Your Local PE6 January 2021

Your local

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Mag

PE6

Feel the Love

SPOTLIGHT ON A THRIVING LOCAL BUSINESS + CRAFTY PROJECTS WHY 2021 IS THE YEAR TO SMILE + MOVING HOUSE + MUCH MORE

Oakwood Financial Services

and review your finances!

Happy Valentine's Day

Book now 01788 341658 Registered in England and Wales company number 09331666. Oakwood Financial Services is a trading style of Oakwood Financial Services 2015 Ltd. which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 676461.

YOUR LOCAL MAG

Welcome

Welcome

Contents 5

Shaws Coaches A deep dive into a well-known local business

6/7 Feeling the Love Some gitft ideas to spoil the one you love

H

ello and welcome to this year’s first edition of Your Local Magazines. We hope that you had a lovely Christmas break and that you’re feeling refreshed for the New Year.

We’re back in 2021 and better than ever, with some rebranding and a fresh new look, we are so excited for what this year has in store for us. Here you will find an array of fresh local content ready for you to explore.

As we move into February, we are starting to think about Valentine’s day, and with restaurant bookings and going out not being an option this year due to our COVID restrictions, we have brought to you a whole double page spread that can help you enjoy Valentine’s Day with your loved one at home, or to show some love to yourself. From cocktail ideas and movie recommendations, to gift ideas and flower meanings. we’ve got you covered!

Also this month, we take a look at the future of electric vehicles, helping you to decide whether now is the right time for you to ‘go electric’. We’ve also put together some points that you may not have thought about when it comes to moving home, such as the current stamp duty freeze, storage and getting rid of your waste! We’ve had a vegan friendly recipe shared with us by a local company, and we also learn more about a local pub’s Pie Saturday’s. All of this, and so much more, waiting for you inside!

We’re always looking for local content. Whether you’re a longstanding local business that wants to share their story, or a brand new business that wants to introduce itself, we could feature you in the next magazine. However, you don’t have to run a business to supply content! Are you doing something special within your community? Is there an event taking place close to you? Whatever your story, we’d love you to share it with us. You can email Molly with your story - molly.smith@innovatemedia.co.uk Your Local Magazine will be back in April, but until then, you can keep in touch with us via our Facebook page ‘Your Local Magazines’, and you can keep in touch with your local community using our Facebook group ‘We Are Peterborough’. Stay safe.

The Team

General Manager - Sarah Crown sarah.crown@innovatemedia.co.uk 01733 731256

Content Manager - Molly Smith molly.smith@innovatemedia.co.uk 01733 731258

Advertising Manager - Kerry Howard kerry.howard@innovatemedia.co.uk 01733 731262

Art Editor - Daniel John Design info@danieljohndesign.co.uk

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Local Competition goes Virtual Whirlpool’s Lego competition

11

Keep a Positive Mindset Why 2021 is the year to smile

13 A Heart Garland Tutorial Step By Step Guide from Plush Addict 15 A pic’n’mix pie Create your perfect pie, pic’n’mix style!

16 The World According to Grandpa From Grandpa’s sofa to TV’s Milkshake 17 Prescriptions to your door Did you know about a local prescription delivery service?

19 A slimming world story Zoe’s lockdown loss inspires others 21 A heartwarming meal Vegan Black Bean Stir Fry Recipe from The Fig & Fox Company 23 Winter Bee Activity From Buglife’s Paul Hetherington 24 An interesting concept Resolutions or Solutions? Something to think about from Jym Brown 27 Moving home top tips Things you may not have thought about when moving home 29 Time to go electric Could we be heading towards an electric future?

30 A new year thought Alan Judge talks about New Beginnings 33 Post Roman Britain Bill Watt describes what Roman Peterborough may have looked like 37 Guess the Year Can you work out the year that these photos were taken?

Disclaimer: The reader acknowledges that the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Innovate Media team. All content and photos supplied by contributors are published in good faith and on the understanding they are free from copyright or other restrictions. Innovate Media accepts no liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or non-publication of any advertising. We reserve the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without explanation. To the maximum extent of the law, Innovate Media accepts no liability for any loss or damage (either direct or indirect) suffered as a result of any advertisement, article or any content within the magazine.

yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

3

A DEEP DIVE INTO A LOCAL BUSINESS

Local

A deep dive into a local business

Well-known local business Shaws Coaches kindly agreed to answer some questions in this interview for Your Local Magazines.

1. Tell me about how and when Shaws Coaches started?

Our family firm was founded in 1922 by Edwin ‘Teddy’ Shaw, the grandfather of the present partners, Jane, Richard and Chris.

Edwin had an engineering background in Yorkshire but during the Great War he was transferred to Peterborough to work for Peter Brotherhood as a millwright. After the war Edwin worked hard to build the business back up and by then he was joined by his son, Harry, whose favourite job was as team driver for Peterborough United! Harry gradually took over the running of the business and it flourished under his leadership. He had a real talent for buying and selling coaches with many winter Sundays spent journeying across the country to “look at a bus”. Harry died suddenly in 1981 and it was then that Jane, Richard and Chris inherited the business with Richard’s wife Carol joining in 2010 and his daughter Tory, joining in 2015. Edwin fell for a local girl named Sarah Ann Roffe from West Deeping, they moved to Maxey and took the momentous decision to buy their first bus (with money left from a wealthy aunt), which was kept in Mr. Frisby’s barn on Castle End Road. Edwin’s interest in buses probably stemmed from his early life in Leeds when he was a part-time driver for Wallace Arnold.

2. What has the business achieved since it began?

Edwin and Sarah started with a local bus service into Peterborough along with anything else that came their way, including furniture removals! They couldn’t afford to have the vehicle off the road for long and repairs were usually made by candle-light with the help of neighbours. In 1924 they took another chance and purchased the house and land at 49 High Street, Maxey (where we are still based).

In 1952 Edwin made his son Harry a partner and the business prospered with local school and work contracts and an excellent private hire service. With the privatisation of the coach industry in the 1980’s we had the opportunity to develop the business in new areas and our first holiday brochure was published in 1982 with just six tours, one of which had just six passengers (including our

mum and gran!). Fortunately, the others did rather better and we risked increasing the programme to ten departures, and the rest, as they say, is history! We now run around 80 holidays and 400 day trips each year. It’s a source of pleasure and pride that we have some customers who have been served by all four generations.

