Cambs October 2021 by Villager Mag

VILLAGER The

Issue 150 - Oct 2021

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Boost your

Immune System Cosy Autumn

Getaways Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

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

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Inside this issue... Teaching Kids to be Savvy Savers

Could you offer a second chance to a cat in need?..............36

Pets - Halloween and Bonfire Night............................................38 Best Budget Used Electric Vehicles.............................................40 Let there be lights!............................................................................ 42 Teaching Kids to be Savvy Savers.................................................45 Seasonal Recipe - Indonesian Chicken....................................... 47 Puzzle Page...........................................................................................48 What's On in October....................................................................... 51 Wordsearch........................................................................................... 51 A Look Back in Time.......................................................................... 52 Prize Crossword..................................................................................58 Book Review - Chilling Reads.........................................................60

Educating Children in St. Neots District in 1870........................ 4 Cosy Autumn Getaways..................................................................... 6 Drinks Time: Gin O'Clock.................................................................. 12 St. Francis' Children's Society..........................................................14 A Powerful Gift for the Future.......................................................18 New Season, Update your Look................................................... 22 Boost your Immune System........................................................... 24 Fun Quiz.................................................................................................28 Discretionary Trusts - The 'Flexible' Will Alternative............. 31 Garden Trends - What's hot and what's not............................. 35

Garden Trends

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, EAAA, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Leeds Day Solicitors, Caroline Knight, Wood Green, RSPCA, Trevor Langley, Beacon Wealth and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Front Cover Photography: kesu87 Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel: 07762 969460

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. 3

History

Educating Children in the St. Neots

District in 1870

By Peter Ibbett

The state of education remains a live topic of conversation in the never ending quest for the perfect system giving equal opportunity for all at minimal cost to the taxpayer. Our mid-Victorian ancestors were also concerned about the state of education and that the ‘ad-hoc’ system they had inherited was not up to the needs of their modern world. The result was the 1870 Education Act which enabled education for all children and the start of State schools. It was organised on the basis of school districts within the boundaries of the existing Poor Law Unions. Every school within the St. Neots Union had to fill in a return describing the provision that it had. These claims were then examined by government inspectors, and the results issued in 1872. Those for the St Neots Union appeared in the St Neots Chronicle on 10th August, 1872, and show just how much had been achieved by the voluntary organisations as St. Neots already had full provision for its school children with:Boys National Free School, High Street Girls National School, Huntingdon Street Infants National Church of England School, Huntingdon Street Wesleyan Infant School, New Street Wesleyan Mixed School

156 boys 106 girls 221 infants 156 infants 216 boys & girls

‘The St. Neots Wesleyans ran a day school which is mentioned in 1852 but may have started earlier. Probably due to the success of this school, and the lack of space to expand it a movement started to build an entirely new school on a new site. This had the ready support of other non-conformist bodies and in 1868 the foundation stone was laid of the new Wesleyan school on a site west of New Street, now known as Priory Road (Picture above). Under a succession of dedicated headmasters this school soon achieved a high reputation for academic success, and support from government grants. Around 1925 it was handed over to the County Council, becoming the first ‘Council School’ in the town. This change from a denominational status fortunately did nothing to lower the high reputation in which it was held.’ This was quoted in C F Tebbutt’s St. Neots (1978) which is available, together with other books and gifts in the St. Neots Museum shop. Buy early for Christmas.

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Staycation

Holkham Beach

Cosy autumn getaways

in the UK

Our summers can be temperamental, but there’s no doubt that the UK excels when it comes to cosy autumn staycations. As autumn rolls in and the leaves on the trees turn golden, as a nation we collectively roll up our polo necks, dust off our welly boots and prepare for a season of cosy campfires and walking in the woods. It’s hard not to love autumn; a lovely transitory period between summer and winter, it’s the perfect time to explore the great outdoors without worrying about getting too hot or too cold. With ongoing uncertainty about holidays abroad, campfires under the stars, crisp forest air and cosy

Arrowe Park, Wirral 6

log cabins sound like an appealing alternative. Tempted? Here are just a few ideas for autumn getaways to get you started. Get lost in the woods It goes without saying, one of the best places to find – and lose – yourself in autumn is inside our country’s dense woodland. Admire the ever-changing hues of the leaves, varying from rich gold and fiery red to forest green, while foraging for mushrooms and searching for signs of wildlife. The New Forest National Park, covering parts of Hampshire and Dorset, is one of the best forests to experience this. The red, orange and yellow leaves contrast beautifully against the backdrop of open heath and moorland. While you’re there, hunt for the Queen of the Forest, the largest oak to grace the woodland with a girth of 7.4 metres! The icing on the cake, top it all off with a stay at a cosy cottage in one of the New Forest’s local villages, complete with a wood stove fire. Stroll along empty beaches Anyone who argues that our beaches are just for summer hasn’t been to the right beach in the UK’s shoulder season. Swap swimming shorts for jeans and jumpers, and amble along a blustery beach that – if you’re lucky – you could have almost entirely to yourself.

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Holkham beach in Norfolk was made for autumn strolls. This striking expanse of sand still manages to feel stark and unspoilt, despite being a worldrenowned filming destination. Watch the waves crash against the shoreline before warming up afterwards with lunch at the Victoria Inn, known for its locally grown ingredients, or get your seafood fix at Gurneys Fish Shop in Burnham Market. Book a city break Often too stiflingly hot and busy in warmer seasons, the UK’s cities are much more suited to autumn staycations than summer breaks. The best part is, you can be inside as much or as little as you like. If it’s raining, dive into a museum or shop ‘til you drop. Sun shining? Spend the morning strolling the city streets before picnicking in a local park. Bath’s famous spa culture makes it perfect for this kind of holiday. You can wallow in the city’s outdoor, naturally heated Thermae Spa, whatever the weather. In fact, the colder it is outside, the cosier you feel! Get the best of both worlds Can’t decide whether you want to spend your autumn staycation strolling city streets or retreating into nature? Luckily, you don’t have to choose. Many cities in the UK are perfectly positioned next to national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, offering the perfect fusion of rural and urban. Take Sheffield, for example. Swimming in history and with a developing arts and culture scene, it also sits on the doorstep of the Peak District, inviting you to spend your days hiking a portion of the Pennine Way, soaking up the beautiful scenery. Enjoy lunch in a cosy rural pub before returning to Sheffield to sample some of the city’s famous ale.

