B Inspired Magazine: August - September 2020

Issue 24 | August - September 2020

FREE COPY

A MAGAZINE INSPIRED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Featuring Celebrating our 4th Birthday with 4 years of front cover stars!

Special Feature: Summer Holidays Sponsored by Beacon Wealth Group

OUR EXPERTS AND CONTRIBUTORS

OUR EXPERTS

SARAH-JANE FEATHERSTONE Legal Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd

TONY LARKINS Money Beacon Wealth Management Ltd

KATIE KITSON Marketing B Inspired Publications Ltd

Every issue Sarah-Jane and her 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

mm

Front Cover Stars from the past 4 years (in order): 1. Sian Francis

12. Switch Now

2. Ross William-Gick

13. Vir2oso

3. Emilio Saavedra

14. Strong for Samson

4. Black Cat Radio 5. Katy North

15. Jim and Pam Fitgerald

6. Buckfest

16. Mothers Day

7. Caring for Cambridgeshire Homeless

17. Keith Ridley

8. St Neots Community Awards 9. Trevor Gunton

18. Local GB Dragon Boat Stars 19. St Neots Festival 20. St Neots Round Table

10. Mothers Day

21. NCT St Neots Volunteers

11. Riverside Miniature Railway

22. Mothers Day

Kids Story Karen Larkins Family: YoungMinds Parents Helpline

Local Businesses Sponsored by: GMS Business Accountants

Music Review Cory Blose

Brightshine Valeting Carly Harvey Carr Estates Bethantomo

Advertiser St Neots Little Dragons Taekwon-Do

Community Events St Neots Zoo Buckfest

Summer With Beacon

23. Our Community

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.

Wow what a time we have all had!

It has been an honour to be there with you through lockdown and seeing what everyone has been up to. We hope you enjoyed all of our ideas to help pass the time during lockdown. (Past issues are still live on our website if you missed any.)

Can you believe it is our 4th Birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to us! For four years we have provided you the best possible insights into our local area.

Usually packed with the areas largest What’s On Guide - we are pleased to say this is retunring from next issue along with our weekly Facebook updated event posts and newsletters! If you have any events taking place from October onwards please get in touch, as always we will include as many for free as possible.

Talking of free a big hello and welcome goes to GMS Business Accountants who have joined us as an advertiser, and as a result are allowing local businesses the chance of free advertising! Head over to our Facebook page to find out how to apply.

Here’s to many Katie Kitson more years and a Editor great summer!

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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CONTENTS - BUSINESS 4 MARKETING Katie from B Inspired Magazine talks about Small Business Marketing now

6 MONEY Tony from Beacon Wealth Management talks about Investments

8 LEGAL Sarah-Jane from Beacon Wealth Legal talks about Moving House

10 MUSIC WITH CORY BLOSE 12 SMALL BUSINESSES

Sponsored by GMS Business Acountants

13 SUMMER WITH BEACON 14 EVENTS

22 COMMUNITY EVENTS 24 ENTERTAINING AT HOME

- FAMILY 26 BACK TO SCHOOL 28 SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN 30 KIDS CORNER STORIES - Tilly Trimble Investigates

32 KIDS CORNER GAMES

34 ST NEOTS KD 35 B SEEN

16 LOCAL WALKS 18 LOCAL PLACES

36 BEACON WEALTH GROUP 3

BUSINESS - MARKETING

MARKETING WITH B INSPIRED PUBLICATIONS LTD

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Marketing During And After Covid-19

obody could have predicted just what we have been through as a country, nor the impact it would have on both individuals and businesses.

For many it has been heartbreaking which has sadly seen many losing loved ones, businesses closing, jobs lost and relationship break-ups, amongst many others.

Some may have coasted along, whilst others have been fortunate to flourish through this period, whether it has been that they could spend more time at home with loved ones, tackle tasks they have never been able to get around to, discover new talents from trying something new, or are some of the lucky ones who businesses have managed to continue throughout and have also flourished as a result.

Regardless of our own individual journeys they are just that, our own, and ours to direct (as much as possible) in the way we choose, both during and after circumstances.

Businesses have been on many journeys during this time and marketing has played a crucial role, and will continue to do so.

Before I talk about how to market now, it is important to recognise what has happened.

Thriving During Lockdown If you are in the fortunate position that you have seen your business thrive during this time,

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congratulations, but please take a moment to think about why.

Many local businesses were taken under the wing of the public, and in particular, at the start, by your brand advocates people who love your company and talk about it for others to hear.

Through your advocates you will have no doubt reached many new customers, and it is what you did when interacting with them that would have determined your continued future.

Marketed to Success If your journey to success didn’t come initially from brand advocates, then it probably came from your own hard work of pushing your messages out, whether via advertising, social media posts or other streams.

If this is you congratulations, it can be a very hard and labour intensive task!

Those who have successfully pushed their way through to the front, would have likely built good strong connections to individuals and/or businesses who helped them along the way, whether by sharing their news and stories or ordering themselves.

Coasting Along Many businesses, especially service based, may have found themselves working through the pandemic at home, with potentially people on furlough.

You may have found that your business services, whilst still relevant were affected and you

either began to coast along, or waiver.

This has been a very tough time and staying afloat is many businesses dream so congratulations!

Disheartened If things didn’t go as you had hoped try not to take this as a reflection of failure, instead understand that many others are also going through similar.

Great businesses will have been affected during this time due to no fault of their own.

If you are a business who has seen a competitor thrive, evaluate why them. It could be as simple as they were luckier, as they had better brand advocates who shouted about them louder sometimes just one great advocate is all it takes.

It could however be because they adapted to the situation differently and may have even changed their way of communicating.

Businesses who tried to direct sell during this time didn’t tend to do as well as those who reflected positive messages within the local community, and could be something to watch going forward.

Opening After Closure Many businesses couldn’t continue to work, or adapt their business to work from home.

If you are one of these you may now be wondering how to move forward during these times.

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EXPERT

Content Is King Cluttered Marketplace Now more than ever the marketplace is cluttered with everyone competing for the public’s attention.

You now need to break through a lot of noise to be seen and as they say ‘Content Is King’.

might also be able to provide a lot B Seen of answers as to why they were Now is the time to stand up and chosen by the public. grab attention. People are behind local businesses and want them Maintaining Promotion to thrive so engage with them in a Word of mouth is something two way conversation. that you can’t buy (unless of course you are paying an Share Your Story influencer), and something to be Don’t be afraid to come Shouting for Good treasured. forward and even stand in front In a world where people As the world starts to return to of a camera to tell your story. Let normally complain far more than normal, people’s mindsets will also people know who you are, let your they praise, the pandemic had a shift focus again. They are likely to personality shine. surprising twist for many. be more akin to pushing positivity, If you feel like you would be too People had had enough of but as the frustration of not wooden and monotone in a video, negativity on social media and knowing when things will truly try sharing your story via pictures collectively turned things around. return to ‘normal’, more negativity instead..

