Cambridge Villager July 12 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 40 - July 2012

and Town Life

ÂŁ25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing local business to local people in and around St Neots, Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, ur Godmanchester and surrounding villages Yo EE y FRco1 p

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In this Issue

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Issue 40 - July 2012

4 Is Your House

In a Conservation Area?

Bringing local business to local people in and around St Neots, Buckden, Brampton, Cambourne, ur Godmanchester and surrounding villages Yo EE y FRco1 p

Advertising Sales Christa Hallam - Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com Additional Editorial Tony Larkins, Peter Ibbett, Fiona McLeman, Katie Williams, Melanie Hulse, Rita Williams-Hall, Simon Cass, Debbie Singh-Bhatti and James Baggott Front Cover Photo: Brampton Woods Dave Pickett www.davepickettphotographer.co.uk Design and Artwork Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email:nigel@villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

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.

Alliance Foster Care A True Story

P&R Bathrooms Bedford

Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

St. Neots Town Council.......................................................................................4 Huntingdon Racecourse....................................................................................8 Centre for Complimentary Health............................................................... 20 Are You Secure?.................................................................................................. 25 Parenting Apart During the Summer Holidays....................................... 26 Koi Carp Know, So Shouldn’t We?................................................................ 29 Animal Know-How............................................................................................ 37 Children’s Page................................................................................................... 39 Peugeot 208........................................................................................................ 40 Seasonal Delights.............................................................................................. 45 Puzzle Page.......................................................................................................... 48 What’s On............................................................................................................. 58 Quite Simply Property Solutions................................................................. 60 Don’t Forget Fido............................................................................................... 62 16,000 copies delivered free of charge to all homes in the following areas: Hinchingbrooke, Hinchingbrooke Park, Brampton, Buckden, Offord Cluny, Offord D’arcy, Godmanchester, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey, Cambourne, Chawston, Croxton, Duloe, Graveley, Great Paxton, Hail Weston, Honeydon, Little Barford, Little Paxton, Roxton, Southoe, Staploe, Tempsford, Toseland, Upper Staploe, Wintringham, Wyboston, Yelling. (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Huntingdon, St Neots, Eaton Ford, Eaton Socon and Eynesbury.)

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IS YOUR HOUSE IN A CONSERVATION AREA?

by peter ibbett

Do you appreciate your District Council’s Conservation Team’s efforts to maintain our unique local heritage? Conservation Areas are a means of ensuring the best of our inheritance can play its part in our ever changing digital era. A search on ‘Conservation areas in Huntingdonshire’ will lead you to the District Council’s set of detailed maps showing the location of every listed building in the area and demonstrate the good use to which some of your community tax is being put. In St. Neots the maps remind us that important buildings can lie outside central areas. The present Bethany House out on Cambridge Road was once Shortsands House and was built in the early 19th century. Its first occupant in 1823 was the Rev. Balley who was pastor at the Congregational

Chapel. By the end of the Victorian Era many public events were held at the house on ‘Budge’s lawn. (The Rev. Budge who was vicar at Great Paxton, lived here until he took the Brampton living in 1883). The McNish family lived here from 1893 until just before the first World War. Alexander McNish was a director of Paine’s Brewery, as was his son John and both played a full part in local parish events. The photograph shows why the building has Grade II listing. Contact the museum (www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk) or pjibbett@aol.com if you have any photographs or memories of this or any other listed building.

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ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL

by Katie Williams, Town Centre Manager

St Neots celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in spectacular style on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June. The whole town turned out to enjoy this iconic weekend and the highlights were undoubtedly the fantastic Duck Race, which raised over £1,200 for Parkinson’s UK; the hugely entertaining raft race and the Children’s Big Lunch, which attracted over 600 children and their families. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side on the Sunday, with the rain not stopping all day. Nevertheless, the event still went ahead and we donned our wellington boots and rain macs to enjoy the entertainment, and good old British weather of course! On the Monday the town beacon was lit in conjunction with thousands of others across the country to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. St Neots Town Council was delighted to invite local river swimmer and fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, Bryn Dymott, to light our beacon at the special event. We would like to wish Bryn all the best for the final preparations towards his English Channel swim on 16th August raising vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK. Moving on from the Jubilee celebrations, the St Neots Summer Band Concerts are back by popular demand. The concerts will take place

on Sunday afternoons (2.30-4.30pm) in Riverside Park (near the Ambience Café). St Neots Town Council invite you to bring a picnic to the park on a Sunday afternoon, to enjoy the live music. Forthcoming concerts are as follows: 15th July – Dixieland Jazz 22 July – Cottenham Brass 5 August – Split Whiskers (Blues) 12 August – Wizzizippi Jazz Men On Sunday 9th September, St Neots will host a Bandstand Marathon. Local musicians from St Neots will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in the largest closing cultural event of London 2012. Musical performances held at Riverside Park will be one of hundreds of outdoor, community concerts taking place simultaneously across the country, making up the Bandstand Marathon. Music of all types is welcomed. Bands, groups, choirs & individual musicians are being sought to perform, helping to make the Bandstand Marathon truly memorable and create a cultural legacy for others. To find out about getting involved on the day contact Katie Williams (nee Hollingworth) at St Neots Town Council on 01480 388 912 or email Katie.Williams@stneots-tc.gov.uk

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HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE

enjoy a great day at the races

Huntingdon Racecourse is one of the fourteen racecourses that forms part of Jockey Club Racecourses, and all business profits, whether from race meetings or other business are reinvested in the sport. Huntingdon has provided an almost unbroken supply of sporting entertainment ever since John Goodliff and his friends sat down in the nearby George for their first ever committee meeting hundreds of years ago. In November 1985 her Royal Highness Elizabeth the Queen Mother said about Huntingdon celebrating its Centenary, “I offer my congratulations and greetings to all those who are involved in its affairs, and I send my best wishes for the future success and prosperity of the Racecourse in the years ahead”. The course has continued to progress within the sport, and over time our fixtures have increased to the current 17 Jump race meetings we are home to, spanning 9 months of the year. Here at Huntingdon Racecourse we are an intimate racing venue with an atmosphere all of our own, voted Best Small Racecourse in the South Midlands and East Anglia by the Racegoers Club. The course is less than five minutes from the pretty market town of Huntingdon set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, easily accessible by most major routes making it popular with racegoers far and wide. The extensive sponsorship and hospitality options available make Huntingdon Racecourse a valuable and unique option for businesses as well as our professional Conferencing and Events Facilities. Our Peterborough Chase Restaurant offers great dining boasting trackside and parade

ring views, and a lovely base for a day’s racing. The popularity of our Bank Holiday Family Fun Days and Sunday fixtures see many racegoers and families coming along to enjoy a great day of racing and a vast array of free children’s entertainment. A day out at the races is an all round experience which everyone should have the chance to experience! We offer some fantastic advance admission offers for a great value day out, and also offer discounts to students, and also senior citizens-by taking a Jubilee Membership with us. From enjoying a great day at the races, to promoting your business or rewarding staff and treating clients, Huntingdon Racecourse can offer various different opportunities. To speak to a friendly member of the team, please call 01480 453373, or visit our website at www.huntingdonracecourse.co.uk Tickets can be booked online or through our booking hotline on 0844 579 3007.