3. What impact has Shaws Coaches had on the local community?

As well as ad hoc support for good causes, we have supported two specific local disabled groups with practical assistance for many years.

We also like to support our local community as a mark of gratitude for the support that was given to Edwin all those years ago. Additionally, we recognise that coach travel is vital for so many members of the community, starting with a safe way to travel to school in those early years running through to providing a much needed source of social contact for the older and often less able residents of the area that we serve. A day out or holiday is a significant event for our older clients and we always try to go the extra mile to ensure that they have the enjoyable experience that they so richly deserve.

4. What’s happening for Shaws Coaches in the future?

Covid19 has highlighted how much people enjoy getting out and about, the messages of support and positivity we have received during the pandemic has been overwhelming. So many of our loyal customers can’t wait to start exploring again, and we can’t wait to take you there! We’ve already got over 30 great days out available to book for next year and our holidays are being released very soon. We’re always on the lookout for new places to visit and love to feature them in our programme, look out for RHS Garden Bridgewater (opening May 2021), The Art of Banksy (opening March 2021) and Back To The Future (opening in the West End next summer) plus many more to come! We want to continue to provide all our customers with the best possible service, to recognise the contribution that all our team make to the success of the business and to continue to value the great partnerships that we have with those of our suppliers who have given us sterling service for many years. yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

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Valentines FEELING THE LOVE

Feeling the Love

Valentines day is just around the corner, what better way to spoilt the one you love than with a film, some flowers, some nice drinks or a thoughtful gift?

Your Local Magazines can help!

Flower meanings

Flowers have been used as symbolic methods of communication for centuries. In the Victorian times, flowers were used to send messages that couldn’t be spoken aloud. The red rose, of course, symbolises love, and means “I love you”, but here are some alternative ideas to get your message across this Valentines Day. Blue Salvias - ‘I think of you’ Dwarf Sunflowers - Adoration Geraniums - True Friendship Honeysuckle - Bonds of Love Yarrow - Everlasting Love Violet - Loyalty & Devotion Red Tulips - A Declaration of Love

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yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

FEELING THE LOVE

Here are some romantic films for February 1. ‘Five feet apart’

They’re supposed to be keeping their distance. But challenging boundaries and fighting for their lives only brought them closer.

2. ‘Dear John’

The romance between a young soldier and a college girl unfolds through time, war and letters.

3. ‘How to lose a guy in 10 days’

She’s writing about how to drop a guy, he’s betting he’ll make her fall in love. Ten days... endless possibilities.

Valentines

Valentines Day G ift Guide Some gift ideas for the lady in your life.

Willoughby & Co. Personalised gift box with sterling silver stud earrings - £12 www.willoughbyjewellery.co.uk EmiliaRoseCrafts Personalised Lobster Cushion with Insert Navy and Gold - £18.50 www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ EmiliaRoseCrafts

4. ‘50 first dates’

He’s the love-em-and-leave-em type, until a woman who can’t remember turns out to be one he can’t forget.

5. ‘The theory of everything’ Thanks to the power of love, one of the modern world’s greatest minds endures unimaginable challenges.

Valentines Cocktails

With Valentines day around the corner, here are some cocktail ideas that are bound to get you some brownie points!

Bare Face - The BARE FACE Box Set - The complete clear skin box set, gifted in a luxurious box - £197 www.barefacediaries.com

Love Struck: a mixture of vodka, passoa, cranberry juice, lemon juice and prosecco Flame of love: A mixture of Monkey 47 gin and dry sherry.

The Honey Bee: A mixture of Drambuie, walnut bitters and prosecco.

Love Potion: A mixture of gin, lime juice, elderflower liquor and rose champagne.

Raspberry Chocolate Martini: A mixture of Chambord, Kahlua, heavy cream, dark chocolate shavings and a raspberry.

Artsy Laser. Gin glass that can be personalised. £9.45 www.artsylaser.co.uk/ product/gin-glass/

yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

7

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION GLOBAL STEM TOURNAMENT

Local

Whirlpool Corporation Global Stem Tournament Whirlpool Corporation has announced the return of its Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Peterborough tournament in 2021, welcoming back 10 teams from primary schools in Peterborough as well as five new teams fresh for the challenge.

T

he IET FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global science and technology tournament for 9 – 16 year olds, with over 67,000 teams getting involved across 110 countries every year. Now in its second year, the Whirlpool-funded Peterborough tournament will see 15 local teams, sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation, compete for the chance to progress to the national final in July 2021. Whirlpool team funding includes all entry fees as well as a LEGO Mindstorms or SPIKE Prime robot, worth around £450.

Set to take place on Friday 7 May, for the first time ever the tournament will be held virtually and tournament hosts and the IET are busy innovating the process to find new ways to make the tournament as engaging and fun as the usual physical event format.

As always, the involvement of the children and teams taking part is of top priority, therefore, to help teams as they prepare for the tournament, the IET has also developed a rigorous guide for team coaches to enable them to deliver the coaching sessions safely and effectively.

The theme of this year’s FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is RePLAY, which is based around the importance of play and being more active. Students are challenged to develop a number of key technology and life-based skills through the four components of FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge: the Robot Game, Robot Design, Core Values and the Innovation Project.

For the Robot Game, teams are required to put their teamwork and creativity to the test as they design and programme a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® or SPIKE Prime robot to complete 15 missions on a unique LEGO® challenge mat.

The Robot Design aspect of the challenge involves teams presenting their robots to the judges and explaining their design process for building the robot and the code they have written to programme it.

The FIRST® signature set of Core Values lie at the heart of the competition; teams are required to demonstrate these values throughout all aspects of the competition. They are: Inclusion, Discovery, Teamwork, Innovation, Fun and Impact.

For the Innovation Project, teams must identify a problem connected to the annual theme, RePLAY, come up with a solution and then present their ideas to the judges at the tournament. This year, for example, teams could provide a solution to the challenge of ensuring more people in the community are keeping fit and active, an issue which is particularly pertinent in the current climate.

