B Inspired Magazine August - September

Issue 18 | August - September 2019

FREE COPY

A MAGAZINE INSPIRED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Featuring Local GB Dragon Boat Stars Buckfest What’s On Guide

OUR EXPERTS AND CONTRIBUTORS

OUR EXPERTS

ALEXANDER ADEYEMO Legal Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd

TONY LARKINS Money Beacon Wealth Management Ltd

KATIE KITSON Marketing B Inspired Publications Ltd

Every issue Alex and his team will be providing insights into law.

Every issue Tony will be providing an insight into financial matters.

Every issue we will be providing you with an insight into marketing.

CONTRIBUTORS St Neots Town Council - Spotlight on Events Sponsor St Neots Business Showcase St Neots Armed Forces Weekend Paxfest St Neots Museum Hail Weston Village Fete St Neots Bands In The Park Upcoming Events

What’s On Guide St Neots Little Dragons Taekwon-Do

Feature BoilerJuice

St Neots Museum Family Fun Days

Buckfest Photos Scott Kitson

St Neots Museum Marble Mania

Where We Live Photos Craig Hurdidge Jason OB Sue Clay Mike Woodward Roger Skillin Sarah Pankhurst Pete Gorton

Paxton Pits Family Fun Colour In Nature

Front Cover Front Cover Stars Ellie Mobbs Lewis Newark Thomas Evans George Armiger

Paxton Pits Family Fun Brilliant Butterflies and Magical Moths

Photos id Image Development

WestFest

Jane Kennedy Introduction into British Sign Language

Kids Story Karen Larkins

If you would like to take part in a future issue, contact the B Inspired team - hello@binspiredmag.co.uk DISCLAIMER: B INSPIRED Publications Ltd cannot be held responsible for the content provided by the contributors and advertisers to the magazine, or service provided by the local businesses. Copyright belongs to B Inspired Publications Ltd.

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CONTENTS

Hello!

Welcome to B Inspired Magazine, a magazine designed and created, with and for, the local community.

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s I write this the sun is shining and it is very hot, which can only mean one thing, Summer Is Here!

Our What’s On Guide this issue also screams summer, as the schools have broken up - there is also so much happening locally that we couldn’t include it all! Page 20.

We release weekly 10 day guides via our Facebook page so make sure you like our page or sign-up to our newsletters on our website to receive the guides direct to your inbox every Friday for all the other events happening!

In order to make adding your events to our guides easier we have set-up a Facebook group called ‘B Inspired Magazine - What’s On in and around St Neots’. The group has posts for every week of the year, easily searchable by month via our menu - simply add your events for free, and whilst there why not see what else is happening locally.

Our cover stars this month consist of four fantastic local athletes and it was an honour to meet and find out more about them. Page 8.

This issue has seen the return of your pictures of where we live. Page 27 Katie Kitson If you would like to Editor contribute to our next issues please contact hello@binspiremag.co.uk About B Inspired: Connecting with Wyboston, St Neots, Paxtons, Kimbolton, Grafham, Offords, Buckden, Godmanchester, Huntingdon and all areas in-between, to give YOU a voice.

This magazine is created WITH YOU. Your thoughts, pictures, reviews, events, businesses, clubs... If you have something to share we want to hear about it.

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S E C O D E H E AT 1 1 AT C H E C K O U T

CONTENTS - BUSINESS 4 MONEY

with Expert Beacon Wealth Management Ltd

6 MARKETING

- with Expert B Inspired Publications Ltd

8 INSPIRATIONAL COVER STARS - Local GB Dragon Boat Stars

12 WHAT’S ON GUIDE 13 GIG GUIDE - What’s On

14 BUCKFEST 16 SPOTLIGHT ON EVENTS

20 WHAT’S ON EVENTS GUIDE

27 WHERE WE LIVE - FAMILY

28 LEGAL

- with Expert Beacon Wealth Legal

30 KIDS CORNER STORIES - Cloudleapers

32 KIDS CORNER GAMES

- HOME

34 FEATURE

- with BoilerJuice

- Sponsored by St Neots Town Council

35 B SEEN

18 ST NEOTS ARMED FORCES WEEKEND

36 WESTFEST 3

BUSINESS - MONEY

MONEY WITH BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD What does it take to be a Financial Adviser?

Our money expert Tony Larkins, Beacon Wealth Management Ltd’s, Managing Director, this issue talks about the qualities you need to become a Financial Adviser.

Financial Planner wins every time.

interesting for all as it has seldom, if ever, really been considered.

What Does It Entail?

Being a Financial Planner is varied and you can actually make a difference to someone’s life, which means there is real job satisfaction.

Costs It costs if you go to the dentist for a check-up or have a private medical, but despite this, patients are very happy to be told everything is okay and nothing is required even if extra costs are incurred for x-rays or tests just to make sure.

A Financial Planner can also have the happy experience of confirming to clients their existing arrangements are okay and nothing is required.

Staying with this theme, if treatment is required with a happy result this is the same as a Financial Planner reviewing, making recommendations and

Being Nosey It helps to be a bit nosey, because it is important to find he easy answer is out why someone really wants years of experience, a specific outcome, rather than the passing of many exams and an understanding of the usual “I want my money/ pension to grow and to pay less numbers.

So not much difference to that tax”. “Why?” is probably the best question to be asked, because it of an Accountant, and having done both the role of Financial is the hardest to answer, but the most important.

Adviser (or rather Financial Finding out the real “why?” is Planner) and Accountant,

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EXPERT

making changes to a financial plan to improve the outcome.

And just as with medical treatment, a Financial Planner will carry out ongoing reviews to ensure compliance with the desired outcome.

Thinks About You Being a client of Beacon means you have someone who thinks about you, and someone who is constantly working on your behalf.

We carry out fund switches when it is needed, not quarterly or because we are due to meet.

The last quarter of 2018 required several fund switches to cover the effect of America’s issues.

We use secured emails and provide an App for your instant valuations (free of charge).

Listen To You We also listen. So if you feel something can be improved upon or added to our service we will consider it.

Recognition We are proud to be recognised for what we do and how we do it - putting our clients needs, wants and desires at the forefront, and have in turn won many awards from the business and financial industry.

Recruiting We were recently shortlisted for Financial Adviser Practice of the Year, and although we didn’t win, being a finalist in the top 6 from 4,652 practices in the UK was a great recognition for the team, and has prompted us to look at adding to our team.

Further Details: Should you require financial assistance for pensions, savings, investments, mortgages, protection, long term care, employee benefits... contact the team at Beacon Wealth Management Ltd.

We are looking to recruit an experienced: - Financial Adviser and - Someone to train potentially a graduate.

Website: www.beaconwealth.co.uk

Applying If you are interested contact us on 01480 869466 or email your CV to Pippa Ellis at pellis@ beaconwealth.co.uk

Facebook: /BeaconWealthGroupt

Email: info@beaconwealth.co.uk.

Tel: 01480 869466

Twitter: /BeaconWealthIFA

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BUSINESS - MARKETING

MARKETING WITH B INSPIRED PUBLICATIONS LTD 7Ps - A Brief Summary Of Marketing and Why It Works Every issue Katie will provide an insight into the world of marketing.

This time Katie is talking about the 7Ps in marketing, along with an overview of what marketing is and why it works.

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ccording to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, “Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.”

What Is Marketing?