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RHYTHM FESTIVALS 2012 RHYTHM FESTIVAL • RHYTHM FOLK • RHYTHM & BLUES AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – FRIDAY 24 to SUNDAY 26 Mansion House @ Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DX 3 Great Music Festivals for the Price of One

HAWKWIND | THE

FRIDAY

SLACKERS | THE BEAT

EDDIE & THE HOT RODS • 3 BONZOS & A PIANO • MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG + more SATURDAY

BOOKER T | THE DAMNED | ARDAL O’HANLON DENNIS ALCAPONE | KING MOB HANK WANGFORD & THE LOST COWBOYS • CAPTAIN SENSIBLE BAND • THE GROUNDHOGS • HERE & NOW • THE MAGIC TOMBOLINOS • LEATHERAT + more SUNDAY

KEN BOOTHE | JOHN COOPER CLARKE | CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN | DAVID RODIGAN BOOMTOWN RATS • JOHN OTWAY BIG BAND • DELROY WILLIAMS & THE JUNCTION BAND • ATILLA THE STOCKBROKER • KING HAMMOND + more FRIDAY

FRIDAY

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON • LUCY WARD SATURDAY

BUICK 6 • MITCH LADDIE BAND JERRY TREMAINE & THE RISING SONS SATURDAY

PEATBOG FAERIES

DAVID KNOPFLER THE TRAVELLING BAND IAN MCMILLAN ORCHESTRA RICHARD DIGANCE • WISHING WELL SUNDAY

SHOW OF HANDS featuring MIRANDA SYKES

LAU• SCOTT MATTHEWS MOULETTES • KATRIONA GILMORE & JAMIE ROBERTS + more every day!

THE BLUES BAND BIG BOY BLOATER

DAVE KELLY • CHANTEL McGREGOR ROADHOUSE • LUCY ZIRINS SUNDAY

OLI BROWN BAND HAT FITZ & CARA

RHYTHM & BLUES

RHYTHM FOLK

ACOUSTIC STRAWBS WILKO JOHNSON JIM MORAY & BAND GENO WASHINGTON

MICHAEL MESSER 2nd MIND BAND CROSSTOWN LIGHTNIN • CHERRY LEE MEWIS • more every day!

3 festivals offering 3 days of great entertainment on 6 stages plus “fringe” events. Comedy. Theatre. Madam Miaow’s Culture Lounge. Children’s Entertainment, including Panic Circus, Organised Football & Junior Olympics. Hemlock Morris. Groovy Movie Picture House. DJ Wheelie-Bag. Real Ales & Ciders. A Wide Choice of Superior Food plus Farmhouse Ice Cream. General Store. Markets. Supervised Campsites. Luxury Loos. Hot Showers. Free Car Parking. Further details and tickets from:

www.rhythmfestival.com

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11/05/2012 08:129

Alliance Foster Care

A True Story

Luke Rodgers, Young Person’s Ambassador, often ends his workshops by asking the participants to predict where they think that the young man whose case they have been assessing ended up. ‘‘Prison’ they tell me, or unhappy and drug addicted, or leading a life of crime. When I tell them that that young man – a boy who was in and out of care all of his childhood, abused, abandoned, troubled and in trouble – was in fact me, their response is astonishment. Hardly anyone is able to believe that it is possible for a young person to pull themselves out of the situation that I was in. But the few that do believe – it’s those people that children need, the ones who can believe in them, will trust them when no one else does, will make sure they have the support and access to the tools they have to have to build and hold onto their own expectations and then to live up to them.’ ‘I was born into a violent family. One of my earliest memories is of my father being violent to my mother.’ Luke explains. ‘The truth is she drank heavily and she and my father could not get on. But all along I thought that what happened in our house was normal, that my Dad hitting my Mum meant that he loved her. 10

‘When I was about four my Mum met someone else and moved out. Steve seemed kind and at first I was happy living with them, even though I missed my Dad terribly. I think it was this that made Steve, my step-dad, so angry and he began hitting me. My Mum, who was very bitter about the years of violence she had suffered, wouldn’t let me see my Dad which made me miss him all the more which meant that I got beaten more and more. It was a horrible circle and there seemed no way out until I was seven years old and the day came when my Mum finally cracked and took me to my Dad’s house and left me on the doorstep. ‘Of course I was happy at first, but it soon became impossible to stay with my Dad and I had to go back to my Mum’s. The abuse from my step-dad was worse then and because we moved about so much – I went to thirteen different primary schools, three different ones in one year, I never had the chance to make any real friends or connect with someone who might notice that something was wrong. I became a slave in the house, doing all the domestic work and being beaten for the smallest thing. I often screamed for my Dad and then my Mum would take me to him but he couldn’t help me long-term, and I would really miss my Mum who actually had custody of me, and so I would end up back with her and my step-dad again. ‘When I was eleven the bruises on my neck were noticed by a school friend and I told him what was going on. He said that I could come home with him and his parents took me in and told me I didn’t have to go home anymore. I got a lot of strength from that, the fact that I could and had done something to change my life, that I was believed and I did have some sort of control. ‘Through the next years I stayed in a few different foster homes and learned a lot about my Dad which left me disillusioned. It turned out that he wasn’t someone I could admire after all. I was scared and disappointed with myself - when I was suspended from school I realized that most people, my foster parents