Ian Moverley, Public Affairs Director, Whirlpool, comments: “Whirlpool has employed thousands of local people over many decades at our UK headquarters in Woodston, Peterborough and we’re really excited to engage more with our community

“Whirlpool has employed thousands of local people over many decades at our UK headquarters in Woodston, Peterborough.”

Ian Moverley, Public Affairs Director

through the funding of our FIRST® LEGO® League tournament in Peterborough for the second year running. We are committed to building on the strengths of last year’s event to create another successful and fulfilling day for all involved and, although this year’s competition is set to look slightly different than before, we will ensure that those taking part still have the same engaging experience – from goody bags to virtual tours, we’ve got lots of ideas to make this tournament extra special!”

Lowri Walton, IET Education Manager – FIRST® LEGO® League, said: “It’s fantastic that Whirlpool is supporting FIRST® LEGO® League for the second year in a row, welcoming even more teams than before. Regardless of the circumstances of this year’s tournaments, we’re dedicated to making FIRST® LEGO® League bigger and better than ever, ensuring that everyone can take part safely and are working hard to ensure that we can engage more children with STEM and the vital life skills that they can learn when working on projects such as this.”

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There are still sponsored places available for the Whirlpool Peterborough tournament. Teams can be school groups, Scout groups, or simply a team of friends, but each team will need at least two adult coaches. They can be made of up to 10 individuals, aged 9 to 16 years. If you would like the opportunity to take part, please get in touch with Ellie Tudor at ellie.tudor@consciouscomms.com.

yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

9

The best smile is YOURS! WeCare Dental provides a comprehensive list of services across the board to ensure that you are empowered to look after your teeth and care for your smile.

We are conveniently placed in Peterborough to serve you.

A Big Welcome Dr Wayne Carolissen

Mr Abduraghmaan Charles

Dr Morné Williams

Mr Karthik Sundaram

Dr Victoria Victorova

Mr Yusuf Parker

Co-owners Dr Morné Williams and Dr Wayne Carolissen welcome Dr Victoria Victorova, Mr Karthik Sundaram, Mr Yusuf Parker and Mr Abduraghmaan Charles who joined the team in September 2020. WeCare Dental is excited to have you on board.

Our doctors have years of experience, advanced training, and most importantly a passion for helping our patients enjoy their optimal oral health in a comfortable and safe environment.

We take Care of multiple special interest services • • • •

Implants Facial Aesthetics and Anti-Wrinkle Treatments Immediate Crowns Denplan Care and Denplan Essential

9 Fletton Ave, Peterborough, PE2 8AX E: info@wecaredental.co.uk P: 01733 563 945 wecaredental.co.uk

WeCare Advert Sep 2020.indd 1

2020/10/01 12:23

WHY 2021 IS THE YEAR TO SMILE

Lifestyle

Why 2021 is the year to smile Smiling is so good for you and those around you, so why not make 2021 your year to smile?

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our smile can be a big factor in your level of self confidence. 48% of young adults have untagged themselves from a photo on Facebook because of their smile. Our smiles and our teeth, like our fingerprints, are unique - what better reason to show off your smile?

Photo from ‘ThisIsAnfield’ When you think of the perfect smile, who do you think of? Maybe a celebrity such as Liverpool footballer Roberto Firmino. You too could have the perfect smile in 2021!

WeCare Dental, based on Fletton Avenue, provides many ways in which to improve your smile. Here are just a few:

‘Teeth-in-a-day’ dental implants

−The average woman smiles 62 times a day, the average man smiles 8 times a day. −63% of women say they look best in photos where their teeth are showing. −99.7% of people say that an attractive smile is an important personal asset. −74% of people believe a bad smile can hurt their chances for a successful career. −We can usually tell the difference between a fake smile and a genuine one. −47% of people notice your smile first. −We buy 14 million gallons of toothpaste each year. −Smiling while talking on the phone makes you sound friendly. −Smiling helps you live longer.

“Get teeth that you don’t have to remove, stay in permanently, and don’t cover all your gums. This is a unique procedure that involves only 4 implants per arch to get a full set of teeth. The main picture shows what they can look like!”

Facial Aesthetics & Rejuvenating Treatments

“To accompany your perfect smile, why not try facial aesthetics treatments too? Facial threading lifts, rejuvenating treatments, lips, nose and cheeks. Looking young and rejuvenated has never been easier. With our in-house practitioner, WeCare Dental offers some of the best facial aesthetics treatments done right here in our Peterborough surgery.”

Fastbraces

Fastbraces technology is comprehensive orthodontics, just like traditional braces, invented by a specialist orthodontist.

This treatment consists of patented braces methods to move the roots of the teeth easily with light forces and less wires with fewer adjustments to straighten teeth safely and quickly. Fastbraces have been supported by over 25 years of research and development of clinical outcomes.

So, what are you waiting for?

Smile! yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

11

IS YOUR HOME SAFE IN A FIRE? If you own a property that you rent out have you considered its fire safety?

For residential properties with shared living, communal areas and HMO’s, fires are on average, 10 times more likely with the highest fatality rates.

It is essential you act fast to ensure the safety of your tenants and to avoid prosecution.

Where do you stand? What help do you need? We are here to help.

Everything starts with a conversation.

Our full list of services includes: • Fire Risk Assessment • Health and Safety Risk Assessments

(slips, trips and general hazards in residential properties)

• Fire Alarm installation and servicing • Emergency Lighting • Fire Training • All types of signage • Asbestos Surveys

TAKE ACTION NOW

Ask for Mark, Karen or Peter. Email: mark@hasaw.co.uk Call 01832 735874 or visit: www.hasaw.co.uk

HEART GARLAND TUTORIAL

Lifestyle

Heart Garland Tutorial

Love is in the air! This quick & easy project from Peterborough based firm Plush Addict guides you step by step how to create this striking heart garland with only a few basic supplies, just in time for Valentines day!

