness, loss of movement, swelling and bone deformity. Two of the commonest are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect the knees, hips, spine, and fingers. It occurs when cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the joints wears away or becomes damaged through illness or injury. It can also have a hereditary factor. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its synovium – the soft tissue around joints that produces lubricating synovial fluid. Over time, this damages the joint. It can also lead to systemic symptoms such as generalised fatigue, loss of appetite and even anaemia.

By Catherine Rose

Sadly, arthritis is not curable but there are treatments that can help alleviate symptoms. The first step is to go and see your GP, who can check your joint condition and range of movement and refer you to a specialist for assessment. Treatments for arthritis aim to reduce pain and swelling and to help with movement. They can include medication, physiotherapy, walking aids, steroid injections into the joint, or in severe cases, joint replacement. Targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joint will help alleviate pressure and reduce pain. A relatively new and effective treatment for osteoarthritis is AposTherapy®, which works to realign your joints and improve your gait or walking pattern through the daily wearing of special customised footwear. Treatment can take several years but results over time have shown greatly decreased levels of pain in patients. Applying heat pads or ice packs can also help temporarily relieve pain and/or swelling. The most important thing is to keep the joint moving as much as possible. Although your instinct may be to rest, this will be detrimental in the long term. Your doctor may recommend you for surgery – usually a hip or knee replacement. Currently knee replacements do not last as long as hip replacements, so consultants are not as willing to carry them out on younger people. Losing weight will help as it reduces pressure on the joints. You may find that certain foods exacerbate your arthritis, so choosing a diet rich in antioxidants can be beneficial. Avoiding fatty, processed and sugary foods can make a difference. There are also supplements available over the counter that reduce inflammation and support joint health, such as curcumin and glucosamine. It is now believed that some people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to gluten, so cutting this out of your diet may be worth trying. Living with arthritis is not always easy, but do not despair as there is help available.

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IONA BLACK

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Local News

Celebrate the lives of loved ones

with a Walk to Remember People across Bedfordshire are putting their best foot forward this October and walking in honour of their loved ones to raise money for a local hospice. Walk to Remember 2020 will see people walk a route that means something to them to remember the life of someone special. It’s being organised by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford, which cares for people with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families. The hospice had to postpone its annual night-time walk Starlight Hike due to Coronavirus, but is hoping local people will don their walking boots and Walk to Remember at a time and location that suits them. A Walk to Remember is what friends Carrie Irvin, Sharon Kane and Tracey Slevin did in tribute to their best friend Suzanne Sharp-Bayliss, who was cared for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2016. In 2018, the trio did a 26.2 mile walk in her memory and raised more than £4,500 for the hospice. Now, the group of friends, who call themselves ‘The Jellybabes’ due to their love of jellybabies while out walking, are hoping that others will follow in their footsteps. Carrie shares, “Our walk was really special and along the route we felt really close to Suzanne. We planned the route carefully to take in places we had been with her, starting from the baby clinic where we all met in Sandy. “We finished at the pub in Carlton where Suzanne’s wedding reception was held and where her funeral wake was held. “We also visited the boat at Star Rowing Club in Bedford which was named after her.

“We chose to walk a marathon length because Suzanne had been involved in the first marathon the Jellybabes did and supported us in the marathons we sadly did without her. “We did the walk to remember Suzanne and to raise funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice who looked after her so well.” Ellie Burke, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Our new event for 2020 – Walk to Remember – gives people the chance to celebrate the life of someone special and walk in their memory. “You can choose a 5K or 10K distance and a route that means something to you. It could be somewhere you enjoyed walking with your loved one, or a route which has a special meaning. “You can walk any day throughout October or join hundreds of others across the country for our official walk day on Saturday, 17th October. “You can encourage your friends, families and colleagues to join you. Even if you can’t walk together physically, you can start at the same time and share your photos and special moments with one another. “Entry is free, but it’s your donations and fundraising that will make all the difference to patients and families needing our expert care. Sign up today at: sueryder.org/walktoremember” Contact the hospice’s fundraising team on 01767 642 412 or stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org for more information about the Walk to Remember 2020.