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included, thought that I was no good and I wanted, so badly, to prove them wrong. ‘Over the next few years I became a Persistent Young Offender and was in court many times. I missed all of year nine at school, took drugs, committed crimes, was in and out of foster and care homes. No one had time for someone who seemed so determined to get into trouble. They all just saw and reported the negatives. ‘When I was fifteen, I was taken in by a foster family who lived far out in the country. They told me that they didn’t have set meal times and that I could eat whatever I wanted. I was amazed and tucked into a big chicken pie that I found in the fridge. No one stopped me, no one treated me like I was bad and for about eighteen months things got better and my behavior really improved. ‘The problem was that I just couldn’t settle, I had become so used to trouble and trauma that I couldn’t stand things being so easy, so quiet, and regrettably I decided to leave. It wasn’t long afterwards that I ended up in a children’s home again, in court every Thursday, a Persistent Young Offender once more. I remember the magistrate telling me that I was headed for prison. I was really shocked and I wanted prove him wrong but I didn’t have the tools to do that. Thankfully I was put in a programme of Treatment Foster Care where I had to earn points in order to be able to watch TV, have a mobile phone or see a friend. Points were easy to earn at first but the expectations were raised all the time so that my behavior had to improve too. It took six months to reflect on my life and come to see that I had been blaming my past for all the wrong choices I had been making – I didn’t want to do that anymore and so I got back into

school and tried to work hard. I knew I didn’t belong with my family, I was so different to them and my Mum said I would end up dead in a ditch or in prison - but I badly wanted to prove her wrong, and everyone else who had judged me so negatively. ‘The night that changed my life was when I had ended up homeless again but I was found a place in a B and B by social services. It was an awful place but I didn’t care. I was on my own, I could look after myself and I didn’t have to rely on anyone else. I finally had some control over my own life – I cooked my own meals, went to school, joined a gym and got fit. Before too long I had the chance to go back to the foster carers I had really been happy with – they even got me another chicken pie to welcome me back! This time though they put me in a cottage where I could be independent and look after myself. This was such a chance for me and I did everything I could to make it work. I studied hard and got four A-levels. I wanted to be a social worker so that I could change the world but I soon learned that social workers have their own challenges that make their jobs really tough. I fell into my job as a Young Persons’ Ambassador by accident but it is absolutely what I want to do. I am a success story and I want to share that with everyone but also help young people find a voice, to share their stories too so that they can help others survive their tough times, believe in themselves and understand that they deserve that trust and belief from others too. Good foster carers, made all the difference to me and my story. They are the ones who really have faith in young people, who are willing to help a troubled person and give them their belief –and trust that they will come through.

In Luke’s capacity as the Young Persons Ambassador for Alliance Foster Care he delivers workshops for staff and foster carers. His personal experiences and honest account of his time in care provides us with an excellent insight into the needs of looked after children. With this better understanding of the experiences of children coming into care we are able to tailor our services to better meet the individual needs and wishes of the children in placement. At Alliance Foster Care we believe that all children should be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. If you would like to learn more about Alliance Foster Care and the work that we do please contact

Alliance Foster Care 01604 879373 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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SMA WArdrobeS, transform your home with sliding door wardrobes and matching bedroom furniture > Floor to ceiling storage > Large range of styles - modern and traditional > Made to Measure > Fully guaranteed > Affordable fitted wardrobes "Fantastic job, brilliant service. You have exceeded my expectations. Thank you." Mr C, Cambridge

Visit our website or phone for a free colour brochure and price list: www.sma-wardrobes.co.uk, 01480 417415

SAFFORD’S COACHES 2012 DAY EXCURSIONS

13-18 AUGUST SUMMERTIME IN TORQUAY 15-17 AUGUST EDINBURGH TATTOO 20-24 AUGUST SOUTHPORT & ITS SEASIDE NEIGHBOURS 25-29 AUGUST GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG & MOSEL 31 AUG-3 SEPT. BOURNEMOUTH & THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR 2-8 SEPTEMBER KILLARNEY & THE RING OF KERRY 7-10 SEPT SHAKESPEARE & THE WOLDS 14-16 SEPT HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW 17-21 SEPT WONDERS OF THE GOLDEN AGE 1-5 OCTOBER PLYMOUTH & THE WEST COUNTRY 5-7 OCTOBER BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS 8-13 OCTOBER JERSEY 29 OCT-2 NOV. EASTBOURNE TURKEY & TINSEL BREAKS AND XMAS IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE OR WEYMOUTH

SUN 1 JULY RAF WADDINGTON AIR SHOW SAT 7 JULY EAST OF ENGLAND SHOW SUN 8 JULY HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW SAT 14 JULY HENLEY ON THAMES HORSE DRAWN CANAL CRUISE SUN 22 JULY LONDON ZOO TUE 24 JULY BURE VALLEY RAILWAY & WROXHAM WED 25 JULY SANDRINGHAM FLOWER SHOW THUR 26 JULY CHATHAM & ROCHESTER SUN 29 JULY SOUTHWOLD & DUNWICH TUE 31 JULY WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK WED 1 AUGUST HUNSTANTON THUR 2 AUGUST WHIPSNADE ZOO SAT 4 AUGUST HYDE HALL FLOWER SHOW & CHELMSFORD SUN 5 AUGUST SKEGNESS TUE 7 AUGUST MORETON IN THE MARSH & BOURTON ON THE WATER WED 8 AUGUST COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK & GARDENS THUR 9 AUGUST BRIGHTON SUN 12 AUGUST FELIXSTOWE TUE 14 AUGUST BUCKINGHAM PALACE TOUR WED 15 AUGUST CROMER CARNIVAL THUR 16 AUGUST ABINGDON BOAT TRIP TO OXFORD FRI 17 AUGUST HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR

PLEASE RING FOR YOUR COLOUR BROCHURE

EXECUTIVE COACHES FOR PRIVATE HIRE & EXTENDED TOURS

2012 HOLIDAYS TOURS

HIGHBURY FIELDS, GT.GRANSDEN, SANDY, BEDS. SG19 3AR TEL: 01767 677395 OR 677923 www.saffordscoaches.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association Over 30 years experience A gentle but specific form of manipulation. Treating the cause of the problem ..... so Often the Answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care

01480 436435

10% discount on initial visit www.brampton-chiropracticclinic.co.uk BUPA and PPP registered

HEMINGFORD GREY ART EXHIBITION Reading Room Hemingford Grey SATURDAY 7th JULY SUNDAY 8th JULY From 10 to 4pm. Admission Free All Donations going to Magpas Framed & Unframed Originals Also Cards for sale