A

ll supplies are available from local firm Plush Addict www.plushaddict.co.uk who offer a click & collect service from their Peterborough warehouse Displaying hearts in your home spreads a positive message to your visitors, it says ‘you are welcome, I’m here for you’ & will bring a splash of colour to your home. It’ll also give you a sense of pride at what you achieved, every time you walk by!

You will need:

2 x 30cm squares of felt 25 Giant pom poms 4 m Wool, Sewing thread 30cm ribbon, Ruler, Pencil Sewing needle Sewing machine (or hand sewing) Sewing pins or clips

Method

Making the hearts – complete each step on one felt square at a time: On the felt square draw lines the length of the square every 2.5cm. This will create 12 drawn stripes.

With the stripes running from side to side, fold the square in half as though closing a book matching the stripes.

Pin or clip together the long edge.

Sew along the folded edge, 5mm from the edge..

Threading the garland

Place the threaded needle through the centre of a pom pom and guide it along the wool. Stop 20cm before the end. Thread the needle through the outer layer of a heart approx. 7.5cm from the bottom & central to the width of the heart (Image 26) Ease the heart along the wool, stopping at the pom pom. Spread out the felt layers and a heart shape will form. Spend a little time shaping the heart. Repeat steps 3 to 7 alternating red and white hearts until all the hearts and pom poms are used up.

Remove the needle from the end of the wool and the garland is ready to hang.

Please share your creations on social media and tag us @Plushaddict , we love to see what you’ve made!

Remove the clips from the side not sewn & open the felt like a book. Folding the felt back on itself, bring the two open edges together. The sewn seam should be on the inside - this will make a heart shape.

Do not squash!

Check the stripes line up again. Pin or clip the 2 layers together and sew.

Holding the 2 layers of fabric firmly together cut along the drawn lines through both layers of felt. This will form 12 hearts per felt square.

yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

13

Business AN INTRODUCTION TO GLADWELLS

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Welcome to the Gladwells Pet & Country Store in Peterborough.

ou’ll find our store situated on the Lincoln Road Industrial Estate. There is plenty of parking and the store is animal friendly so feel free to bring in your pets for a walk around.

The Peterborough branch is one of nine Gladwells animal supplies stores across East Anglia. We specialise in reptiles, providing reptile owners with a wide range of live and frozen feeds as well as accessories. Home delivery is available – please just enquire in store or give us a call to place your order.

Our regular and first-time customers can choose from a great range of pet and animal accessories and equipment, designed to keep your animals happy and healthy in their environment.

Our friendly, knowledgeable team will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for in-store. As an independent retailer, we compare favourably to supermarket prices for animal feeds, treats and accessories, helping you to get more for less. We stock feed, accessories, bedding and much more for horses, dogs, cats, caged and wild birds, small animals, reptiles, fish, small holdings and poultry.

If you are looking for a safe and easy way to drop off and collect parcels this year our store also has a UPS Access Point. To find out more just head to the UPS website.

We would like to take this opportunity to again thank all of our loyal customers that have supported us through last year and have adapted along with us to the ever changing guidelines in store. And to any new customers discovering us for the first time, welcome to the family!

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You can follow our stores on Facebook @gladwellspetcountrystores and Instagram @gladwellspetandcountrystore. Keep an eye out for Competitions to win products and store vouchers as well as monthly special offers and any seasonal opening time changes.

BLUE BELL AT WERRINGTON

Food & Drink

Create your perfect pic’n’mix pie!

Choose one option from the following steps

Step 1.

Pick your pie

1. ‘Berry Good!’

(Venison, red wine & juniper berry) 2. ‘The Lockdown’ (Beef, Guinness & mushroom) 3. ‘Chick-a-Leeky’ (Chicken, leek & gammon hock) 4. ‘The Triple S’ (Salmon, spinach & sweet potato) 5. ‘Dark Flavours’ (Duck, plum & Porter) 6. ‘Veggie Heaven’ (Quorn chicken, leek & wild mushroom (v)) 7. ‘Vegantastic’ (Moroccan spiced lentils, chickpea & veg (ve))

Step 2.

Add potatoes

1. Plain naked mash (v) 2. Cheesy mash (v) 3. Roasted new (v)(ve) 4. Garlic & rosemary (v)(ve) 5. Dauphinoise (v) 6. Croquettes (v) 7. Colcannon mash

Step 3.

Finish with a sauce 1. Beef gravy 2. Chicken gravy 3. Cider & cream 4. Red wine & rosemary 5. Vegetarian gravy (v) 6. Vegan gravy (ve) (v - Vegetarian ve -Vegan)

Would you choose to add freshly cook ed vegetables?

HOW TO ORDER

Did you know that you can bring your choices to life at The Blue Bell Werrington?

Their Lazytop Triple Pies are available for collection on Saturdays between 4pm and 8pm. You can choose your fillings, and enjoy your pie with your choice of potatoes and a sauce! We also have vegetarian and vegan options available. All you have to do is call to order, agree a time for collection, pay by card over the phone, and then collect your order from the Garden door at the pub. To order your perfect pie, call 07561 605188.

COVID-SAFE NON-CONTACT TAKEAWAY

Saturday Pie Nights

Saturdays 4pm to 8pm are Pie Nights, with exclusive Lazytop Triple Pies – a pie with a combination of 3 fillings with just a pastry lid. Your choice of 7 different pies, with 7 choices of potatoes, and 6 choices of sauces! £7 each, or a special launch offer valid until the end of February of 3 for £15! Starters and desserts also available for £4 each, plus some of our very popular traditional pub meals too.

TO ORDER PHONE US ON

07561 605188 ✓It is all chef-prepared home-cooked food ✓Agree a time for collection Give your card details for payment ✓ ✓Collect from the Garden door at the pub

Get your order in now for Valentines Day and Mothers Day

Sunday Roasts

Sundays from noon until 6pm it’s roasts; choice of 4 locally sourced meats, plus 4 different vegetarian options (including vegetarian gravy), and a vegan option too! All served with all the trimmings. For just £12 (£10 for a small portion). Starters and desserts also available, at just £4.