Treat yourself to a little luxury Sometimes, it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, it just matters where you call home. And what better place to call home for a week than a gorgeous log cabin, complete with a firepit, king-size bed and steaming hot tub? From luxury lochside lodges in the Scottish Highlands to gorgeous beach cabins right on Cornwall’s world-famous sands, there’s nowhere better to escape the daily grind. Spend the day exploring your surroundings before retreating to your luxury lodge for board games, drinks around the fire and a late-night dip in the Jacuzzi. The Danish have a good word for this: hygge. It’s that feeling of comfort and cosiness that arises when it’s stormy outside and you’re wrapped up warm and dry with the ones you love. Hygge and autumn truly are a match made in heaven.

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If you want to love your bathroom and kitchen come to P&R, if not go somewhere else!!!

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

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

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

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

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Food & Drink

Drinks Time: Gin O’Clock

The South Ormsby Estate is located in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Classed as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, this region can justifiably boast history and tradition. The Estate spans some 3000 acres, with Jon and Jan Thornes being the current custodians. Tristan Jorgensen is the Head Distiller at South Ormsby Estate. Tristan gained distillery experiences in Scotland and is now utilising that knowledge and those experiences to great advantage, having created a multi awardwinning brand for South Ormsby Estate’s own craft gins, with several of the botanicals used coming from the estate. History dictates that Charles Burrell Massingberd (1749 – 1835) became the squire of South Ormsby Estate during 1802. I found Burrell’s Dry Gin (43% vol) superb. This elegant, refined production is classic and fresh. Burrell’s Dry Gin has botanicals that include juniper, angelica root, coriander seeds, lemon peel, apple and almonds, plus some more, that make this gin the very worthy and excellent quality production that it is. Fragrant, smooth and crisp is how I would describe this gin. The mouthfeel and palate’s sensation enjoy the fruitiness. I found that with an added tonic, this production came into its own., having delights of citrusy overtones and really great for a G&T mix, garnishing with citrus fruits. Marie Jeanne Rapigeon of Versailles (1764 - 1863) refurbished and transformed South Ormsby Estate, bringing further elegance and glamour. Marie Jeanne became the second wife of the squire and the gin created by Tristan Jorgensen pays a great tribute to this lady. Red fruit aromas and flavours are evident, in this splendid, pink gin (43% vol) production. Also, fabulous for adding colour, to any occasion. The botanicals used for this gin include juniper, angelica root, coriander seeds, cassia bark, pink peppercorns, strawberries, raspberries and cranberries. Again, I found this to be another extremely well-balanced production. Certainly, the bouquet is fruity and, with the palate following through, having further highlights of complexity and depth, this much appreciated and respected delectation is a ‘pink gin’ lover’s delight.

South Ormsby Estate, South Ormsby, Lincolnshire LN11 8QS. Contact details, information and ordering: www.southormsbyestate.co.uk/gin

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl 12

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Local News

St. Francis’ Children’s Society In the UK, almost 3,000 children are in need of an adoptive family. National Adoption Week begins on Monday 18th October, and Milton Keynes adoption agency St. Francis’ Children’s Society is taking the opportunity to encourage people from all walks of life to consider whether they could adopt a vulnerable child. There are very few circumstances which will completely rule you out from becoming an adoptive parent. In the UK, you can adopt if you are: • childless or already have children • married or in an enduring heterosexual or same sex relationship • single • heterosexual or LGBTQ+ • under or over 40 • of any or no religious faith • of any race or cultural background • employed or not • a homeowner or renting You can adopt if you’re married, in a long-term relationship or single. Caroline is a single, black adopter who became a mum with the help of SFCS. “I always knew I wanted children. It didn’t happen for me naturally, so I decided to adopt. I’m divorced, but I work as a social worker, so was aware that you can be single and still adopt. Being a single parent is the hardest thing that I ever did, but it’s also the best!” Adopters can be of any or no religious faith. Children who are waiting for adoption come from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions, and SFCS accordingly welcomes adopters from all

walks of life. Mahmood and Parveen are Muslim adopters whose faith was particularly important when it came to their decision to adopt with SFCS. “One of the reasons for us deciding to adopt was our religion,” says Mahmood. “Islam puts a lot of emphasis on helping other people and the Holy Quran specifically mentions helping orphans or those who do not have parents for any reason. Adoption was something that we discussed when we first met many years ago, even before we tried for natural children of our own.” You don’t need to own your own home or be ‘rich’ to adopt, either. Your financial stability and moneymanagement abilities will be discussed during your assessment, but being on a low income will not automatically rule you out from adopting. You can also adopt whether you’re heterosexual or LGBTQ+. Emma and Zoe are a same sex couple who adopted siblings with the help of SFCS. Emma says: “If adoption is something that you feel is right for you, then go for it. Being LGBTQ is not something that should ever hold you back from adopting. What is important is that you have enough space physically and emotionally for a child. Our boys really don’t care that they have a Mummy and a Mama; they are safe and they are loved.” If you can provide a safe, stable, loving home for a child or children who need it, the chances are you can adopt. Visit www.sfcs.org.uk and click on I’d Like To Adopt to learn more and begin your journey towards growing your family.