The Jellybabes, who organised a marathon walk to remember their friend Suzanne and raise funds for Bedfordshire’s Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, who cared for her. To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

Local News

Look and feel your best post lockdown Are you in need of a confidence boost after life in lockdown? Jolique Facial Rejuvenation Clinic provides non-surgical solutions to improve and maintain the appearance of your skin, helping you to look and feel younger. The clinic, which has been open since June, is part of Buckden Dental Clinic and is owned and managed by Georgina O’Callaghan, who has been a dentist for over 20 years and has special interests and expertise in facial rejuvenation. The clinic offers a range of services, including wrinkle reducing treatment, derma fillers, mirco-needling, lip enhancements, skin boosters, laser treatment, anti-sweating treatment, and jaw slimming. They also offer the Obagi medical skincare range which helps to reduce the aging process, as well as the illumifacial treatment which improves the appearance and feel of skin.

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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House of Colour

A new trend…going into the office? Plus the trendy trends in the shops... As some of us are venturing back into the office, manufacturers designers are considering what we are going to be prioritising in terms of our clothing requirements in this new era. Given many of us have been living in ‘athleisurewear’ aka loungepants, pyjamas etc. for a while how many of us want to compromise on comfort even if we know we are going to have to smarten up to venture to work? Many manufacturers are looking at how fabrics can become softer, smoother but still perform. I’m all for comfort in clothing. On average we wear an item three times if it’s uncomfortable before we stop wearing it altogether. That average is possibly on it’s way down! Do check how comfortable any new purchases are before you commit. Tricky if you can’t try them on at the shop but be prepared to return them if you won’t want to sit in them for long… The shops are luring us back out with new Autumn looks after a tricky summer season.

Some looks to consider: Elegant Comfort: The designers have heard and offer something to bridge the need for smarter clothing with ease. Following the new minimalism trend of last season natural materials brushed materials and soft fleece are incorporated into looser fitting dresses and jackets. Cosying up the winter the shearling jacket will make an appearance. Chain detailing features heavily and can be found on bags jewellery and belts. Look for cut out detailing. Those with Natural and Classic in their clothing personality will enjoy. Femme Dress Code: Celebrating traditional feminine silhouettes and contemporary styling. Slightly dressier look, focussing on the waist and softer A-line shapes. The shirt dress, tailored skirts are also popular. Volume in the sleeve and the pencil skirt is key. Look for hammered silk, recycled synthetic sheers for soft draped blouses. Some graphic and geometric prints and a dramatic edge to the look. A structured belt is a good investment to create shape here. Soft Retro: Following on from the heritage styles of last season the 1970s looks are featuring heavily in this trend. This is something you might be able to redefine from existing pieces in your wardrobe. Tweed, suede and corduroy all feature heavily in this trend and give it a relaxed look. Vintage prints feature paired with easy classic pieces cardigan, crew and poloneck. Some clothing personalities will want to add lace collars and vintage accessories. You might even see a penny loafer… New Historics: Taking forward the Victoriana of last season with corsetry and fit and flare styles. Look at taking pieces from last season and adding in different accessories to keep them on trend. Voluminous sleeves paired with lace and leather are making themselves felt in this trend. Statement jewellery, inspired by the Crown jewels, large scale are key to this look. Prints take their inspiration from baroque interiors. The kitten heel also makes an appearance. Romantics and Dramatics will love playing around with this look. House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk

By Jennie Billings, Colour and Style Consultant, House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings e:jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Local News

20 years together

East Anglian Air Ambulance This Autumn EAAA has marked its 20th anniversary. After a short trial in 1996, the charity was officially established in September 2000, kicking off with a fundraising appeal with jockey Frankie Dettori to fund the first helicopter. By early 2001, the charity had enough funds to start flying one day a week out of Norwich on a shared police helicopter, with one paramedic. This was the start of the important lifeline for many local people, which we know today by its large yellow helicopters and yellow rapid response vehicles, which operate across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Nofolk, 365 days a year out of Norwich and Cambridge. Initially it was AA funding which meant EAAA could start flying seven days a week, which is why its helicopters have always been yellow! Today, every EAAA mission takes the A and E department as well as a highly-skilled doctor and critical care paramedic to the people in the most lifethreatening or life-changing situations, to give those patients the best possible chance of survival. In the early days, the service wasn’t much more than a flying road ambulance, but now the teams provide the very best critical care at the roadside or bedside and quickly get that patient to the most appropriate hospital for their needs. Over the last 20 years, the charity has flown almost 30,000 missions and helped almost 20,000 patients,