Quite often people think marketing is just about advertising or selling, it is in fact the key management discipline to ensure companies can interpret their consumers desires, to match or hopefully exceed them.

Every product we buy, every shop we visit and every choice we make in our consumer society is affected by the force of marketing as it shapes our mindset.

Marketing Is Pivotal To Business No matter the size of your business, big or small, it is important to make marketing a central point of your focus. If done right we will be able to know your competitive market inside out, and therefore ensure that you are tapping into key trends and reaching clients at the right time, in the right way and at the right price.

If you fail to focus on marketing and tap into your consumers mindsets then you will find it a 6

lot harder as it is something your competitors can easily do.

Marketing Is Competitive By its very nature marketing is competitive as you are trying to reach your consumers better than others, however with the increased use of digital and mobile technology the competition is even higher, as you now have a chance to touch base at all aspects of their life.

Why Marketing?

If you are in business you probably do know who your audience is, and follow your instincts to figure out what it is they want and how to meet those expectations, potentially leading to introducing new lines and extending services.

If this is you, then you are marketing, potentially without even realising it.

This unconscious marketing is okay for smaller businesses, but if you don’t know that you are doing marketing, then it will be hard to be consistent over time. Whilst this might work fine for small businesses, as you grow it will prove to be quite problematic.

How To Create A Proper Marketing Strategy Applying a simple marketing framework is vital and will enable

you to stay ahead of competitors whilst ensuring you can exploit all the latest technological develeopments.

The 7Ps in this issue talks about the aspects you should have in your marketing plan, and help build on what you are potentially already doing.

Starting A Marketing Plan Once you have worked out your 7Ps you can put your marketing plan together.

Marketing focuses on the fundamental practices that every company has to carry out including: - Identifying customers - Researching their needs and preferences - Analysing influencing factors for buying from you rather than competitors.

In order to create a strong marketing strategy you need to start with a detailed and ongoing investigation of the market you are in, it’s submarkets and/or segments.

It is possible to be overwhelmed by marketing and think that it is going to cost the earth to do, but all you have to do is ensure that your strategy is coordinated, considered and realistic in terms of budget and resources and you will be surprised at what you can achieve.

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7P’s Traditionally the process of considering the 7Ps together is called Marketing Planning.

1. Product – There is no point selling something nobody wants, therefore think about what they need FIRST, instead of you what you want to offer, then hope to find a market for it.

Develop the right product/ service with the right quality to meet expectations (value is in the eye of the beholder).

2. Price A product or service is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Be competitive (this doesn’t mean you have to be the cheapest), smaller firms can beat larger via quality of service, better value for money...

Think about price positions and look at it from a clients perspective. The more they pay the more they will expect. New clients also tend to be more sensitive to price than existing so look after them.

3. Place Be available in the right places, at the right time, and in the right quantity. The place people buy needs to be appropriate and convenient to your clients, this

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applies to both bricks-and-mortar as well as e-commerce.

Important aspects: delivery, where you display your product/ service, if only online it needs to be seen in multiple locations.

4. Promotion What you do and what you can offer to clients. This includes branding, advertising, PR, corporate identity, social media, sales management, special offers and exhibitions.

Focus on a two way dialogue, gaining attention and being appealing with a consistent message. Why you and not someone else...?

5. People Every single person who comes into contact with your clients will make an impression. Many cannot separate service/product from people. Therefore your team are of paramount importance. Make sure you have proceduers in place for both on and offline.

6. Process People tend not to just buy for a product or service, they invest in an entire experience, which starts when they discover you, and lasts through purchase and beyond.

Analyse how you deliver your product or service, including the

behaviour of who delivers it.

A good first impression is important, find out where leads come from and make sure that process to buying is seamless.

7. Physical Evidence Choosing something unfamiliar is risky for a client, because they don’t know what they are getting themselves into, until after they have purchased. Show them, help them see what they are buying.

Small steps, a clean and tidy homepage/reception area is reassuring. Adopt an approach that fits your product/service.

Showcase testimonals.

Further Details: B Inspired Publications Ltd focuses on the positives of the community and is designed to give everyone a voice based on this.

Website: www.binspiredmag.co.uk Email: hello@binspiredmag.co.uk Tel: 01480 471169 Facebook: /B Inspired Magazine

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COVER STARS

LOCAL GB DRAGON BOAT STARS Every issue our cover star is a local individual or group with an inspirational story to share.

This issue we chose four young local athletes who have been chosen to represent Great Britain in Dragon Boating.

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ollowing gruelling time trials in Liverpool’s Albert Docks in February, four young paddlers from the Cambridgeshire Royals Dragon Boat team in Eynesbury, St. Neots, have been selected to represent Great Britain this year, at the 14th World Nations Dragon Boat Championships in Thailand.

Ellie Mobbs (16), Lewis

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Newark, Thomas Evans and George Armiger (all 17) battled against paddlers from all over the United Kingdom to earn their places in the GB U24’s and U18’s squads.

training relentlessly since last October, on and off the water, to ensure they are in tip top condition and ready to compete against the very best in the world in a few weeks’ time.

Medal Success Following medal successes in the European Championships in Brandenburg, Germany in August 2018, the youngsters have been

Awesome Foursome When the ‘Awesome Foursome’, as they have affectionately become known as at their club, are not attending Longsands School,

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INSPIRATIONAL COVER STAR

Cambridge Regional College or working as an apprentice, they can be found training on the River Great Ouse or working out in the gym at One Leisure or Gainz.

In addition to this, they continue to train regularly with Team GB in Liverpool or Worcester, as well as racing with their home club at national British Dragon Boat Association (BDA) league events around the country.

Their Coach Brian Samuel (Cambridgeshire Royals Youth Coach) said: “Soon after the Cambridgeshire Royals were formed in April 2014, it was clear that there was enough interest to form a separate junior team of which Thomas and Ellie

became members.

With the introduction of training sessions for local scout groups, numbers grew in the youth team and Lewis and George were soon ‘on board’. I am so proud of our four GB Junior paddlers.

It’s amazing when I think back to when they first joined our youth team, and to look at them now. Dragon Boating has not only made them fit, but has also helped with the social aspect of their lives, and has given them a great deal of confidence. I always look at dragon boating as a unique sport, where you can have a parent and child in the same boat competing at national level in BDA race events all over the country; and it doesn’t stop there.

Ellie’s grandmother regularly races with her in the BDA events.

It’s true to say that our four GB paddlers have given me one of the most rewarding moments in my life. I genuinely feel honoured to have been part of the team of people who have steered, coached and influenced them to get where they are now, representing their country at a world championship”.

The Club’s Chairman Jim Yates (Chairman of Cambridgeshire Royals) said: “For 2019 the club is extremely pleased that four of its Junior Squad have been selected for the GB team to represent their country in Pattaya-Rayong, Thailand at the 14th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, 20-25th August 2019. They will battle it out as one of 30 countries, 4000 athletes from 6 continents taking part.

Ellie Mobbs, Thomas Evans, Lewis Newark and George Armiger have earned their place through hard training, both at

club level and with the GB coaches at courses and training camps around the country with the British Team. Often long weekends away, early starts, fitness trials, dietary regimes. You name it, they have had to do it in order to be considered worthy of the GB kit they will get to wear in Thailand.

Many, many days of continuous assessment and scrutiny. Any let up in their training and that would be the end of their dreams.