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The Tale of the Lost Pilot A Spooktacular Children’s Halloween Event

For the first time ever this October, experience the hangars and grounds like never before at this brand new spooktacular children’s Halloween event. Legend has it that every Halloween, as the dusk creeps in, a mysterious spell sweeps through Shuttleworth which this year we need your help to break! Listen to the tales of terror and intrigue in the spooky surroundings of the hangars and go in search of mysterious apparitions in the gloomy gardens. Explore the glowing paths, interact with fiendish characters, try not to be tricked by the witch, collect clues along the way and solve the mystery.

Ticket Price Child (3yrs-15yrs) – £14.00 Adult – £7.00

Find out more and book online at:

www.shuttleworth.org/taleofthelostpilot Halloween ad HP.indd 1

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25/08/2021 17:00:27

ST IVES ANTIQUES FAIR Burgess Hall (OneLeisure), Westwood Road, St Ives, Cambs,PE27 6WU

Saturday & Sunday - 16th & 17th October 9.30am - 4.30pm each day Fully COVID-19 Compliant Around 40 socially distanced stands, prestigious venue, ample free car parking, wheelchair access from street level, refreshments & licensed bar

Further information: 01480-896866 e-mail: parkhousepr@aol.com www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk 16

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Local News Education and Conference Centre at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity

available for venue hire, as well as virtual and ‘hybrid’ events! Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s Education and Conference Centre reopened in May, in line with government guidelines. The venue can additionally now facilitate video conferences and streaming, to provide virtual and hybrid events. Between its initial opening in November 2016 and March 2020, the Centre hosted over 350 different training sessions, conferences, meetings and events. When the pandemic hit, all confirmed bookings had to be cancelled or postponed. The space was repurposed to allow colleagues to continue working in a socially distanced manner. For a brief period in March 2021, the space even hosted outpatients from the Hospice’s Living Well Services whilst their lounge accommodated additional Inpatient Unit beds to support the wider healthcare system. During the third lock-down and in preparation for the expected reopening of the facility, the Charity benefitted from a COVID-support fund set up by Citrix, a global technology company whose research and development arm is based in Cambridge Science Park. Their support enabled the Charity to install high tech video conferencing equipment, meeting the needs of future hybrid events, catering for both

delegates attending in-person and virtually. Hybrid and video streaming packages can now be offered, including seamless technical support for clients, in association with Venue AV. The venue is COVID-19 safe, having made all the necessary changes for Keeping You Safe, and has been awarded Visit Britain Good to Go accreditation; and can also provide in-house hospitality and catering. The Charity hopes to raise £50K through venue bookings this financial year, making a vital contribution to the £10.5 million it will cost to deliver the Hospice’s outstanding care across its frontline services. To enquire about booking the facility, contact the Conference Team at venuehire@arhc.org.uk or find out more at arhc.org.uk/venue-hire.

Platinum Tours have 17 to 53 seat coaches available for private hire. We have a range of trips planned to see out 2021 in style. Please take a look below, as we are sure there is something for everyone! Trips to the Milton Keynes Theatre Wed 27th October Dial M for Murder. 2:30pm seats in the Circle £40.00 Thurs 11th November ** Glyndebourne choir - Handel’s Messiah 7:15pm seats in the Circle £45.00 Wed 1st December ** Hairspray. 2:30pm seats in the stalls £52.00 Sun 12th December Pantomime! Jack & the Beanstalk 2:00pm seats in the circle and stalls £43.00

Shopping Trips Sat 16th October Springfield outlet, Spalding £15 for one or £25 for two! Sat 6th November Rushden Lakes outlet £15 for one or £25 for two! Variety Shows Tues 23rd November ** Wicksteed Park Christmas Spectacular Enjoy a festive lunch before the show £41.00 Thurs 16th December ** Cromer End of the Pier Christmas Show £40.00

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

Christmas Markets Sat 20th November Ely Cathedral Christmas Market 1:00pm - 4:30pm £20.00 Sat 4th December Lincoln Christmas Market £15.00 Days Out Fri 22nd October Stamford - Market Day £15.00 Mon 25th October Norwich £15.00 ** Trips will be run in our executive 19-seat mini coach, so seats are limited!

Local News

A powerful gift for the future Gifts in Wills currently fund over a fifth of EAAA’s work; meaning that many of the people being saved by the air ambulance teams today are being helped by the incredible generosity of those no longer with us. It is thanks to these supporters who had the foresight to see how much of an impact they can make by leaving a gift for the future that EAAA has made great leaps in pre-hospital emergency medicine since the charity was established in 2000. Not only providing rapid life-saving treatment at the scene of an accident or medical emergency, but also helping more patients to recover and go on to lead a fulfilling life, often supported by EAAA’s dedicated Aftercare Team. These special gifts, no matter what their shape or size, help to make sure that EAAA can continue to give as many people as possible word-class treatment right at the scene, bringing them the very highest standards of care, using the latest technology to make a difference and save more lives. Lucy Day, Gifts in Wills Manager at EAAA, said:

“Planning for the future is important to all of us. We want to make sure that the people and causes that we care about continue to be looked after. Making a Will is an important part of this planning process as it will make sure that your wishes are carried out; making sure that your money and possessions are distributed in the way you choose and that your dependents are looked after as you wish. “A stark reminder of the powerful impact of gifts in Wills on our daily work is our state-of-the-art 24/7 base in Norwich. The development was primarily funded through years of unexpected gifts in Wills which we were able to save and safeguard for the base: for the future of the operation. We’re always incredibly grateful to know that someone has taken the time to think about EAAA and decided to include us in their Will, and have two free and easy ways for you to update or make a Will.” For further information on EAAA’s Free Wills Scheme, go to www.eaaa.org.uk/wills or contact Lucy Day on lucy.day@eaaa.org.uk or call 03450 669 999, quoting The Villager.

