Alconbury December 2018

VILLAGER The

Issue 81 - December 2018

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

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In this issue Why we hang

Stockings Ski Wear Style Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

ur Yo EE FRcopy

The Old White Horse • 1 High Street • Biggleswade • SG18 0JE Tel: 01767 314344 www.lolineinteriors.co.uk e: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk 2

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Inside this issue...

Why We Hang Stockings

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Dogs Trust Dogs School..................................................31 The Wackiest Special Editions.........................................33 Baking: Christmas Mincemeat Slice................................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 Fun Quiz.........................................................................41 £25 Prize Crossword.......................................... 42 Twinwoods Adventure....................................................44 Book Review..................................................................46 Useful Numbers.............................................................47

Twinwoods Adventure The History of Playing Cards.............................................4 Why We Hang Stockings and Odd Christmas Traditions....8 Champagne: Discovering Hidden Gems..........................10 £100 Christmas Quiz.......................................... 12 Ski Wear Style................................................................16 Unusual Gifts..................................................................19 P&R Interiors..................................................................24 Get Fit and Garden.........................................................27 RSPCA New Charity Shop...............................................28

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Get your business off to a flying start this year

Advertise with the Villager Magazine... prices start from just £30.00 +VAT per month Editorial - Catherine Rose, Tracey Anderson, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings, Louise Addison, Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, James Baggott and Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Sandra Cunningham Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 • www.design9marketing.co.uk

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Email: 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.

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History

17th Century painting of card players by Theodoor Rombouts

By Catherine Rose

The History of

Playing Cards Traditionally, family board and card games are often enjoyed over the Christmas period. There are many variations of board game, both old and new, but the pack of cards, played for pleasure, prediction and profit, is now a global phenomenon that has endured for centuries.

It is believed that our modern day playing cards originated in China, where games were played using numerical cards based on strings of coins.

Old Chinese coins had a hole in the middle so that they could be strung together, and the four card suits were called coins, strings of coins, myriads of strings and tens of myriads. The forerunner of this game, known as the Game of Leaves, was played as early as the 9th century AD. These Chinese cards can be traced back to at least the 1200s. From there, the concept of playing cards began spreading to India and Persia, and then through Egypt into southern Spain and the rest of Europe by the end of the 14th century.

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In Spain, card playing was known as the Moorish ‘Saracen’s Game’ and cards had a distinctly Islamic design, with motifs consisting of figures and numerals illustrated by the corresponding number of symbols, known as pips.

The Islamic influence can still be seen in the tradition of often having richly decorated back patterns on playing cards. Until cards began to be printed and mass-produced, they were handpainted and must have truly been works of art.

The Arab deck did not have a queen. Instead, it had the king (malik), prince or viceroy (naib malik) and a servant or deputy (thaim naib). The four original suits were cups, swords, coins and batons (or wands) which link in with the tarot deck.

(Although better known for fortune-telling, tarot or ‘tarock’ was also popular for playing games.)

One theory is that the apparently random symbols were interpreted from pictorial representations

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of the written Chinese symbols for its coins suits.

Known as the Latin deck, these original suits are still used in parts of the world.

These four suits were subsequently adapted and changed by other European countries, notably Germany and France.

The early German suits consisted of hearts (or sometimes roses), bells, acorns and shields. It is believed that the hearts suit evolved from cups.

Bells may have been used in place of swords because they were more culturally significant.

At that time, hunting with a hawk was popular amongst German nobility, with the customary small bells being tied onto the birds. As with the Arab or Latin deck, there was no queen. Instead the Germans had a könig (king), obermann (higher man), and untermann (lower man).

It was the French who changed the suits to the more well-known and enduring hearts, diamonds, clubs (or clovers) and spades. It is thought that spades may have been derived from swords used in the Latin deck, as the Spanish word for swords is espadas.

According to some sources, the French assigned classes to each suit, so that spades represented the nobility, hearts were the clergy, diamonds were the merchant classes and clubs were a symbol of the peasants.

And then there is the case of the ace, which appears to have come to prominence as an important card in the deck during the late 18th century. It has been suggested that it was once again the French who elevated the importance and value of the ace, as they made it a symbol to represent the people following the French Revolution between 1789 and 1799. However,

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another theory is that when Britain began to tax playing cards in 1765, the ace was stamped to show the tax had been paid. From then on, the ace was considered a more valuable card, comparable with the king, queen and jack, and its design became increasingly ornate as a result.

There have been many variations of playing card over the centuries in terms of: number of cards in a deck; pictorial representation of the courtly figures (known as ‘courtesan’ or ‘face cards’); and the interpretation of suits that have also included throughout their chequered history crowns, leaves, knights on horseback and even dragons, depending on geographical, cultural and social influences.

