VILLAGER The
Issue 35 - February 2015
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
The End of the Line Win Tickets to Ghost The Musical
Win £25 in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month
ur Yo EE y FRcop
2
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Contents The End of the Line
4
VILLAGER The
Issue 35 - February 2015
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue
The End of the Line Win Tickets to Ghost The Musical
Win £25
in our Prize Crossword
Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month
r
u E Ey FRcop
Yo
How to Get Ripped Without Being Ripped Off........22 Puzzle Page............................................................24 What’s On...............................................................26 Prize Crossword......................................................28 Win Tickets to The London Cruise Show..................30 Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions................................31
The End of the Line..................................................4 Win Tickets to Ghost the Musical............................10 Getting to an Agreement.......................................13 Are you 55 Plus?.....................................................15 Preparing for Warmer Weather...............................18 Gifts That Say I Love You.........................................20
20
Gifts that say ‘I Love You’
7,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Catworth, Covington, Dillington, Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, Riseley, Shelton, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean (We also have over 150 distribution points, including pubs, garages, most shops, post offices, Supermarket Chains in all of the above as well as in Huntingdon, Lt Staughton, Grafham Water Visitor Centre’s and Kimbolton)
Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Catherine Rose, Abby Smith, Tony Larkins, Debbie Singh Bhatti and Pippa Greenwood Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - BLARS, Catherine Rose and Paul Grecaud Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460
Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.
History
The End of the Line
By Catherine Rose The Oxford to Cambridge Varsity line closed nearly 50 years ago due to lack of use. Now, there are proposals to re-open it. In so doing, it will once again link Bedford to Cambridge via Sandy and Potton. Catherine Rose takes a look at some local railway history. In 1862, twelve years after the opening of the Great Northern Railway (GNR), the Bedford and Cambridge Railway opened. It was the second part of what became known as the Varsity Line. The first section of this line, from Oxford to Bedford, had already been completed in 1845 by the Buckinghamshire Railway. The inaugural Bedford to Cambridge train contained directors and shareholders of the company and departed from Bedford at 9.04am on 4th July 1862, arriving at Cambridge at 1.30pm. Three days later the line was officially opened for freight and started taking passengers on 1st August. It finally linked the two university cities of Oxford and Cambridge which earned it its nickname. The section that connected Bletchley to Bedford had actually been completed in 1846 but the extension provided an important cross country Ox-Cam link forming one of the few east-west routes that to be able to reach the east coast ports. Most of the train services ran from Oxford to Bletchley and from Bletchley to Cambridge. Stations were built at Blunham, Potton and Gamlingay, as well as on the old North Road, and
4
a bay was included for the Oxford and Bedford trains at the newly rebuilt Cambridge Station. An additional station at Willington was added in 1906, and in 1938 a new halt at Girtford (between Blunham and Sandy) was opened although it closed in 1939. The Bedford to Cambridge railway was built by engineers Liddell and Gordon and contractor Joseph Firbank. The line had a single track between Bedford and Sandy which crossed over the Great Northern Railway using a lattice bridge that curved down into the new Sandy station located alongside the Great Northern station. The track then followed Captain Peel’s Railway. This Sandy to Potton line ran for three miles between the two towns and had been built five years earlier to connect Peel’s private estate to the GNR. The new line then continued through Potton to Cambridge. Orignally, Potton Station was situated in a field west of Biggleswade Road. It was very basic with no booking office or passenger waiting room. There was simply a goods shed, a small staff office and a locomotive shed. Today this first station building is a private house. Three years after its opening, the Bedford to Cambridge Railway was taken over by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) whose livery was dark grey and black for freight, and maroon and yellow for passenger trains. In 1917, LNWR and GNR were amalgamated. Subsequently, the railway
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
10% O
with
this a
FF
dvert
Are you Freezing in the Winter and Sweltering in the Summer? Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions
can solve these problems with low cost conservatory roof conversion systems that will give you back the room and space you wanted in the first place. We have over 40 years combined experience in the conservatory and roofi ng business. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on the quality of workmanship and service that we provide.