When these four young persons joined the Cambridgeshire Royals Dragon Boat Club they all came as fairly quiet, young individuals.

Fairly shy and introvert as they were thrown in to the sport at the proverbial deep end. Over time they began to exert their own stamp on the sport and have become invaluable members of the club. Their young years hiding their maturity.

Now, they are not averse to telling the adults in the club what to do, parting with their knowledge gained with the British team.

It can’t go unsaid that the fantastic achievement of Ellie, Thomas, Lewis and George to be chosen as representatives of their country may not have happened without the unfailing backing of their respective families and friends who have encouraged them all the way on the long and difficult training road towards their Thailand goal. However, not to take anything away from these 4 athletes, their hard work and dedication to the sport of Dragon Boating, cannot be under estimated.

For now, we wish our 4 British Team members, Ellie, Thomas, Lewis and George, the best of luck in Thailand and here’s hoping that we’ll be able to show off some medals after their campaign.

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COVER STARS

experiences with them.

I hope that Dragon Boating will be accepted as an Olympic sport as soon as possible, as I believe it can be one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking watersports for the spectator, and the competitor of course. Dragon Boating is rapidly growing in popularity which gives it a promising future in the sporting world”.

Ellie “I got into Dragon Boating through my Nan, she persuaded me to go to one of their youth open days in 2014 and loved it from the beginning.

I enjoy the general atmosphere of Dragon Boating, it has great team spirit and everyone involved are very friendly, especially at race days.

Hopefully I will continue to be in the GB U18s next year to go to Ukraine to compete”.

Thomas “I started Dragon Boating at 11 years old through my Dad on one of the Cambridgeshire Royals first open events where anyone could come and have a go. When I first got in the boat I was terrified of falling in but soon found out it’s nearly impossible to capsize the boat.

I enjoy Dragon Boating because it is a physically challenging and rewarding team sport as well as being very enjoyable.

George I have made lots of friends from “I got into Dragon Boating after all over the country through Team Thomas recommended it to me; I GB. was looking for a new sport to pick Over the last three years I have up after bouncing between various been part of the GB U18 Dragon ones and it was definitely the right Boat Squad and I’m going to choice to make. I was instantly Thailand to race against other hooked after my first session on countries in the 14th IDBF World the water, as worn out as I was!

Championship.

The great thing about Dragon In the future I can see Dragon Boating is the community that Boating becoming an Olympic comes with it. It is tightly knit sport, however it may be a long and very welcoming, and I have time before it does. I would hope made countless new friends and that one day it will happen and I been through many enjoyable could in some way be a part of it”.

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Lewis “My first experience of Dragon Boat Racing was when I was 14 years old and I went with my venture scout group for a taster session with the Cambridgeshire Royals. From that moment on I was completely hooked!

The GB U18’s Dragon Boat squad has been a big part of my life over the past 2 years. The training schedule is really tough and we are out in all weathers and have some really early starts too!

I have formed some lifelong friendships with people from all over the UK and am really excited to be flying out to Thailand soon with my three best friends to compete this year.

In the future, I hope to inspire and coach younger athletes to go for Team GB and to spend some time travelling around the world”.

What Is Dragon Boating?

Dragon Boat Racing is one of the most exciting and inclusive water sports as well as one of the fastest growing team water sports that you can take part in world wide.

Due to its current status as an amateur sport, Dragon Boating receives no funding support and, as such, the £2,500+ needed per paddler had to be covered by the teenagers themselves and their parents.

Following appeals for help

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INSPIRATIONAL COVER STARS

PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Barnes, from i-d Image Development How did you get into your profession?

I was naughty at school and after not knowing what to do, I fell into photography by accident. Once I started, there was no going back and I just fell in love with photographing people.

Professional highlights so far (what have you enjoyed the most)?

Photographing the Queen as part of a group of photographers was an honour. I have had many other professional highlights, but I can honestly say that photographing our customers and working with them is extremely fulfilling.

Business description: Professional photographic studio

with funding earlier this year for their GB kit, travel and training expenses, the paddlers were thrilled to receive donations from St. Neots Town Council, Glomac Engineering, ESCA (Eatons Community Association), the Mick George Pot of Gold, Lifesure, Whiting & Partners and the Rotary Club of St. Neots, St. Mary’s.

Can You Help Send Them Off To Represent Our Country?

Lewis, Thomas, George and Ellie leave for the Royal Thai Navy Rowing and Canoeing Training

Centre in Pattaya-Rayong province on 11th August and would be delighted to hear from any other local businesses or organisations who may also wish to support them in their quest for gold medals.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dragon Boating, visit The British Dragon Boat Association website www.dragonboat.org.uk or visit the Cambridgeshire Royals Dragon Boat team website www.cambridgeshireroyals.co.uk and pop along for a free session.

Target clients: Families, Bride and Grooms, Babies and Children, Local Businesses Contact Details: Website: www.image-development.co.uk Email: info@image-development.co.uk Telephone Number: 01480 495100 Facebook: @id.image.development i-d Image Development Priory Lane St Neots PE19 2BH

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE - MUSIC 12

WHAT’S ON GUIDE Welcome to our Local What’s On Guide, where you will be able to see reviews from previous events, as well as our latest What’s On Gig and Event Guides.

If you have an event you would like to be featured for free in our main what’s on guides, or advertise for only £50 (quarter page) £95 (half page) / £150 (full page) please contact the team via email or Facebook. hello@binspiredmag.co.uk / BInspiredMagazine

EXPERT

GIG GUIDE Gig Guide from Friday 2nd August 2019 - Sunday 29th September 2019.

AUGUST Fri 2nd Midlife Crisis (Rock / Blues, 3 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 3rd Bite Me (Rock / Metal, 6 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Quixote’s Beard (Pop / Punk, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Sun 4th Music In The Garden With Jayne P+F 7pm - 8pm Wed 7th Open Mic P+F 8.30pm - 11pm Fri 9th Piston Groovy (Classic Rock, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 10th Treble Damage P+F 9pm - 1am Sun 11th Ray Steele - SKA & MOD Night P+F 4pm - 12am Fri 16th Quixote’s Beard (Pop / Punk, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 17th Zipwire (Rock, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am The Soul Man (Soul Covers & Originals, Solo Artist) G+D 9pm - 11pm Machines (Rock Standards, 3 piece) MI 8.30pm - 11pm Sun 18th Jacen Unplugged P+F 4pm - 8pm Wed 21st Open Mic P+F 8.30pm - 11pm Fri 23rd Dizzy Miss Lizzy P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 24th Submarine Racers (Covers 50s present, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am

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Machines (Rock Standards, 3 piece) G+D 9.30pm - 11.55pm Sun 25th The 142s Band (Rock / Pop, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Mon 26th Jacen Unplugged P+F 4pm - 7pm Fri 30th Mister-Meaner P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 31st Beguiled P+F 9pm - 1am Eton Rivals (Mod / Ska Covers, 4 piece) G+D 9pm - 12am