Playing cards were imported into England in around 1480, but 150 years later imports of playing cards were banned and so the country began manufacturing its own.

During the 1800s, the traditional French picture cards were re-designed by Charles Goodall & Sons to become the iconic symbols we know so well today. The British also introduced the ‘British Rule’ which renders the queen of a higher value to the king if the reigning monarch is a woman.

The jokers or court jesters were two wild or trump cards that were introduced by the Americans in the mid-1800s and, although taken up as an integral part of the modern deck, are rarely used in card games.

Playing cards have long been a symbol of decadence, mysticism and magic. A form of currency and conjuring, they can be a harmless pastime or a dangerous addiction that can win and lose fortunes as easily as the rise and fall of a house of cards.

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Time of Year

Why we hang Stockings?

By Tracey Anderson

And other odd Christmas traditions…

Christmas is all about traditions, but why do we hang stockings, eat chocolate logs and drink eggnog (why would anyone drink eggnog?!)

Stockings – Noddy Holder belting out, ‘Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall?’ is a Christmas tradition in itself. There’s no official explanation of why we hang socks up for Santa though. It probably derives from a tradition of leaving out hay-filled shoes on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day. Children would wake to discover that the hay they left for St. Nick’s donkey had been replaced with treats or coins.

Snacks for Santa – Whether it’s milk and a chocolate digestive or sherry and mince pie, when we leave goodies for Father Christmas we’re possibly participating in a tradition that some scholars date back to ancient Norse mythology! According to legend, Odin had an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Kids would leave treats for Sleipnir, hoping that Odin would favour them with gifts in return.

Carolling – You might suppose this is a centuriesold tradition but although the songs go back hundreds of years, visiting neighbours to bid them good luck and good cheer by singing for them didn’t happen until the Victorian era.

Evergreen decorations – Before Christianity people decorated their homes with evergreens in the winter as a reminder that spring would return. Christians adopted the tradition and decorated evergreen trees with apples to represent the Garden of Eden.

The practice really took off when the public learned that Queen Victoria had a decorated Christmas tree as a nod to her German husband’s heritage.

The Yule Log – Yule logs also predate Christianity. As part of winter solstice celebrations, Gaels and Celts burned logs decorated with holly, ivy, and pinecones to cleanse themselves of the past year and welcome the next one. The practice changed over time and eventually edible representations of the log appeared, which is why we eat chocolate logs today!

Eggnog – Surely the most revolting of traditions.

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However, historians agree that ‘nog’ was probably inspired by a medieval drink called ‘posset’, a milky drink made with eggs, milk, and sometimes figs or sherry. These were all pricey ingredients, so it was a bit of status symbol to offer it to guests. No-one seems to know for sure why it’s called ‘nog’, but it maybe from the old word ‘noggin’ which was slang for a wooden cup.

Mistletoe - This was associated with fertility and vitality by Celtic Druids because it blossomed even during the most frigid winters. Quite how we got from that kissing under the mistletoe is a mystery, but we do know that it began in the 18th Century and started with guests kissing the hand of their host under the mistletoe, then became progressively more personal over the decades that followed!

Advent calendars - The modern advent calendar, with its little doors containing sweets or small gifts, began with Gerhard Lang in the early 1900s. His inspiration was a calendar that his mother made for him when he was a child, featuring 24 coloured pictures attached to a piece of cardboard.

Christmas Cards – In these days of high postage costs, texts and emails, plus more environmental awareness this tradition may be at risk of dying out.

Christmas cards are a surprisingly recent tradition anyway, with the first formal card only hitting shelves in 1843.

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THE ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS ORDER YOUR NEW 68 PLATE TODAY AT T.C.HARRISON FORD

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Food and Drink

Champagne

Discovering Hidden Gems

Champagne has been very much recognised as THE sparkling wine for celebrations, special occasions and events, for many, many years. Non-vintage champagne is very popular too, with numerous followers and devotees. Non-vintage is equally enjoyable, wonderful and respected.

The I Love Bubbly company is UK based and was created to discover splendid champagnes, that are not widely known.

Founded during 1952, the Charles Collin Champagne Company produces a range, including awardwining champagnes, with grapes being selected carefully and harvested by hand, complying with strict guidelines. Champagne Charles Collin Cuvée Charles Brut (80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir) I found superb, with the bouquet of citrus fruits being much appreciated by the nasal senses. The mouthfeel and palate sensations continue through, for this elegant production. Champagne Charles Collin Cuvée Charles Rosé Brut (80% Chardonnay 20% Pinot Noir) is a further excellent champagne from this company. Light fruits of the forest enhance an impressive bouquet and entice, splendidly, to the experience awaiting the mouth and palate. Again, the elegance is outstanding and the production is well-balanced. A particular pleasure also for al fresco dining, adding colour to the occasion.