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all thanks to the generosity of local people. At a time of so much uncertainty, the charity, which needs to raise £13 million a year to develop and deliver its service, and is aiming to start flying 24/7 for the first time next year, is deeply grateful for the public support which has enable it to pass this milestone. CEO Patrick Peal said: “EAAA is a unique life-line for anyone in East Anglia; we are incredibly proud to be here today, having kept flying throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and to see such a high need for our crews over the last few months. We know we’re providing an essential service for local people and we’re so, so thankful for all the support we have received over the last 20 years. We really couldn’t be here without the community that funds our life-saving work. A huge heart-felt thank you from all of us to everyone who has supported us over the years.” To thank the community which keeps it flying and saving lives, EAAA has released a short film which explores some of the charity’s key achievements and explains how the service has grown so quickly while showcasing some of the people it has helped. To watch the film, go to www.eaaa.org.uk/20years

Leeds Day

Wills for unmarried couples Unmarried partners living together can be leaving each other unprovided for if they do not make Wills. Many people believe that unmarried couples have similar legal rights to married couples, or consider themselves to be ‘common law’ spouses. However, under current legislation, unmarried couples (whether of the same or different sexes), do not have any automatic legal rights if one of them dies, regardless of the length of time that they have lived together or whether they have children together. As a result, if one party dies without a Will then his or her estate will be divided according to the Intestacy Rules. The Intestacy Rules make no provision for an unmarried partner to receive any share in an estate and the deceased’s estate will instead pass to his or her children, parents, siblings or other relatives. If you own a property (or a share of a property held in joint names) you should consider whether you want your partner to inherit your share of that property, or whether you wish it to pass to somebody else. If you have children, you may wish to provide for those children to benefit from your share in the property, whilst also enabling your partner to continue living in the house rent free until he or she has also died or moved out. Your Will can be prepared to ensure the survivor’s occupation of the property is protected, whilst also making provision for your children in the future. There are a number of difficult situations that can arise when someone has not made a will. The most common occur when: • You are still legally married but separated. If you are separated but not yet divorced from your husband, wife, or civil partner, they will inherit the bulk of your estate.

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• You have children and a partner but are not married. If you have children (and are not married, or are divorced) your whole estate will be divided between your children. • You have step-children. All your biological and adopted children are treated equally in the eyes of the law, so they will all inherit from you whether they are from a current or previous relationship. Your partner’s children (unless you have legally adopted them) will not inherit from you, no matter how much you think of them as “yours”. • You have not appointed a guardian. If you have children under the age of 18, and are the only person with Parental Responsibility for them, you need to appoint a guardian. If you don’t do this, it will be very hard for people to know what you wanted to happen. Your family and friends may not see eye to eye over what to do and your children could end up being raised by someone you wouldn’t have chosen. • You have a property and mortgage together with your partner. You and your partner are jointly and severally liable for the mortgage. If you haven’t made a Will your partner will have to pay the mortgage but your share in the property may pass to your nearest living relatives. If you want to protect your partner from having to find a new home after your death you need to make a Will. It can often be helpful to discuss the issues relevant to each individual, in order to establish the best way to make provision for all concerned. We can advise you in an appropriate and practical manner and ensure that your wishes are recorded in your Will. Please contact us on 0844 567 2222 by email at wills@leedsday.co.uk or visit our website www.leedsday.co.uk if you would like to discuss your requirements.

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Finance By John Lister

The Money Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a mighty short-term impact on personal finances, but the effects could be here for many years. It’s a fool’s errand to try to make financial predictions, but we can certainly make some educated guesses about what happens next. Tax rises of some kind seem almost inevitable after the public spending deficit exploded with furlough pay and other measures. It is true the government has explicitly committed to no rises in the rates of income tax, national insurance or VAT until the next general election. That said, a cut in personal allowances or the 40% rate threshold would mean a bigger tax take without breaking the letter of the pledge. It’s also getting harder to see the famed pension ‘triple lock’ surviving. It currently guarantees the state pension will rise each year in line with average earnings, inflation, or 2.5%, whichever is highest. One possibility is to ditch the 2.5% figure and simple go with the higher of earnings or inflation. It seems many of us have got the taste for avoiding the commute and there’ll certainly be some permanent shift away from office working. That could affect the housing market, with the commuter belt become less of a mandatory destination for some. Meanwhile, city centre offices could be less in demand by business and potentially repurposed as apartments. Some effects have already been felt, with traditional two-bed buyers now looking to three-bed properties, earmarking the extra room as a home office.