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VALID UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER, SINGLE USE ONLY PER AD

IL CORSO SPORTS LOUNGE COMING SOON 19 To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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

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

For further details:

Tel: 07925 852 985 (Dedicated line with voicemail)

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House of Colour

New Season, Update your Look I love the new season and seeing what the shops have in store for us. Some new elements and some continuing themes as ever. I will repeat my mantra that we don’t need to go out and buy a lot of stuff each season to keep contemporary, sometimes a new accessory is enough (could be preloved) or putting items together in a new way can fit the bill. Often I want to play around with my style, there are always classic pieces that I know suit me but sometimes you want to branch out and see what else might work. At House of Colour we produce a Fashion Update which gives the lowdown on the key trends coming up all broken down into the perfect trends for your clothing personality (if you’ve had a style consultation you’ll know what that means), so you can pick out some key pieces that will add a new twist to your existing wardrobe. Here are some themes and looks to keep an eye out for this season, regardless of whether you know your clothing personality. • Cable knits – Adding texture to the look and warmth on chunkier knits. Also in knitwear look out for the knitted waistcoat, great for layering over shirts. • 90’s/2000 trends, graphic prints and strappy details are continuing into this season. Try adding one piece with a graphic style print – easier to manage on the top half and more limiting on the bottom half. • Tailoring and particularly the blazer is continuing this season, with options in relaxed fabrics, harking to the comfort theme but also in luxe looks with leather versions. Tonal dressing, using the same colour in separates is also a key trend this season and one that allows of cost per wear when separates are worn with other pieces. A great place for classics to indulge their love of tailoring. • Knee high boots – so warm, look out for the sleeker versions this season to top off your look. • Cut out, and cut away details with ruching are also featuring. Look for the detail on tops and dresses. • Faux fur – fancy working from home in a little faux fur? Surely a great way to feel uplifted and on point. No saving it for another occasion, wear it now. • Chains – oh yes they are here to stay and a favourite of mine; on shoes in oversized proportions to strappy details, a variety of colours and in angular or rounded detail. A fun way to accessorise this season.

• Colour? Well, violet is making a welcome return this season as is olive green and gold, (metallics in accessories are a great way to uplift your look and still very much contemporary too). Off-white, tan, oatmeal and truffle brown are all very visible this season too and are great neutrals for those with warmer skintones. Fuchsia and magenta are also on trend and could be paired with red if you wanted to liven things up! Guidance on the best trends for you to embrace is always here when you need it. 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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Health

Boost your immune system As the flu season rolls around again, and we are now dealing with the additional threat of COVID-19, we need to take care of our immune systems. There are two main parts to the immune system: the innate immune system is the one you are born with, and it is the body’s rapid response system, working to attack antigens or invaders, while the adaptive or acquired immune system builds antibodies to protect your body from certain microbes, or germs, it encounters in the environment. Our immune system keeps track of every germ it has ever defeated, so it’s primed to be more effective if it encounters the same one again. Vaccines are great at priming the immune system giving our bodies a head start when it comes to fighting certain diseases, so if you are able to receive the flu or COVID vaccines it’s a no-brainer. But even if you can have the vaccine, not everybody produces the same immune response so is there anything else we can do to pep up our beleaguered immune system at this time of year? Yes, you can support and improve the effectiveness of your immune system by eating healthily, staying

By Louise Addison hydrated, exercising regularly, keeping alcohol intake moderate, and getting adequate sleep. Some vitamins and supplements are particularly useful additions at this time of year. Elderberry - Sambucus nigra consists of many vitamins and minerals which boost immune health. Vitamin C - Vitamin C is required for white-cell production. The body can’t make vitamin C, so a supplement is very useful. Zinc – Helps produce new immune system cells in your body. Vitamin D - Helps to regulate the immune system.

ACUPUNCTURE FOR WELL-BEING

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

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Trusted to care Award winning care homes Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, so whatever your needs and personal preferences, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, call 01223 853982 or email tanya.jackson-turner@careuk.com Save over £5,000 a year with our opening offer*

Home now open Heathlands House care home Cambridge careuk.com/heathlands-house *Terms and conditions apply – speak to us or visit our website for more information.

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Recruitment Administrator/Trainee Consultant 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 27

Magic 1. According to the lyrics of the 1989 hit single The Magic Number by De La Soul, what is the magic number? 2. In a TV series first broadcast in 1997, who worked as a creative consultant to a stage magician called Adam Klaus? 3. What sport do Orlando Magic play? 4. Who would often tap his magic wand to perform magic when he heard the catchphrase “izzy wizzy, let’s get busy”? 5. What was the title of the 2015 sequel to the 2012 film Magic Mike? 6. In the story of Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves, a cave full of treasure was sealed by magic. What two-word phrase allowed access to this cave?

7. In the Harry Potter novels, what magical object can change all metals to gold, and can also be used to make a potion called the elixir of life that makes anyone who drinks it immortal? 8. In the fairy tale Jack And The Beanstalk, what does Jack exchange to get the magic beans that cause the beanstalk to grow? 9. Who recorded the album 24K Magic, which won seven awards in total at the 2018 Grammy Awards? 10. On the TV show The Magic Roundabout, Zebedee would often close the show by saying what threeword phrase?

1. Three 2. Jonathan Creek 3. Basketball 4. Sooty 5. Magic Mike XXL 6. Open Sesame 7. The Philosopher’s Stone 8. A cow 9. Bruno Mars 10. Time for bed

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Ever stopped to think about equity release? NOW COULD BE A GOOD TIME TO TALK! Equity Release Lifetime Mortgages, allow over 55’s to release tax-free cash tied up in the value of your home. You don’t have to move house or downsize. It’s a popular way to get the money you need, to enjoy the retirement you deserve. Releasing Equity from your home is a big decision, which is why we’ll make sure you understand the benefits, costs and risks. We’ll be happy to set up a meeting, where we can talk you through the eligibility requirements that apply. The initial meeting is completely FREE!