Call today for a free quote on 0148 0 504007 For more information visit www.nu lookroof.co.uk
Photography: courtesy of BLARS
Sandy Station
groups were restructured and the line taken over by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway. Then in 1948, the railways were nationalised under British Rail. In 1955 The Railway Modernisation Plan put forward improvements for the Varsity Line with the aim of updating links between the major mainline railways outside Greater London which had become very congested. In those days the bulk of the goods going out of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire into London were vegetables, flowers and fruit as the counties were predominantly market gardening regions. Coal and fertiliser would also be brought back from the capital. Improvements would have allowed freight traffic to be transferred between three railway regions therefore easing pressure on the London marshalling yards. However, the plans for this upgrade never took place. In 1963 Dr Richard Beeching famously undertook a survey of all railway lines producing his ‘The Reshaping of British Railways’ report. Although the Varsity Line was not specifically marked for being axed by Beeching, the introduction of fast passenger diesel trains between Oxford to London, and London to Cambridge meant that use of the Varsity Line was declining and the decision was made to include it in the shutdown. There was particular local opposition to the closure of the link between Sandy and Potton. With the support of Sandy Urban District Council, The Sandy
6
Former Potton Station
and Potton Steam Railway Society was formed to try and save it. Unfortunately it could not raise the sum asked for by British Rail to keep this section open. The Varsity Line was finally closed in 1967/8 with the exception of the track between Bletchley and Bedford. But the story does not terminate here. A scheme to resurrect the Varsity Line won backing from the Government in 2013, the western section of which already has funding. Serviced by Network Rail, the line would link Bedford to Cambridge once more by upgrading existing trains and building new track along with an interchange station. Caryl Jones, a spokesperson for the East West Rail Consortium has said: “By connecting centres of economic activity and growth, East West Rail will make the region more attractive as a place to do business, for employers and employees and for inward investment. It is expected to boost the regional gross domestic product by some £38m per annum and create 12,000 new jobs.” Currently it is hoped that the new line may be in place between 2017 and 2019. However, the Bedford to Cambridge railway is also the most problematic, particularly between Bedford and Sandy where land has been substantially redeveloped since the 1960s. The Bedford bypass also severs the original route. These problems would need to be overcome before the new Varsity Line project can go full steam ahead.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
7
Large selection of contemporary gas fires, marble & stone surrounds
NO CHIMNEY? NO PROBLEM!
We supply & install Stovax Twin Wall Flue Systems
Please contact us for a FREE survey Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday - Closed
01536 410777
Vill1023
8
Unit 7 Orion Way, The Constellations, Kettering Business Park, Kettering NN15 6NL Email: admin@colesforfires.co.uk www.colesforfires.co.uk Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
9
N O I T I T E P M O C
Win two FREE tickets
for the Thurs 19th February 2015 performance of Ghost the Musical
at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre
The Musical Theatre Company is delighted to be one of the first in the country to perform this fantastic musical following the end of its professional tour and West End run. The iconic 1990’s film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg has been transferred to the stage as a spectacular musical. The show is very similar to the 1990 movie in terms of script, and follows couple Molly and Sam, the latter of who is murdered, becoming captured between this world and the next. Drama and tragedy soon follow as Sam follows his former lover, only to discover that she is in danger. Unable to contact the living world, he reaches out to a medium, Oda Mae Brown, to try to warn Molly. Director Michael Bays said ‘The musical retains a sense of cinematography by its modern set design. It is made up of a series of huge LED screens that can create moving scenes onto the stage. You go from being on a busy New York street to riding the subway. Theatrical special effects and illusions run throughout the show to reproduce the magic of the movie. The show includes all the much-loved
moments from the original film including the famous potter’s wheel scene and the classic Unchained Melody is heard more than once in the stage adaptation. In addition to this is a fabulous music score by Grammy Awardwinning Glen Ballard and ex-Eurythmic Dave Stewart. The music is like a film soundtrack underscoring the emotional and dramatic scenes and delivers moving ballads alongside uplifting and humorous songs from Oda Mae Brown.’ The Musical Theatre Company present a musical every year at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre in Huntingdon and ‘Ghost’ follows the success of last year’s production of ‘Grease’. ‘Ghost’ is captivating, passionate, emotional and funny to watch. A fabulous night out with friends or the perfect Valentine gift for that someone special. Even if you are not a regular theatregoer but love this film, then you cannot miss the chance to experience the musical. You can find information on how to book tickets at www.ghost.ticketsource.co.uk or call 01480 812010
For your chance to win the two free tickets simply send your name, address and telephone number to: Ghost Competition, Villager Publications Ltd,mention 24 Market Square, Bedfordshire SG19to2NP Please The Villager andPotton, Town Life when responding adverts 10
®
safelocaltrades.com Recommended & Appro ed
Ali Murley, RGN.DipSAC, FHP, MPSPract Do you suffer discomfort from... Long/thickened toenails Corns: seed/hard Callus/Cracked heels Fungal Infections Ingrown Toe Nails Verrucae Treatment prevention for the High Risk Diabetic foot Only sterilised equipment used 01480 353151 07842 092 817 FootCareFirst1@virginmedia.com See my Facebook page Foot Care First for testimonials.
Are you in pain? Chiropractic so often the answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care
Not sure who to trust? Need a recommendation?