Local FROM GRANDPA’S SOFA TO TV’S MILKSHAKE

From Grandpa’s sofa to TV’s Milkshake

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A local man’s storybooks based on his Grandpa’s tales have recently become a series of episodes on Channel 5’s ‘Milkshake’.

hris Heath was born in Peterborough and raised in Stilton.

He has had a 20-year career as a Producer and Comedy Writer, starting out on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast, producing silly games on Outside Broadcasts and writing items for Zig & Zag and then Roland Rat. After producing Johnny Vaughan’s chat show for the BBC, Chris moved into TV Development and has created entertainment shows for the likes of BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and CBBC, including ‘Holiday of my Lifetime’ with Len Goodman and ‘The TV That Made Me’ with Brian Conley.

Chris also wrote two series of a Radio 4 sitcom called ‘Clement Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ (with Marc Haynes) and have written for shows like ‘The Big Breakfast’, ‘Johnny Vaughan Tonight’, ‘Big Brother’s Little Brother’ and for comics like Lenny Henry, Marcus Brigstocke, Rufus Hound, John Bishop, Brian Conley and Paddy McGuinness.

His latest venture however, involves a children’s story. Chris said “I wrote the first ‘World According To Grandpa’ story back in 2009 and a few books were published, but in the back of my mind, I knew I always wanted it to end up as a Telly show. They became a series of books for a short time but now we’re in the process of rebooting the book series the stories with a new publisher.”

The World According To Grandpa is a unique blend of live action storytelling and delightful animation as Grandpa (Don Warrington) takes his grandchildren on fantastic journeys through colourful new worlds, all from the comfort of his sofa!

Every episode begins with one grandchild asking Grandpa a question (e.g. What are stars?). From here, Grandpa spins a nonsensical tale of outer-space bumblebees, piggy rock bands, rhubarb-loving monsters, cloud pilots, naughty wizards and firebreathing hamsters! Thankfully, also on the sofa is Halifax the rabbit (voiced by Sally Lindsay). After Grandpa has finished his tale, she’ll always give us the real answer to the question, delivered in an entertaining, easy-to-understand way.

The World According to Grandpa first began as a concept for a series of books, based on the tall tales of Chris’ own Grandad, Arturo Garcia, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean.

When he moved to the UK in the sixties, he would hold court on his doorstep with all the kids from the local estate and tell them outlandish lies about his fictional banana plantations and ‘land borne’ sharks that could walk around on the land and steal from the mango tree in Chris’ Nan your back garden.

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yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

Chris’ Grandad, Arturo Garcia, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico

“We drove down to London and pitched the show to the people at Milkshake about a year ago and luckily they loved it.”

Chris Heath

“We drove down to London and pitched the show to the people at Milkshake about a year ago and luckily they loved it, so we’ve spent the last year making the show up in Manchester in full COVID safety measures.” said Chris.

“The great thing about writing a load of silly stories is you can name characters after all your family. In one episode, I named a tea-drinking little old lady ‘Brenda’ after my Nan (who was married for 40 years to the Grandpa it’s all based on). She was over the moon and has been phoning all her friends at Stilton Over-60’s and telling them they have to watch! She’s a 92-yr-old, one-woman publicity machine!!”

Chris is now working on a couple of scripts for Netflix and the BBC and watching Milkshake every weekend!

Ashwood FPA Moment Oct 2020.pdf 1 09/10/2020 13:21:21

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Limited availability on a first come first served basis. Pictures for illustration purposes only.

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ZOE’S LOCKDOWN LOSS INSPIRES OTHERS

Lifestyle

Zoe’s Lockdown Loss Insp ires Others Zoe Briggs Start date: 3rd March 2020 Start weight: 15st 9lbs Weight loss to date: 4st 3lbs Name:

What has been the biggest challenge that you’ve overcome since joining Slimming World?

I’d definitely say the biggest challenge for me and, like many others, was the first national lockdown. Luckily I joined a couple of weeks before the first national lockdown which gave me a feel of the in group atmosphere and I was nervous to continue over online Zoom sessions. As the weekly Zoom sessions went on and the more I got to know the group, the easier the lockdown was becoming for me. Even though it wasn’t face to face, it was the ongoing support from the group that still managed to be portrayed virtually that was the main contributor to my weight loss through this time.

What was the final straw that made you decide to join Slimming World?

I think the final straw for me was coming to the realisation that my size 16/18 clothes were getting a bit too tight and I didn’t want to let myself go up yet another dress size at the age of 23, I still had time to change.

I was discussing weight loss with my colleagues at work one morning who had both tried Slimming World. After them talking me through the very basic idea of it all, we decided to try it all together. The first time I stepped on the scales in group, reality hit me as I knew I had gotten bigger over the last few years but not to the extent the scales read. So I made a promise to myself, to make sure that I stick with it and not let myself quit.

What do you love about Food Optimising?

When I first read the book I was a bit shocked with the amount of food that is classed as ‘free’. I had it drummed into me with previous diets that I would need to eat flavourless meals and exercise every day but Slimming World taught me that you don’t need to cut everything good out of your diet or even exercise every day, just measure and limit which is a lot easier than I first thought! I’d say that my favourite recipes are the quick and easy basics such as a Carbonara or a Beef Chilli. I also enjoy the different options of ‘fakeaway’ dishes which taste just as good as the real thing.



# love that feeling

Monday

What can you do now that you couldn’t do before you lost your weight?

I have found that now I have lost the weight, I am a lot healthier and happier within myself. Even the little things like walking up a couple of flights of stairs doesn’t make me sweat or breathless. When the weather was nicer I started walking to contribute to my weight loss, nothing too strenuous, now I can tell a difference in my stamina and find it a lot easier to walk a lengthy distance compared to when I first started my journey.

What are you most proud of?

I would say the thing I am most proud of in the amount of inspiration I have been to my group which was backed up by my Woman Of The Year award. I am so grateful to my consultant Scott and also all the members in my group. I could not have gone through this journey, especially with the added bumps in the road, without their continued support. This journey hasn’t been an easy one but has been made a lot easier by everyone involved

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and book your place in a warm and friendly group today!