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BEFORE

AFTER

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Centre for complimentary health

Here to help with inhuries

With the 2012 London Olympics just round the corner and arrival of summer we start getting more active, taking up outdoor activities, such as walking running cycling and a whole range of sports activities. However injuries happen, and at the Centre we’re here to deal with them for you. We have a range of practitioners who have a wealth of experience in treating and managing things such as simple back pain to the more complex sports injuries. We offer various treatments to ease the pain, including: • Physiotherapy and Osteopathy which play an important part in the management of sports injuries. Both concentrate on the treatment of compromised body mechanics, function and posture fully rehabilitate the injury, giving an exercise specific regime to prevent further injury in order that we may return to the sport as soon as possible. • Acupuncture is not only helpful in reducing pain but when using a traditional Chinese medicine approach an acupuncture treatment can strengthen body function and restore internal harmony and balance. • The Alexander Technique helps us to coordinate the body and approach any activity with ease and efficiency. It help us analyse what we are doing that is setting up the conditions to create the injury, and help us to undo that pattern, to get the best out of our bodies – a must for the competitive 20

sports person. • Pilates is new to the Centre and it’s a great way to increase strength and give an overall body-conditioning workout. We’re also offering 10% off a 6 week Pilates course so, you can feel great for the summer and save money too! Our Pilates instructor, Laura, is also a Chartered Physiotherapist so, you can be guaranteed that any underlying condition will not be aggravated by the exercises and that you’ll be getting more than just an exercise class. At the Centre our Physiotherapists and Osteopaths are AXAPPP and BUPA registered along with other private health insurers. We are also active in promoting health awareness, and have many tips and information on a range of conditions available to share. For the third year the Centre has also been involved in the Huntingdon 10k race which this year was even bigger and better than ever. Each month we also run FREE online “ask our expert” sessions on our Facebook and Twitter pages so, join us and please ask us any questions or raise issues so, we can help. We’d love to see you at the Centre so please call us on 01480 455221, e-mail us at info@CentreforCompHealth.com or for further information visit our website at www. CentreForCompHealth.com

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Sports Injuries Neck / Back Pain Rehab after Fractures or Surgery Video Gait Analysis Paediatric and Adolescent Musculoskeletal Conditions Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Physiotherapy Acupuncture Pilates

Physiotherapists Kate Abrahams MSc MCSP Cordelia Squire MSc MCSP Georgia Sinfield BSc MCSP Daisy Collins BSc MCSP Yegs Gounden BSc MCSP Podiatrist/Chiropodist Sue Walker DPodM SRCh MChS

Podiatry / Chiropody

Registered with all major health insurance companies

1 Oxford Building, School Lane, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2JZ T. 01234 378996

E. info@woodfieldphysio.co.uk

www.woodfieldphysio.co.uk

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If you run your own business, are currently selfemployed or have a tax return to complete, you may be paying too much tax. We are offering a FREE meeting to discuss this further.You have nothing to lose by finding out how much you could be saving. Call Richard McMorran on 01480 470755 or email stneots@rjmcmorran.co.uk Offices with ample parking in Eaton Socon and Godmanchester Visit our website at www.rjmcmorran.co.uk

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Are You Secure?

By Rita Williams-Hall Going on holiday is something we look forward to, a break from the rat race for a week or two. Of course the last thing you want to do while you’re away is worry about whether your home is safe, so here are some simple tips on security which will help to ensure that everything is how you left it on your return. If you have milk or newspaper deliveries, make sure they are suspended while you are away. Ensure your valuables and jewellery are locked away out of sight, or place them in a safety deposit box with your bank. You can buy timers that will switch your lights and radio on and off at pre-determined times, giving the impression that someone is in the house. Ask a good friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your house. Never leave your keys under a mat or flowerpot. If your house has a driveway where you normally park, ask a friend or neighbour to park their vehicle there occasionally. Turn the ringer volume down on your telephone so no-one

can hear in passing that your phone isn’t being answered. Probably most important thing to do is make sure you’ve locked up properly! Check all your window locks, and make sure all doors are fully locked too. Enjoy your holiday!

The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details

07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

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Parenting Apart

during Summer Holidays When a family separate or divorce, it is quite typical for the children’s time during school holidays to be shared equally. Sorting out how to share the time can be resolved without the need for the Court to get involved, but occasionally, it may be necessary to seek assistance. However, the Court encourages cooperation and compromise between the parents and only a handful of cases end up being decided by a Judge. It is quite common for the summer holidays to be divided into blocks of one week or perhaps a fortnight with each parent. Here are some practical tips to help make the process as easy as possible for the parents, and for children.

• Try and agree dates well in advance. This avoids any last minute uncertainty which can be stressful. • If an overseas trip is planned, make sure the other parent knows about it well in advance and you have their permission. Taking a child abroad without the permission of all parties with Parental Responsibility is child abduction. • Give details about where you plan staying, before the holiday is booked. Make sure the other parent is given a note about travel times, flight details and accommodation. • Children now carry their own passport so it may be helpful to agree when their passport will be available, so that there is no last minute panic. • On arrival, send a quick text to let the other parent know you have all arrived safe and sound. • Give the children as much information as possible about what is planned for them during the holidays. Perhaps think about a holiday chart or diary, so that the children know what they are going to be doing each week and how long it will be before they see the other parent again. • Regular contact with the other parent is important but it’s a question of getting the balance right. Encourage the children to keep in touch with the other parent by phone every few days. Perhaps set up a time for a Skype chat. If the children are going away for a holiday, encourage them to write a postcard or two to the other parent. Most of all enjoy the time with the children and don’t forget the sun cream!

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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

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Divorce Living together agreements Adoption Children issues Collaborative family law

Fiona McLeman Family Law is accredited by Resolution and the Solicitors Regulation Authority as a Specialist in Family Law. For a free initial consultation contact Fiona:

fiona@fmfamilylaw.co.uk, 07894095775, www.fmfamilylaw.co.uk Regus House, 1010 Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne CB23 6DP

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Koi Carp Know,

So Shouldn’t We? They say that despite going to school, fish have a very short term memory and yet the Koi seems to grasp what most people don’t. If you place a Koi carp in a fish tank it will grow to be ¾ of an inch and if you place it in a pond it will grow to 3–4 inches, but if you place it in a lake it can grow up to a metre long. A Koi carp adapts to its environment. So why is it that when many individuals require advice on financial planning, they go to a financial adviser who is either limited in their potential solutions by not being independent or a sole trader who relies solely on their own knowledge? Surely if people want to turn their financial vision into reality, they need to approach an independent financial adviser with a highly qualified, experienced research team behind them?

Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director/IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner

Best results often come from an environment of team work, rather than individualism. However good Geoff Hurst or Bobby Moore were, they would not have beaten Germany on their own! A team has different people with different skills and a good team is one that pulls together with a common purpose. Individual quality within a team can be important, as Jenson Button would never win if he had to change his own tyres at the pit stop. Next time you want financial advice, ask about the team that will be working for you. You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS). I f you have a financial question e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk

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Call now for a free consultation! Having trouble keeping your books? Let me take that hassle off your hands! Provide a simple straightforward service to help you with your bookkeeping! - BOOK KEEPING - YEAR END RETURNS - TAX RETURNS - VAT/PAYE/CIS RETURNS

Tel: 07834 570071 Email: jackyharris@gmx.co.uk

Throughout life financial planning Better advice from your local friendly independent financial advisor

01480 477774 free initial consultation Fenice Court, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 8EP Email: enquiries@premierplusltd.co.uk Web: www.premierplusltd.co.uk 30

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Bedfordshire Country Show Old Warden Park, SG18 9EA Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th July 2012 9.30am - 6.00pm

A greatt day ouhe for all tly fami

Arena Acts

Food Court

Craft Fair

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P and R Bathrooms

Here to Help as You Grow Older

Although most of us enjoy planning for the future, planning for a future with the most practical view is not always a comfortable experience. Paul Kynoch from P and R Bathrooms explains how they advise their customers:

‘No one wants to go to the trouble and expense of replacing their bathroom on a regular basis, that’s why, when it comes to planning your bathroom, it makes real sense to think of the future. As we grow older certain practical measures can make using the toilet, bathing or showering more pleasant or even possible. A slightly higher toilet, a very low shower tray, easyclean shower screens and a lower bath with a strong handrail make all the difference. And even if they are not needed straight away, our designs make these features so stylish, there’s no need to compromise your tastes.’ I would certainly agree with Paul as I wander around the large Bedford showroom and discover that it takes real effort to spot the slight modifications that he has described. Next to one bath is a grab bar which looks exactly like a chrome soap dish while next door is a wet room with a colour-matched flip-down seat that blends so seamlessly, so elegantly, it really is just a part of the furniture. ‘We have made a real effort to source not only good quality bathrooms from only the most reputable and reliable companies but we have also included features which are musts for our older customers and those planning for the future. We stock non-slip tiles in many styles

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and offer the option of single lever basin mixer taps which are brilliant for both the very young but also anyone suffering with arthritis who may struggle to grip another kind of tap. We specialize in fitting thermostatic showers which do not alter their temperature when water is used elsewhere in the house – much safer and more comfortable for all the family.’ I ask Paul more about design. ‘We offer a design service as well as the complete installation package – as much or as little as our customers need and we really listen to what they want as well as taking on board what will work in their home and with their personal tastes – now and in the future. For example, if someone has a bath installed we will always recommend that they purchase a few more tiles so that if the time comes that they feel that a shower tray would be more practical, they are able to have one installed and there are enough tiles to avoid buying new ones for the whole room. ‘Our wet rooms can be installed both downstairs

onto concrete or upstairs onto wooden floors and we can also save customers so much upheaval by using Mermaid paneling, a type of waterproof boarding that is quick to install and makes transforming your bathroom so much easier – it looks really lovely too.’ ‘Basins are not necessarily static items’ Paul continues to explain, ‘They can be set higher than usual for anyone who has difficulty bending and we can supply and fit baths which are lower and so much more easy to access. ‘None of these items, whether they are part of a complete bathroom package or modifications, need to look like medical or specialized equipment. The fact is they are not, they are just variations of the norm which make life more comfortable for so many people who like a stylish bathroom as much as they always have.’ P and R Bathrooms, with their impressive showroom and team of designers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and installers are just a phone call away. Why not consider your future and plan a bathroom that will be not only a delight to use now but also an invaluable an investment in times to come?

P&R Bathrooms

9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 0845 434 8401 Website: www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk Open 9:00am-5:00pm Mon - Fri 10:ooam-4:00pm Saturday To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public.

•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available

td encing L 9 2HX r Gilks F G1 fo S s s s d e re d B New Ad , Sandy, y a g n li ad, Gam rove Ro

Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com

Unique Landscapes We specialise in

Patios, Fencing, Clear Ups, Turf Laying, Hedge Trimming, Tree Cutting, Tree Felling, Planting, Pruning, Driveways, Printed concrete, Stencil Concrete, Decking ...and much more

Free Quotations Reliable Friendly Service

Mob: 07717 760851 Office: 01480 434401 e:sales@uniquelandscape.co.uk

www.uniquelandscapes-huntingdon.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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ANIMAL KNOW-HOW

Your pet and our weather Unpredictable. That’s perhaps the safest way of describing a British summer! This can be annoying for humans, but disastrous for our animals. Unlike us, many animals can’t sweat through their skin. They only cool down by sweating through sweat glands in their feet and panting. So it’s important that you help your pets to stay cool. • Never leave them in a car, conservatory or caravan on a warm or hot day – temperatures can become lethal in a matter of minutes. • Never leave them in direct sunlight– they need access to a cool, shady place at all times of day. Remember your fish, hamsters, gerbils, mice guinea pigs, rabbits and birds, as well as your dogs and cats. • Make sure they have a constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water – to replace any water that is lost through sweating and panting, and avoid dehydration. • Protect them from sunburn – animals with light coloured noses, or light coloured fur on their ears are especially sensitive.

• Heat-stroke can be fatal, so be aware of the signs – excessive panting, heavy salivation, rapid pulse, very red gums/ tongue, lethargy, lack of co-ordination, being unable to get up after collapsing, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you suspect heat-stroke, move your pet to a shaded, cool area and contact your vet immediately. Our weather can be unpredictable – and extreme. Even if it’s cool and rainy when you leave your pet, there could be a sharp temperature rise within a relatively short space of time. Please protect your pet so everyone can have a great summer. ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA North Bedfordshire branch. www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

Can I go to the Paddocks for my Holiday please?