...see our recommended list, with local feedback WINNER
The award-winning Best New Business Idea www.safelocaltrades.com 2008 is your trusted local website, providing you with a register of highly recommended tried and tested tradesmen in your area. All members are interviewed, criminal record checked, vetted and approved, have agreed to abide by a Service Charter and are monitored on an on-going basis, giving you complete peace of mind. of
Our aim is to protect YOU from cowboy and rogue traders. in association with …
Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc
01480 436435
10% discount on initial visit www.neilbroechiropractor.co.uk BUPA and PPP registered
Peterborough Neighbourhood and Home Watch Looking out for the community
Just go to …
Also at: Manor Lodge, Barham Road, Buckworth PE28 5AQ Tel 01480 891539
www.safelocaltrades.com
Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association Over 30 years experience
The safest way to source a local tradesman
Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
or phone 0800 014 1832
11
%
10 nt on discouected coll ay take aewrs d or
CINNAMON INDIAN RESTAURANT
Special Banquet Night Every Thursday
1 Starter, 1 Main Dish, 1 Side Dish, Any Rice or Any Naan King Prawn or Duck Extra 1.50 pounds
ÂŁ12.50 per person
Free bottle of house white or red with a table for four within the restaurant. (redeemed with this coupon)
43, Breach Road Grafham, PE28 0BA Huntingdon, United Kingdom
Takeaways :+44 (0) 1480 811316 | Reservations :+44 (0) 1480 812211 Cinnamon Indian.indd 1
11/12/2014 08:43
Your local divorce & family law specialists Caring, confidential legal advice 3 Divorce and separation 3 Getting a fair financial settlement 3 Seeing your children after you split 3 Legal arrangements before you marry or live together
FREE telephone appointment Call locally based divorce & family lawyer Abby Smith on 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk
6 FREE downloadable guides available on our website
Local meetings arranged at a time and place to suit you www.family-lawfirm.co.uk
Woolley & Co is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Head office: Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF
12 W&Co_131.93LS_AbbySmith.indd
1
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 04/12/2014 14:22
Family Law
Getting to an agreement when a relationship breaks down By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk In any family breakdown both parties should be encouraged to try to resolve matters by agreement if possible. They are the ones who are directly affected by the outcome and it is much better if they reach a compromise themselves, rather than having a decision made for them by a court. However, trying to reach agreement when your relationship has broken down isn’t always easy. There are the various ways you could try to achieve this? 1. Mediation - Family mediation is an opportunity to sit down together with an independent mediator to discuss issues such as division of the finances or arrangements for the children. Mediators cannot give legal advice but can give lots of impartial legal information and guide you through the issues to consider. Both parties should still obtain independent advice from an experienced family lawyer as any agreement reached at mediation will not become legally binding until the parties have had the chance to take advice and converted the agreement into a court order, where appropriate. Mediation is not for everyone – there may be cases where one party feels intimidated by the idea of facing their partner to discuss matters or there may have been some domestic abuse. In these cases mediation will not be appropriate. Mediation will only work well if both parties are willing, honest and open to compromise. 2. Negotiating through lawyers - With many family law issues, particularly financial matters, there can be more than one “right answer” and understanding what a court may accept as a solution is important – a family lawyer can advise you on this. It is also your family lawyer’s role to be proactive – guiding you through exchanging financial information, helping you to understand possible solutions, and putting together proposals. Your family lawyer can assist you to negotiate a settlement through correspondence and draft the documentation required to legally record any agreement reached. If a financial settlement can be agreed, there may be no need for court hearings at all. 3. Court proceedings - Inevitably there are some cases where it is necessary to involve the court to
achieve a solution. This may be because the other party is acting unreasonably or failing to engage in negotiation. The idea of starting court proceedings can be quite scary, not least because of the amount of costs which could be involved. However it is worth remembering that even within court proceedings you will both be encouraged to try and reach an agreement wherever possible. Of the cases that are issued in court, the vast majority will actually settle, rather than be decided by the court. If court proceedings become the only viable option your family lawyer will guide you through the process, assist you to prepare the necessary papers and represent you in those proceedings. There is a common misconception that family law cases are always acrimonious and lawyers often make matters worse – this is not true. What is true is that a relationship breakdown creates difficulties for all concerned and the way you choose to approach the problems will have the biggest influence on how much time, money and heartache is involved. Abby Smith of Woolley & Co is an experienced family lawyer and will work hard to assist clients to find an amicable solution wherever possible. For advice on any family law issue contact Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation. Call 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@ family-lawfirm. co.uk
Call Abby on 01480 270499 or email abby.smith@family-lawfirm.co.uk
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
13
Business gone slow? Let us help!
Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com
EBAY COLLECTIONS
14
Local & Reliable
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Beacon Wealth
Are You 55 Plus? Pension changes are coming into force at the beginning of the new tax year. The new rules may have gone a bit far, but one of the biggest benefits is lost at the end of this tax year 5th April 2015. If you are 55 or over this tax year and think you may want to contribute more than ÂŁ10,000 into your pension, then you probably have about a month to protect the allowance you already have available, plus secure the benefits of the new rules as well. The major new benefit is that your pension fund does not die with you, your spouse or a dependent - it can be passed on to anyone, and, in most cases, tax free. By this I mean free of income tax and inheritance tax (IHT). However, be aware of whom you have named as your chosen beneficiary and the powers of the pension fund trustees. So what does this all mean? In summary, the Government want you to have more control over the money you have invested in terms of tax efficiency and access. This also means that individuals who previously thought pensions were not for them now realise they are. I have often heard a client say, “My business is my pensionâ€?, and whilst Business Property Relief
Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
Tony Larkins CFP APFS Managing Director IFA Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
and Entrepreneurs Relief are useful planning aids, these same people are now recognising that pensions have their place. So, with proper planning you could now receive tax relief when you put the money in, or reduce the tax when you take it out, and pay none when you pass the fund on to others. Business owners and entrepreneurs can now also plan in a different way, the pension rules state that other items held in pensions, such as commercial property, do not need to be sold immediately. Keeping abreast of changes like these and finding ways to maximise benefits was probably one of the many reasons why we have just been recognised as the best financial advisers in the East of England, for the second time. We are obviously not the only people to understand these rules and urge you to take advice whatever your age, but especially if you are 55 or over, before 5th April 2015. You should always seek qualified advice from an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) or Chartered Financial PlannerCM (APFS). If you have a financial question, e-mail: tlarkins@beaconwealth.co.uk
15
Mano Bird seed & Established for over 50 years Family run business Arguably the best selection of wild bird products in 3 counties Committed to Quality Products and Service Easy to find – Brington is just 1 mile away from Junction 16 on A14 Large car parking space One UK’s best known bird food suppliers Manor Farm Granaries Brand Bird Food manufactured on site.
• Dog foods
• Chicken food pellets mash scratching mix mixed corn and large selection requisites
• Cat foods • Small pets Food
• Insect and wildlife habitats
• Pond food
• Insect study kits
• Pigeon Food and requisites
• Great selection of countryside greeting cards.
• Cage and Aviary Bird Food and requisites
• Country side calendars
• Wild bird Food Food and requisites • Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings small packs and large bales
• Selection of local honey and Very yummy jams & pickles very yummy I have tried most of them.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
nor Farm Country Store
Open
ay y through Saturd da on M pm 00 5. 9.00am to y 4.00pm on Sunda and 10.00am to
• Rolls of Wire for aviaries chickens etc • Great prices on a good selection of Coal, logs kindling. Best prices for miles. • Bird tables • Bird houses • Confectionary/sweets & soft Drinks • Potatoes various bag sizes and onions
Brington, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5AF Tel : 01832 710235 Email:sales@manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk
www.manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk
Garden
By Pippa Greenwood
Preparing for warmer weather
The combination of the poor weather in February and the very fact that gardens tend to be at their least appealing this month, means the chances are yours is receiving nothing much more than a fair helping of neglect at the moment. But spring isn’t far away so get your gardening gloves on for a bit of preparation. Start by clearing up any remaining fallen leaves, broken twigs. Twigs and woody debris are best binned or burned or perhaps even heaped up in the corner of the garden to act as a sheltering spot for wildlife, but fallen leaves, and the top growth of herbaceous perennials, can be added to the compost heap. When it comes to tackling herbaceous or flower borders, don’t make things look too clean and tidy, as you may well cut down on the protection that faded top-growth can provide. I tend to leave most of the remains of herbaceous plants in place until spring, but the most ugly, straggly or unkempt bits could certainly be cleared up now. Keep a particular look out for slugs and snails and collect them up while they are snoozing! It is too early in the year to cut your lawn and indeed you should try to keep off it as far as possible, but you can clear twigs and leaves and cut back any weeds which have grown faster than the grass itself. You can use any pots or other containers which have been left around the garden to create spots of colour and interest by clearing them out, using fresh compost and then replanting them. If you choose temporary winter plantings such as winter flowering pansies or pompom winter daisies, then
18
these can simply be removed when it is time to replant with summer bedding. Scrubbing down the outer surfaces of pots and containers will also help to clean them up again, because by now they have invariably accumulated a good helping of algae and soil and can look quite a mess. Check fruit trees for signs of any dead shrivelled fruit still on the branches and cut these out, as they often harbour brown rot disease and can cause a lot of problems in the future. However these definitely shouldn’t be composted - bin or burn any you find. Use a stiff brush to clear off surface debris from your terrace or patio and then once it is clear, if it still looks in need of a bit of a facelift, use the stiff brush or yard broom to scrub it over thoroughly. Provided freezing weather is not forecast, wash it over with a few buckets of water. A trip to your local garden centre is bound to give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. Some of my favourites include the small trees or shrubs which have a delicious fragrance during the winter months. These include winter sweet, hamamelis (witch hazel) and sarcococca. You can now buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground. Winter flowering heathers and winter flowering pansies can also be used to great effect right now. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ veg growing system , biological controls, fleece, copper tape and lots more besides.