They started championing positive is likely to slip through and as stories, sharing far more positive such nudge people back to before.

Whatever you do, do not hide. reviews and thanking those who Think about the messages you Stand up and say hi. are and have been working hard to promote. Do they align with the protect everyone. communities, and importantly As a result many local your target customers? businesses have been, and are I would suggest that as the being, pushed to the forefront, world starts to go back to ‘normal’ Further Details: allowing businesses the that positivity is going to remain a B Inspired Publications Ltd opportunity to grow faster than breath of fresh air. focuses on the positives of the ever before. Make sure you make community and is designed to your business one of them. Find Look for opportunities give everyone a voice based on a way to connect with your Supporting something/ this. customers that makes them want someone, saying thank you or Website: to shout about you. sharing positive stories are likely www.binspiredmag.co.uk to point you in the right direction.

Email: Don’t Forget Why Identifying business hello@binspiredmag.co.uk Look at those businesses who collaborations could be the start of Tel: were whisked up in the local buzz not only a great new journey but 01480 471169 during lockdown and how they also put more man power behind thrived - giving a good service pushing your messages.

Facebook: would have been key. Social media /B Inspired Magazine

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BUSINESS - MONEY

MONEY WITH BEACON WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD Lockdown, Locked Up or Let Out Tony Larkins, Beacon Wealth Management Ltd’s, Managing Director this issue talks about the affect lockdown has had on many and the potential opportunity of retiring early.

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s the world opens up after what has seen about 90% of the world population in lockdown, there is an obvious reluctance of many to embrace the new world with the vigour they had for the old.

Face masks and queues for the shops and banks have become an acceptable way of life, but long queues put off the random purchases from window shopping.

The internet is still the go-to for many, even though a desire exists to support our local High Street.

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Evaluating Life With everything that has happened you might be reevaluating life and wondering what you want to do in the future.

For some this could be moving to live closer to loved ones, for others it could be ticking off items on their bucket lists, whilst many are likely to be questioning their retirement and asking - can they retire now?

Travelling around the country for a living or commuting on public transport is also not at the top of everyone’s wish list.

Beacon works closely with its clients and our service has been unaffected by us working from home. Online client access to funds, plans and values has been available through us for some time, as has a mobile app to give values and other information.

Working From Home Not everyone can work from home and of those who can, not everyone wants to.

Retirement?

We have received several enquiries from our clients about the practicalities of retiring now.

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EXPERT

It is surprising how many more can retire than think they can.

If you would also like to investigate this idea, contact us.

Making Your Money Work Our investment portfolios have outperformed the FTSE over the last eleven years, which I accept may not be the norm compared to other adviser returns, and past performance is no guarantee of future performance, but having our own in-house investment team is certainly an advantage.

If it is ethical, socially responsible funds you are looking for, we have nine years of experience with our portfolios which have also beaten the Stock Market over that period. We were also recognised as one of the best in the UK at an award ceremony for our work in this area this year. Thoughts are that the future is going to be about investing in sustainable funds/companies that will survive periods like we have just had – oh yes – and they are currently performing better anyway.

Ask Yourself 3 Questions 1. Would I like to retire now, or if not now, then when?

2. How much will I need to live on?

3. How much will I want as an emergency fund?

If the answer to question 1 is now or soon, then we should talk.

In thinking how much you need to live on, consider the costs of being at home, not those associated with working, and don’t forget to include something for holiday, clothes, presents etc.

And then how much is realistic for an emergency fund £10k, £20k?

Moving Forwards When the above has been considered, and you have arrived at realistic numbers we can help you sort out how to finance your needs or wants.

We can help sort the best way for ease and tax, and help put a cashflow statement together.

If your chosen date is before your state retirement age

(SRA), then we can sort out for you to take more in the pre SRA period, and less after the pension kicks in.

If you have been in lockdown and felt locked up, maybe consider letting yourself out and retire.

Contact me for a free telephone or video meeting.

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. Website: www.beaconwealth.co.uk Email: info@beaconwealth.co.uk.

Tel: 01480 869466 Facebook: /BeaconWealthGroup Twitter: /BeaconWealthIFA

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BUSINESS - LEGAL

Beacon Wealth Legal BORED OF YOUR FOUR WALLS? In every issue a representative from Beacon Wealth Legal provides an insight into the legal world.

In this edition they talk about the recent Government announcement that it is possible for most people to buy a property without stamp duty.

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ou have probably spent more time than ever before in your own home due to lockdown.

As a result of people being at home more there has been a boom in home improvements, but for many that isn’t enough and they want to escape their four walls and move.

Time To Take Advantage Of The Government During July’s ‘Mini Budget’ Chancellor Sunak announced that the Stamp Duty threshold in England and Northern Ireland will increase - with immediate

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effect (8th July) - to £500,000 until 31st March 2021.

This means that you will no longer have to pay Stamp Duty for a house, up to the value of £500,000.

You will now only start to pay Stamp Duty on the amount that you pay for the property above £500,000.

What Is Stamp Duty?

Stamp Duty is a tax that you might have to pay if you buy a residential property or a piece of land in England and Northern Ireland.

Who Benefits?

If you are buying a first home

or have owned property before then these new rates will apply to you as long as you complete/move before 31st March 2021.

Stamp Duty Table - Main Property The Stamp Duty table for main properties now looks like this: Property or lease premium or transfer value

Stamp Duty rate

Up to £500k

0%

The next £425k

5%

The next £575k

10%

Remaining

12%

The new Stamp Duty rules replace the first time buyer rules.

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EXPERT

If there is a delay in selling your previous main residence but buy your new home, you will have to pay the higher Stamp Duty rates as you will now own two properties.

However, you can apply for a refund on the higher Stamp Duty if: - you sell your previous main residence within three years, and - you claim the refund within 12 months of the filing date of your Stamp Duty tax return or claim the refund within 3 months of the sale of your previous old main residence (whichever comes later).

When and How to Pay Types of Property Affected You have 14 days to file and pay This tax applies to both freehold a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and leasehold properties – return. whether you’re buying outright or If you do not submit and pay with a mortgage. within this time, HMRC might charge you penalties and interest.

What About Second Homes?

Do not worry though.

If you’re buying additional Whilst you are responsible for properties for example, a second making sure it is submitted in time, home or buy-to-let properties, this is something that we take care based on the new announcement, of for you. Note, even if your new you will have to pay Stamp Duty home is under £500,000 a return on a property costing more than (unless exempt) is still required, £40,000 until 31 March 2021. even though you won’t need to pay This rate does not apply to Stamp Duty. caravans, mobile homes or houseboats.

Is Now The Time?