The mortgage market has already absorbed the initial shock of COVID-19 with a period where few lenders were interested in anyone with less than a 40 percent deposit. Fortunately that seems a short-term measure, but it certainly appears 95% mortgages will get rarer while rates and availability will become even more favourable to those with bigger deposits. Even the practicalities of day-to-day spending have been changed by the coronavirus, with the upper limit for contactless payments rising from £30 to £45. With few signs of increased fraud, this is likely to be a permanent switch. Once overseas trips become more normal again, reading travel insurance policies in full will become more important. Many insurers put in a hard deadline after which new policies didn’t cover losses stemming from COVID-19. Until that changes, holidaying could be a more risky proposition, while it’s possible COVID cover could become an optional extra. Finally, investors and those with non-state pension plans will continue to be somewhat at the mercy of markets. Stocks have certainly taken a huge hit during the pandemic, though many analysts hope they’ll recover in the medium-term given that this is ultimately a financial hit stemming from a health crisis rather than a fundamental economic failing. As always, it’s important not to panic when markets fall and remember that losses aren’t ‘real’ until you sell. John Lister (www.johnlisterwriting.com) is a freelance writer based in Bristol, specialising in technology and personal finance.

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By Rachael Leverton

Garden View

Beautiful Berberis Berberis thunbergii are deciduous shrubs which look particularly fabulous at this time year, producing highly coloured leaves, and often berries which last well into winter. These berries are actually edible and rich in vitamin C, though because they are very acidic, they are not widely consumed by people. They are an important food for many small birds though. They get their other name of ‘barberry bush’ because of their vicious spines. This makes them useful as an impenetrable barrier hedge and may be another reason why the berries aren’t harvested much! Like the colourful Japanese Maple, they originate from Eastern Asia. Berberis vary in colour according to the cultivar and variety. The common Berberis thunbergii have green leaves in spring and summer which turn rich burgundy in autumn. If you’d like the purple colour all year round choose Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, which has purple leaves in spring that turn rich mahogany in autumn. Though Berberis are generally grown for their autumn colour, they are a hard-working shrub, and produce a mass of tiny yellow flowers in spring, providing interest at either end of the year. There is a Berberis for most gardens: They can grow to a maximum height and spread of 1.5m, but there are now dwarf forms which grow to just 50cm, try ‘Tiny Gold’ or ‘Lutin Rouge’. They grow best in full

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sun but also tolerate partial shade. They do well in most soil types, and even do well in drought, but will thrive particularly well in well drained moist soil. Their easy-going nature extends to aftercare, as they are generally pest-free and require little attention, other than a trim to tidy them up periodically. If you don’t have much space or mainly grow in containers on a balcony ‘Lutin Rouge’ does very well in a pot. Mid-September to October, and mid-March to April are the best times to plant so now is the perfect time. Dig a hole double the width of the root ball. Sprinkle in a handful of blood, fish and bone and work into the ground. Place the plant into the hole, fill in with soil around the root ball and firm the soil down gently but firmly, finish by watering well. They will appreciate being mulched with well-rotted organic matter in late spring, but they aren’t fussy; grass cuttings will do fine. My absolute favourite is Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Admiration’. This lovely plant has extremely attractive orange-red foliage, edged with yellow, and forms an attractive mound shape. Its masses of small yellow flowers in the spring followed by purple-crimson berries in autumn make it the most perfect Berberis in my opinion.

Happy Gardening! 35

Time of Year

By Sarah Davey

Is Halloween Cancelled? Trick-or-Treat is either a fun chance to dress-up and claim free sweets from neighbours, or it’s an antisocial American travesty which has infiltrated these shores. I happen to fall squarely in the latter camp, my kids, the former. They start planning their outfits in March. I don’t want to rain on their scary parades, but what should we do about Halloween in the face of a global pandemic? It’s not certain that any of our neighbours will actually welcome my young visitors (or plaguebearers as I’ve come to think of them of them since their return to school) to their doorsteps, no matter how cute their costumes or beguiling their manners. And frankly I’d freak out about them grabbing handfuls of potentially COVID-coated Crunchie bars, so I’m not exactly devastated that I won’t have to accompany them door-todoor and smile apologetically as they beg for treats. But neither am I a total killjoy, so I’ve come up with some ideas