Sun 15th Ray Steele - SKA & MOD Night P+F 4pm - 7pm Fri 20th Bad Monkey Driver (Rock Covers, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Sat 21st The Expletives (New Wave / Punk, 4 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Jack (Rock / Blues, 4 piece) MI 8.45pm - 11.15pm Fri 27th That’s What SHE Said! (Covers various, 5 piece) P+F 9pm - 1am Mr Rainmaker (Covers - various, 4 SEPTEMBER piece) Fri 6th BH 9pm - 11pm Full Circle Sat 28th P+F 9pm - 1am Beerbelly (Pop / Rock, 3 piece) The Soul Man (Soul Covers & P+F 9pm - 1am Originals, Solo Artist) Sun 29th Jacen Unplugged WL 7pm - 1am P+F 4pm - 7pm Sat 7th The Kurmujun (Rock Covers, 4 piece) Leech (Rock Covers) P+F 9pm - 1am LP 3pm - 5.30pm Better Than Life (Rock & Pop Covers) Gig Guide Venue Key: BVC 9pm - 1am P+F - Pig N Falcon, St Neots Sun 8th BSH - Buckden Scout Hut, Buckden The Hummingbirds (Piano / Vocal, Duo) WL - Wyboston Lakes Hotel, Wyboston P+F 4pm - 8pm BVC - Buckden Village Club, Buckden Fri 13th SRC - St. Neots Rugby Club, St Neots The Basic Cable Band (Pop / Rock / BH - The Bulls Head, St Neots Jazz / Blues, 4 piece) G+D - The George & Dragon, Eaton Socon P+F 9pm - 1am MI - Market Inn, Huntingdon Sat 14th LP - The Lord Protector, Huntingdon The Honch Deluxe (Rock Covers, 4 BVC - Buckden Village Club, Buckden piece) TWH - The White Hart, Godmanchester P+F 9pm - 1am TCH - The Coach House, St Neots The Soul Man (Solo) (Soul Covers & BM - The Barley Mow, Huntingdon Originals) HM - Hartford Marina, Huntingdon SRC 8pm - 12am CH - Cambridgeshire Hunter, Eynesbury Stykky Fyngyrs (Rock Covers, 4 piece) OVRC - Ouse Valley River Club, Little Paxton BSH 8pm - 11.30pm CC - Conservative Club, St Neots GVH - Grafham Village Hall, Grafham

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HOME - FEATURE

BUCKFEST This issue we have changed things slightly to give you an insight into the recent music festival that happened in Buckden.

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elebrating it’s 10th birthday Buckfest was unsurprising very popular again, having sold out of tickets within 5 hours of release.

The event run entirely by volunteers, with all profits going straight to local charities, has long been a favourite for the villagers of Buckden and neighbouring villages and towns.

Packed with stalls and entertainment for the kids there were of course many different stages, featuring different musical acts, from an array of genres, so 14

there really was something for everyone.

Charity Buckfest have chosen to support Buckden School’s PTA this year.

“We literally can’t put into words how delighted and excited we are to be this years Buckfest charity! The children of Buckden school will be forever grateful for their fantastic new outdoor play equipment, which this incredible help is going to make purchasing a reality.”

Three Stages The three stages included the Main Stage, Shed Stage and Introducing Stage. Packed with over 20 acts across the three stages, each stage had its own feel and helped to create the all round good vibe that was present throughout the event.

Pictures Speak a Thousand Words There is so much that we could write about Buckfest but we think pictures taken by Scott Kitson, one of the main organisers, says it all.

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MUSIC

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

SPOTLIGHT ON EVENTS Sponsored by ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCIL Providing the local community an opportunity for free exposure following their events.

Contact the B Inspired team if you would like an event to appear in the next issue.

St Neots Town Council organise several large events each year, including the popular Armed Forces Day, Charity Dragon Boat Race, Bands in the Park concerts as well as the regular Farmers Market.

Find out about all upcoming events and things to see and do in St Neots on www.visitstneots.co.uk and tell us why you #LoveStNeots.

St Neots Armed Forces Day

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xtended this year for the first time, St Neots Armed Forces Day, became a weekend! Running 22nd - 23rd June

2019.

This years event was sponsored by our money and legal experts, Beacon Wealth Group, and where on hand throughout the weekend handing out freebies.

The event was launched by an opening ceremony which saw the St Neots Mayor, joined by others from nearby areas, as well as veterans, local council representatives and local brigades.

Entertainment was packed, with a stage that saw a vast array of local and national talent showcasing their skills, both young and old, from dancing to singing and playing musical instruments. The jam packed schedule certainly kept the attendees entertained.

As usual there was far more on offer, including motorbikes, cars, emergency services, stalls, boat trips and a fun fair, with for the first time, a big wheel.

The event however would not have been complete without the stars of the weekend, the armed forces. Each was represented and there were vehicles for everyone to see, campsites and re-enactment opportunities, with a chance to personally talk to people involved and ask them your questions.

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St Neots Band In The Park

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eeping us entertained on Sundays throughout the summer in St Neots, are the Band In The Park events.

Completely free events which see many people take advantage of the music, and lovely (on the most part) summer weather, with feeding the ducks, park and miniature railway also on offer.

Hail Weston Village Fayre

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espite Hail Weston only being a small village on the outskirts of St Neots it has a big community spirit which is often shown in their many events.

Their latest event which took place on Saturday 29th June, at the village park, saw villagers and many local residents gather for a very hot village fair comprising of many stalls and games, as well as their well loved Dog Show, which saw many different pets being entered into categories such as waggiest tail. A lot of fun for all involved.

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SPOTLIGHT ON EVENTS

St Neots Town Council www.stneots-tc.gov.uk enquiries@stneots-tc.gov.uk 01480 388911 Facebook: @stneotstowncouncil Twitter: @stneotscouncil

Visit St Neots www.visitstneots.co.uk Facebook: @visitstneots Twitter: @visitstneots

Paxfest

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very year we are treated with a vast array of things for the kids to do at Little Paxtons Village festival, Paxfest.

This year taking place Saturday 13th July, was packed with lots of entertainment including, cake and dog competitions, live music, small farm yard animals, face painting, games, tombola, raffle, even the fire engine turned up to let everyone have a look around. A great day out for all.

Upcoming Events Farmers Market Every 2nd & 4th Saturday Market Square, St Neots Check Facebook and Town Council website for updates on themed events.

Summer Bands 11th, 25th July & 8th September Riverside Park, St Neots

St Neots Business Fair

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nce again local businesses from in and around St Neots took to The Market Square on Wednesday 10th July.

Organised by the St Neots Council and the Chamber of Commerce, businesses had marquees showcasing their services, which this year was accompanied by the excellent singing from local singer Raffan Rivers, as well as a dance masterclass at lunchtime by FitSteps.

A warm day, and a great chance for everyone to see what is available on their doorstep.

Summer Family Activities

T

he weather has certainly been unpredictable and on one very hot day we found ourselves inside St Neots Museum.

From 24th July - 7th September they have giant Marble Mania taking place free of charge. This includes 3 magnetic walls with magnetic tracks to let you build marble runs anyway you lke, which could easily lead to hours of fun!

St Neots Museum are also running weekly activities including spiral t-shirts, marble mobiles and swirly clay pots.

St Neots Mayor’s Charity Golf Day Thursday 8th August Wyboston Lakes St Neots Dragon Boat Race Saturday 17th August St Neots, Regatta Meadows Merchant Navy Flag Raising Tuesday 3rd September, 10am The Priory Centre, St Neots Festival of Flowers Sat 28th - Sun 29th September St Neots Parish Church Civi Sunday Service & Parade Sun 15th September, 3pm-5pm St Neots

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ST NEOTS ARMED FORCES WEEKEND

ST NEOTS ARMED FORCES WEEKEND As you will have seen from our Whats On Guide Review page, we have again attended many local events recently.