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Leeds Day

Discretionary Trusts

The “Flexible” Will Alternative Discretionary Trusts are frequently used as part of an overall estate planning strategy to provide asset protection. • A Discretionary Trust has a group of potential beneficiaries. • None of the beneficiaries have a fixed entitlement to the assets in the trust. • A side letter of wishes records the intentions of the trust. This is only an expression of wishes, it is the Trustees who decide who benefits and when. Clients often come to us with an idea of what they want to happen with their estate, but what they would like to happen is dependent upon circumstances that could change. Traditional Wills can be rigid, and may limit what your Executors and Trustees can do when it comes to distributing your estate. This means that what you may have wanted in the circumstances will not be enacted. The idea with a Discretionary Trust is that your estate passes to your Trustees, who will be provided with a letter that details what you would wish to happen in several circumstances. Your Trustees then have the ability to assess your estate and the circumstances when you die, and adapt the distribution of funds accordingly. • Future divorce within the family. Your child may be in an unhappy marriage, and you believe the relationship may break down. Should you die whilst they are undergoing divorce proceedings, their inheritance may be taken into account and your estate may pass to their now ex-partner. A Discretionary Trust would allow your Trustees to retain funds in

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

Trust, and not distribute to your child until their personal affairs are in order. However the Court can investigate a person’s interest under a trust and take it into account when determining an appropriate settlement on divorce but the use of a trust offers more protection than an outright gift in the Will. • Family Fund for a group of beneficiaries to include a disabled child. Alternatively, your child may have an illness or disability which affects their capacity. If you direct their inheritance into a Discretionary Trust, they will not become entitled outright and therefore the trust can be used to support their needs. • Vulnerable beneficiary or beneficiary who cannot manage their own financial affairs. A Discretionary Trust allows your Trustees to assess whether your child is capable of holding their inheritance and either distribute their share or retain the funds on Trust if they feel it would not be in your child’s best interests (for whatever reason) to receive the funds immediately. • Future protection of family wealth. A trust is potentially a useful device to protect family wealth for generations. We offer a personal, friendly and sympathetic approach, to assist you in planning and managing your affairs most effectively in a wide range of situations. If you need any advice in relation to any will, estate planning or bereavement matter then please contact Leeds Day on 0844 567 2222 or email wills@leedsday.co.uk.

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St. Neots Xenus House, Sandpiper Court, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8EP T: 01480 474661 31

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Gardening

Garden trends What’s hot and what’s not Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Passion for gardens has probably never been greater. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that we were all obliged to follow, outside spaces have taken on a whole new vibe. The trend for utilising even the tiniest of outdoor areas is probably here to stay – at least for the next few years. Many of us have created garden ‘rooms’, where the inside flows into an outdoor kitchen and dining area. The lines between indoors and out have blurred. It is no longer unusual for people to install outdoor fridges, cookers, storage, food-preparation surfaces and, of course, seating. The latter will probably include a dining table with chairs but also an outdoor lounge with comfortable furniture. Sometimes this can take up most of the garden, but hopefully there will be some attractive planting to provide screening, perhaps a soothing water feature and definitely a firepit so that everyone can stay outside during the evening. Gardens need life But is this impressive display of luxury any good for gardens? Paving over lawns and restricting planting to very limited zones isn’t great for biodiversity. Beware of creating a desolate, cheerless space with little life to be found. Most people love the softness that plants bring to hard landscaping, therefore every opportunity should be taken for prioritising plants over paving. Ideally, we should aspire to create a garden that can perform many functions. A seating place amongst the planting enables us to enjoy it to the full. Above all else we should make provision for wonderful plants that will attract pollinators, provide structure, movement, scent, colour and soak up the excesses that the sky deposits. Plants absorb pollution, they

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clean the air and produce oxygen. Just relax by some lush planting and see how it makes you feel – plants really are good for us. What’s been trending in gardens over the last two years? • Al fresco dining, often with built-in appliances and heating and even a retractable canopy. • The concept of extending interior decor into the garden, decorating gardens with lanterns, ornaments, colourful accessories, rugs and cushions. Some even sacrifice kitchen dressers, sofas and throws in a bid to make a bold outdoor statement that creates a cosy space. • Grow-your-own. At least fourteen per cent of adults in the UK are following a meat-free diet. Almost half the population now grows fruit and vegetables at home. Not only is it fun and rewarding, but it can be completely chemical-free too. • Dry stone walling, gabion walls using wire baskets filled with stones, rocks and boulders are all increasing in popularity. These contemporary features combine style with function and they provide wonderful nooks and crannies that are valuable for wildlife. • Porcelain garden paving is the surface of choice for a growing number of householders. Porcelain can look like stone but is less porous, therefore it doesn’t turn green quite so easily. It’s long-lasting, tough, slipresistant and contemporary. • Sowing seeds and planting for wildlife. There has been a record demand for wildflower and other seeds over the last eighteen months, with sales increasing more than 600 per cent.

Local News

Could you offer a second chance to a cat in need? Wood Green, The Animals Charity rehabilitates and rehomes around 1,800 cats every year from their centre in Cambridgeshire. The majority of these cats are matched with loving new homes in around 30 days, but those with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can stay in the charity’s care for many months. Wood Green are now seeking people who live in rural areas, or are able to create an enclosed garden, to offer a second chance to a cat with FIV. What is FIV? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral infection that affects cats worldwide. Although FIV-positive cats will remain infected for the rest of their lives, it only affects cats and there is no risk of passing FIV to people or other species. Infected cats who receive supportive medical care, eat a good diet and are kept in a stress-free environment can live comfortable lives with a normal lifespan. What are the symptoms? FIV is slow acting, meaning infected cats may not show any obvious symptoms for many years – but their immune system will be weakened. As a result, cats will be susceptible to secondary infections and will take longer to recover from minor injuries. Depending on a cat’s medical history, there may be some pet insurance exclusions, which is a factor to consider before rehoming a cat with FIV. How is FIV transmitted? FIV is usually passed through bite wounds during fights, or through mating. Once a cat has contracted FIV, they can pass the disease to other cats and need