Stamp Duty Table - Additional Properties The Stamp Duty table for additional properties now looks like this: Property or lease premium or transfer value

Stamp Duty rate

Up to £500k

3%

The next £425k

8%

The next £575k

13%

Remaining

15%

Can You Claim A Refund?

If you moved before the announcement, sadly not.

Many people are already placing their homes on the market and looking for their next.

The rush for some is because they can’t wait to escape their current four walls, or they could have seen their circumstances or priorities change and moving is a part of that process, whilst others also want to try and take advantage of the lower Stamp Duty and any potential lower interest rates.

Important To Remember If this time has taught us anything it is that we cannot always predict what is going to happen.

Whether you are moving or not,

it is important to remember to check and update your Will and Lasting Power of Attorney to ensure your wishes are fully met should anything ever happen to you or your loved ones, and that they are always protected.

Help Moving is rated as one of the most stressful times in anyone’s life but we are here to help try and ease the process as much as possible. With online and telephone appointments available we also have free to download guides to help you along the moving process.

Moving home? Contact Beacon Wealth Legal for all your conveyancing needs.

Further Details: Should you require legal assistance from a firm with a wealth of knowledge and legal advice contact Beacon Wealth Legal Website: www.beaconwealthleagal.co.uk Email: enquiries@beaconwealth.co.uk Tel: 01480 219699 (Head Office St Neots) Facebook: /BeaconWealthGroup Head Office: 26 Market Square, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 2PJ (Also in St Ives, Sawtry & Kimbolton)

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MUSIC

CORY BLOSE For this issue we are turning the spotlight onto our contributor, Mr Cory Blose.

Cory presented the weekly rock show, Rock Into The Weekend on Huntingdon’s local radio station, HCR104FM, every Friday night for the past 7 years.

Now Cory presents Rock Into The Weekend on Feedback Radio as well as on London based Total Rock, joining esteemed rock journalists such as Malcom Dome & Dom Lawson among others.

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he Corona-virus outbreak in the UK has affected virtually every facet of our lives, one area that has been hit hardest is the arts and the music industry in particular.

Every live music event, be it a small pub gig, theatre show or outdoor music festival has likely been cancelled or postponed to 2021 at this point. On top of the effect on live performances, many musicians are delaying album releases until a time that it is safe for people to congregate in larger groups again so we can enjoy live music once more.

We caught up with Cory recently to discuss his music journey: Where did your love of music come from and where did your obsession with rock music in general come from?

It’s always been there, I do not ever remember music not being in my house.

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My Dad had these huge Mission speakers that were so big that we used them as a side-table when they broke! He also had a lovely Technics system and reel-to-reel player that I still have to this day.

We used to play these tapes on there and the one that sticks out the most was a song by Heart that I can’t remember properly but I know I played it back and forth, back and forth. I then moved onto the rest of my Dad’s collection of Aerosmith, Boston, Bad Company, early Bon Jovi and more, so music was always there.

I was put into guitar lessons when I was really young but they only lasted a couple of years.

My Dad also gave me his vinyl collection, he’d only play them once to record them onto the reel-toreel or tape so they were in mint condition.

My Mum was into music too so it was just always there. To me, I can’t understand the people who say “I don’t like music”.

So music was always with you as a child but the music you love from 10 to around 16 years old always sticks with you and shapes your taste, what was on your radar around that time?

At 10 years old I remember begging to go see Guns N Roses, that was the first band I wanted to see live.

At that time I was obsessed with Aerosmith, Bon Jovi & Guns N Roses. One of the first CDs I got was the Beavis & Butthead soundtrack which I still have to this day.

My friend Danny bought me Led Zeppelin II for my 12th birthday and I also got Jimi Hendrix’s greatest hits around this time too. But the real life changing moment was discovering Black Sabbath when I was 13. Not long after this there was a documentary on Channel 5 about Ozzfest (an annual touring festival in USA founded by Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne) and my friends and I

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MUSIC

swore that if Ozzfest ever came to the UK we would go. It was then announced the next summer to take place at Milton Keynes Bowl with Black Sabbath headlining with support from Foo Fighters, Pantera & Slayer. I saved all my dinner & pocket money for months to be able to go.

As I got a bit older the nu-metal scene appeared and I loved bands like Korn, Coal Chamber and others until I went to university in 2002.

a number of years. But I was always a fan.

You mentioned guitar playing, did you ever consider performing yourself?

I had guitar lessons in junior school. When I went to secondary school there were no lessons so guitar stopped.

My friends were learning instruments too so I toyed with either being a drummer or a bass player but I focused on drums.

Some of my friends and I formed a local band called Misspent Youth and I was the drummer without ever having played the drums at one point!

A friend was filling in on the drums until I learned how to play but unfortunately I never got the drum kit. My Mum bought me half a drum kit from a car boot sale convinced that music was just a phase. I always joke with my Mum that she didn’t believe in me enough to buy the full kit!

I did what every frustrated, failing musician does and got involved in the back end. I still went to practices being part of the band for a time and got involved in helping set up gigs, being a roadie and selling merchandise.

When I went off to university it all kind of stopped, I did some street team work for bands in Lancaster but that was about it for

When did you consider making the leap into radio?

I considered it when I was at university, however a friend set up a nightclub in Peterborough in 2010 so I helped out with the rock nights and booking bands.

Again I was on the periphery doing a bit of artist liaison and other things. In the summer of 2012 I joined Huntingdon Community Radio as a volunteer on the Politics show, at the time there was no rock show on the station and the manager had no intention of ever giving space for a rock show.

After about 6 months I joined a show starting on Friday nights at 10pm. The show was clearly popular as I was one of 6 presenters on a rota.

After a period of settling in we started approaching PR companies and record labels who then began sending us singles in advance and interviews with bands.

After about a year the presenter line-up was reduced to myself and Ross Kitson presenting every week until Ross left the show in 2014. My friend Danny came and helped on occasion but really I’ve presented the show on my own since then.

This last month I left

HCR104FM and joined Feedback Radio which is a fantastic radio station and really is a perfecr fit for me.

With some of the interviews you’ve conducted, what have been some stand-out moments for you?

My personal highlight is interviewing Clutch as they are my favourite band, I’ve now interviewed them a number of times including at Download & Leeds Festivals. In fact, their lead singer (Neil Fallon) recognized me in the crowd at Download.

The biggest highlight beside Clutch is when I first attended the Classic Rock Awards in 2013 which was a big deal, I interviewed Black Sabbath & most amazingly Jimmy Page which was a real heart racing moment. I managed to get an exclusive from him about the Led Zeppelin album reissues which at that point was just a rumour. I was lucky enough to attend the following year and seeing Alice Cooper & Brian May both standing in front of me having a conversation was surreal, they are two of the nicest people.

Lemmy from Motorhead was at the Classic Rock Awards before he passed away in 2015 and as far as I am aware, I was one of the last people to interview him before he sadly passed. Again, he was such a nice bloke and died 6 weeks later.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

LOCAL BUSINESSES IN OUR AREA Thank you to our advertisers for allowing these local businesses to feature for free in this issue.