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
19
Time of Year
Gifts that say ‘I Love You’ What to buy the one you love on Valentine’s Day The year was 1969 and they were hopelessly in love. As two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and arguably the most famous couple in the world, Richard Burton decided to prove his undying passion for his wife Elizabeth Taylor by purchasing a huge 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond with a £1m price tag to match. Though this extravagant act hit the headlines, it is by no means unique. In 1648 emperor Shah Juhan built the Taj Mahal, the “crown of palaces”, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. More recently, Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich gave his girlfriend a bronze sculpture worth $14m - one of
20
the most expensive gifts ever made. At the other end of the spectrum, the less rich and famous have earned themselves a place on the Internet if not in the history books, by presenting their loved ones with less salubrious offerings. An empty suitcase, with not a hint of surprise tickets to a romantic destination, a deep fat fryer with left over Christmas chocolate hidden inside, and divorce papers delivered while dining out, are just a sample of these gift-giving gaffs. With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, you may be wondering what to buy your loved one. Apart from the usual flowers, chocolates and jewellery, is there anything else out there a little more unusual that will keep you in their good books, whilst avoiding one of ‘those’ looks? If togetherness is your thing, you can buy a pair of love gloves for around £20, but if you fancy something more thrilling, how about a lovers leap bungee jump at around £120? That will certainly add some excitement to a relationship! If adrenalin rushes are your lover’s thing, why not consider indoor sky diving, flying lessons, dumper truck racing, and a super car thrill experience where you get to drive a real sports car? Cricket, snooker and other sports coaching lessons can also be purchased for around £150 a time. If pampering is more palatable, how about a spa package, or a make-over followed by a photo shoot, or for around £25 a “design your own perfume” set? If food is the way to a man’s heart, then chocolate is definitely the entry to a woman’s! For something different, why not get her a pizza made entirely of chocolate, or chocolate-shaped spoons that melt in hot milk making a deliciously smooth drink? Finally, what could be more romantic than naming a star after your loved one, or giving them the chance to name one themselves? You can purchase this privilege for around £20. If you haven’t found an idea here to suit your taste or your pocket, try searching some for yourself. The following websites are a good place to start: thepresentfinder.co.uk prezzybox.com notonthehighstreet.com By Debbie Singh-Bhatti
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Let us help you get your business off to a flying start VILLAGER The
VILLAGER The
V
The
ILL AGEToR wn Life and
Inside this
UCTS
Inside this issue
en Bird Watch Big Gard January 2014
issue
25-26th
Cross
er, Bourn, Comberton, Grantchest month every and all surrounding villages
People
ur Yo EEy FRcop
Issue 12 - February 2014 and LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT
VILLAGER The
Town Life
Inside this issue
S
Issue 14 - April
Knowing
LOCAL NEW
when to go to court
2014 S • LOCAL PEOP LE • LOCAL
Inside this
Banish those
Social Issues and teen
winter blues
SERVICES •
and Town
LOCAL CHAR
issue
ITIES • LOCA
Life
L PRODUCTS
s
Win
The Game
£25 in our Prize Crossword
of golf
Win £25
in our Prize
ur Yo EE y FRcop
Bringing Local Business
Crossword
to
Bourn, Comberton, Grantchest Local People er, Trumpington, Toft, and all surrounding villages Hardwick every month
ur Yo EE Ropy FBring c
ing Loca
F
Yo u coRE r py E
chest erton, Grant Bourn, Comb s every month nding village and all surrou
VILLAGER The
Life
Bringing Local Business to Local People
Bourn, Comberton, Grantchester, Trumpington, Toft, Hardwick and all surrounding villages every month
Trumpington, Toft, Hardwick
Bring
How To Purchase £50 in our Bumper Christmas Prize Crossword
to Local Bringing Local Business
l People ness to Loca ington, Toft, Hardwick ing Local Busi er, Trump
The Ultimate
Christmas Survival Guide
Win
£25 in our Prize Crossword
5 Win £2word
in our Prize
Inside this issue
Safely on the Winter-Web
y The Best Way rs Da Moethe ers Day to buy a car Mak your Moth A Toucht Win of the Orien
and Town
Life
Issue 11 - January 2014 S CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE
L PROD h 2014 ITIES • LOCA LOCAL CHAR Issue 13 - Marc SERVICES • LE • LOCAL S • LOCAL PEOP
LOCAL NEW
and Town
Issue 10 - December 2013
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Bourn, Comb l Busi ness to Loca l erton, Grant chester, Trump Peop le and all surrou nding village s every month ington, Toft, Hardw
ick
ur Yo EE FRcopy
Our award winning magazines offer a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to offer incredible prices along with a second-to-none service, professional advert design and a team just waiting to help you. With over 7000 copies being delivered door to door every month can your business wait any longer to be in The Villager? Advertising in The Villager and Town Life could not be easier, for further information or to book your advertising space please call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com or visit our website www.villagermag.com
Why advertise anywhere else? To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
21
Three Counties Radio
By Jonathan Vernon-Smith
How to Get Ripped
Without Being Ripped Off