With this event getting increasingly popular every year it was brilliant to see this day event get turned into an entire weekend. As you will be able to see from the pictures the event was widely varied with something for everyone.

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ST NEOTS ARMED FORCES WEEKEND

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Photographer: Tara Leanne Barber St Neots Riverside Park

WHAT’S ON GUIDE CHILDREN CENTRE ACTIVITIES

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

MONDAYS Eaton Socon Centre 30th July: Introducing Family Foods 10-11:30am

Mondays 5:30pm - 6:15pm Little Dragons Taekwon-do Longsands Academy, St Neots Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:15pm Little Dragons Taekwon-do The Church Rooms, St Neots

Bargroves Centre, St Neots Bi-Weekly: Breastfeeding Mummies 9:45-11:15am Weekly: Physical Fun 12:45-2:15pm £2

Thursdays 8am - 3pm St Neots Market, St Neots Market Square 8pm - 11pm Quiz, Pig N Falcon

TUESDAYS Eynesbury Centre Weekly: Young Parents Drop-in 1pm-2:30pm Weekly: Puffins 9:30am-11:30am

Saturdays 8am - 1pm Farmers Market St Neots 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, St Neots Market Square

WEDNESDAYS Eynesbury Centre Last week of the Month: Clothes Swap 9:30am-11am Weekly: Young Parent Advice Drop-In 2pm-3pm

9am Pocket Parkrun 5k Run / Jog / Walk for everyone (no matter how fast or slow). Weekly. Register at parkrun.com and print out a barcode for free runs forever.

Pocket Park, St Neots 10:30am Big Walkies St Neots Meet by the car park and walk for around 1 hour.

No requirement to book.

Coneygear Car Park, St Neots

Eaton Socon Centre Weekly: Parent Craft 2pm - 4pm Huntingdon Centre 4th week of the month: Adults Arts & Crafts 9:15am11:15am Godmanchester Centre Weekly: Bumps & Babies 12:15pm-1:45pm THURSDAYS Eaton Socon Centre 2nd & 4th week: BRAS 9:30am-11:30am Weekly: Bumps and Babes 10am-11:30am 2nd & 4th week: Baby Clinic 9:30am-11:15am Little Paxton 2nd & 4th Weekly: Play-and-Weigh 9:30am-11am Huntingdon Centre Weekly: Young Parent Group 10:30am-12pm FRIDAYS Huntingdon Centre Weekly: Bumps & Babies 1:30pm - 3pm

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LIBRARY ACTIVITIES MONDAYS St Neots Library Weekly Term Time: Toddler Rhymetime 10:30am

SATURDAYS St Neots Library 4th week of the month: Family Games Club 2pm

Huntingdon Library 2nd week of the Month: Monday Bookworms, Reading Group 2pm - 3pm Ongoing regular activity: Computer Buddying bookable

Huntingdon Library Regular Activity: Lego Club 10am - 11:30am. 50p

Computer Buddying - St Neots Library Monday, Thursday, Friday. 10am - 12pm

TUESDAYS Huntingdon Library Weekly Scrabble Club 2:30pm - 4pm Regular Activity: Internet and Work Club 2pm

Online Services Demonstrator - help and advice St Neots Library Ongoing regular activity. Booking required.

WEDNESDAYS St Neots Library Weekly: Games Afternoon for Adults 2pm

Lego Club - St Neots Library Monthly club for 5 - 11 year olds. 50p

Huntingdon Library 4th week of the month Sophie’s Choice Reading Group 6pm - 7pm Weekly: Storytime 10:30am - 11am THURSDAYS St Neots Library Bi-Weekly: Local Highways Officer Drop-in Session 10am - 12pm Huntingdon Library 1st week of the month: Engage in the Afternoon 1:30pm 3pm 1st week of the month: Thursday Readers, Reading Group 11:30am - 12:30pm FRIDAYS St Neots Library Weekly: Internet and Job Club 10am Weekly (term time): Baby Rhymetime 10:30am - 11am & 11:30am - 12pm 3rd week of the month: St Neots Knitting Group 1pm - 4pm 4th, 5th week of the month: Engage in the Afternoon 2pm - 3:30pm

Careers Advice and Guidance - Huntingdon Library Ongoing regular activity. Booking required.

Summer Reading Challenge

Familyy Craft Workshops Thurs 25th & Fri 26th July

Game in a box

Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd Aug

Butterflies and dragons

Thurs 8th & Fri 9th Aug

Spiral T-shirts

Thurs 15th & Fri 16th Aug

Marble mobile

Thurs 22nd & Fri 23rd Aug

Swirly clay pots

Loves Farm House, St Neots Summer Holidays: Rhymetime 10:30am - 11am (2nd, 16th, 30th August)

Thurs 29th & Fri 30th Aug

Paint a fabric picture

Huntingdon Library Regular Activity: WORK CLUB 10am - 12pm Regular Activity (Term time only): Baby Rhymetime 10am - 10:30am Regular Activity (Term time only): Toddler Rhymetime 11am - 11:30am Regular Activity: RightStart 1 Chair Based Exercise 11:30am - 12:30pm £3.50

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No need to book just drop-in, £4.00 per child

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AUGUST Thurs 1st 1:30pm - 3pm EngAGE in the Afternoon, Civil Registration Past and Future Brief history of how it has evolved.

Free Tickets from Library or call 03450 455225.

Huntingdon Library 7pm - 8pm Nia in the Park Nia is a holistic movement practice, drawing from martial, dance and healing arts. Fitness Group.

FREE Riverside Park, St Neots (near Ambience Cafe)

Thurs 8th 10am - 7pm Town Mayor’s Charity Golf Day Organised by the St Neots Mayor. Help raise funds for charity whilst playing a round of golf.

Wyboston Lakes Golf and Leisure Club Thurs 8th - Fri 9th 11am - 3pm Sipral T-Shirts Drop in activity. Make a spiral t-shirt. £4 Child St Neots Museum Fri 9th 6pm - 8pm - Police Surgery St Neots Community Policing Team will be holding a Police Surgery. A great chance to meet the Police team and raise any concerns.

Little Paxton Village Hall

Thurs 1st - Fri 2nd 11am - 3pm Butterflies and Dragons Drop in activity. Make butterflies and dragons. £4 Child St Neots Museum Fri 2nd 10am - 1pm Valuation Event Antiques Roadshow style event. No obligation valuation of any item/s. No appointment required.

FREE The Priory Centre, St Neots

Fri 9th - Sat 10th 7pm - 11pm WestFest Music and Beer festival. Showcasing lots of great local bands and talent. Fun for all the family. (See back page for more details.)

FREE ENTRY The Royal Oak, Hail Weston

Sat 3rd 10am - 3pm Charity Football Match Endurance football match for Cancer Research.

One Leisure,, St Neots 2pm Alice In Wonderland Outdoor Theatre Larger than life musical brimming with nonsensical fun and excitement for the entire family. £11 Adults. £10 Child, Offer: buy 2 child, get 1 adult free Grafham Water Visitor Centre Sun 4th 10am - 4:30pm Free Let’s Fish - Learn to Fish Sessions Learn to fish from professional, fully qualified angling coaches. Everything is provided.