Champagne Royal Riviera Brut Suprême (70% Pinot Noir 30% Chardonnay) celebrates the Principality of Monaco and the French Riviera, most proudly. The presentation has an attractive turquoise blue label and packaging, which caught my eye. Champagne Royal Riviera Brut Suprême is rich and elegant.

The pale gold colour, plus the elegance, throughout the bouquet and tasting, is very impressive, with the pinot noir grapes adding to the expression of this champagne. www.royalriviera.mc www. champagne-charles-collin.com These refreshing champagnes, with wonderful perlages, are ideal as apéritifs and also to be enjoyed with a lot of cuisine. White meats, poultry, cured meats, rich fish, shellfish and many other dishes pair perfectly with these well-balanced productions. I located these champagnes, plus luxury hampers, culinary concepts, one of a kind Wearing Memories jewellery and gifts, within the ranges available from the I Love Bubbly Company. The events section, on the website, has information about their personalised services, including Mobile Champagne Bars and private events arrangements.

Tel: 44(0)7539 391 452 Email: info@ilovebubbly.com www.ilovebubbly.com

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

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For your chance to win £100 in our Christmas Quiz simply answer the questions below and send your entry to: Christmas Quiz, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP by 16th December 2018

Win £100 in our Christmas Quiz

1. What did my true love give me on the sixth day of Christmas?

2. The story goes that the German and English soldiers of World War One did what in No Man’s Land on Christmas Day 1914?

3. Who was Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol?

4. Who sings the solo in Kate Bush’s song Snowflake?

5. On what day of Christmas is the ‘Feast of Stephen’?

6. Which Dr Seuss children’s character hates Christmas?

7. What is the colour of a mistletoe berry?

8. Which country gives the UK the Christmas tree that is put on display in Trafalgar Square, London every year?

9. What was the name of the monster in the 2017 John Lewis Christmas advert?

10. Name three of Santa’s reindeer 11. What does the holly bear in the Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy? 12. What is traditionally hidden inside a Christmas pudding?

The team at The Villager would like to wish readers and advertisers

a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

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We’ve got plenty of festive spirit to go around!

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Local News

Treat yourself to delicious luncheons and luxury fashion shows to help the NSPCC in Cambridgeshire Do you like to be wined and dined? Is boutique fashion your (designer) bag? Well, you’re in luck, because you can help local children simply by treating yourself.

Huntingdon Dining Club is a friendly fundraising group which raises vital funds for the national children’s charity the NSPCC in Cambridgeshire through a programme of luxury luncheons, fashion shows and talks. Past speakers have given members a fascinating insight into the worlds of global fragrance profilers and prison chaplaincy.

Money raised by the club’s events and membership fee will help NSPCC projects such as Speak Out Stay Safe, which reached 19,149 primary school children in Cambridgeshire in the last academic year (2017-18), empowering them to stay safe from abuse.

The scheme educates pupils about how to recognise all forms of abuse and helps children identify trusted adults they can talk to, while highlighting that Childline is there for young people to help them with any problems.

Huntingdon Dining Club’s 2019 calendar is already shaping up: Award-winning Buckden womenswear boutique, Anne Furbank Fashions, will provide two exclusive fashion shows. The programme of luncheon events starts with an Exclusive Spring fashion show on February 11 and ends with the Exclusive Autumn fashion show on October 7.

The fashion shows start at 11am with a glass of fizz, and you will have the opportunity to shop the looks you’ve seen on the catwalk before the luncheon starts at 1pm in The George Hotel and Brasserie.

Guest speakers will give talks at the two other planned luncheons. The first one on March 25, will feature a talk by a professional florist about the art of flower-arranging. She will create seasonal arrangements while she talks, which will be raffled off to members and their guests.

And on July 1, the Detective Inspector of Bedfordshire Police will give an insight into the issues surrounding child protection and safeguarding.

Organiser Kate Armstrong said: “As a club, we are motivated to help the NSPCC to continue its good

work, delivering services and support to children and young people locally. In the two years that it has been running, Huntingdon Dining Club has raised over £4,000 for the NSPCC – a great result that we are really proud of. Being part of Huntingdon Dining Club is such an enjoyable and civilised way to raise funds for this wonderful charity, and we would like more people to join us.”

Kate added: “We are very grateful for the generous support of Rebecca and Anne Furbank and the team at Anne Furbank Fashions, and The George Hotel & Brasserie’s General Manager Richard O’Leary.”