If you’re anything like me, you’ll have completely overindulged during the festive period. In fact, I think I ate about 17 turkeys and drank my bodyweight in Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Sadly, the result of this gluttony is that the New Year requires a little vigorous exercise and healthier eating to get back in shape. Indeed, it’s generally this time of the year when many of us look in the mirror and race to the nearest gym, happy to sign ourselves up to expensive, long term contracts. But how do you protect yourself against getting ripped off in the process? Over the years, I have dealt with many complaints about gym membership deals. Sometimes this is because gyms are unreasonable in their approach but sadly, more often than not, it’s down to pure naivety from consumers. Gyms are businesses, not charities! They have sales advisors in most gyms whose sole responsibility it is to sign up new customers. They are generally paid by commission, and are highly trained to persuade you to sign yourself up for at least a years’ worth of keep fit expense. They seem so nice, so friendly, so understanding and so kind. However, don’t underestimate them. Without you agreeing to join the gym, they don’t get paid. That is their motivation. Be aware that when you sign up to a gym membership, you are entering a legally binding contract. Unless there is a cancellation period outlined in the terms and conditions, you are legally obliged to pay your membership fees for the entire length of the contract. If you’re concerned that you’ll only bother to go for the first two months, then agreeing to a year long (many contracts are 18 months or two years) is a pretty stupid thing to do. If you decide to cancel, you’ll probably be liable for hundreds of pounds worth of fees. What about exceptional circumstances though? Often consumers will come to me saying “I took out gym membership and then lost my job the following week” or “I signed up to a gym but had a bad car accident and haven’t been able to use it for 6 months”. Of course exceptional circumstances can help your case when attempting to cancel, but unless it states that cancellation is allowed under exceptional circumstances in the terms, you’ll still be liable for the full membership costs. So when CAN you cancel a gym membership? Obviously if the service you receive from the gym is poor (for example many of the machines don’t work) then you can make a good case for cancellation of the contract. Also if you can prove that some of the terms and conditions in your membership agreement are unfair you may stand a chance, but be prepared for a fight. In my experience gyms can be some of the most aggressive organisations to fight as a consumer. They often have legal departments that are very used to arguing with unhappy gym goers who want a quick way out. If you are uncertain over your motivation to attend the gym, it is worth noting that many gym chains will offer special memberships that can be cancelled easily, or are on a pay as you go basis. It may be best to start with one of these until you’ve properly decided whether you like it or not. You may conclude from this month’s article, that I’m an anti-gym person. I’m not! Honestly! If you are motivated, they can be fantastic places to fight the flab, feel better about yourself and improve your health. Just approach gym membership with your eyes open and you’ll not come unstuck months down the line. Happy Fat fighting!
Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. 22
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Experienced Sales People Required to join our team
VILLAGER The
and Town
Life
Flexible position Working from home Hours to suit All expenses covered Commission only role with great earning potential If interested please send or email your current CV to: Nigel Frost, Villager Publications Ltd., 24 Market Square, Potton SG19 2SG Email: nigel@villagermag.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
23
Codeword 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Easy Suduko
Hard Suduko
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 24
• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade Sales
SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Friday, Saturday & Monday – 10am—5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement
Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT info@cromwellstoves.co.uk 01480 812281 | 07786 854946
www.cromwellstoves.co.uk
Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1
20/01/2015 11:10
FLOORED By Ian
Your local supplier of fitted floors in carpet, vinyl, laminate or Karndean Free visits to estimate or advise. Best prices and quality with a friendly service. Enquiries to 01480 475486 or (Mobile) 07876 238308 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
25
n O s ’ t Wha In February 1, 8, 15 & 22 February Kingfisher Church 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Every Sunday – all welcome! Services include children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments served. Tel: 01480 700434 Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Buggy Bootcamp 10-11am Wimpole Estate £6 per session For mums to regain their fitness in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, without the cost of childcare, bring the babies and toddlers along in their buggy to this fitness session run by a pre/ post natal fitness instructor. Tel: Elsa Turner 07900 431675 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except Bank Holidays. 2, 9, 16 & 23 February Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmancheter Huntingdon & District Caledonian Society weekly Scottish Country Dancing for fun, friendship and fitness. You don’t have to be Scottish and you don’t need a partner as we take turns to dance with each other. May to September the dancing is at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Godmanchester and September to May it is at Little Stukeley Village Hall. Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com Tel: Mr Hedley Goodman 01733 350185 hedley@goodman2.plus.com
Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. 26
4 February Everyman on the Western Front: Robert Clamps War 7pm for 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by Dave Griffiths. Non-members most welcome. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 4 February Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Guests £2 John Law will be our guest speaker explaining about his charity work ‘Growing vegetables in Moldova’; a project funded by a fruit farm in Moggerhanger. Refreshments provided. New Club members welcome - £6 to join for the year. We have a very varied and interesting 2015 arranged with speakers and trips. 5, 12, 19 & 26 February Great Staughton Youth Club 7-8.30pm Great Staughton Village Hall Newly formed Youth Club running every Thursday for 11-16 year olds from Great Staughton and Perry. Email: gsyc2014@gmail.com 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Parkrun 9am Wimpole Estate Weekly free 5k timed run. Web: parkrun.org.uk/wimpoleestate 7 February Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church, St Ives Free admission. Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola. 7 February Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Hardy Plant Society 2pm Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Speaker will be Russell Bowes, ‘The Inexhaustible Mr Paxton’. Russell is an experienced garden lecturer and keen practical gardener. May be plants for sale. Visitors welcome - small charge which includes refreshments.