for alternative activities: Hang a spooky piñata for your children in your own back garden. Create a haunted house for your kids at home. Let them dress up and be scared in a fun-but-safe way. Create a spooky scavenger hunt inside and out. Leave clues, or a trail of blood, or spiders. Snuggle up and watch a ‘scary’ movie...something like Monsters Inc or The Corpse Bride (depending on age). Read age-appropriate ghost stories in the dark in front of the fire, or if the weather is favourable, go outside, snuggle under blankets, light pumpkins and toast marshmallows on a camping stove or fire pit. That’s the sort of trick-ortreat night I could get behind. I suppose we should also leave a bowl of Quality Street and bottle of hand sanitizer on the doorstep and wave at the hardcore trick-or-treaters from the safety of the upstairs window. Whatever you decide, have a Happy COVID-safe Halloween

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Seasoned Firewood Logs Firewood logs, all hardwood, beech, oak, ash, elm and sycamore split and fully seasoned all under 20% moisture ready to burn. No softwood or undesirable hardwoods such as willow/poplar in the bag only the best burning woods. ÂŁ75 (inc. VAT) for a bulk bag (builders bag) Or ÂŁ70 (inc. VAT) each for 2 bags. Constant supply throughout the year. Free delivery within a 10 mile radius of Gamlingay, St. Neots and Godmanchester. Will deliver further for a small delivery charge or free for a multiple order. Payment on delivery.

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Pets

Rehoming Appeal

Billy

This is 9 year old Billy. He has always lived in a flat, but since coming into our cattery he has shown quite an interest in the world outside. We think that after he has settled into a home in a quiet location (not a town) his owner may be able to gradually introduce hm to the garden etc. Billy is a friendly, affectionate boy who likes attention from adults and will make a good companion for someone. He can be a little nervous at times and can be easily frightened, so he will need an understanding adult only home where he is the only pet. He has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and is just waiting for that special person to give him the love that he craves. If you would like to find out more about Billy, please contact Liz on 01767 681157. Alternatively, please e-mail 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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Pets

Inspiring Kindness One of the key values that has enveloped the country during lockdown is kindness. Kindness in all of its forms, to all people. Acts of kindness towards our neighbours, strangers and loved ones have rippled across the country, gaining momentum, gathering energy. As we ease our way out of lockdown and into the ‘new normal’ we are invited to continue with this mindset. Being kind even has its own hashtag, its own branded t-shirts. But how does the RSPCA promote kindness? The RSPCA have been inspiring kindness amongst young people for decades, working alongside teachers, parents and youth justice professionals. With a wide range of free lesson plans and accompanying resources, we work in partnership with hundreds of schools nationwide. Through the ‘Generation Kind’ project, we are ramping up our efforts to inspire kindness in the classroom. It is important for children to learn about animal welfare from a young age. ‘The Great Debate’ project gives young people an exciting forum to understand all aspects of animal welfare and the importance of participating in political processes. Children enjoying healthy relationships with animals and is something the RSPCA help to promote in schools via the ‘Compassionate Class’ programme. Through our education work we can help children and young people to develop empathy and compassion for all living beings. We have found that talks in school assemblies are an engaging way to inspire a

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future generation. Our volunteer speakers are often retired teachers. These sessions can be booked by primary schools across England and Wales. “When this generation of children get older, they’ll be far more empathetic towards the needs of animals and they’ll be more willing to contact the RSPCA when they suspect that an animal is being mistreated. Our hope is that this will reduce animal suffering for generations to come.” David Allen, RSPCA, Head of Prevention and Education Tips for Fostering a Love of Animals 1) Explore the great outdoors. Take time to observe animals in the wild. Look under rocks to find centipedes and wood lice. Watch how squirrels interact with each other. Sit as still as possible and see what wildlife you can see and hear. 2) Become a member of your local library. Promote an interest in all animals by reading books about them. 3) Have the opportunity to be responsible for caring for an animal. This could be a class pet, a family pet or helping a neighbour with their animals. 4) Visit a local animal shelter. They are great places to get close to animals and learn more about how to protect them. It is easy to assume that all children will naturally be kind and loving to animals. It is something that needs to be taught, nurtured and modelled. As with adults. Not everyone has an instinct for being gentle and compassionate towards animals. Encouraging young people to respect animal habitats is also included in the work we do with schools. By protecting the environment you are also protecting animals. 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

Motoring

The ten cars with the biggest boots Practicality is an important factor when buying a car, so we’ve brought together examples with cavernous boots from a variety of segments.