to live somewhere they won’t come into contact with many other cats – either in a rural location, or in a house with an enclosed, cat-proof garden. This allows them to enjoy the outside, and carry out natural hunting behaviours, without posing a risk to themselves or other cats. How can I create an enclosed garden? Depending on your space, and the budget you have available, there are a number of options. The first is to install a cat fence around the perimeter of your garden, either with an off-the-shelf product or by building one using strong mesh and brackets. Another option is to create a ‘catio’ – a large, screened-off section like an aviary, which your cat can access via a window or cat flap. The team can help you choose the right set-up for your garden, and for the individual cat you are interested in rehoming. By rehoming a cat with FIV, you’ll be giving them the happy ending they deserve – as well as helping Wood Green to be there for even more pets. To find out which cats with FIV are looking for new homes, or to learn more, please visit woodgreen.org.uk/find-a-cat or contact the team on 0300 303 9333.

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09/03/2018 11:06

Pets

Halloween & Bonfire Night

As Halloween and Bonfire Night season lingers on the horizon, lots of people will start to get excited about watching fireworks and spending time with family and friends. With Covid still within our communities, these festivities may look very different this year. But one thing that remains the same, is what our furry friends think about the celebrations. Many animals find fireworks really frightening. Did you know that approximately 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks? That’s nearly half of all dogs So, what can we do to help our pets during these times? There are a lot of straight forward things you can do to help your pet cope with fireworks. By preparing in advance before all the fireworks start, your pet will be able to cope better with the sudden loud bangs and bright lights. First, ask your neighbours whether they are planning to have a firework display in their back garden or if they are going to attend an organised one. Read our top tips and find out how you can keep your pets safe and happy during the celebrations. 1) An early walk - If you have a dog, take them for a walk during daylight hours, thus avoiding times when fireworks are being set off.

2) Noise reduction - Make sure all windows and curtains are closed as this will cushion and muffle the noises outside. You could always play some music or put the television on to mask the sound of the fireworks. If your dog is particularly nervous and frightened, we would suggest making a quiet hiding place where your dog can go and feel safe and in control. Follow their lead, as different pets cope with fireworks in different ways. 3) Provide a safe place to hide - this is a really sensible idea but be aware some dogs might prefer to be near their owners. Cats would also benefit from having places to hide. Perhaps make two or three around your home, for them to retreat to if they start to feel stressed. Cats often feel safest when they are high up, so they may prefer a space on a shelf or cupboard. Avoid picking up cats or restraining them as cats prefer to control how they cope. 4) Bring them in - Many of us have outdoor pets living in hutches and cages. These small animals are particularly vulnerable by being outside. Some owners of small animals prefer to bring them indoors during the Bonfire Night celebrations. If that is not practical, you could partially cover outdoor cages and pens with blankets. This acts as soundproofing and will provide your pets with an area to take shelter and hide. Other animals may benefit from being given extra bedding so they can burrow and hide from the loud noises and bright lights. Garages and sheds can also be used as a temporary homes for your outdoor pets. 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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Motoring

Best budget used electric vehicles

for those wanting to make the switch on a budget Opting for plug-in power doesn’t have to break the bank. Electrification is taking the car world by storm and battery-powered vehicles are really starting to surge in popularity. A knock-on effect of this is that more EVs are entering the used car segment, so let’s look at some of the options.

Nissan Leaf – £5,000 This well-sized electric car has been on sale for quite some time now and a £5,000 budget will get you a very early model. Though it won’t offer the longest range, it provides a great EV entry point.

Volkswagen e-Golf – £15,000 Prior to the introduction of VW’s ID range, its most prominent offering was the e-Golf. Practical and well made, it delivers everything and a £15,000 budget will net a later model, with a range of about 186 miles.

Tesla Model 3 – £40,000 The Model 3 is Tesla’s BMW 3 Seriesrivaling car. At £40,000, you’ll be able to net a standard-range model with low miles, capable of delivering up to 254 miles of range. You can use Tesla’s Supercharger network, too.

Renault Twizy – £10,000 With its scissor doors and bug-like design, the Twizy stands out from the crowd. It might not be the most practical option nor the strongest in terms of range – it’ll do around 62 miles fully charged – but for city dwellers it’ll be a very appealing prospect.

BMW i3 – £12,000 BMW’s classy i3 has aged remarkably well, with used models showcasing the clever design and innovative interior that won it fans originally. £12,000 will get you a decent example with reasonable mileage. With a range of around 160 miles, it’s suitable for most journeys.

Peugeot e-2008 – £30,000 Peugeot is also undergoing change as part of the PSA Group. The e-2008 uses the same powertrain as the Corsa-e but in a more practical, family-friendly SUV body style. You’ll get 206 miles from a charge, while the e-2008’s quirky looks help it to stand out.

Hyundai Ioniq Electric – £18,000 Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric – also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid – has seen decent success, owing to its smart design and a range of around 174 miles. It’s smart inside and offers great value for money, thanks to a healthy amount of standard equipment.

Vauxhall Corsa-e – £20,000 Since becoming part of the PSA Group, cars like the Corsa and Mokka showcase Vauxhall’s new direction. The electric Corsa-e is easily one of the best second-hand EVs on sale. It has a range of up to 209 miles and is packed with features, too.

Jaguar I-Pace – £50,000 Right at the top of today’s budgets sits the Jaguar I-Pace. It’s a large and roomy SUV with a high-tech interior, giving a range of 292 miles between charges. As a do-all SUV, it’s hard to beat. As Jaguar’s first foray into the EV segment, the I-Pace is impressive to say the least.

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Technology

Let there be lights!