11 February Ouse Fen – Making Britain’s Biggest Reedbed 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Centre, Thrapston Road, Brampton, PE28 4TB Admission £2.50, Accompanied children free The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Trust will present an illustrated talk on the Ouse Fen RSPB Reserve. Chris Hudson, who has been the Project Manager for the past seven years, will describe how the RSPB are working with Hanson on an ambitious scheme to transform a working sand and gravel quarry near Needingworth into a vast nature reserve with open water, grassland and, when complete, the biggest reedbed in the UK. He will also tell us how the reserve is already attracting Bitterns, Bearded Tits and other exciting wildlife. This talk will be followed by an evening Guided Walk to the less visited parts of the Reserve on 26 June (places on the walk must be booked – this can be done at the meeting). Everyone welcome to attend. Tel: Tim 01480 457795 for further information 13 February What We Did On Our Holiday (12A) Doors open 7pm, film starts promptly at 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Adults £4, Concessions £3, Under 16 £2 Kimbolton Community Cinema presents What We Did On Our Holiday (12A). Uplifting family comedy written and directed by the creators of the BBC series “Outnumbered”. Starring Rosemary Pike, David Tennant and Billy Connolly. Tickets from Watson’s, Dixie’s Deli and Bytes Café or on the door. Tel: 01480 860297 Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/communitycinema/ 14 February Huntingdonshire Music School 10.30am-2pm Huntingdon Library Absolutely free and no need to book, come along to the Library and try out an instrument, have a taster lesson or just come and hear the music! All ages welcome, enjoy free drop-in sessions on Guitar, Keyboard, Woodwind, Strings or Brass, or bring along your instrument and join in with a band rehearsal. Tel: Library 0345 045 5225 or Music School 07595 279349 for further information
n O s ’ t Wha In February 17 February Star gazing night (50 things) 5.30-7.30pm Wimpole Estate £6 per person Paul Fellows, chairman of the Cambridge Young Astronomers will be delighting us with an evening of star and moon gazing, explaining what we can see, our nearest planets and brightest stars, before we head out into the darkness and see what we can spot in the night sky. Booking essential Tel: 0844 249 1895 17 February Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Visitors £6 including light refreshments Flower arranging demonstration by Adele Kent with the intriguing title ‘The Flower Club Committee’. 18 February Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.20-9.30pm WI Headquarters, 6a Walden Rd, Huntingdon, PE29 3AZ Non-members £1 donation “Transported from the Huntingdonshire Assizes” by Ann James. Talk on a subject related to family history research and a bookstall. 20 February 50 Things - Den building 10.30am-12.30pm Wimpole Estate £3 per person Guided by our Ranger, you’ll look for fallen branches, leaves and other natural materials to build your den. Learning about what makes a good shelter and the different ways to make one, this morning of fun is sure to bring out the wild side in your family. Finishing at base camp with a campfire and marshmallow toasting. Booking essential. Tel: 0844 249 1895
21 February Blunham Book Sale 10am-3pm Blunham Parish Church A selection of second hand and nearly new books, homemade cakes, teas and coffees, homemade soup, bread and a raffle. All proceeds to Blunham Church Fabric Fund. 21 February The Airbus A380 Airliner: Development to First Flight 7-9pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Tickets £10, Under 18 £5 Professor Frank Ogilvie, formerly Airbus Chief wing designer, will talk about the Airbus A380 super jumbo in an event to help raise funds for the Godmanchester Church roof appeal. Nonmembers welcome. Tickets: simon.prince@ati.org.uk. 26 February St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St Neots Members £2, Non-members £2.50 Talk will be “Isles of Scilly” with Peter Walker. Competition is Snowdrops. Admission includes refreshments and a raffle ticket. 27 February The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £12, Students £5 Multi prizewinning internationally acclaimed pianist Frederic Aguessy will perform a varied programme to include works by Chopin and Liszt. Tel: 01480 375678