Paddocks Boarding Cattery Peaceful location. No dogs boarded. Spacious, individual, heated chalets with large covered runs. Inspection welcome. Boarding from £6.00/day. Rabbits/guinea pigs also boarded. 64 Meadow Road, Great Gransden

Telephone 01767 677 759 www.catterybedfordshire.co.uk Open all year.

The cattery for caring owners. Comfort and security for your pet. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Peugeot 208

BY JAMES BAGGOTT In the glory days, Peugeot shifted 7.7 million 206s and the iconic 205 before that found 5.2 million homes. The lacklustre 207 however never caught buyers’ imaginations - flopping with just 2.3 million shifted during its lifecycle. Now the French firm is hoping the all new 208 can bring back the glory days and sales success to its dealers once again. However, things are a lot tougher these days. Back in 2001, there were just 16 rivals in the B segment in which the 200 series models compete. Fast forward ten years and now there are 27 direct rivals vying for car buyers’ cash. But Peugeot hopes its new challenger can tackle the market leading Ford Fiesta head on. Aimed squarely at the sector sales leaders, the French firm hopes cute looks, competitive pricing and higher spec than rivals will be enough to tempt buyers to turn French. Sales of the 208 will ultimately make up a third of Peugeot dealers’ volume too, and in 2013 the firm hopes to shift 45,000 units, so there’s some serious weight on this little hatch’s shoulders. But is it any good? Well, yes and no. Firstly there’s an impressive choice of engines. There are five petrol units and five diesels to choose from and with sales expected to be split 50/50 between the fuel types that comes as little surprise. We tried the petrol 1.6-litre 155bhp, diesel 1.6-litre HDI with 115bhp, and the 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol. The diesel was excellent, but our pick has to be the characterful 1.2-litre with 82bhp and 118Nm of torque. It’s both great fun to drive yet economical too, returning 62.7mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 104g/km. On the road it’s really rather good. Dynamically it’s composed and even in the lesser powered models it’s good fun to chuck around bends. The ride quality is impressive, but we did find the steering very light in town. The driving position is also strange with a tiny steering wheel that’s hard to position without obscuring the clocks. Overall, though, it drives like a little French hatch back should do - and we mean that in a positive way! The sales clincher is really on the spec sheets. Peugeot has aimed for all trim levels to be just that little bit better than Fiesta - and in this market that’s vital.

The most popular trim, taking 40 per cent of sales, will be the Active. As standard on this model you have that all important air con, a touchscreen display, 15-inch alloys, cruise control, Bluetooth with audio streaming and USB. There are plenty of options too, notably sat nav, which unfortunately is a little fiddly to use. Overall, we can’t help but like the 208 and it’s clear there’s a very good car in there waiting to escape (that’ll be the GTI). However, the design is a little fussy inside and out and the Ford Fiesta is a well established and popular rival. Priced from £9,995, the new 208 goes head to head with key rivals from Ford and Vauxhall. However, it remains to be seen whether its funky new looks and tech advances will be enough to bring the glory days back to Peugeot once again. Model: Peugeot 208 Price: From £9,995 Engine: 1.2-litre, 3cyl Power: 82bhp, 118Nm Max speed: 108mph 0-60mph: 12.1s MPG: 62.7 Emissions: 104g/km Residual values (three years): TBC, but expect them on a par with VW Polo

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L Family Business with over 20 years experience Male and Female DSA Approved Instructors • Motorway Training • Theory Test Training • Pass Plus Training • Parking & Refresher Training • 10 Hours for £220 • Intensive courses available

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER First 2 hours for the price of one for new students with this voucher

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15% DISCOUNT ON ALL WORK CARRIED OUT OVER £50 WITH THIS ADVERT

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Cherry pots with fluffy meringue tops

Serves 4 Prep time 20 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients 500g fresh cherries, pitted and cut in to half 50g soft brown sugar 150ml red wine 8 amaretti biscuits 3 large egg whites 150g golden caster sugar

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220째C/ gas mark 7. 2. Place the cherries in a pan with the brown sugar and red wine. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes until soft. 3. Spoon the cherries in to 4 large ramekins. Roughly crumble the amaretti biscuits onto the top, dividing them equally. 4. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Start adding the sugar gradually, whisking all the time until the meringue is glossy. Spoon onto the top of the cherries. 5. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the meringue is golden. Serve with nothing else but a chilled glass of dessert wine or a generous glass of cassis.

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LESTER Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;DRISCOLL CARPENTRY Door Hanging, Skirting, Flooring, Fitted Kitchens, Fencing, Decking, General Carpentry, Extensions

07842 195152 01480 811629

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WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES We only use top quality products, including the latest ‘A’ energy rated frames and police preferred locking system. LOOK AT THESE PRICES Windows fitted from ....................£250 Conservatories from ..................£3500 Doors PVCU/Composite ............£490

Glass units replaced from .............. £45 Roofline & Guttering from .......£35/m Garage Conversions from..........£2800

Porches, Sash Windows, Patio & French Doors, Bi-Folding Doors

WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN QUOTATION GUARANTEED!!!

01480 38 24 19

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CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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TELEVISION MOBILE SERVICE ST NEOTS, ST IVES, HUNTINGDON AREA REPAIR TV,VCR, DVD, FREEVIEW DIGITAL BOXES TUNING & DEMONSTRATION OF EQUIPMENT DIGITAL LOFT AERIALS SUPPLIED & FITTED Extension Aerial Points DAY OR EVENING CALL OUTS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE PHONE JOHN FABISZ FOR ESTIMATE

01480 495408 OR 07887887319

Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

parent company est. 1998

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KING ELECTRICAL QUALITY ELECTRICIAN Based in Buckden

Highly qualified and experienced in ALL electrical installation work. Fully approved NICEIC Contractor, Part ‘P’ Domestic Installer. Insurance based warranty.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL. TIDY, PERSONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. Advice, help and estimates FREELY given.

Please contact Chris on

01480 810133 or 07717 172100 cpk-king@supanet.com

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safelocaltrades.com Recommended & Appro ed

Not sure who to trust? Need a recommendation?