FREE. Booking required via canalrivertrust.org.uk lets fish River Great Ouse, St Neots 12pm - 5pm Summer Love: Lazy Sunday Afternoons with MaMaRu Includes live music, kids play area and more The White Horse, Eaton Socon 3:30pm - 5:30pm Neighbourhood Cafe Drop by any time for a cup of tea and cake.

Hail Weston Village Hall Wed 7th 7:30pm - 9pm The Pubs of St Neots The Pubs of St Neots walk explores the Market Square and ends at The Ale Taster in Russell Street. £6 pp St Neots Museum

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Sat 10th 11am - 3pm Huntingdons Fire Station Open Day Fun and games for all the family, plus tours around their fire engines. Money raised for The Fire Fighters Charity.

FREE ENTRY Huntingdon Fire Station 12pm Huntingdon Carnival Leaving Huntingdon Market Square and walking to the Riverside Park. A full afternoon of entertainment and stalls including a Spitfire fly over.

Huntingdon Riverside Parks

Thurs 22nd - Fri 23rd 11am - 3pm Swirly Clay Pots Drop in activity. Make a clay pot. £4 Child St Neots Museum Fri 23rd 10am - 1pm Kite Building & Flying Workshop Design and build your very own kite to fly.

Booking Essential. £5 per child.

Grafham Water Visitor Centre

Sun 11th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Summer Bands In The Park Wississipi Jazzmen playing for FREE. St Neots Riverside Park

Sat 24th - Sun 25th 10am - 4pm The Big Birthday Weekend Hinchingbrooke Country Park is celebrating being 30 years old with 2 fun packed days. Fun dog show, bouncy castles, archery, bar, food, stalls and more.

Hinchingbrooke Country Park

4:15pm - 8:15pm Southside Wrestling present Retribution X Annual summer sizzler. £15 - £25 Adult, £10 Child, £40 Family of 4.

The Priory Centre, St Neots

Sun 25th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Summer Bands In The Park St Neots Big Band playing for FREE. St Neots Riverside Park

Tues 13th 10:30am - 11:30am Messy Play St Neots - Supermess Put on your capes and fly along to messy play. £4.50 - £7.50 per child (adults free) St Neots Town Football Club Wed 14th 7:30pm - 9pm Town Centre Walk The Story of St Neots walk tells the story of the town from the medieval priory to the St Neots Quad babies. £6 pp St Neots Museum Thurs 15th 9am A LEVEL RESULTS Good Luck everyone who is collecting their results.

No matter the outcome you can succeed at whatever you want to in life, everyones journey to get to their destination is just different.

8:15pm - 11pm Free Open Air Movie Night - Bohemian Rhapsody FREE to customers of The Royal Oak. The Royal Oak, Hail Weston

Introduction to British Sign Language FREE

Taster session Sat

Sat 17th 10am - 5pm St Neots Charity Dragon Boat Race Whether in a team or watching there is something for everyone to do.

St Neots Regatta Meadow, Riverside Park Wed 21st 7:30pm - 9pm Town Centre Walk The Story of St Neots walk tells the story of the town from the medieval priory to the St Neots Quad babies. £6 pp St Neots Museum

Newton Community Primary School, Eltisley

Would you like to learn BSL? Well now you can!

The taster session is designed

for hearing people — ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, to learn finger spelling, basic conversation, for your own interest or to converse with the deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information please email janemkennedy005@gmail.com Or call 01480 385420 Depending on interest this could lead to a course from Thursday 12th September 2019 Limited spaces. Closing date 27th August 2019 .

An informal fun class taught by Jane

Kennedy, BSL Tutor since 1999

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WHAT’S ON GUIDE

Wed 28th August 3pm - 4pm Creative Writing workshop with Author Bex Hogan Explore the twists and turns of Fantasy world building.

Covering elements such as landscape and magical creatures. You will be guided to create your own fantasy..

Suitable for 13 - 16 year olds.

Huntingdon Library Thurs 29th - Fri 30th 11am - 3pm Print A Fabric Picture Drop in activity. Print a fabric picture. £4 Child St Neots Museum

Fri 13th - Sat 14th 7pm - 11pm St Neots Round Table Gin Festival Looking to be their biggest and best Gin Festival yet. £13.69 pp Ride Leisure, Wyboston Sat 14th 2pm - 5pm Autumn Flower & Vegetable Show Open to all. One entry per class per person. 58 classes for fruit, veg, flowers, children’s and home produce.

FREE Registration and admission One Leisure, St Neots Sun 15th 9am - 5pm Ouse Valley Way Marathon 2019 A beautiful mixed terrain marathon along the banks of the River Great Ouse. £30 - £32 pp, £40 relay team of 2 One Liesure, St Neots

Fri 30th 5pm - 11pm Country at the Castle starring “The Bellamy Brothers” One off UK performance, with supporting acts incl.

Ashley Campbell, Katy Hurt and CC Smugglers. £29.50 Adult, £19 Child Kimbolton Castle Sat 31st 3pm - 12am Live Music & BBQ Buckden - Parkinson’s UK Starring Lucy Lock, Cover Scheme, Sixty Somethings, Dreams in Red, Clarksdale Contract and Star Lizzy. £5 Adult, FREE Children.

Bukden Village Club 5pm - 11pm Ronan Keating Live at Kimbolton Castle Boyzones Ronan Keating, will be performing live at Kimbolton Castle. £42.50+ Adults, £26.50+ Child Kimbolton Castle

Wed 18th 8pm - 10:30pm Vinyl Revival Night Monthly get together to celebrate vinyl.

The Royal Oak, Hail Weston Fri 20th 7pm - 12am A Pie and a Pint with Perry Groves Evening with Perry Groves and compere Russ Williams.

Includes Pie and Mash. Raffle and Auction on the night. £20 pp St Neots Town Football Club

SEPTEMBER Sat 7th 10am - 4:30pm Free Let’s Fish - Learn to Fish Sessions Learn to fish from professional, fully qualified angling coaches. Everything is provided.

FREE. Booking required via canalrivertrust.org.uk lets fish River Great Ouse, St Neots 12pm - 12am Presidents Day (Raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust) Hosted by Eaton Socon Cricket Club. BBQ, Bouncy Castle, Disco, Raffle...

Eaton Socon Cricket Club 8pm Family Bingo Night A great night with lots of family fun. £5 Adults, FREE Child - incl. buffet Eynesbury Rovers Football Club, St Neots Sun 8th 2:30pm - 4:30pm Summer Bands In The Park Rockola play the very last session in this FREE series of events hosted by the St Neots Town Council.

St Neots Riverside Park

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24 July to 7 September Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm St Neots Museum, New Street, St Neots Experience marble mania in our fantastic family exhibition, where you can build giant marble runs on the metal walls of our exhibition gallery.

This fun interactive installation encourages children and young people to explore science, technology and mechanics through play.

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Here are pictures taken in our local area by you!

Are you a budding photographer? If you are, and you would like your pictures to be displayed in a future issue email the B Inspired team: hello@binspiredmag.co.uk Photographer: Craig Hurdidge St Neots

WHERE WE LIVE

WHERE WE LIVE

Photographer: Jason OB St Neots

Photo: Sue Clay St Neots

Photographer: Mike Woodward St Neots

Photographer: Pete Gorton St Neots Photographer: Sarah Pankhurst St Neots

Photographer: Roger Skillin Little Paxton

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FAMILY

LEGAL WITH BEACON WEALTH LEGAL Decree Absolute Before Having a Final Financial Order (Pros and Cons) In every issue a representative from Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd (formerly Jeffrey Mills Solicitors and Winters Legal) will provide an insight into the legal world.