Skoda Fabia - 30 litres with the rear seats up / 1,150 with the rear seats down Skoda’s ethos is to build the most practical cars and that’s particularly true of the Fabia, which offers cargo capacity similar to much bigger cars. The estate has even more room – 530 litres with the rear seats up and 1,395 with them down. Volkswagen Tiguan - 615 litres / 1,655 litres The Tiguan is an upmarket, stylish and super-practical SUV. Looking perhaps a little dull in lower trims and more expensive than many rivals, it offers excellent build quality, a wide variety of engine choices and a huge boot. Peugeot 3008 - 591 litres / 1,670 litres A compelling rival to the Tiguan, the 3008 is packed full of character. The interior feels premium but with the practicality to make this both a head and a heart purchase. Skoda Superb Estate - 660 litres / 1,950 litres Another Skoda, the Superb has a simply massive boot. If you do a lot of city driving the Superb’s sheer size might be an issue, but for long-distance drivers who need space above all else, there can be few better options. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate - 640 litres / 1,820 litres With similar levels of practicality to the Skoda but more badge appeal, the E-Class might be pricier but has a much nicer cabin with only a small compromise on space. Ford Galaxy - 300 litres / 2,339 litres There’s still a place for MPVs like the Ford Galaxy. Its seats down space isn’t hugely impressive because of that extra row of seats, but without people in the back it can expand to a van-like 2,339 litres. Mercedes-Benz GLS - 355 litres / 2,400 litres The GLS can do it all, being a genuine seven-seater with a lovely interior, though it’s certainly not cheap. To make the most of the boot you’ll need to fold the third row down, but do so and few can match it for practicality. SsangYong Tivoli XLV - 720 litres / 1,440 litres The XLV is an enticing prospect based on affordability and practicality alone. It might not be quite as nice inside or to drive compared with rivals, but it has loads of space, is cheap to buy and run and comes with great kit. Land Rover Discovery - 258 litres / 2,406 litres The Discovery’s seven-seat boot capacity is unimpressive, but with almost endless seating configurations available you can find space for just about anything. Fold all the seats behind the driver down and you get that hugely impressive 2,406-litre capacity.

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Parenting

Bedrooms on a budget Kitting out a child’s bedroom can be extremely pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or upgrading furniture as your child grows, these tips from Kate Duggan might help you to stick to your budget… Look for quality furniture second-hand If you want furniture to last, look for plain, solidly built furniture. We bought my daughter’s chest of drawers when she was a baby. It’s plain white, but we stuck some removable decals on to ‘prettify’ it. And, as it’s decent quality, it’s lasted well (she’s now eleven). It was second-hand and cost well under £50 – contrast this to the new chest of drawers bought subsequently at twice the price, but of nowhere near the same quality. So my top tip is, buy decent furniture second-hand rather than cheap furniture new. Solid pine furniture lasts for years and is easily available second-hand. You can paint it with chalk paint and update it in different colours as your child’s tastes change. I picked up an ugly (but well-built) bureau for £12 a couple of years ago. The result of some chalk paint and new handles is an attractive, unique piece of furniture that could be passed down to future generations. Facebook, eBay and Gumtree are good places to look for furniture, as are Freecycle and local charity warehouse stores. I’ve also picked up bargains at my local tip. Look for customer returns Prefer to buy new? Some stores offer customer

returns at a discounted price. Wayfair often sells returned furniture at 25% off, for example, and most items are in perfect condition. At www.nnwarehouse.uk, you’ll find furniture from children’s brand Noa & Nani at knock-down prices. In exchange for accepting a minor cosmetic imperfection (e.g. a small scratch or dent), you could save over 50% on the RRP. At the time of writing, a grey single bed is on sale at £39, rather than the usual £129. There’s also a bunk bed for £89, a wooden toy box for £20 and lots more. Think of resale value If you’re buying for the short term and don’t fancy a customer return, look for brands that you can easily sell on again. Ikea’s Kallax storage units, for example, seem to hold their value well and are robust enough to withstand a few knocks. Decorating on the cheap Pick up some wooden picture frames from a charity shop and paint them in different coordinating colours. If you’re decorating a baby or toddler’s bedroom, cut out an applique from an outgrown or stained Babygro or T-shirt. Once framed, it looks like a handmade (expensive) piece of art. You could also try sticking colourful buttons on some cardboard in the shape of your child’s initials and then framing it. Or just use pictures from a calendar or even a comic. You may have a limited budget, but with a bit of perseverance and imagination, you can give your child a room to be proud of.