28 February Sunshine on Leith (PG) Doors open 7pm, film starts 7.30pm Tickets £4 Offord Village Hall invites you to a film screening of Sunshine on Leith. Refreshments available. All proceeds to Offord Village Hall. Tel: Helen Bosworth 01480 811892, Alan Griffiths 01480 811126 or John Kirby 01480 810049 for tickets and further information 7 March An evening of classic jazz with The Combertones 8pm Comberton Village Hall Tickets £8 Featuring guest vocalist Val Sinclair. Teas will be on sale, or bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets available in advance or on the door. All proceeds of the evening to charity. Tickets: David Herbert 01954 230824 Email: combertones@btinternet.com 28 March Huntingdonshire Philharmonic: Pure Classics 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets £14/£12, Student Concession £7/£6 Hunts Phil Orchestra and choir perform Beethoven’s much loved Pastoral Symphony and Haydn’s Harmony Mass in this delightful Spring concert. With soloists: Nicola Ihnatowicz, soprano, Harriet Webb, mezzo-soprano, Nick Allen, tenor, and John David Woods, bass. Conductor: Adrian Brown. Tickets are available by telephone, email or on the door. Tel: 01832 274834 Email: tickets@huntsphil.org.uk Web: www.huntsphil.org.uk
Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk
27
The Villager Prize Crossword
Prize
ÂŁ25
Across 7 Not occupied (6) 8 Musical dramas (6) 9 Vehicle for hire (4) 10 Opposite (8) 11 Not as dark (7) 13 Old coin (5) 15 Regularly (5) 17 Culinary herb (7) 20 Very cold (8) 21 Relax (4) 23 Large fight (6) 24 Hinder (6)
1 Mother (4) 2 Disappear (6) 3 Piled up (7) 4 Connects (5)
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before
18th February 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name: Tel: Address:
28
5 Closer to (6) 6 Railway coach (8) 12 Casual (8) 14 Haggle (7) 16 Votes for (6) 18 Scratch (6) 19 Repairs (5) 22 Fizzy drink (4)

Down
Pet Services
Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Use your local removal company
Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894 Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk
Welcome
ÂŁ4
LY
FROM ON PRICES START
,999
FULLY INSTALLED INCLUDING THE BASE AND VAT
ry of your The conservato designed ally choice individu ur home! yo by GSN to suit
to the world of GSN Conservatories... home of probably the largest outdoor display area you will ever see!
www.gsn.co.uk
With over 20 styles of conservatories on display at our head office and 10 models on show at Wilstead we think you will be spoilt for choice!
All our conservatories are made-to-measure from modern, low maintenance materials so you can be sure that which ever conservatory you choose, it will continue to look as good as new in years to come. Your home deserves the best...You deserve the best that money can buy!
GSN CONSERVATORIES
Pertenhall Road (1 mile from Gt Staughton) Gt Staughton, Nr St Neots Cambs PE19 5BE Telephone 01480 860000 Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm Established since 1984
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122
The family firm with NO commission paid reps and NO sub-contractors
Also at: Season’s Garden Centre Wilstead (main Road - A6) Bedford Beds MK45 3HU Telephone 01234 740011 Open Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm Sun 11am to 4pm
29
COMPETITION The London CRUISE Show Olympia 14-15 February 2015 www.cruisingshow.com Discover a whole world of voyages at the 7th annual London CRUISE Show... As Europe’s leading cruise event, The London CRUISE Show at Olympia will host the largest collection of major cruise lines and specialist operators all under one roof for one weekend! Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to a far-flung destination, a sumptuous ultra-luxury voyage, maybe a relaxing cultural river cruise or a tropical family cruise-holiday with lots to entertain all ages - the February show at Olympia will have it all. Packed with information and inspiration visitors can enjoy exclusive money-saving show offers and upgrades, be inspired by the informative free talks, gain essential expert advice that you won’t find in the brochure, discover different ship styles and incredible destinations and hear directly from the cruise lines about what’s new for 2015/2016. So, if you’re completely new to cruising and intrigued to discover what it’s all about, or you’re a seasoned cruiser wanting inspiration for your next adventure, then make sure you head to The London CRUISE Show at Olympia on 14-15 February. For more show information, talk timetables and a full exhibitors list please visit www.cruisingshow.com.
30
We are giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show! Just answer this simple question below: Where is The London CRUISE Show taking place? a) Olympia b) NEC c) The local village hall Send your answer with your name, address and telephone number to: Cruise Show Competition, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £4 (that’s saving £6 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘VILLAGERMAG’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).
Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
Crossword Solution for The Villager January Edition Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mike Keating from Alconbury
January’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions
Easy
Hard
Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com To Visit advertise our newincommunity The www.beds-local.co.uk and please 01767 261122 Please mention TheVillager Villager andTownlife Town Life whencall responding to adverts
31