Tuesday

Werrington Mornings/Evenings Contact Debbie 07880 567310

Crowland Mornings Contact Sarah 07736 646819

Crowland Afternoon/Evenings Contact Sarah 07736 646819

Eye Afternoons/Evenings Contact Alison 07851 426886

For more information please contact the individual consultant

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Thursday

Paston & Gunthorpe Mornings & Afternoons/Evenings Contact Alison 07851 426886

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THE FIG AND FOX COMPANY

Food & Drink

A heartwarming vegan recipe The Fig and Fox Company have kindly shared with us this very tasty looking vegan recipe for a Black Bean Stir Fry - featuring Black Bean Sauce by Yau’s Oriental Foods, Peterborough, which is featuring in February’s subscription box called ‘The Lunar Box’ which can be purchased as a one-off online: www.thefigandfoxcompany.co.uk Ingredients (makes 2 portions) 150g Jasmine Rice 350g Meat-Free Chicken Style Strips 1 Green Pepper 1⁄2 White Onion 150g Yau’s Black Bean Sauce 2 Spring Onions (for garnish)

Method 1. Rinse your rice until the water becomes clear. Add to a The amoun pan with water and boil. Once t of to cook rice water used water has reached boiling, approximate should be ly a fin turn the heat down to steam above your ger digit rice. until water evaporates and rice is soft.

2. Chop the green pepper and onion into your preferred style of slices or squares.

3. Add oil to a wok and place on a high heat.

4. Once your wok is hot, add the vegetables and toss occasionally for 3 minutes.

5. Add your meat-free protein and cook for 1 minute ensuring everything in the wok has browned a little for extra flavour.

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WINTER BEE ACTIVITY

Winter Bee Activity

I

Nature

Paul Hetherington, Buglife’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, shares with us the fascinating activity of the winter active bees.

n the past the only likely bug activity at this time of year would be the wisp like winter gnats hovering above frost draped ground. But this is no longer the case; last winter Buglife hosted a 2 week bee survey over the New Year period, a time of year when traditionally all bees are hibernating through the winter the results were dramatic and point to the need for us all to consider mitigation. The survey received 285 records of 1500 bees found as far afield as Jersey to Thurso and Lowestoft to St Ives (Cornwall).

Winter active bumblebees are a recent phenomenon with two species the Buff- & white-tailed bumblebees apparently now nesting in winter in the UK instead of hibernating. Whether this is a successful way of weathering climate change remains to be seen.

What is certain is that without more winter flowering plants bee survival rates are set to fall.

Honeybees were also found to be very active in the survey, when they too would normally hibernate how this impacts on honey yields and the potential need for more honey to be left in hives over winter if food is scarce is an issue that we will all need to consider as these warmer winters continue.

In order to hibernate bees require the temperature to remain below five degrees Celsius but our warmer wetter winters are preventing hibernation. Winter flowers though are taking on an ever more crucial role in pollinator survival.

“In order to hibernate bees require the temperature to remain below five degrees Celsius our warmer wetter winters are preventing hibernation.”

Paul Hetherington

To this end we all have an important role to play in ensuring pollinator survival by considering how we plant our gardens so there is a year round supply of accessible pollen and nectar.

Spring bulbs such as snowdrops, aconites and crocus are now likely to be visited as our Winter jasmine and Viburnum tinus.

Flowering ivy provides late season forage for our bees into November and some herbs such as Rosemary will herald the new year with abundant flowering. The primula family including our native primrose are other useful plants as are many of the Mahonia family, winter flowering heathers and early flowering trees such as willow.

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23

Lifestyle RESOLUTIONS OR SOLUTIONS?

Resolutions or Solutions?

Local author, life coach and public speaker Jym Brown shares with us the importance of finding a solution to live a better life, and not making an unreachable New Year’s Resolution.

T

he end of one year and the beginning of a new year brings with it the tendency to conjure up resolutions for a better self. Targets to be set, goals to be formed and achievements to be made. Yet these resolutions have a flip side. The recurring failures, forgotten dreams and promises revoked seem to do little to blight our enthusiasm to once again embark on this rather meritless tradition come the following January.

Instead, they only serve as ammunition for our constant physical and mental struggles and the realisation that yet again, we have failed to meet the standards set for ourselves.

I might sound like the poster boy of pessimism right now.

‘Setting goals is a good thing, right?’ I hear you say… Well, perhaps it is how we set them that is the most important thing. Or perhaps it is who we are and want to be that makes the difference.

I offer an alternative. Instead of setting aspirational and life changing goals that may not even see the spring, try considering your identity and creating habitual change for the better. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits talks about this at length. It is the idea of clearly focusing on who you want to identify as being as the vehicle for your behaviour change.

“Instead of setting aspirational and life changing goals that may not even see the spring, try considering your identity and creating habitual change for the better.”

Jym Brown

Instead of setting the goal to ‘lose 2 stone in weight’, try identifying with being a healthy person. When faced with the task of resisting that Krispy Krème doughnut, the game is not now about your target, but rather that of a question – what would a healthy person do? Changing your personal narrative and identity is a powerful tool that has helped people from Tony Robbins to David Goggins achieve some incredible things.

The beauty is that if you really want to make a change and I mean really want to make a change, then identity comes first. The drastic and unachievable target is discarded at will as quickly as it was set.

But a change in identity is not so easily shaken. So this year, forgo the trap of whimsical goals and replace them with a better identity.

Ask yourself the simple questions that will make lasting change, not temporary success. What would a fit person do? What would a happy person do? What would a smart person do?

24

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THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN MOVING HOUSE

Lifestyle

Things to think about when moving house The housing market is booming at the minute, meaning that there’s never been a better time to move house. Here’s some things you may not have thought about when it comes to moving home.

1) Stamp duty freeze. The government has temporarily increased the stamp duty threshold to £500,000 for England property sales.

This increase will continue until 31st March 2021. This means that, until the end of March, house buyers of homes valued up to £500,000 will not have to pay any stamp duty on the purchase of the property. Stamp duty tax was introduced in England back in the 1600’s to raise money for war against France.