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PLUMBINGâ&#x20AC;¢HEATING

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Technology

Prevent tech horrors this Halloween October means Halloween, a time for scares and horror – but one horror you don’t want is for something to happen to your precious hardware or your precious data. Unfortunately computers, tablets and phones are a lot easier to destroy than zombies or vampires, so it’s wise to take some precautions. One of the simplest things you can do to protect your hardware is to put it in a case. It’s not something you really need to do with a laptop, but it’s a very sensible move for smartphones and tablets because they’re mobile devices that are much more likely to be dropped. You can also get cases for smartwatches. If we’re honest they’re not exactly pretty, but neither is the £286 we were quoted to repair the smashed glass on our Apple Watch. For watches and phones, you can get goodquality screen protectors for less than £10 that will absorb most impacts and usually leave the screen undamaged. For extra peace of mind, consider gadget insurance. Your home insurance may well cover gadgets already but the excesses are usually high, so if you’re worried about regularly having to replace smashed screens it can be a worthwhile investment. Multi-device policies start at under £10 per month, rising to about £17 for policies that cover an entire household. Hardware isn’t the only thing you should consider protecting. Think about all those priceless and irreplaceable photos you’ve taken and videos you’ve shot. Unfortunately computer storage can and does break, and of course devices can be stolen. That’s why it’s really important to have multiple copies of anything important like precious family photos. For copying large libraries, such as years of family photos, an external hard disk is a relatively cheap way to do it; you might also like to try online storage services like Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive. The more it matters to you, the more copies you should have of it.

Western Digital My Passport external hard disk WD’s excellent external disks aren’t just fast with lots of storage space. They come in designs that are much more interesting than your average external drive. From £42 from Westerndigital.com

Native Union CLIC Leather Case for iPhone Fancy something premium that’s a bit different from Apple’s own cases? The CLIC offers stylish design in genuine leather and a range of attractive colours. £49.95 from Apple.com

John Lewis and partners recycled leather tablet sleeve This simple, stylish and environmentally friendly sleeve from John Lewis is made by processing leather that would have otherwise gone to waste. £18 from John Lewis

Casetify Apple Watch Case With screen replacements costing almost as much as the entire watch, it’s wise to protect your Apple Watch with an inexpensive but effective wrap-around case. £12 from Casetify.com

Bam Bino Space Suit This rugged iPad case for kids isn’t just cute; with a shoulder strap, screen protector and rugged plastic bumpers it’s convenient, kid-friendly and extremely tough. £19.95 from Amazon

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Gaming

An Arcade in Your Pocket!

Retro-gaming has gone miniature Do you like to play games on the go? Mobile phones are great and there are some fantastic games out there, but sometimes only a classic arcade or console game will do. So how do you fit a full-sized arcade cabinet or games console into your pocket? Introducing the game emulator. Retro gaming is a big thing these days. Lots of talented programmers have created software that lets you play all the arcade machines and classic games consoles on modern hardware such as your phone or laptop. These are not games based on the originals. These emulators run the actual code from the classic machines. So, you’re playing the REAL THING. So how do you get hold of these emulators? There are two main routes: The emulators and games are all available on the Internet. Whether you’ve got a laptop, a phone, a tablet, or anything else you will be able to find an emulator to turn it into the arcade machine of your choice. You’ll also need to get hold of some game ROMs and then install everything onto your device. My best advice is to search YouTube for some tutorials on how to do it. If you’re using a laptop or computer, you can connect any game controller to make playing the game easier. If you’re on a phone or tablet you can buy game controllers that clip onto your device so you can use both hands to control the