Carr Estates - Catworth

Carly Harvey

Hannah Carr: 01832 778800 hannah.carr@carrestates. co.uk www.carrestates.co.uk FB: @Carr Estates

- St Neots FB: @Carly Harvey

We are a local bespoke estate agency offering something other agents can’t - more of our time.

Offering health & fitness coaching via Personal Training, Group Training & Fitness Classes in the park.

Full clean eating support, motivation & online coaching available too. Helping women look better, feel better & think better.

Bethantomo - Buckden / Online

Brightshine Valeting - Eaton Socon

I have just launched my first Healthy Recipe E-book designed to inspire people to eat healthy and nutritious food whilst still having fun!

Mobile valeters.

Full valets. Mini valets. Wash and hoover. Power polishing.. Fleet contracts.

Family run business for all your valeting needs.

Bethan Thomas 07543027950 bethandthomas@me.com www.bethantomo.com Insta: Bethantomo

Andy Wren 07488 363219 FB: @Brightshine Valeting

Advert space

GMS

BUSINESS ACCOUNTANTS

Personal, Professional Local Chartered Management Accountant based in Fenstanton.

Services include, but not limited to:

Tax Returns • Payroll • Book-Keeping Self-Assessments Management Accounts • Consultancy

£45 per issue (min 6 issues) £50 per issue (3 - 5 issues) 62mm (w) x 93mm (h)

Email: Graham.Wesson@gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk Tel: 07739 828423 Web: www.gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT SUMMER Sponsored by BEACON WEALTH GROUP Thanks to Beacon Wealth Group we are able to bring you this very special community feature, highlighting our fantastic area.

Packed full of ideas to do, there is something for everyone.

Beacon Wealth Group consists of both legal and financial experts: Beacon Wealth Legal and Beacon Wealth Management.

They are still open for business but are working remotely during this time and offering video and telephone meetings.

Beacon Wealth Group www.beaconwealthgroup.co.uk info@beaconwealth.co.uk 01480 869466 Facebook: @BeaconWealthGroupLtd Twitter: @BeaconWealthIFA 13

SUMMER WITH BEACON

WHAT’S ON GUIDE We usually have pages and pages of events that are happening locally, but with the way everything is currently we have just selected a few and plan to bring back our full fat guides next issue!

Now

Throughout August

St Neots Family Trail

A Wild Welcome Back

The St Neots Museum have set-up a ‘Hidden St Neots’ family trail.

On this trail you will discover the history of St Neots, via a short guided walk through the town centre.

You can download the trail free but they are accepting small donations of £1 to help them continue to produce these community resources.

(Note the Museum is also open if you would like to have a look around.)

FREE www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk/familytrail/

Paxton Pits

A chance to be welcomed back to Paxton Pits Environmental Education Centre, for some fun, engaging, carefully managed activities. A visit will include a socially distanced briefing, minibeast hunting, pond dipping and helping to create an ‘enchanted wild woodland’! If there is time you may be able to start a spot of nature journaling too. Sessions will run for 1.5 hours excluding briefing. You will be loaned your own pack of equipment to use throughout your visit. One disabled access toilet will be open in the centre only, to allow staff to maintain the necessary cleaning regime. Booking Required online: £0 - £8.79 eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-wild-welcome-back

Saturday 8th & 22nd Aug, 12th & 26th Sept 8am - 1pm

St Neots Farmers Market Market Square, St Neots

Taking place every second and fourth Saturday of the month it features local food producers and craft sellers.

Many stallholders are based in St Neots or the surrounding Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire countryside.

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Every Thursday 9am - 4pm

St Neots Market

Market Square, St Neots Taking place every Thursday there are a variety of stalls from fresh food, meat, flowers, clothes, gifts, toys, books and more.

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EVENTS

Wed 26th August 2pm- 3pm & 3.15p – 4.15pm

Saturday 5th September 6pm – 8pm

Free Children’s Activity Sessions

Local Police Surgery

Lots of fun activities such as football, short tennis, multi sports & games. The activity sessions are organised by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Road show team.

Booking is essential. Aimed at 7-11 year olds.

Booking forms on the Parish Council website.

FREE www.littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

The St. Neots Community Policing Team will be holding a Police Surgery in the village.

This is a great opportunity for residents to meet the local Police team and to raise any concerns.

FREE

QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton

The Hub, Little Paxton (meeting room)

Sunday 12th September 2pm - 5pm Sunday 12th September 2pm - 5pm

Beer Festival

QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton An exciting new event at the QEII Playing Field organised by Little Paxton Parish Council..

Rocket Ales from Great Staughton will be setting up a beer festival with 6 different locally brewed ales. Ciders, wines & soft drinks will also be available.

You can take your own deck chairs, picnic rugs etc. and enjoy an afternoon on the field.

Social distancing to be observed.

All events are subject to Government Coronavirus restrictions.

Autum Flower & Vegetable Show

Little Paxton Village Hall/ QEII Playing Field This year’s event aims to tackle loneliness and be dementia friendly and is a great opportunity to come along for a chat and make new friends.

One entry form per person. One entry per class per person.

The show includes:35 different Fruit & Vegetables classes 10 different Flower classes 9 different Children’s’ classes 21 different Home Produce classes The Show programme, entry forms & Show Rules available on the Parish Council website.

FREE Further details: www.littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.uk Tel 01480 470193 clerk@ littlepaxtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

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SUMMER WITH BEACON

LOCAL WALKS Now is a great time to go outside and grab some more fresh air, away from everyone else.

We are very lucky to have so many great walks easily accessible to us locally.

Note: Everyone goes at different speeds, so we have used 20 minutes to walk 1 mile, and 6 minutes to bike 1 mile, to provide our estimated times. These are guides only.

ST NEOTS CIRCULAR INCLUDES: Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Distance: 9 Miles Time: 3 hours walk. 54 minutes bike.

Starting from St Neots Bridge, follow the waymarked Ouse Valley Way north through the Lammas Meadows on the eastern side of the river. The river eventually winds its way round to Paxton Pits.

After exploring the reserve the walk returns to St Neots Bridge on the same paths. You then pass through the Riverside Park on the western side of the river, just to the south of the bridge. Follow the paths south past the cricket ground to Eaton Socon where you cross the river at the lock. You can then follow the Ouse Valley Way past Eynesbury before returning to the bridge.

Source: gps-routes.co.uk

ST NEOTS RIVERSIDE PARK Distance: 2.2 Miles Time: 44 minutes walk. 13 minute bike.