2) Blinds and curtains. Quite often, people who move home, especially into new builds, move in and discover that their curtains and blinds do not fit their new windows. Mike Bell, of local company New Home Blinds, told Your Local Magazines: “We’re able to go into a new build and install the blinds into someone’s home so that they’re ready by the time that they move in. This is something that not a lot of people are aware of and often people move into a new home and have to wait for blinds and curtains to be installed.”

3) Storage. We asked Quick Self Storage for their top tips when moving home. Drew was happy to help and shared the following advice with Your Local Magazines. a) De clutter the house and outbuildings and Garden to better display the size and potential b) Decorate: Tidy up tired hallway walls and staircase walls. Areas that are visible and get heavy traffic. Try and use neutral colours.

c) Save the chain, if you can sell and free up the chain by coming out of your property you can save the chain and use storage to bridge the gap. (This will be cheaper than paying your current rent / Mortgage so gives you time to save some money before you move to your new home). d) Always make sure you start your packing early, don’t leave it all until the last minute. e) Pack effectively, using boxes correctly and being organised can make your moving much less stressful with less damage. Use good materials and use them correctly. f) Plan ahead don’t forget to defrost fridge freezers, drain waste pipes on washing machines etc. g) Haven’t got the room to get the deals as they come up? Rent a space to make sure that you can buy and get ready to furnish your new property when you get the keys. h) Collections and Hobbies; make space for viewings and keep your prized collections or hobby items safe during a move by placing them in storage so that you can move them an item at a time with care then move the rest I.e. bulky furniture etc separately meaning less chance of these items breaking. i) Do your research on any companies that you may need to use, removals, storage, solicitors etc. (If possible we would always recommend visiting premises etc to see the standard and quality of any storage facility) 4) Get rid of your waste effectively and stay tidy! Richard from Commercial Waste Connections told us: “I have to say that my main message would be to make sure that you order a skip in plenty of time and that if the skip is to go on the public highway, you will need a road permit from the local council. We would apply for the permit on your behalf but they can take up to 7 working days to receive.

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New Home Blinds 01733 286256 Quick Self Storage 01733 834183 Commercial Waste Connections 0333 3660178

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AN ELECTRIC FUTURE?

Lifestyle

An Electric Future?

According to iNews, Peterborough has emerged as the UK’s electric car capital with more ‘ultra-low emissions’ vehicles per head than anywhere else in the country.

T

he interest and demand for electric vehicles in the UK has risen significantly over the last few years, with more than 164,000 pure-electric cars on the road in 2020, compared with just 3,500 in 2013. This giant increase in electric car sales is because of a greater level of choice for drivers, a change in the public and government’s attitudes towards electric cars and a constantly improving public recharging network.

The first electric car was built in 1884 by English inventor, Thomas Parker. Today, a new electric car is registered every 9 minutes in the UK. It is clear that their popularity is growing, and with the recent news that by 2030 you will no longer be able to purchase a new petrol or diesel car, you may be wondering, what exactly are the benefits of ‘going electric’?

Pure electric vehicles have no exhaust, so they don’t emit any exhaust gases. Some areas are introducing ‘clean air zones’ with fees designed to discourage polluting vehicles; electric vehicles are exempt from these charges. Aside from electric cars being better for the environment, they are also better for our bank accounts - electric cars involve much cheaper running costs. On average, a 100-mile trip in an electric car costs significantly less than a petrol equivalent.

Where your choice was once restricted to only petrol or diesel fuelled cars, you’ll now be able to consider a selection of hybrid options along with the latest and greatest electric cars too. The Top Gear presenters, in 2020, rated their top 15 electric cars. The top 3 were the Porsche Taycan, probably chosen by them because it has entered the Guinness World Records for the longest drift with an electric vehicle, the Tesla Model 3, and the Honda e. As new models keep appearing, drivers can now take their pick of everything from compact, value-focused options to upmarket more luxurious models. UK electric car buyers have a greater selection of vehicles to choose from than ever before.

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Lifestyle NEW BEGINNINGS

New Beginnings I

Local man Alan Judge really enjoys writing, and has summarised the idea of new beginnings in his piece here.

t seems rather strange talking about a ‘new beginning’ when we’re probably not even halfway through the present situation, aka, the ‘old beginning’, the origins of which are still clouded in mystery; however, with the advent of 2021, we can but hope that the end of the ‘new beginning’ might be in sight – if that makes sense.

So, what can we look forward to in 2021? Well, I have been looking through the forecasts and I see that the UN has decreed that 2021 is to be the International Year of Peace and Trust of Creative Economy. With world economies in freefall, I have my doubts; and also apparently will be the Year of Fruit and Vegetables.

What else can we expect? Instantaneous translation earbuds are on the horizon. They will enable you to travel to Outer Mongolia and understand what the locals are saying, but how will you respond unless the Mongolians are also wearing these earbuds or you have learned Mongolian? The world population is set to reach 7.8 billion, a figure which is mind-blowingly huge and which will really put our planet under incredible strain trying to support us and our damaging ways.

I am of a methuselaic age, my ‘new beginning’ having occurred in 1939 and, as I have travelled along the corridor

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of life, my thoughts about our existence have coalesced to the stage where I believe that whoever created mankind, must have had an amazing sense of humour, if not desperation, in allowing us to continue along our path of apparent self-immolation without interference.

Maybe we are an experiment of heavenly proportions.

I have always believed that, no matter what the problem is and no matter who was responsible for it, good always triumphs over evil in the long run, and the next ‘new beginning’ will herald in much joy and happiness – says he hopefully.

“No matter what the problem is and no matter who was responsible for it, good always triumphs over evil in the long run.”

Alan judge

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ROMAN BRITAIN AND POST ROMAN PETERBOROUGH

Local

Roman Britain and Post Roman Peterborough “H

Bill Watt gives us a fascinating insight into ancient Britain.

ello Readers, My name is Bill Watt and I am interested in local history. My aim is to write a series of short pieces trying to give you a flavour of Peterborough’s part in the events which constitute the history of our country. And, all being well, to encourage even one or two of you to look into it in greater detail.”

Rome and Britain

Even before Julius Caesar’s failed first attempt to invade in 55BC, the Romans had been aware of the Island of Britain for quite some time.