Rebecca Furbank, Managing Director of Anne Furbank Group Ltd, said: “It is a delight to support the NSPCC Huntingdon Dining Club; such a simple, fun concept that raises money for a worthy charity.”

Richard O’Leary, Manager at The George, said: “We are so pleased to support this incredibly important fundraising venture for the charity. Judging by the upbeat atmosphere, the members of this dining club appreciate the seasonal menus we put together for them to enjoy at The George Brasserie.

Long may the relationship continue.”

Huntingdon Dining Club welcomes men and women of all ages, and members are welcome to bring guests. Annual membership costs just £30, which is donated directly to the NSPCC. Luncheons cost £25 for a delicious two-course meal with coffee at the Two AA Rosette Awardwinning The George Hotel & Brasserie.

Kate is currently looking for more volunteers to join the organising team behind Huntingdon Dining Club, to be part of planning future events for 2020 and beyond.

To become a member of the club or volunteer to join the organising team, email Kate at cfm.armstrong@gmail.com or telephone 01954 719745.

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House of Colour

By Jennie Billings Style and Colour Consultant at House of Colour www.houseofcolour.co.uk/jenniebillings jennie.billings@houseofcolour.co.uk

Ski Wear Style When skiing you want to tick all the boxes: warmth, comfort, visibility and of course, style. Here are a few top tips to help you dress with style on the slopes (without looking like a giant marshmallow).

1. Some of us may choose separate salopettes and a jacket but others suit jumpsuits that bring you in at the waist, giving more shape to your outfit.

Whichever you choose ensure it is in a colour from your palette that makes you look energetic and vibrant rather than a colour that doesn’t suit making you look drained and unhealthy. There are a huge range of colours available these days. Metallics are all the rage this season, but it’s not for everyone.

2. If you are unsure about wearing a bold coloured outfit but still want to include your wow colours, choose chic accessories in gorgeous colours whether that be boots, gloves, hats, a scarf or even your helmet! There is always a way to incorporate a pop of colour and team these with an outfit in a neutral from your seasonal palette 3. These days there is no need to sacrifice comfort for style. Try different shapes and don’t be afraid to wear patterns or more than one colour from your palette. Experiment with styles that suit your body shape and personality but do choose quality skiattire since you may wear it for years to come and you don’t want your outfit to unravel on the slopes.

As this will be an investment, consider discovering your best colours and style with a professional personal stylist.

4. A soft set of long johns or base layers is essential!

The best materials are ones that are breathable and moisture wicking. Choose full-length leggings and long sleeves. Always try them on first because they shouldn’t be restrictive anywhere, but you don’t want empty space between the fabric and your skin

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making you feel cold. Most base layers are synthetic but merino wool is a great alternative.

Choose the colour of your ski goggles carefully rather than just going for the obvious black or white.

Mirrored lenses are very fashion-forward but if that feels a little much then choose a colour that works well with your ski jacket and hat.

Don’t hide your curves if you have them! Unshaped jackets can make you look bulky so opt for jackets that are brought in at the waist, either with a belt or one that has stretch or different coloured panels at the side. Alternatively, find a jacket with diagonal baffles that compliment your figure as they create less bulk. Baffles ensures the insulation materials in a jacket are evenly distributed rather than gathering in one place.

Straight, skinny or slim silhouette salopettes will look better on straighter body shapes, whereas, straight, contouring bootcut or slightly wider leg salopettes will look better on curvy body shapes.

Its law in most places to wear a helmet but if you suffer from helmet hair either wear your hair up or use a bandana in one of your best colours to push your hair back with. Braiding is otherwise a great alternative to make you look wind-kissed rather than wind-battered.

Après ski is the perfect opportunity to show you know your own style whether that be a touch of animal print and or a little bit of check in your outfit – both very on-trend this season. Cashmere may be too warm for the slopes, but it is perfect for a stylish jumper and a great way to wear one of your wow colours. Pair with a faux fur jacket if that fits with your style personality or a fur hat to keep you warm whilst you sip your vin chaud!

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Extensions & newbuilds Design & Planning Approvals Building Regulations Project Management Professional service Fully insured as featured in Channel 4’s The Best Laid Plans

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Unusual Gifts

Time of Year

Perhaps it’s a Secret Santa. Perhaps it’s the uncle you see only once a year, or your brother who has absolutely everything. Or you may be working to a £10 or less budget.

Here are some ideas; unusual, funny and a bit off-the-wall.

Chocolate Covered Bacon on a stick - Yes really. This is a thing and it was hit last year when my teenage son received some from his aunt. We all tried it. So wrong...yet somehow so right! Google for suppliers.