game without having to hold your phone. All of this does take a bit of technical knowledge or research to get everything working. But it’s worth the effort as you achieve gaming nirvana for free, or at least for the cost of a decent game controller. The second, and easiest option is to simply buy a portable, retro games console. If you can remember back to the original Game Boys and PSPs, you’ll be familiar with the look and feel of these devices. They basically involve a box with a screen and joysticks and buttons positioned around it and on the edges. These devices range in price from around £30 to about £200 depending on the range of consoles they can emulate and the number of games they include. The lower-priced models will cope with older consoles and arcade machines. The more you pay the more powerful the devices will be so they can emulate the more advanced systems, Nintendo 64, GameCube, PlayStation, etc. All of these ready-made consoles will come with a number of built-in games, but most allow you to download and install other games from the Internet. So, if you fancy a trip back in time to a 1980s arcade, a Super Nintendo game fest, or an hour playing your favourite original PlayStation game stick one of these in your pocket. Then the next time you step on the train or sit back in the car you’ll be set for some retro gaming fun.

By Bob Grant www.bytesnbits.co.uk

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September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Rose Habberley – Catworth Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

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

16th October 2020 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random from the correct completed entries.

Prize

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Across 1 Fog (4) 3 Travellers (8) 9 Table support (7) 10 Entrance (5) 11 Clarifications (12) 14 Epoch (3) 16 Sphere (5) 17 To drink (3) 18 Uses camera (12) 21 Large sea (5) 22 Lawn game (7) 23 Mixing (8) 24 Steak (4) Down 1 Mumbled (8) 2 Snooze (5) 4 Poem (3) 5 Ice-box (12) 6 Proverbs (7) 7 Painful (4) 8 Untangled (12) 12 Amid (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Accomplish (7) 19 Dwelling (5) 20 Grave (4) 22 Tin (3)

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Books

By Kate Duggan

Inspiring Children’s Books This month we’re looking at children’s books that inspire, educate and open minds.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World

The latest instalment in the popular Rebel Girls series reveals the stories of athletes, entertainers, business women, activists, creators, scientists, politicians and other inspiring women. Each one is an immigrant and many of them have had to overcome significant challenges to succeed. The mini-biographies only take a few minutes to read and each one is accompanied by an illustration, so it’s a good book for dipping in and out of.

Wonder By R. J. Palacio

Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf

There’s a new boy in class. Ahmet is shy, scared and doesn’t speak much English, but the nine-year-old narrator is determined to make friends with him. And when it turns out that Ahmet could be forever separated from his family due to changes to the refugee laws, the narrator hatches a plan to help. A great book for both children and adults, The Boy at the Back of the Class gently introduces readers to subjects such as refugees, bullying, racism and fairness. My eleven-year-old and I loved it.

Spy Toys By Mark Powers and Tim Wesson

While some children want to be the centre of attention, Auggie is desperate just to fit in. But his facial disfigurement attracts stares, taunts and even screams. We meet Auggie as he’s about to start school for the first time, after years of being home-schooled. Above anything, Wonder is about friendship, families and acceptance.

The Raggy Dolls meets Toy Story in this action packed adventure. When three toys are rejected as not being fit for purpose, they’re soon recruited for a new mission – protecting the prime minister’s son. From a short-tempered doll to a less-than-cuddly teddy bear, these characters help to prove that differences can be strengths. My eight-year-old will find any excuse not to read, but he happily devoured all three books in the series.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Dr Seuss

Matilda By Roald Dahl

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is a rousing, rhyming call to the reader to follow their ambitions, forge their own destiny and do it all with a spring in their step. While it’s very optimistic and upbeat, there are also a few reminders that life doesn’t always go according to plan and that sometimes you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try another path.

Matilda has been pushed around and kept down her whole life. Her parents openly dislike her. Her headteacher is a sadistic bully. But what they don’t know is that Matilda is a genius, and has unlocked a part of her brain that allows her to do some pretty miraculous things. Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale has been entertaining and inspiring children for generations.

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Cambs October 2020

Articles inside

Book Review

Villager Prize Crossword

Bedrooms on a budget

Is Halloween Cancelled?

Prevent tech horrors this Halloween

The ten cars with the biggest boots

Inspiring Kindness

Beautiful Berberis

Wills for Unmarried Couples

Walk to Remember

Andorra

20 Years Together - EAAA

Coping with Arthritis

A new trend.... going to the office?

Dine in Style: Sam's Riverside

A Home-Grown Eynesbury Victorian Schoolmaster

Nick Coffer's Weekend Recipe