In fact, quite a degree of trade between Britain and Roman Europe had been taking place. The Southern tribes of Britain had already absorbed quite a degree of Roman culture and Tribal leaders had begun to show trappings of Roman wealth. During this period the Romans referred to Britain as “Britannia”.

Oddly enough, When Caesar launched his two invasions, followed

by Pauliniu’s successful invasion in May 43AD, the only motive driving these actions was personal advancement by Caesar, for Caesar, and the same for Paulinius. And, strangely enough, in the beginning of the Roman occupation there was never any intention to conquer the whole of the Island of Britain.

However, like everything in life, an action is taken with particular aim and then that action takes on a life of its own and ceases to be under control of the person/persons who initiated it and then eventually, they find themselves reacting to events that they did not fore see happening. Also, prior to the Roman invasion Britain had a coin system, of its own, which was tribal based.

Post Roman Britain

Prior to the final and complete Roman abandonment, Britain had left the Empire three times. During this period Britain even had its own Britain based Emperor who even took an Army from Britain to take over control of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately he was unsuccessful and was killed in this futile attempt.

Roman culture was always largely urban and as an urban society it followed that it needed agricultural support. Nor did the Romans like a belief system that did not have multiple idols. During the third

A Roman statue at the Roman Baths in Bath

Some ancient Roman baths

century the monolithic structure of the Empire started to fragment.

The Roman Emperor Constantine created a new capital in the East called Constantinople, which lasted from 330 – 1204 AD. This become the new Roman Eastern Empire.

At the same time, during the 3rd – 4th centuries, Saxon pirates began to raid Southern England and what is now France (Gaul).

If you look at an Ordinance Survey map of Peterborough, you will notice on the banks of the River Nene, just beyond Ferry Meadows, indications of the sites of Roman era pottery ovens. Most of us know of the recent discovery of a Roman Villa, in what is now known as Itter Park. St. Kyneburgha’s Church in Castor is built over a very large Roman Praetorium.

There is also the existence of Carr Dyke. This is an 80-mile artificial channel that runs from the River Witham, south of Lincoln all the way to Cambridge. Stretches of which are now protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. There are three schools of thought for its existence: 1) to provide drainage for the area in which it runs through.

2) as a defensible boundary.

3) as a canal in which to transport goods.

Of course, it also possible that it performed all three of those things. Originally it was 13 metres wide and 3.6 metres deep and the water in it was fast flowing. Emperor Hadrian visited Britain in 120AD, and sections dated this period may be associated with plans to settle the Fens; which supported the drainage theory. At the Whitepost end the Car Dyke is some 29 metres wide and that narrows down to 16 metres at the Peterborough end.

Excavations in Waterbeach in the mid 1990’s revealed what seemed to be the remains of a Roman era boat and a cargo of pottery.

Archaeological investigations have found coal from the Midlands in use at a cluster of Roman era, coal burning forges sited between Cambridge and the Wash. This provides evidence of trade and transport along the Car Dyke; and Car Dyke has been accepted as an extension of the Foss Dyke.

From the early 5th century onwards peoples from mainland Europe began to arrive in England and we began our long transition from Roman Britannia to Anglo Saxon England. yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

33

Lifestyle CHANGING YOUR FINANCIAL HABITS

Changing your financial habits

The transition into a new year may bring about a need to change your habits. Thornton Holmes from Orchid Financial Services explains how you can be more in control of your financial habits.

“T

urning anything into a habit takes two very important steps. Firstly, there is the commitment to do it and secondly there is the time. Changing an action into a habit typically takes an average of 66 days so it will require 2 months of repetitive behaviour to achieve the goal.” Says Thornton.

“Just like any goal, whether its weight loss or concluding some kind of project, financial goals can only be achieved through consistent habit so break down the final objective into smaller achievable goals.”

“Financial goals can only be achieved through consistent habit so break down the final objective into smaller achievable goals.”

Thornton Holmes

Most people have one of two issues if they repeatedly experience problems; they either overspend, borrow too much or both.

Here are some recommendations for now and the future:

1

January is a tough month. Visit the Money Advice Service to find ways to stop wasting money and change financial habits: Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk/survive-january to get your toolkit.

2

Log and examine your income and expenditure in detail and check it every week. There are some great apps that can be downloaded For Example ‘Fast Budget – Expense & Money’ on the Galaxy Store.

3 4 5

Revisit your mortgage. Are you on the best rate – can it be improved?

Have you unsecured debt that can be rolled up either with a re mortgage or a zero percent credit card?

Does freeing up spend by any of the above mean that you can save more for the future either by additional pension contributions or taking out an investment plan such as an ISA?

6

Check your state pension position. The State Pension rules have changed, so check your retirement date and the amount you’ll receive by going to www.gov.uk/check-statepension.

7

Switch your Bank Account. Many banks offer financial incentives to switch, and you may also benefit from better service and more competitive rates.

8

Make the most of your allowances! There are dozens of tax allowances which enable you to organise your finances in a tax-efficient way. A good financial planner will help you to make the most of these allowances.

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GUESS THE YEAR

1. Perkins V8 Factory

Local

Guess the Year

Here are some old images of the Peterborough area, taken from the ‘Peterborough Images’ Facebook group and used with permission from Paul Young. Can you figure out what year these were taken? Answers are at the bottom of the page.

2. Molins Bowls Club

4. Giovanni Rizzo, Great Eastern Run winner

3. Lincoln Road, New England Area

5. ET staff outside the offices yourlocalmagazines.co.uk

37

1) 1966, 2) 1983, 3) 1988, 4) 1991, 5) 1989

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Extensions Garage Conversions New Builds Renovations

Looking to Extend or Convert Your Home?

Crown Home Developments are a local family run building company with over 20 years experience in the trade.

We specialise in home extensions and conversions.

Can help from design through to completion Fully Insured

FREE QUOTATIONS 01733 573366 07801 528344

info@crownhomedevelopments.co.uk crownhomedevelopments.co.uk

£500 OFF

WITH THIS VOUCHER

On all projects over the value of £5000. Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

Check out our 5 star reviews on Google

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