Starting at Coneygear car park, find and follow the hidden path (pictured) through the trees. Keep to the right going past the Caravan Park, cross the footbridge and turn right. Continue following the pathway. Continue to the ‘waterfall’. Walk up the stairs and ahead following the path by the river. After the narrow concrete footbridge keep left by the brook. Keep following the path and at the asphalt foot road turn left, cross the gate, and remain on road turning left. Once at the Cycle Statue effectively walk straight ahead and remain on path. This will take you past the Caravan site again. Turn right at road crossing back towards the start.

Source: my.viewranger.com

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WALKS

HUNTINGDON CIRCULAR INCLUDES: Houghton Mill, Hemmingford Abbots, Godmanchester Distance: 10 Miles Time: 3 hours 20 minutes. 1 hour bike.

The route makes use of the waymarked Ouse Valley Way and the Pathfinder Walk to visit streams, lakes and water meadows.

Starting at Huntingdon town centre, head south to Godmanchester to pick up the Ouse Valley Way. It will take you north east to the Cook’s Stream and pass a number of lakes.

Continue past Wetside Common and Hartford Marina to the National Trust’s Houghton Mill.

Next head south across Hemmingford Meadows to the village of Hemingford Abbots. This route then picks up the Pathfinder Long Distance Walk and heads west past Godmanchester Common to Godmanchester. You then head north past the marina back into Huntingdon.

Source: gps-routes.co.uk

GRAFHAM WATERS - ST NEOTS Circular route to and from St Neots.

Distance: 20 Miles Time: 6 hours 40 minutes walk. 2 hour bike.

Starting at St Neots Train Station head towards and through Little Paxton turning off to the Great North Road (before hitting the A1).

Next turn right onto National Cycle Path Route 51. Follow this around Wyboston Lakes before doing your journey in reverse.

Source: my.viewranger.com

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SUMMER WITH BEACON

LOCAL PLACES TO VISIT Now is a great time to go outside and grab some more fresh air, away from everyone else.

Here are a few of the great local places you can visit.

GRAFHAM WATER Grafham Water is an 806.3-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) north of Perry, Huntingdonshire. It was designated an SSSI in 1986.

There is a lot for everyone to do, including watersports, childrens play areas, and spots to take your own BBQ. Cycle hire is available at the eastern end of the reservoir.

It’s possible to create a longer circular walk around the lake using The Three Shires Way long distance trail. The waymarked footpath runs towards Great Staughton on the southern side of the reservoir. It will take you through some nice countryside before returning to the lakeside.

BRAMPTON WOOD Brampton Wood SSSI is owned and managed by The Wildlife Trusts for Beds, Cambs & Northants as a nature reserve and is the second largest ancient woodland in Cambridgeshire - it is at least 900 years old. The first records date back to the Domesday Book. The trees include aspen, oak, ash, field maple and birch. The entire wood was once clear felled and has since naturally regenerated. Some areas are now coppiced and provide a habitat for dormice.

HINCHINGBROOKE COUNTRY PARK Hinchingbrooke Country Park covers 170 acres of open grasslands, mature woodland and lakes. It is a great place to visit for families, nature spotters, dog walkers and those who wish to enjoy the great outdoors.

In 2018 Hinchingbrooke Country Park received the Green Flag Award, which recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces in the country.

You will find play areas, cafe, hard-surfaced and muddy paths, secluded woodlands and wildflower meadows all within a short walk.

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BUCKDEN TOWERS Buckden Towers, formerly known as Buckden Palace, is a 12th-century fortified house, located on Buckden High Street.

Buckden was the property of the Bishops of Lincoln at the time of the Domesday Survey. Bishop Grosstete died in 1252, but the palace was practically re-built by Bishops Rotherham (1472 – 1480) and Russell (1480 – 1494).

A great red brick tower and a gatehouse alone remain, known as Buckden Towers, but a house was built in the grounds, and was, in 1910, the property and residence of Sir Arthur Marshall and is now in use by a Roman Catholic community who have built the Church of St Hugh of Lincoln A lovely local place where you can walk around the grounds and lake.

JOHNSONS OF OLD HURST Johnsons of Old Hurst is a local historical farm in Huntingdon.

Some locals call it the ‘Crocodile Farm’, because as you can see from the picture, you can find them there, along with cute and we would say cuddlier creatures too.

A fully working farm, you will also find a farm shop, tea room, Steakhouse, Zoological gardens and a childrens play area.

SOUTHOE FARM Southoe farm, previously a hidden treasure, became many peoples saviour when lockdown started to ease. It is open to the public and free to wander around, with just a little donation box at the end.

Located on Rectory Lane, Southoe.

A one way walking system allows you to keep your distance from others.

Complete with many animals that you would expect to see at a small farm. A lovely day out for all ages.

During eased lockdown there were a few problems with littering so please be mindful (as with everywhere) when visiting.

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SUMMER WITH BEACON

LOCAL PLACES TO VISIT Continued..

HOUGHTON MILL Free to members, but everyone is required to book ahead if parking (£3 per car for 2 hours).

A great spot for picnics, walking, cycling and canoeing, in Houghton, near Huntingdon.

There are many picturesque waterways and villages accessible from here via a network of tributaries or cycle and walking routes.

The riverside at Houghton Mill is currently closed but there are footpaths along the mill pond into the meadows beyond. If you book into our car park, you can launch your own canoe onto the mill pond from the riverside opposite the historic mill.

ENCHANTED FOREST The lovely fairy forest in Eaton Socon, St Neots will remain open until 1st September.

Free to enter as it is in the middle of The Pightle. The Pightle is an area of nearly 6 and a half acres of unspoilt countryside and can be found along the ‘Bath Path’ which is a footpath stretching from Eaton Ford to Eaton Socon Church.

Full of fairy discoveries it is a lovely walk. Further details can be found on their Facebook page: Enchanted Forest Eaton Socon

RIVERSIDE MINIATURE RAILWAY A fantastic local miniature train situated in St Neots Riverside Park. It is back open and at the time of printing they were hoping to operate every Thursday 1pm - 3pm and Sunday 1pm - 4pm on a limited service: Socially distanced queuing at 2m intervals, for family bubbles of up to 6 persons. 1 family bubble per carriage.

ALL children must be accompanied. A one way system will be in operation. Hand sanitiser will be available for use before travelling on their trains. Unfortunately the wheelchair carriage will not be in service, due to volunteer social distancing restrictions. No picnics within the site.

Cash donations only, no change will be available.

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LOCAL AREA

ST NEOTS MUSEUM Back open to the public St Neots Museum is a lovely place for everyone to visit.

Showcasing our local history as well as pop-up displays, some of which you are able to buy.

They usually run chilldren’s activities during the summer holidays but given the current situation they have teamed up with other museums across the county to produce content you can access at home. Just visit University of Cambridge Museums dedicated website #SummerwiththeMuseums to find a treasure trove of virtual events, tutorials and activities! www.museums.cam.ac.uk/summerwiththemuseums

CROMWELL MUSEUM The Cromwell Museum is based in Huntingdon and contains collections exploring the life of Oliver Cromwell and to a lesser extent his son Richard Cromwell. Oliver Cromwell was born in Huntingdon in 1599 and lived there for more than half his life.