Fiddle Toys - Is your recipient a fiddler? Do they jiggle and fiddle with pens? Are they a nail-biter or finger-picker? A fiddle toy is the perfect gift. Magnetic balls which can be played with and used to sculpt shapes, or fiddle cubes which have a different activity on every face and fit into the average pocket make great gifts.

Crossword Puzzle Mug - Complete the crossword while having a cuppa. Then download a brand-new set of clues from the app and try again.

Unusual clock - Everyone needs to tell the time, right? From projection clocks to lightup colour-change clocks, there’s a funky time piece for almost everyone. My son bought my science-geek husband a clock last year in which every number was replaced by a scientific formula whose answer corresponded to the hour! He loved it.

Gift of Time Voucher - Perhaps money is an issue this year. What skills do you have?

Can you walk a dog? Clean a car or a kitchen? Put together some flat-pack furniture?

Make a cake? Get creative and make a voucher promising to carry out some chore for your recipient. It’s not about the money.

By Louise Addison

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At Oakleigh Residential Home we take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of care for our residents. Our home is set out in large gardens with easy access, 24 bright and comfortable, single-occupancy rooms and in-house cooks who create appetising and varied menu’s.

01480 890248 stonnell.oakleigh@outlook.com 22 North Road, Alconbury Weston, Huntingdon, PE28 4JR.

We provide 24 hour care and can accommodate clients who require dementia care.

www.oakleighresidentailhome.co.uk ESTABLISHED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1988

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With a spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family-run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms.

A stylish bathroom to suit your current needs….

With our ageing population, an increasing number of us are less mobile. P & R Interiors can design, supply and fit an up-to-the-minute bath or shower room which also discretely incorporates function and practicality for the less able.

The best news is that many of these features are currently right on trend - from flush-to-floor shower trays and wet rooms, to walk-in showers with fixed glass screens – and built using the latest materials.

Managing Director Paul Kynoch, who has decades of experience in the trade, explains: “We believe that simplicity and ease of use are key. Less mobile people may need a higher-level toilet or a lower access bath. Our basins and toilets can be hung at a custom height to suit every need. We have baths with a door, or showers with screens that open outwards to help prevent falls.

“There are 54 working bays in our showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in, see

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exactly what you are buying and experience firsthand how it works. We supply, and can fit, your entire bathroom.”

P & R Interior’s own dedicated installation team can work on the supervised installation of your bathroom while adhering to local authority guidelines. Safety is paramount, and designs incorporate safety glass, thermostatically safe showers and non-slip floors.

Such is the design quality of the bathrooms, that accessories for the less able such as a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat, work seamlessly with the installation to be barely noticeable. Fold-down grab bars beside the toilet and sturdy shower rails that double up as supports all help make daily bathing the hassle-free pleasure it should be. It’s worlds away from the disabled bathrooms found in hospitals and care homes.

It is also now possible to install low level lighting under the bath that comes on automatically when you enter the bathroom at night. Hidden behind a two-way mirror that gives the illusion of flooring stretching beneath a ‘floating’ bath, the effect is as stunning as it is practical. This is the beauty of these safety and mobility features - they are so unobtrusively stylish, no one will notice you need that bit of extra help as they will simply be admiring your bathroom!

Materials have moved on apace since the era of acrylic baths in ‘avocado’. Now there are high quality

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resins that produce super thin shower trays and beautiful ‘tapless’ baths. Towel rails can be colour matched to cabinets for as little as £100 extra.

If you’re not a fan of wall tiles (although P & R Interiors carries a vast range), you can have waterproof panels instead. And if you have a smaller bathroom - as many of us do - then you will find P & R Interior’s wide but shallow depth basin units fit perfectly and provide spaciousness.

…and a kitchen to meet your future ones

Following customer demand, the fitted kitchen displays are now an integral part of the business meaning that when you visit P & R Interiors, you are only a step away from having your dream kitchen.

Top quality German and English-style kitchens are available to suit every budget and the company offers a free 3D software design package that Paul describes as ‘photographic’.

Specialising in high-tech German designed kitchens from Pronorm alongside more traditional-style English kitchens from JJO Plc, far from being out of most people’s pockets, P & R Interiors can often match trade prices and will always work to your budget.

“It’s really unusual for us not be able to come up with

a solution for you” says Andrew Groom who has 20 years’ experience under his belt.

Germany is the industry trendsetter in kitchen colours and design - and high street retailers eventually follow suit. Pronorm epitomises the elegance of a true ‘handleless’ kitchen. With its expansive, sleek cupboard fronts and modern electrically-operated doors - including ‘glass climbers’ that magically fold up like Venetian blinds - their kitchens are state-of-the-art. In years to come, we will all have convenient pull-down shelves and smart, hygienic ceramic or glass inserts on our cupboard fronts, but for now, Pronorm sets the bar.