This edition Alex, Head of the Family Law Department is talking about the importance of a Decree Absolute and the implications of not finalising a Final Financial Order.

approved by the court.

There are often good reasons for this but it is one of those cases where, if it is analysed in detail, the client can decide either way once they have carefully considered the risks.

W

hen it comes to applying for Decree Absolute, Solicitors tend to advise clients not to apply for it until all the finances have been finalised and the Consent Order has been

Remarrying Too Early Practically speaking, if one party obtains a Decree Absolute and then remarries he/she may lose some or all of their rights in any subsequent attempt to claim from their former spouse.

So, whatever else happens, clients should not remarry (at least not without careful thought!) until a financial settlement has been finalised by way of a sealed order of the court and having allowed time for an appeal and service of an appeal to elapse – in reality another 28 days.

Death of Spouse The next consideration is a rare situation where one of the spouses dies unexpectedly in the middle of the financial negotiations.

28 and Regulated Authorised bymention the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Registered ce: 26 Market ~ Please B INSPIRED MAGAZINE whenOďŹƒ responding to Square, advertsSt ~ Neots, PE19 2PJ

EXPERT

In that circumstance, if there is no Decree Absolute then the surviving spouse will be entitled to all of the benefits that accrue to their status as a widow/widower.

In many cases this can be very substantial, and sometimes be far more than what may have been available to the deceased in life.

Avoiding The Situation Depending on the circumstances, a Notice of Severance could be served by either party so that relevant properties are held as tenants in common (rather than joint tenancy) pursuant to the Law of Property Act 1925 (s. 36(2).

This should mitigate against an unfavourable outcome if someone dies unexpectedly.

Other Areas To Consider Further, there are some situations where particular assets, for example trust funds, pension funds and other complex assets, 2PJ

cannot be transferred except to a spouse, and so in those circumstances it would again be prudent to delay the Decree Absolute (again until these are finalised).

Avoiding Tax There are some occasions where transferring assets between spouses is an integral part of a financial settlement.

The transfer of assets may attract tax charges (particularly Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax).

The UK tax regime tends to exempt transfers between husband and wife from most tax charges, so again there is a good reason to stay married if any such transfer is part of the potential consideration for settlement.

Enquire If you have a query on issues raised please contact Alex on 01480 377377.

Further Details: Should you require legal assistance from a firm with family values and a fresh approach, contact Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd. Website: www.beaconwealthlegal.co.uk Email: enquiries@beaconwealth.co.uk.

Tel: 01480 219699 Facebook: /BeaconWealthGroup Twitter: /BeaconWealthLegal Head Office: 26 Market Square, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 2PJ (Also in St Ives, Sawtry & Kimbolton)

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FAMILY

KIDS CORNER Every issue we dedicate a space where kids both big and small can kick back and read the latest instalments of our childrens stories and have fun with our games.

YOUR STORIES Local childrens author, Karen Larkins, is sharing her latest book, Cloudleapers, with us throughout the forthcoming issues. If you want to be featured, contact the B Inspired team.

The story so far:- Alex and Tom have taken a long coil of hosepipes up to the clouds as they hope they can use the water to power the cloud-making machine. Billy, Danny and Pete have found the beginning of the hose in the kitchen of number 52 and have turned the tap off.

Part Eighteen Alex and Strato reached the cloud-making machine and dragged the rest of the hoses inside the building. Uncurling them as they went, they very carefully pulled them down the stairs until they reached the fuel chamber.

They just had enough length of hose and Alex kept his fingers crossed as Strato opened the fuel vent.

Alex turned the nozzle on the end of the purple hose and pushed it inside the orifice and the water trickled out. “This will take forever.” Alex sighed as the water slowly made a puddle inside the chamber.

Then the water stopped completely. Alex shook the hose, but only a few drops of water fell out. He scratched his head and looked at Strato. “Perhaps the hose has come apart somewhere.”

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Strato said.

“So this is what is inside this cloud.” Strato knew whose voice he could hear echoing around the machine. Usually the door was kept locked but the hose was preventing it from closing so anyone would be able to enter.

‘Of all the people it could have been, it would have to be Cirro.’

Strato thought and he knew Alto and Nimbus would be with him as they were always together.

The three cloud boys appeared behind Strato and Alex froze.

He was more frightened of these boys than he was of Billy, Danny and Pete. His first instinct was to run away, but he knew he couldn’t leave the cloud machine at the mercy of the cloud bullies, they wouldn’t think twice about destroying it and he couldn’t let that happen.

“Wh..wh..what are you doing he..he..here?” He stammered.

Cirro grinned. He loved it when people were scared of him.

“Always wanted to know what was in here. The huge impenetrable cloud that never moved, and now I know.” Cirro walked up a step and down two.

“It is just a load of junk from earth. How dare you litter our space with your rubbish and steal our clouds. No wonder we are losing our homes if this is what your people are doing.”

Cirro clenched his fists, turned round and punched the side of the machine again and again. Alex was pleased it wasn’t him he was punching, but was frightened of the machine being damaged as each punch produced a small dent. He wasn’t sure what to use to power the machine so he definitely wouldn’t be able to repair it.

“Stop!” Strato shouted and to his surprise Cirro did. He turned round to face Strato. “Make me.”

He said in a voice that made Alex shiver. Cirro calmly turned round and thumped the machine again and again.

Strato moved forwards to grab Cirro, but Alto moved faster and held him with his arms behind

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KIDS CORNER - STORY

his back. Without thinking Alex rushed forwards. He had to defend the machine, but Nimbus blocked his way. “What a puny little earth boy.” He leered and simply picked Alex up and held him under one arm. Alex wriggled, kicked his legs and flapped his arms but Nimbus was strong.

“You do not belong here you little bug.” Cirro stopped punching the machine and looked at Alex. “You are right Nimbus.”

He said. “And you know what we do with bugs do you not?”

Nimbus grinned, turned round and marched back up the staircase. All the others followed with Alto dragging Strato.

“Come on, you may as well watch your little insect friend being thrown back to earth.” He laughed.

Alex struggled, but Nimbus was very strong and carried Alex, as if he were a feather, up the stairs and out into the bright sunshine.

“Leave him alone.” Strato shouted, but Cirro punched him in the stomach. “Keep quiet earth bug lover.”

Alex was incensed. What did these cloud bullies think they were doing? After all, he was only trying to help them. Alex tried to kick Nimbus as hard as he could but he didn’t even flinch.

“Stop tickling me earth boy.”

He walked to the edge of the cloud, put Alex down, pushed

him hard in his back and he disappeared from view.

“NO!” Shouted Strato. “You do not understand he was trying to help us. He was our only chance of making more clouds.” Cirro turned and stared at Strato. “Do you really think we need help from earth dwellers?” “Yes I do.”

Strato said. “And so do I.” “And so do I.” “And so do I.” Strato turned his head to see a crowd of Cloudleapers behind him.

They’d all had to put up with the bullies at some time or another and they were horrified when they heard what they had done to Molly and Tom. Of course they all knew about the cloud-making machine but had kept it secret from the three bullies as they knew they would try to destroy it.

Rain had seen the bullies enter the cloud-making machine and knew her brother would be in danger and so she had raised the alarm. “You cannot hurt us. Not while I have Strato. You do not know what I could do to him if you do not leave us alone.” Cirro shouted and Alto held Strato’s arms even tighter behind his back.