The museum is located in the former grammar school building in which Cromwell received his early education.

Reopening following advice from the government they have different procedures, opening hours and arrangements in place, please see their website for the latest updates.

PAXTON PITS NATURE RESERVE Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is located in Little Paxton village.

Famous for its nightingales and cormorants – and host to a wide variety of other birds, insects, mammals and flora – it has a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats, with beautiful lakes, riverside, meadow, reedbed, scrub and woodland. It is open for visitors all year round, and has a Visitor Centre for refreshments, books and friendly expertise open most days – in usual times – 10am-4.30pm.

The Nature Reserve paths are open, and the Visitor Centre and toilets are now open on a limited basis, with social distancing measures in place.

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BUCKFEST & ST NEOTS ZOO Despite a pandemic having taken place our community hasn’t let it phase us and we have rallied together on numerous occasions to help support many fantastic causes.

Buckfest sadly couldn’t take place this year but the team behind it didn’t want to let the charities they were supposed to be supporting down - Leonard Cheshire, Huntingdon Community Cancer Network and 3 Pillars Feeding the Homeless.

Instead of the music festival they organised a bike ride and walking challenge with all proceeds split between them.

Together they raised £7,258!

St Neots Zoo was organised by local lady Vicky Oxley.

This event saw many homes decorate their front gardens to look like part of a Zoo. Designed to raise money for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. St Neots Zoo raised £2,690.54!

Here are a few pictures shared by our local community from these two great events.

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part, not only have you raised much needed money, but you have helped keep our community spirit alive.

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LOCAL EVENTS

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SUMMER WITH BEACON 24

ENTERTAINING YOURSELF AND OTHERS If you find yourself struggling to think of ideas to do over the summer holiday, or whilst at home, no matter your age we have a few ideas to keep both big and little kids entertained.

These are just a few ideas that we shared during lockdown which might be useful.

Have fun!.

LEGO CHALLENGE

CREATE PLANTS

There are challenges for almost everything, and this challenge above has a different challenge every day for 30 days. Just Google Lego Challenge.

If you aren’t very green fingered but your children love them, why not make your own. This way you don’t have to worry about keeping it alive.

SHADOW ANIMALS

CREATE PICTURES

It doesn’t just have to be animals. Choose what you would like to draw, and where the sun creates its shadow place a piece of paper, and trace it. :)

No matter the age you can have fun recreating images from nursery rhymes/ songs, videos... You could even use the pictures to create your own 2021 Calendar now that is being organised!

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TOILET ROLL FACES

BUILD A FORT

With the hype of toilet rolls recently, why not put them to further use and make some funny faces.

You could use your sofa, blankets, clothes, table and chairs, bedding, table cloths... who doesn’t love being a kid and hiding in their own fort?

TARGET GOLF

STRING MAZE

Have an empty box? Why not cut a few holes out for target practice.

They can even be used for a car garage, or snail races...

Who hasn’t fancied themselves as a James Bond?

The difficulty level is up to you.

PUPPET SHOW

RECREATE A PART OF YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE

Another one if you have an empty box.

Cut out or make your favourite animals, characters, stick them on straws/ice-cream sticks... and let your imagination run wild.

Have you seen the Lion King opening sequence recreated with toys, and a Rafiki mask?

What would you recreate?

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Supporting Your Child 8 Steps For Going Back To School New routines. The new ‘normal’.

Many children haven’t been at school since March and going back could be hard for them.

We have scoured the internet for you, to look at ways to make it easier for them.

W

e aren’t experts but we have children ourselves and know only too well that they are a little apprehensive, whilst excited, to be finally going back in September.

As a result we have scoured the internet seeking advice different sources and have published our findings to hopefully make it easier for you as well.

We suggest seeking expert advice if you require true help.

Everyone is in the same boat and letting them know that no matter what they feel is okay and normal might help to elevate their emotions.

2. School Updates/Rules Providing your children with as much updates from their school will help them prepare for any changes that have been made, such as: - Timing of their day

1. Talk About How They Are Feeling

- Layout of their classroom

Children are known for surprising us, and don’t always see things the same way we do.

They might have loved or hated school but they are all likely to be feeling some kind of worry due to change - especially if they haven’t been there since March, and/or starting a new school.

- Breaktimes / lunch

Asking them if they are worried or feel scared about anything, but equally if they are excited about or looking forward to something will help you be

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able to determine what you can do to help them.

- Their peer groups It is not only important for your child to understand the new rules but also yourself. Knowing where and how to drop-off and pick-up, as well as the parts of the school you can access will help everyone cope.

As the schools get closer to opening they will be better prepared from the latest government announcements and will likely provide more details then.

3. Reassurance - Listening And Talking Due to being told during lockdown that we had to stay at home, keep our distance from others and wash our hands regularly, children might find it difficult to go back to school, due to the big change.

Talking about how they can still be safe at school will help.

These could include: - washing their hands before and after eating - reassuring them that the school are putting in measures to protect them and keep them safe Taking time to explain the reasons for changes/adaptations, and removing the potential for surprises can also help children to understand the reasons and help break down their emotional barriers. This can allow them to cope more effectively, and help them feel a lot more reassured about returning to school.

4. Re-establish Routine During lockdown we all probably started with good

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intentions to stick to a routine, for many these went out of the window, and the ‘routine’ was to fit everything around what they needed to do - especially true for those parents who were still working.

As a result children are likely to have been going to bed and waking up at different times. To help them get ready to return to school, try gradually getting them back into their usual morning and bedtime routine as their return date becomes closer - easily said, so good luck everyone!

5. Don’t Put Pressure On Yourself Or Them The transition back to school is likely to take some time for everyone, with many ups and downs. Try to support, reassure and comfort children and fellow parents.

Homework and new routines will take a while to re-embed.

And nobody will judge you if you take a day off work when the

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kids go back to school, so you can sit on the sofa and watch Netflix all day (well until collection time), after all that is what many have done for a while during lockdown. You deserve it!

6. Think Ahead Whilst it is important to reflect on the past few months, it is also important to develop hope and a sense of excitement for the future.

It can be hard for everyone to feel positive. Identifying the things that they and you can look forward to will help you all to realise that the current situation won’t last forever. (You will be able to go to the toilet in peace again - without being followed or called for.)

7. Keep Motivated When the children do go back to school many will struggle.

Parents missing children (after the novelty has worn off), and children missing their old lockdown home life. As a result some children might also start

misbehaving at school, become very tired or have emotional outbursts later in the day. This is normal, especially given the length of lockdown, so letting them let off steam after school might help. And eventually your normal should return.