As with bathrooms, kitchen materials are better and more durable than ever. You can have traditional granite in a gloss or leathered finish, quartz or Corian worktops, and now there are other finishes to choose from including Hi-Macs, and Staron. One of the latest worktop materials is Dekton. Described as ‘bomb proof’, it doesn’t stain or mark, is 100% hygienic, and heat resistant. It has been described as the ‘most scratch resistant surface on the market’.

Finish off your design with mood enhancing, colourchanging lights and you really will have a kitchen of the future.

P & R Bathrooms provides design and full installation or supply only. There is a five-year guarantee on all AEG Premier Partner exclusive products and a 10year guarantee on all kitchens. Both trade and retail are welcome.

P & R Interiors, 9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 10.00am to 4.00pm Tel: 0845 434 8401 Email: sales@pandrbathrooms.co.uk www.pandrinteriors.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Borderstyle & Landscaping We offer all aspects of soft or hard landscaping Driveways, Patios, Fencing Garden Design and Renovation Border and Garden Clearance Family Run Business Ten year warranty contract given.

We are fully insured.

Portfolios & references available.

Call Norm or Martin 01480477 040 / 07522661156 26

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Garden

Get Fit And

Garden!

By Pippa Greenwood

There’s nothing like some time in the garden to clear your head and get the blood moving. Fresh, cool air will wake you up and get you thinking positively, and your garden will benefit.

Removing damp, clogged up leaves from the lawn with a spring-tined rake will prevent patches of faded grass and is good for upper arm muscles!

Collect and bag up the leaves and rot them down to make leaf mould, a brilliant and free soil conditioner.

If the soil in cleared areas is sufficiently dry, fork it over to help the frosts break up heavier clay soils.

Any exposed grubs and other soil pests will feed the birds and minimise pest problems next year.

Get some digging done if the soil is not too wet, but limber up first. Keeping your back straight and your knees bent helps to reduce the risk of injury.

Winter is a good time to prune apple and pear trees. Use sharp secateurs to remove dead, dying and diseased branches, as well as branches causing the tree’s crown to be too congested.

Re-set any loose brick or similar edging around paths, beds or steps, and replace any damaged stones, pavers or bricks.

Carefully clear debris, dead foliage and stems from flower beds, but leave some dry foliage and stems over the bases or crowns of plants, especially those of the more tender perennials such as penstemons.

Smooth, hard garden surfaces such as patios, paths and steps become dangerously slippery

www.pippagreenwood.com if algae and debris builds up on them over the winter, especially when wet. A stiff brush or yard broom and plenty of elbow grease is the best solution I know.

Wet and very windy weather can cause shrubs and trees to become loosened in the soil, so re-firm the soil around the root area and make sure the plant is still in the soil at the right level.

You’re bound to feel better after all that air and exercise, so reward yourself with a cuppa and admire your handiwork before heading inside for a nice hot bath!

Limber Up! After too much time inside, and in cold weather, take care before you spring into action: • Wear plenty of clothing when you go outside and remove layers gradually as you warm up.

• Limber up gently to slowly loosen up your arms, legs and back.

• Don’t do any single task for too long – rotate the jobs for perhaps ten minutes at a time, so you don’t put any one area of your body under too much strain.

• Give yourself regular, short breaks and don’t forget to drink enough.

• Bend your knees when lifting and if in doubt call on a friend, relative or neighbour to give you a hand.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items and perfect Christmas gifts for gardeners: a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card (great vegetable plants and weekly advice from Pippa), stylish cloches, the fantastic SpeedHoe, raised bed kits, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Pets

New Charity Shop Our new charity shop has now been open for two months and we have been incredibly lucky with the amount of donations we have received. Unlike some charity shops, whose shops can request stock from a central warehouse, our shop is stocked purely from what comes through our front door. We are always grateful for all the donations we receive, no matter how big or small and are constantly amazed by the generosity of the public.

Once the donated goods come in, a lot of work goes into them before they appear on the shop floor.

Each item is individually sorted, cleaned or steamed and then priced according to its worth. None of this can be achieved without the fantastic work of our volunteers. Whether they pop in for an hour, half a day or all day every day, our shop couldn’t run without them.

Unfortunately we are desperately short of volunteers, meaning we are struggling to sort out the amazing amount of donations we are receiving, as well as manning the shop. There are many different roles a volunteer can carry out whilst working at the charity shop, and it is guaranteed no day or shift is ever the same! We have positions available in the shop where staff serve on the till, take in donations, rotate and replenish stock, as well as doing window and shop displays.