The smart lights that guarantee a warm welcome on the coldest nights Smart lighting technology is having a moment right now: the technology is getting even smarter and even easier to use, and prices are falling dramatically. Where smart bulbs used to cost upwards of £50 for a single one, you can now pick up a Hey! Wi-Fi smart bulb for £10, a Philips Hue filament bulb for £13 and an IKEA Tradfri spotlight bulb for just £6. All of these lights can be controlled via your smartphone and in many cases you can also control them from your voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa. Some smart bulbs simply connect to your home Wi-Fi, but Philips’ Hue and IKEA’s Tradfri require connection to another device: a smart hub for Hue and a remote for IKEA. The IKEA bulbs can also connect to a Philips Hue system, although that can be a bit fiddly to set up. A starter kit isn’t expensive, though: IKEA bundles a remote and a bulb for £25, while two Hue bulbs and a hub is currently around £40. If you go for a Hue system you can also add outdoor lights, flexible light strips and even an accessory that expands your TV by projecting the same colours on the wall behind it. Smart bulbs aren’t the only great option for clever lighting. Nanoleaf’s triangles, hexagons and other shapes enable you to add decorative lighting to any flat surface (and there are normal smart bulbs in the range too). A Hexagon starter kit containing five panels, a controller and everything you need to mount the lights is £119. You don’t need to go down the smart bulb route to get some warm lighting in any room. Many smart-bulb systems have cheaper copycats that you control with a small remote, and LED candles such as the Luminara (£29) are incredibly realistic with incredibly long battery life. You can even get candle-style LED bulbs that do a really good job of imitating flickering flames. Expect to pay from around £8 to £25.

Luminara LED Candle You can get LED candles for a lot less money than this, but the Luminara is very realistic and delivers the same warm glow that a real candle does. £29, John Lewis

TRADFRI Starter Kit IKEA makes smart lighting simple with this combination of bulb and remote. You can then add more bulbs for as little as £6 apiece and control them with your phone or smart speaker. £25, IKEA Philips Hue Large LED Filament Bulb The Hue range of smart bulbs is absolutely massive, ranging from tiny GU10 spotlights to garden floodlights and cute retro lighting such as this LED filament bulb. £30, Currys

Nanoleaf Triangles Starter Kit If you want to really make an impact with your smart lights, Nanoleaf’s Shapes can change colour in time to your music or on a programmed schedule. This starter kit has nine triangles. £177, Amazon

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Parenting

Teaching kids to be savvy savers Most of us have made mistakes with money at some point. Help your children to avoid the same financial pitfalls by giving them the knowledge and skills to build on in the future. Teach them the value of money Rather than buying your children sweets each week, give them pocket money, some of which they can use to buy sweets and some of which they can save for a bigger treat. It’s good for children to earn at least part of their pocket money by doing chores. They’ll learn that money doesn’t come for nothing and be less likely to waste it. To make life easier, you could use an app and debit card like RoosterMoney or Go Henry, which were created to help children get to grips with their finances and earn money through chores. Help them to budget Encourage children to save up for something they really want rather than just waiting for Christmas or their birthday. You could start by explaining how much they’d need to save each week to achieve their goal. Younger children tend to need quicker results, so start with a small goal that can be achieved in a few weeks rather than months. Give them responsibility Part of appreciating the value of money is learning through mistakes. It’s tempting to step in and stop your child from spending their pocket money on things that you know they will quickly discard. Offer

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advice but let them make their own decisions on low-value items. They may well then think twice next time they want to buy a blind bag or an expensive T-shirt. When older children are ready, you could give them more responsibility for budgeting for the things they need by giving them an allowance for clothes, school dinners, travel expenses, toiletries, days out and so on, and helping them to work out a monthly budget. Again, they can earn more through chores if they want to save up for high-value items. Discuss money Don’t be afraid to talk about money with your children. You could share how much you’re setting aside each month for next year’s holiday for example, and talk about your own experiences with money. You can also help your child to see that, while it’s good to shop around for the best price, cheap doesn’t always mean best value. However, try not to make your child worried about family finances. It’s fine to talk about not being able to afford something or how you’re saving up for a big purchase, but you don’t want your child to lose sleep worrying that you won’t be able to pay the bills. Learn from the experts Make the most of children’s love for online games. MyBnk is a UK charity on a mission to help children build good money habits. It has created a series of fun online courses for ages 5 to 21. You can access them for free at learning.mybnk.org/our-courses.

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Seasonal Recipe

Indonesian chicken

with buckwheat noodles

Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinate: at least 1 hour Cooking time: 18 minutes

Ingredients 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped A hearty meal in a bowl, lightly spiced and packed with nutrientHandful of coriander leaves rich vegetables. This dish contains a wealth of anti-inflammatory 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed ingredients, including ginger, garlic and turmeric together with 2 cm piece of root ginger, grated immune-supporting shitake mushrooms and coconut. Buckwheat 1 tbsp coconut sugar or honey noodles, also called soba, are a nutritious staple in Asian dishes. 1 tbsp tamari soy sauce 1 tbsp fish sauce 1. Place the lemongrass, coriander, onion, garlic, ½ tsp turmeric ginger, coconut sugar (or honey), tamari soy sauce, 1 tsp garam masala fish sauce, turmeric, garam masala and coconut 400ml coconut milk milk in a blender and process until smooth. Pour Salt and pepper over the chicken. Season with a little salt and 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs pepper. Marinate for at least one hour. or 2 chicken breasts, cut into large chunks 2. Heat the coconut or olive oil in a wok or frying 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil pan. Drain the chicken, reserve the marinade and 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced stir fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Add the chilli, 1 bunch of pak choi cut into strips pak choi, mangetout and mushrooms and cook for 100g mangetout a further minute. Add the marinade and simmer 4 shitake mushrooms, sliced for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked. Toss 60g cooked buckwheat noodles or rice noodles in the noodles. Sprinkle over the bean sprouts and Handful of bean sprouts spring onions to serve. 2 spring onions, chopped

Nutrition per serving: 394kcal, fat 16.5g (of which saturates 7g), carbohydrate 29.2g (of which sugars 24.1g), protein 32.3g.