Planning fun and rewarding activities can help keep everyone motivated, and form part of your new routine. Ideas include: - allowing playing video games after school - eating their favourite snack when back from school - going for a walk or to the park - playing games together This could help reduce the sense of change you are all likely to feel, especially if children were doing more of the ‘fun’ things during lockdown.

8. Get Some Rest You deserve it.

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Supporting Your Child During The Coronavirus Pandemic Tips, advice and where to get support for your child’s mental health during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from Young Minds.

Five things you can do to support your child.

1. Talk to them about what’s going on. Find out how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking about, let them know it’s okay to feel scared or unsure, and try to answer their questions and reassure them in an age appropriate manner.

Remember, you do not need to know all the answers, but talking things through can help them feel calmer.

2. Help them to reflect on how they’re feeling and encourage them to think about the things they can do to make them feel safer and less worried.

3. Reassure them that this will pass, you’re there for them, and you will get through this together.

4. Spend time doing a positive activity with your child

(such as reading, playing, painting or cooking) to help reassure them and reduce their anxiety. This is also a great way of providing a space for them to talk through their concerns, without having a ‘big chat’.

5. Keep as many regular routines as possible, so that your child feels safe and that things are stable.

What can you do if your child won’t stay home?

1. Give your child clear and strong messages about why it’s important to abide by the rules. For example, remind them that this is for their safety, for yours and the people around them.

2. Remind your child that this is not a punishment, it’s temporary and things will go back to normal.

3. Think about whether a compromise is possible, such as increased time talking on

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the phone or through video messaging with their friends, or making sure they have space in the home to have private calls or be on their own.

4. Talk to them about what might help at this time, reassure them that you understand how difficult this is and that it won’t last forever, and try to come up with a few things that might help your child stay in the home.

5. When they do go out for their exercise, ensure you set some expectations for them.

For example, they should remain in public spaces, such as a local park, and not go into other people’s homes or meet up with anyone else.

Remind them that being with people who they do not live with is breaking the law and a police officer will separate them and may fine them or you.

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How you can access mental health support and treatment for your child during the Coronavirus pandemic.

If your child is already being treated by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or another mental health service, get in touch by phone with the service and/or their key workers to discuss how their support will continue during the pandemic. Many services will be offering online or telephone support in place of meeting faceto-face, so this is something you can ask about.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health and need professional support, contact your GP. In line with NHS advice, avoid going to the GP surgery in person if you can. To speak to a doctor or book an appointment, you can phone the surgery, use their online contact service if they have one, or visit the surgery’s website to find out the best way to get in touch.

If your child experiences a If your child is already seeing a mental health crisis and they therapist or counsellor, or needs need urgent care, you can seek professional support in the emotional support and would benefit from starting therapy or following ways: counselling while the pandemic If a health professional has is happening, it may be possible already given you a crisis number to arrange online or phone to call in this situation, call this sessions in place of face-to-face. number.

Ask the professional supporting If your child is already under your child about this, as well as any other ideas they have for how the care of CAMHS or another they can make sure some contact mental health team and they have continues, rather than cutting off a crisis plan that states who to contact when they need urgent support abruptly. care, follow this plan.

Your child can still access If your child needs urgent care emotional support from but it is not life threatening, you helplines, textlines and online chat services anytime they need can call 111 for advice. to – and Childline, Samaritans and If there is a medical emergency, the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for example if your child is injured all provide 24/7 support. The Mix or you are worried that they or is also providing online and phone someone else is at immediate risk support as normal. You can find of harm, call 999. organisations offering support If you’re unsure about anything for young people around specific and need some advice, you can mental health issues such as call our Parents Helpline for free. anxiety, depression and self-harm on our Parents Guide to Support.

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Contact Details YoungMinds Parents Helpline Available to offer advice to parents and carers worried about a child or young person under 25.

Trained advisers are here to give you help and advice, whatever the question.

Call for free: 0808 802 5544 Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 4pm.

You can call the Parents Helpline directly but if you’d like to get in touch via email you can use the form on their website, where they will endeavour to reply within 3 working days. https://youngminds.org.uk/ contact-us/parents-helplineenquiries/

Further Help: If you need further help after speaking to one of our Helpline advisors, we can refer you to one of our specialists – whether it’s a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health nurse.

They will arrange a phone consultation within 7 days of your call.

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YOUR STORIES TILLY TRIMBLE INVESTIGATES Local children’s author, Karen Larkins, shares with us another of her stories, in this next instalment Tilly enters the house.

The story so far:- A holly wreath hanging on a front door in May has intrigued Tilly and she is determined to find out why it’s still there, but the people who live in the house never answer the door. After problems with a crow, Tilly has found the door key and is about to enter the house.

Part Four Tilly pushed the front door. It partially opened but then jammed against something. She pushed harder and the door moved slightly, but was still stuck. She used all her strength and pushed even harder until there was enough space for her head to peek through. She peered around the door looking down and saw the problem as the floor was full of envelopes, flyers and local newspapers.

“Very curious.” Tilly frowned.

From the look of it this house had been empty for some time.

She took the key out of the lock and deposited it in her pocket before poking one leg through the gap.

She pushed and pushed the pile of post until she was able

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to squeeze around the door and enter the house.

“Hello!” She shouted. “Is there anyone there?” Tilly knew that the house must be empty, but she thought it only polite to announce her arrival.

She shut the door. “Is anyone in?” Silence. She picked her way through the mountain of mail and opened the door on her left.

This was the sitting room she had seen through the back window. There was the Christmas tree in the corner and the decorations on the ceiling and walls.

Apart from a light sprinkling of dust over every surface and a few cobwebs, nothing seemed to be out of place.

Tilly moved over to the fireplace and inspected her reflection in the ornate mirror that hung on the wall above it.

She inspected her long brown hair that was tied up in a ponytail and then the bottom of her fringe that mingled with her eyebrows and stared back at her brown eyes.

She wiggled her small nose and watched her sprinkling of freckles dance.

“Well, now I’m actually in here, what should I do?” She asked her

reflection, but her reflection didn’t reply. She looked down at the ornaments sitting on top of the mantelpiece.

Here the Christmassy theme continued with china snowmen, reindeer and several Father Christmases.

Then Tilly’s gaze alighted on an ornament that looked out of place.

It wasn’t Christmassy at all as it was a china figure of a girl. Tilly stared at it. It really was very lifelike. Tilly had seen figurines before in her Grandmother’s house, but this one was different.

Instead of a lady in a long flowing dress, or historical outfit, this was a girl wearing blue jeans and a stripy jumper. She even wore a pair of unicorn slippers on her feet.

“How odd!” Tilly exclaimed, looking down at her own blue jeans, blue t-shirt and trainers.

Tilly wandered through to the kitchen and opened a few cupboards and drawers, but there was nothing unusual.

Tins of food were in one cupboard, pots and pans in another and cutlery was in a drawer.