There are also positions in the stockroom, where all our stock gets sorted, cleaned or steamed and

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organised ready to sell in the shop. This is a vital position within the shop that ensures there is a steady flow of new stock, keeping the shop full, meaning we are able to raise as much money as we can which all goes towards the care and rehabilitation of local animals.

One of our longer serving volunteers, Maureen, had this to say about working in our shop…

“I have worked in the RSPCA shop in Bedford for over three years. I work as a volunteer for two mornings a week, sometimes more. I started when I retired from full time work. I love it! I work on the shop floor but there are all sorts of things that need doing. It is very rewarding and it’s lovely to know you are helping animals and keep in touch with people in general. I like sorting out the books and as I used to be a jeweller, I also sort out the jewellery and display cabinet. We all have different interests and knowledge and it is good to be able to put our different skills to good use. Please visit our shop; you never know what you might find!”

If you would like to support our local Branch and help out at our little charity shop, we would love to hear from you. Any help at all is always appreciated and everyone is made to feel part of the team, no matter the skill set there is always something to do. volunteer@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk 01234 930304 Hopefully we will see you soon!

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ARRINGTON GARDEN CENTRE & CAFE

Garden Centre

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees Top quality Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce Wreaths, Table Arrangements, Holly and Mistletoe

Café

A warm welcome awaits you in our Café with hot food, sandwiches, cakes, hot & cold drinks and seasonal specials

Now taking

Turkey Orders

for Christmas OPENING TIMES: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm & Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Christmas Eve - Monday 24th December 9am to 4pm Saturday 29th December 10am to 3pm Sunday 30th December 10:30am to 3pm New Years Eve - Monday 31st December 10am to 3pm CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th & 28th December and New Year’s Day

Located directly off the A1198 near Arrington, SG8 0AG | Open 7 days a week 01223 208194

f Arrington Garden Centre

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29

Puppy and Dog Training Classes

in Bedford and Cambridgeshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk cambridgeshiredogschool@dogstrust.org.uk

07388 377371

III SHIRES PEST CONTROL

ALL SEASONS GArdEN & PrOPErty MAiNtENANcE

Call Matthew 07836 754014 / 01480 811330 Control of Wasps, Ants, Bees, Fleas, Bedbugs, Moths, Carpet Beetles, Cockroaches, Rats, Mice, Squirrels and Birds Suppliers of UV Fly Killers CRB Checked and Fully Insured Prompt and Discreet Professional Service Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural

E: enquiries@3shirespestcontrol.co.uk W: 3shirespestcontrol.co.uk

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St.NeotS baSed compaNy eStabLiShed SiNce 2011 domeStic & commerciaL FuLLy iNSured certiFied waSte carrierS grass/Hedge-cutting turFing | patios | decking ground preparation | Fencing sHeds/conservatory bases repair Work & painting pressure WasHing gutter clearing/cleaning clearances Nick Leadbeater

Mob: 07896668976 / HoMe: 01480 383605 eMail: all_seasons123@HotMail.co.uk Web: WWW.allseasonsgpM.co.uk : Find us on Facebook

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Local News

Dogs Trust Dogs School It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many, but the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas can be a sensory overload for your dog. Want to help make Christmas fun for your whole family – fourlegged friends included? Introducing Dogs Trust Dog School, a national network of experienced trainers providing fun, educational courses for all dog owners based on up-to-date scientific research. Using reward-based training methods, we teach the key skills your dog needs to thrive in everyday situations.

From calmly greeting unexpected visitors, to resisting tasty temptations and coping with a more crowded-than-usual household, our expert knowledge will help Christmas become a walk in the park for you and your dog. Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session. To find your nearest dog school visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk and take your first step towards making the most of your relationship with your four-legged friend now.

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Motoring

The Wackiest Special Editions Manufacturers love making special editions, weird and wonderful creations that showcase what car makers can do when they let their imaginations run wild.

Here, we’ve picked out eight of the wackiest.

Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner Fly Fishing The Bentley Bentayga is a decent combination of luxurious craftsmanship and go-anywhere all-wheel-drive capability. However, the Fly Fishing by Mulliner edition is fitted with bespoke rod tubes trimmed in saddle leather and a central storage station to give specific storage for rods, reels and flies, as well as a waterproof wader stowage trunk.

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin The Golf is one of the best-selling cars of all time and comes in a variety of colours, specifications and body styles. The Harlequin, however, was slightly out of the ordinary.

Produced for just one year from 1996, just 264 colourful Golf Harlequins were produced, made as a result of the popularity of the Polo Harlequin.