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What's On

WHAT'S ON ON IN OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm, Eynesbury Junior School ‘House of Spies: Farm Hall, Godmanchester’ by Roger Leivers. Web: http://stneotslhs.org.uk

5 OCTOBER Hail Weston Wildlife and Gardening Group 7pm, Hail Weston Village Hall Members £1, non-members £2 AGM with free glass of wine and opportunity to become a member, followed by a talk on ‘Wild Sri Lanka’ with speaker Jo Thomas. More info: hwwgg@yahoo.com 5, 12, 19 & 26 OCTOBER St Neots & District Camera Club Via Zoom. Regular talks. www.stneots-camera-club.org.uk 6, 13 & 20 OCTOBER 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

9 OCTOBER Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm, Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade ‘Award Winners’ with Tim Fuller, the owner of Plantsmans Preference Nursery. Plants for sale. AGM will be held before the talk. Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk

13 OCTOBER The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Talk 7.30pm on Zoom. Cliff Carson, former Environmental Officer for the Middle Level Commissioners, talks about his work to enhance the biodiversity of the Fenland waterways. Tel: Alistair 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com for more info or jp.doody@ntlworld.com to book

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15 OCTOBER Kimbolton Community Cinema 7pm for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £5, concessions £4, children £2.50. Dream Horse (PG). Tickets from The Flower Shop (not Mondays) The Old Swan Pharmacy, Bytes Café on Monday and Friday mornings and on the door. Email: kimbolton.cinema@gmail.com 19 OCTOBER 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 facebook/ stivesdementiafriendlycommunity

31 OCTOBER

The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust Walk 10.30am. A walk to look at the Autumn Colours in Brampton Wood. Please meet in the car park. GR TL 184698. Tel: Alistair 07775 365507 Email: alistairrgrant@hotmail.com for more info or jp.doody@ntlworld.com to book

Special Report

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Crossword Puzzle Solution from our September Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Roger Bygraves – Eynesbury, St Neots

September’s Codeword and Sudoku Solutions

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Across 1 Employed (4) 3 Loyal (8) 9 Whirlwind (7) 10 Big (5) 11 Ceremonial leader (5) 12 Save (6) 14 Twist together (6) 16 Thick oil (6) 19 Steps (6) 21 Friends (5) 24 Not dead (5) 25 Beginning (7) 26 In company (8) 27 Small insect (4)

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

16th October 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 Utmost (8) 2 Not late (5) 4 On a ship (6) 5 Relates (5) 6 List of ingredients (7) 7 Vegetable (4) 8 Round container (6) 13 Communications (8) 15 Zero (7) 17 Wealthier (6) 18 On land (6) 20 Distinguished (5) 22 Alliance (5) 23 Silly (4)

Name:

Address:



Tel:

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Call now for a free, no obligation quotation 59

Books

Chilling Reads Triflers Need Not Apply Camilla Bruce

This is a fictionalised account of the life of mass murderer Belle Gunness, who started her killing spree back in 1900. In the novel, a horrific attack as a young woman sets Belle on a very different path to that of her peers. She realises that while women may not have legal power, they can be just as ruthless as men. As the bodies pile up, so too do Belle’s finances. But how long can her appetite for murder go unnoticed? You’ll veer between pity and loathing for the main character, with perhaps a touch of horrified admiration at times.

The Rising Tide Sam Lloyd

Lucy seems to have it all, until one day her family’s yacht is found drifting at sea, empty. She soon realises her husband is missing, and with him her children. A storm is brewing that threatens to wipe away any clues and any hope of finding survivors. Atmospheric and with twists galore, The Rising Tide will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World Elif Shafak

Sequels rarely live up to the hype, but boy does this one deliver. The Thursday Murder Club has another crime to solve (which is lucky as the pensioners were getting a bit bored). Elizabeth has received a cry for help from an old flame – one she neither likes nor trusts. But he’s in danger and she’d rather he didn’t end up dead. As you’d expect, there are plenty of red herrings to throw them (and you) off the scent. Cosy crime at its best.

The Haunting Season Various authors

There’s a time-honoured tradition of curling up on a cold winter’s night to devour a ghost story. You might not be reading the tales in The Haunting Season by candlelight, but they’re sure to delight nonetheless. Eight leading authors have contributed, including Laura Purcell, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Andrew Michael Hurley. While each story is set in winter, the similarity ends there. Some verge on horror while others are more deliciously spooky.

A Slow Fire Burning Paula Hawkins

If you didn’t read this book back when everyone was talking about it two years ago, don’t let it slip through your fingers again. The central character is Leila, who lies murdered and dumped in a rubbish bin in Istanbul. As her brain shuts down, we’re taken through her life up until that point. Not the happiest life to be sure, but one rich in friendship. And those friends will stop at nothing to make sure Leila isn’t just another victim in an unmarked grave. A startlingly unique, vivid read.

The Man Who Died Twice Richard Osman

A multi-layered mystery with unreliable characters, A Slow Fire Burning is certain to appeal to domestic noir fans. Daniel is found dead on his houseboat. Laura is the last known person to see him alive and was seen leaving with blood on her clothes. And then there’s Carla, Daniel’s aunt, who’s still grieving for her son and sister. And Miriam, the woman who says she found the body. Plus several other characters, all with their own stories to tell and secrets to hide…

By Kate Duggan

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

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Classifieds Plumbing

Electrician

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Pest Services

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Cambs October 2021

Articles inside

Prize Crossword

Teaching Kids to be Savvy Savers

Seasonal Recipe - Indonesian Chicken

Garden Trends - What's hot and what's not

Pets - Halloween and Bonfire Night

Drinks Time: Gin O'Clock

Could you offer a second chance to a cat in need?

Boost your Immune System

New Season, Update your Look