She stared at a photo that was propped up against the back

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KIDS CORNER - STORY of the worktop. At first glance Tilly thought the man and lady were smiling and waving at the camera, but on closer inspection she believed the smiles were more like grimaces and the waves were asking someone to stop doing something; like when Matthew put his hand up to get Tilly to stop tickling him when he couldn’t take any more laughter. Maybe they didn’t like their photo being taken Tilly thought.

As Tilly studied this photo, someone was studying her. A small figure dressed all in black leaned against the window with her hooked nose pressed up against the glass. She wore a black cloak with the hood up covering her wild black hair and her mouth was slightly open revealing wonky, discoloured teeth.

Tilly sensed something and looked at the window, but the woman moved away surprisingly quickly and Tilly only saw the back garden. She didn’t notice the greasy mark on the window where the woman’s nose had been pressed against it or the mist from her breath that was now evaporating.

Tilly wandered back into the hall and looked at the huge pile of post behind the door. She sighed and started to sort them into piles of letters, newspapers and fliers.

“There may be a clue in the letters.” Tilly whispered to herself.

They were mainly addressed to Mr and Mrs Howard with one or two addressed to Miss Howard.

“Well, that’s the surname of the people who live here then.”

She inspected some of the letters but didn’t want to open them. She had once got into terrible trouble when she’d opened one of her Mum’s letters, so she knew how bad it was to open someone else’s mail.

She added them to the pile and resolved to only open some if she couldn’t find any other clues.

When everything had been moved and neatly stacked, Tilly climbed the stairs.

On reaching the small landing she was faced with three doors.

She opened the one directly in front of her and found a small bathroom. This room was just as tidy as the downstairs had been.

She opened the mirrored bathroom cabinet and only found the usual paraphernalia of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toiletries. She shrugged her shoulders and tried another door.

It was a bedroom with a double bed, wardrobes and a dressing table. Again, everything was neat and tidy. “This must be Mr and Mrs Howard’s room.” Tilly whispered and investigated the cupboards and drawers, but there were no clues to be found, just clothes.

Tilly opened the last door and found a girl’s bedroom. “Miss Howard’s room then.” Tilly said and looked around at the cuddly toys, books and games that were neatly stacked on shelves.

Tilly liked this room and felt she would like the girl who lived here too. “I bet she’s about my age.” Tilly said as she sat on the bed.

She opened the top drawer of the bedside cabinet and picked up the book that lay on the top. ‘MY DIARY’ was emblazoned across it in gold letters. She flicked it open, felt guilty and shut it again.

She would be mortified if anyone so much as read one word of her diary, but there may be a clue inside.

She opened the book again ‘This book belongs to Henrietta Howard’ she read on the first page and then she flipped over a few more pages.

It seemed to be very ordinary, all about school and her friends.

A loud tapping noise came from the window and Tilly looked up to see a crow staring back at her.

“YOU CAN’T GET ME IN HERE!” Tilly shouted and returned to the diary. She flicked through and noticed the heading of one page had been written with different coloured pens.

‘Tuesday 12th October MOVING DAY – can’t wait to move to Hailford.’

Tilly looked up at the window and was relieved that the crow had gone.

She returned to the diary where there was a line drawn across the page and underneath it was written ‘we’re in. I love my new room but don’t like new neighbour.

Overheard him moaning at Dad about garden gate banging and then he talked about some sort of curse. He said an old woman used to live here and was forced to leave and that as she was taken away she cursed the house! He said she was a witch so I know he’s just making up stories to try and scare us – horrible man.’

Tilly turned the page, but there was no further mention of the neighbour or the witch.

Tilly couldn’t understand how this girl could overhear something so interesting and not be bothered to find out more about it. She flicked more pages and noticed that the girl had stopped writing her diary after December 20th.

Maybe the neighbour was right and this family had been cursed.

To be continued …

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

QUESTION TIME

mal that has ever lived? nosaurus 1. What is the biggest ani a Brontosaurus) D) Spi ale C) Apatosaurus (ak Wh e Blu B) nt pha A) African Ele st pet _____ in the U.S. se pets, there are the mo the of t Ou nk: bla the 2. Fill in Dogs D) Horses A) Birds B) Cats C) ls lives the longest?

Rockfish 3. Which of these anima s Tortoise D) Rougheye Sea Urchin C) Galapago Red B) ) am (Cl g aho A) Ocean Qu Answers feet. orded lengths up to 100 have ever lived, with rec to l ma to ani 100 est of larg ght the wei is e ale rag wh ave 1 - B (The blue ool buses), with an lion horses, ut 70 to 90 feet (three sch mil abo is 7.6 s, gth bird len e lion rag mil ave 3 ir The pet dogs, 20. lion pet cats, 89.7 million an quahog lives up to 150 tons), 2 - B (94.2 mil ociation), 3 - A (The oce Ass ts duc Pro .

Pet an eric m Am recorded at 177 years old according to a survey fro ved Galapagos tortoise was t-li ges lon the n, iso par 400 years. For com

FUN FACTS There are trees tha t can grow more than one kin d of fruit, and they’re called fruit salad trees.

The Hermitage Mus eum in St. Petersburg, Russi a, has so many cats on its gro unds that it employs a “Press Se cretary to the Cats.”

A writer predicted how the Titanic would sink in 1898, 13 years before it was even built.

Light and heat from the Sun forms solar energy which can be converted to electr icity and heat.

Solar energy can be used for many things includ ing cooking, heating and drying.

JOKES 1. What do you call a boy named Lee that no one talks to?

2. Why was the broom late?

3. What part of the car is the laziest?

4. What did the stamp say to the envelope?

RIDDLES

t at night 1. They come ou lled and ca g in without be day without are lost in the hat are en being stol . W they? d I have 2. I give milk an t a cow. no a horn, but I’m What am I? but no 3. It has a neck a cap? rs ea head, and w What is it?

Answers: 1. Lonely 2. It over swept!

3. The wheels, because they are always tired!

4. Stick with me and we will go places!

Answers: 1. The stars.

2. A milk truck 3. A bottle.

R

TONGUE TWISTE Irish wristwatch.

32

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FINANCE Beacon Wealth Management Chartered /Independent Financial Advisers Location: Kimbolton info@beaconwealth.co.uk 01480 869466 www.beaconwealth.co.uk

GMS Business Accountants Accountants

Location: Fenstanton graham.wesson@gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk 07739 828423 www.gmsbusinessaccountants.co.uk

FITNESS ST NEOTS LITTLE DRAGONS Taekwon-Do Location: St Neots Instructor Paul O’Brien 07599 763187 www.stneotskd.co.uk

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Location: - St Neots - Kimbolton - St Ives - Sawtry enquiries@beaconwealth.co.uk 01480 219699 / 475871 www.beaconwealthlegal.co.uk

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