...see our recommended list, with local feedback WINNER

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st - Mr. P. White from Clifton 2nd - Mrs. C. Traynor from Spaldwick

sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 20th July 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Closed forcefully (7) 5 Keen (5) 8 Ceremonies (5) 9 Brutal (7) 10 At right angles (13) 11 Violin (6) 12 Beverage (6) 15 Exhibition (13) 18 Return to original state (7) 19 Affected by alcohol (5) 20 Registers (5) 21 Found on the shoreline (7) Down 1 Strip of leather (5) 2 Changed (7) 3 Assorted items (13) 4 Split up (6) 5 Book of information (13) 6 Low animal noise (5) 7 Hold back (7) 11 Of a league or alliance (7) 13 Lack of success (7) 14 Speaks (6) 16 Poles supporting sails (5) 17 Nude (5)

54 54

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FLOORED By Ian

Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean Free visits to estimate or advise. Best prices and quality with a friendly service. Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308

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M MISTLETOE INTERIORS Mistletoe Interiors offers internal and external design, consultancy, sourcing and homestaging services. Interior Design need not be expensive! For more information please contact Emma Rees: Mobile: 07885 135478 info@mistletoeinteriors.co.uk Mistletoe House 20 Main Road, Stonely, Kimbolton Cambridgeshire PE19 5EH

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what’S ON?

IN JULY

1 July St Neots Concert Band Summer Concert 7.30pm Trinity Methodist Church, Biggleswade Adults £8, Concessions £5 Anne Templer and Claire Rawson who founded the band in 2005 are delighted to be conducting the performance which will include pieces by Gilbert and Sullivan, Gershwin, Gordon Jacob along with musical interludes played by a Saxophone Quartet. Proceeds from the concert will go to St Neots Concert Band and Trinity Community Fund. Refreshments will be served in the interval. Tel: Fiona Fitzhugh 01480 811705 5 July Visit to Childerly Hall, Dry Drayton 7pm Ticket only Little Paxton Gardening Club are visiting Childerly Hall in Dry Drayton. Annual membership is only £5 per person plus £1 per meeting. 6, 13, 20 & 27 July Zumba 7-8pm Brampton Community Centre Weekly Zumba class; a Latin inspired dance fitness class for everyone. Tel: Mel 07508 450308 7 & 8 July Hemingford Grey Art Exhibition 10am-4pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Free admission All donations going to Magpas. Framed and unframed originals. Also Cards for sale. 8 July American Forces Charity Day 10am Bedford Autodrome, Thurleigh Airfield Business Park, Thurleigh Tickets £5 in advance, £8 on the day and includes entrance to the Museum This special charity event in conjunction with the USAF 306th Bombardment Group Museum at Bedford Autodrome will be a day of fun, dance and nostalgia. Special flypast by the only remaining airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress. Among the attractions will be vintage military vehicles, jitterbug dancing, Harley Davidsons, Trade Stands, classic cars and plenty of refreshments including a hog roast. Celebrating 10 years of the 306th Bombardment Group Museum and 5 years of the East Anglia Air Ambulance. Raising funds for the EAAA. For more information or tickets please contact: Ralph Franklin 01234 708715 / 306museum@nscmh.fsnet. co.uk Jo Harris 01525 718517 / joanna.harris@eaaa.org.uk

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 8 July With a Song in My Heart 7.30pm St Peter’s Church, Offord D’Arcy Tickets £13 including free pre-concert glass of bubbly on the lawn at The Manor House, Offord Darcy from 6.45 pm and a light buffet in the interval The Friends of St Peter’s Church present With a Song in My Heart. Join us for a summertime celebration of classics from the world of opera, musical theatre and more! With international artists from the opera, musical and concert stage. Dress: Smart (black tie optional) Tickets: Jenny Griffiths 01480 811126 or email ticketoffice. stpeters@gmail.com 13 July Senna (GB 12A) 8pm St Ives Corn Exchange £5 Screen St Ives presents a riveting British documentary about Formula One icon Ayrton Senna, killed at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Extensive archive footage brings us right into the action following this glamorous hero of the racetrack - fascinating even for F1 avoiders. Web: www.screenstives.org.uk 14 July Little Paxton Gardening Club Annual Show Now is the time to think about your entries for the Annual Gardening Club Show to be held on Saturday 14 July in the Village Hall. There are a wide range of classes to suit everyone. Choose from vegetables, flowers, wine making and floral art as well as craft and cookery and photography. Separate classes for children. You do not need to be an expert - it’s all for fun and you may surprise yourself and win! For a full schedule please contact the Show Secretary: Sian Fox 01480 395084. 14 July Paxfest 12 noon-4pm Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, Little Paxton Annual village fete. Lots of stalls, refreshments, BBQ, beer tent, Sweeps & Maids, Royston Town Band, Mick Ross & Buffalo, Little Paxton School Choir, Connections Youth Bus and lots more. Tel: Mrs Jenny Gellatly 01480 470193 Email: littlepaxton@hotmail.com 14 July Singers Concert 7.30pm St. Neots Parish Church Entrance £5 including refreshments. Children free. Huntingdonshire Music School presents a Summer Celebration of Song, from the old to the new, encompassing song from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods, Opera, Musical Theatre and a range of contemporary music.

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what’S ON? IN JULY

15 July Ruby Walk 10.30am Meet at Upwood Meadows Car Park, Meadow Lane, Upwood Suggested donation: Members £2, Non-Members £2.50 The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust invites you to join them to celebrate the 40 years anniversary of the Wildlife Trust’s ownership of Lady’s Wood, Gamsey Wood and Raveley Wood. These three woods lie in close proximity to each other to the west of Upwood village. They are some of our few remaining examples of ancient woodland, which once covered most of Huntingdonshire and we can expect to see an excellent selection of woodland flora and fauna. Martin Baker, who is a leading member of our local group and warden of both Lady’s and Raveley Wood, will head the walks. Tel: Pat 01480 392706. Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk/ 16-20 July Holiday at Home (for Senior Citizens) 10am-4pm Godmanchester Baptist Church £5 per day including lunch and afternoon tea Activities include Movie time (Chariots of Fire), Old Time Music Hall, Bingo, Sing Along, Fun and Games led by children from the local primary school and a presentation on the history of Duxford. For details and booking phone 01480 458565 Web: www.godmanchesterbaptist.org 21 July The Cambridgeshire Fens BioBlitz - Great FenThe Great Fen will be holding a BioBlitz (an exciting free event where scientists, naturalists, students, members of public, schools and community groups work together to find and identify as much wildlife as possible within a specific site) on 21 July 2012 as part of the Cambridgeshire Fens BioBlitz. www.wildlifebcn.org 24 July Hemingford Grey Flower Club 10 am The Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Admission £3, including coffee A flower arranging demonstration by Anne Bell. Raffle. 26 July Fashion Show by M & Co 7.00pm All Saints Church, Great Barford Tickets £6 Refreshments, Raffle and side stalls. Tickets: Janet 01234 870743, Sue 01234 871685 27 July Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night 7.30pm Buckden Towers Tickets: £12, Concessions £10 Gloucestershire’s acclaimed Festival Players will be performing in the Knot Garden. Picnic in the grounds from 6.30pm Tickets from the Office on 01480 810344 or subject to availability, on the gate on the night.