Strato went limp and in the split second that followed Alto loosened his hold thinking that Strato had fainted, but Strato stood up, flicked himself forward and threw Alto over his shoulder.

Alto landed on his back and Strato sprang forwards to stand with the crowd of Cloudleapers.

The crowd moved as one and grabbed hold of the three cloud bullies. Each cloud bully was held by three cloud people and they marched them across the cloud.

“Now we finally have them, we will put them in the stronghold for the time being.” Strato’s Dad said. Strato was worried about Alex and wondered if he would

ever see him again.

The crowd of cloud people disappeared and Strato decided to check the damage Cirro had caused to the cloud-making machine.

“Help!” Strato stood still and listened. “Help!” There it was again. He ran over to the edge of the cloud and peered down.

There was Alex, holding onto a piece of hose.

As they had walked outside the hose had dislodged itself and Alex had managed to grab it as he fell. “Can’t hold on much longer.”

Alex muttered and Strato held the hose and pulled with all his might.

Very slowly Alex’s head appeared, then his hands and arms and body. Alex lay in the soft caress of the cloud and thanked Strato over and over for saving him.

After a while Alex remembered what he was supposed to be doing and stood up. He found the purple hose and pulled it through his hands until he found the end.

The water had stopped completely.

Alex turned the nozzle to the off position and together with Strato they inspected every bit of hose on the cloud and then mounted the cloud motor bike and inspected the rest of the hose until they were back with Tom. Tom had waited so long he was now fast asleep. Alex nudged him awake and told him the water had stopped. “You know what that could mean don’t you?” Tom yawned and stretched and Alex shook his head. “It could mean someone’s turned the tap off.”

“Oh no.” They both said together as they thought the same thing. “If that’s the case, I hope it’s not Billy who’s turned it off.”

Said Alex, he had had enough of bullies to last him a lifetime. “Me too.” Said Tom. To be continued…

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FAMILY

CORNER S ID K E L T IT L / BIG It doesn’t matter how old you are, we all like to have fun.

QUESTION TIME at are you hugging?

1. If you hug a ‘guling’, wh C) Toy low Pil B) A) Animal an ‘angon’ what did the 2. If an Anglo-Saxon had C) Fruit B) Vase n A) Weapo

y have?

‘stellar winds’?

3. Where would you find C) Deserts s B) Ocean A) Stars Answers e-shaped. ter long pillow and sausag me a ut abo is 1. A typical guling a was spear.

Saxon times, an ‘Angon’ 2. A weapon - In Anglo . star a m fro of gas 3. A stellar wind is a flow

FUN FACTS Before the inventio n of colour TV, 75 % of people said they dreamed in black and white . Today, only 12% do.

It’s illegal to own jus t one guinea pig in Switzerland becau se they get lonely.

The British royal fam ily isn’t allowed to play Monopoly.

Popcorn wasn’t alw ays a beloved cinem a snack — in fact, prior to the Great Depression , cinemas hated popcorn.

In the 19th century, experts warned wo men about a disease called bic ycle face, which me ant getting stuck with the awkw ard faces they made while biking.

RIDDLES swer in any 1. What can an t can speak ha language? W ? What can th ou m a t withou ear? t sing withou an u hit me, the 2.The harder yo e. What am I? greater I becom des are there 3. How many si to a circle?

Answers: 1. An echo.

2. A crater. e and the 3. Two. The insid . . de outsi

R

TONGUE TWISTE

ly seaward.

Six slippery snails, slid slow

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B INSPIRED BY POLYGONS What picture can you create in the polygons? Simply colour them in and find out.

- Don’t forget to share them with us on social media!

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HOME - FEATURE

Top tips to get your heating oil tank ready for summer Summer is a great time to get your tank in tip top condition. BoilerJuice.com have four top tips to help your tank ready for summer.

1. Schedule maintenance

3. Add an additive to your tank

All oil tanks have a lifespan, you will eventually see the signs of wear and tear such as small cracks. BoilerJuice suggests getting a qualified OFTEC engineer to check your tank once a year.

This is to make sure your tank is safe to use and will prevent future leaks.

By adding additives to your tank it will give your heating oil a cleaner and greener burn.

Adding a additive to your tank helps stop sludge from building at the bottom of your tank. This reduces the chance of a boiler breakdown.

4. Add a safety lock Reminder: Oil suppliers will refuse to deliver oil if they believe your tank is unsafe and topping up will result in an oil spill.

2. Make sure all caps or lids are shut tightly

Summer is the prime time for heating oil thefts.

As your heating oil gets used less during the summer, it’s easier for theives to steal your the heating oil from your tank without you noticing for a long period of time. BoilerJucie BoilerJuice suggests placing a safety lock on C your tank to make sure i h k theives stay clear from your heating oil.

Loose caps and lids can let air and debris into your oil tank. This will increase the chances of sludge building up at the bottom of your oil tank. Sludge can create issues in the future as when your oil is low, it will pull the sludge into your heating system which can cause damage to your boiler.

Visit BoilerJuice.com or call 0800 151 3135 today, get a free quote online in under 10 seconds and see how much you can save.

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MEDIA GUIDE EXPERT - Double Page Spread - Section on our website - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags - Attend events for free

£150 - £200

COUNCIL St Neots Town Council St Neots Town Council Location: St Neots enquiries@stneots-tc.gov.uk 01480 388911 www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

SPONSOR £45 - £125 - Choose a double page ‘theme’ (sports/charity) for your target audience to feature for free - Section on our website - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags - Attend events for free

FINANCE

WHAT’S ON GUIDE £50 - £150 - Quarter, Half or Full Page Advert in magazine - Inclusion on website - Inclusion on weekly social media Guides - Inclusion on weekly newsletter Guides - Free Inclusion in Goodie Bags

Beacon Wealth Management Ltd Chartered /Independent Financial Advisers Location: Kimbolton info@beaconwealth.co.uk 01480 869466 www.beaconwealth.co.uk FITNESS ST NEOTS LITTLE DRAGONS Taekwon-Do Location: St Neots Instructor Paul O’Brien 07599 763187 www.stneotskd.co.uk LEGAL Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd Solicitors Location: St Neots, Kimbolton, St Ives and Sawtry enquiries@beaconwealth.co.uk 01480 219699 / 475871 www.beaconwealthlegal.co.uk MARKETING GROW In Cambridge Location: Cambridge david@growincambridge.com 020 8068 6814 www.growincambridge.com/ PLUMBING Servowarm Ltd Heating and Plumbing Location: St Neots

info@servowarm.net 0845 2224444 www.servowarm.net

BACK PAGE ADVERTS - Full Page Advert - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags - Attend events for free

£140 - £200

BUSINESS ADVERT £45 - £50 - Help support a community page for your target audience - Included on our website - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags - Attend events for free SPOTLIGHT FEATURE - One page to feature an article about you - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags - Attend events for free

£100

B SEEN £120p.a - Contact Details prominently displayed - Included on our website - Free inclusion in Goodie Bags DISCOUNT ADVERT - Prominent location - Included on our website - Free Inclusion in Goodie Bags

£35

JOB ADVERT - Prominent location in magazine - Inclusion on website - Inclusion on Newsletters

£75

*Free Goodie Bags handed out at large local events*