28 July The Aragon Singers Concert 7.30pm Huntingdon Methodist Church Tickets £5 including light refreshments The Aragon Singers of Buckden will be performing a Summer Concert in aid of the Extension and Refurbishment Project. Tel: 01480 399838 29 July Cream Teas 3-5pm St Mary’s Church, Keysoe 5 August & 2 September Model Railway Open 2-5 pm 14 Boardman Close, Little Paxton Free admission, donations welcome St James Church, Little Paxton present Come and see a Gauge 1 radio controlled model railway in the garden. Refreshments. Event will be cancelled if wet. All proceeds to St James’ Church building project (CHUFT) 18 August Summer BBQ and Creatures of the Twilight 5.30pm Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Adults £10, Children 7-14 years £6, under 7s free The Wildlife, Trust Huntingdonshire Local Group’s Summer BBQ. Commences at 5.30pm with guided walks around the reserve, followed by BBQ from 7.30pm. Other events will follow at about 9.30pm with local experts illustrating the secret nightlife of creatures such as moths, bats and newts. Following on the success of previous years, we are again inviting a local astronomy group to help us view the stars and planets. Anyone interested in wildlife is most welcome to attend. Booking essential. Tel: Pat 01480 392706 Web: www.wildlifetrust-huntsareagroup.org.uk/ 1 September Keysoe Village Show Schedules are now available for the Keysoe Village Show. Copies and more information is available from 01234 378878 or penny.heming@btinternet.com. 18 May-14 September Bat Punting Safaris Times vary River Cam, Cambridge Adult £15, Concession £13.50, under 12 £7.50 Every Friday just after dusk join the Wildlife Trust experts and Scudamore’s punt staff on a 90 minute journey along the Grantchester stretch of the River Cam which has a vibrant bat population. 50% of proceeds go to The Wildlife Trust. Web: www.wildlifebcn.org Web: www.scudamores.com for booking St James’ Church Little Paxton is now closed until Autumn 2012 due to building work. Sunday Services will be held in Little Paxton School, Gordon Road. Enquiries regarding baptisms, weddings and other matters can be made to Rev Annette Reed Tel: 01480 211048 or email: rev.reed@ btinternet.com. Also see www.littlepaxtonchurch.org.uk.

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Quite Simply Property Solutions

by Simon Cass - Owner As a Project Director I had a busy lifestyle, often travelling around the UK and Europe, running various projects and I remember the frustration I suffered trying to find experienced tradesmen I could trust. This was when I realised there was a need for a local, reliable and professional Property Improvement and Maintenance Service Provider that offered a fresh approach to clients – it had to be different and stand out from the crowd – which led me to establishing Quite Simply Property Solutions in 2009, making the most of my multi-trade and business experience. Quite Simply are a St Neots based business offering a range of services from Handyman to Landscaping. Whether it’s putting up a curtain rail, installing a complete Kitchen, landscaping a garden or completely transforming your home we promise the same all round service experience that delivers a high quality finish delivered by experienced, vetted & insured tradesmen that is good value for money. Communication is tailored to individual needs so we can ensure that whether it’s email, text, post or telephone (or any combination) clients are kept updated and expectations are managed effectively. As a direct result of our excellent service we’ve recently been invited to tender for work at a foreign embassy in London and below is our latest testimonial received from clients who work in the construction sector: Hi Simon; Just a quick line to say, “Thank you very much” for the excellent work recently completed for us. What’s good about you and makes you stand out from the rest? • The quality of your work and attention to detail. • You start on site when you say you will and

complete in the time frame originally suggested. • You keep your resources continually on site until the project is complete. • The final account is equal to the quotation. • The work on site is the most tidy we have ever seen on a domestic project. • You are polite, courteous workers and it’s a pleasure having you working on our house. Actually, someone should do a TV documentary on you to recover the market confidence in the much maligned UK small construction company. Both Gill and I will be recommending you as often as we can in the future. Best wishes John and Gill Knowles (Loves Farm, St Neots) Quite Simply promise never to put clients under any pressure to buy from us as we believe our service, reputation, web-site (www. quitesimplyproperty.co.uk) and reference customers should provide enough of an insight for clients to decide whether we are the right business for them. For a FREE, no obligation, quotation contact us on 0844 686 2110 (Office) or 07818 062328 (Mobile) or e-mail us at info@quitesimplyproperty.co.uk and we’d be delighted to assist you.

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S B Driveways

Tel 01487 822993 / 07966 523239

For Block Paving New and Old Repaired and Relayed Patio Laying Service, Paths, Shed Bases and Fencing. Plus Mini Digger Hire with Man Available Driveways Gravelled Also Tree Service Available New Lawns Laid All work carried out by Experienced Staff Recommendations and Portfolio of work available on request Free Estimates

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget Fido!

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti In the excitement of preparing for a holiday or weekend away, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to make arrangements for your pets! There are several options to ensure your pet is cared for properly - leave them with friends or family, hire a pet-sitter, or board them. As a change of routine can be very stressful to pets, asking a responsible and familiar family member or friend to care for them may be the best solution. However, if this is not possible, the next best thing might be to employ a pet-sitter who would visit your home to feed, clean and exercise your pet. Be sure to meet your sitter before employing them, ask for references and police checks and make sure they have insurance. If you decide to board your pet, take time to find a kennel, cattery or small animal boarder that will suit your pet. Pay a visit beforehand and check that they are licensed, insured, and that the facilities are secure, clean, dry and draught free. Also check that the animals look clean, happy and healthy. Whatever arrangements you decide on, be sure to

choose someone responsible and give them clear instructions about diet, exercise, medication and how to socialise with your pet. Then go and enjoy your holiday, confident that your pet will be in safe hands!

C l a s s i f i e d s Photographers

Plasterer

Electricians

Plumbing & Heating

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established 13 years Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111 62

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122