Ssangyong Korando Sports DMZ The ‘regular’ Korando Sports pickup was a success for South Koreanbased SsangYong; it was impressive off-road and had a generous amount of standard equipment.

The special DMZ edition, however, came with camouflage paint and either stood out from or blended into the crowd – whichever you preferred – giving the Korando Sports a beefy, military edge.

Bentley Bentayga Falconry Another Bentayga catering for a very niche pastime, the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner features a removable ‘transportation perch’ and has a variety of trim pieces crafted from cork.

A veneer inlaid with a falcon graphic features on the car’s passenger-side trim piece and is made up of 430 separate handplaced pieces.

Skoda Felicia Fun The Skoda Felicia Fun came with a bright yellow exterior matched by an equally jazzy interior, with yellow accents on the steering wheel, gearstick and main dials.

The trick up its sleeve was a rear bulkhead that could be extended to reveal two rear seats with a convertible section above, meaning four people could come along for the ride.

Rolls-Royce Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’ Rolls-Royce is noted for staggeringly impressive – and staggeringly expensive – special editions. The Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’ was limited to just 55 examples and uses a speciallydeveloped ‘Sunburst Grey’ exterior paint.

Inside, the main dashboard is fitted with 176 individual LEDs, designed to resemble ‘the trailing light of a shooting star’. Nice.

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DS3 Black Lezard The DS3 is a car built on the ability to customise its every aspect, and the Black Lezard edition is a more luxurious version. For instance, the Lezard design, mimicking the look of lizard skin, is hand applied, taking two hours per vehicle.

The interior of the car is finished in high-quality leather, and gloss black trim is used to help lift the overall look of the cabin.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham In 2012, Range Rover revealed a special edition version of its Evoque SUV made in partnership with Victoria Beckham. The exterior is hand-finished in matte grey paint, while the alloy wheels feature gloss black paint and rose gold detailing.

Inside, the four seats are finished in high-quality leather with contrasting white ‘baseball’ stitching. Prices were impressively high, coming in at a weighty £79,995.

By James Baggott

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Food and Drink

Baking Christmas Mincemeat Slice

Makes 12-14 slices Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, plus chilling and cooling This delicious festive slice can be served warm as a pud with custard, thick cream or brandy butter or simply cool completely and serve instead of mince pies.

INGREDIENTS 225g plain flour 165g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 1 egg yolk blended with 1 tbsp cold water 75g caster sugar 300g good quality mincemeat 50g ground almonds 2 tbsp flaked almonds 1. Sift the flour into a large bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs (alternatively pulse in a food processor until fine breadcrumbs).

2. Remove 100g of the breadcrumb mixture and cover and chill in the fridge. Stir 25g of the sugar into the remaining mixture, then stir in the egg and water and mix to a firm dough (adding a little more water if needed). Knead lightly then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface

and use to line a 23cm square tart tin. Prick the pastry all over with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining paper and beans and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Cool slightly.

Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4.

4. Spread the mincemeat in the pastry case. Mix the rest of the sugar and the ground almonds into the reserved pastry crumb mixture and scatter over the mincemeat to cover completely.

5. Return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is pale golden. Scatter over the flaked almonds and leave to cool before removing from the tin and cutting into 12-14 thin slices.

Tip

Add some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts to the crumble topping for an extra nutty flavour.

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Codeword 1

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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.

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G.B.BUILDERS

• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade sales welcome

NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR ALL MAINTENANCE, RENOVATIONS AND DIY WORK All general building repairs and odd jobs Specialist in Painting and Decorating & Groundwork and Grass cutting • Brickwork & Plastering Tiling Driveways • Paths & Patios Slabbing • Concreting Blockpaving • Fencing, Carpentry • Roofing Guttering • Drainage Plumbing

Call today 07877742420 or 01480 437511 Email: g.bbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

Monday & Wednesday to Saturday – 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

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37

n O s ’ t Wha In December

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

1 December Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Free admission Quality handmade art and craft stalls. Tombola.

1 December Adult Learning & Skills Saturday Workshops 10am St Ivo School, St Ives A wide range of one day workshops, including Christmas Flower Ring, Christmas Designs in Watercolour, Christmas Cake Decorating, Chocoholics, Festive Family Workshops, Make-up Revamp, Indian Dance and more. Tel: 01480 495717 Web: www.aclearning.org.uk 1 December Great Fen Christmas Magic 12 noon-3.30pm Wildlife Trust Countryside Classroom, Ramsey Heights £4 per child. Wildlife crafts and activities; festive refreshments and stocking fillers.

Tel: 01480 815524 Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/ events/2018-12-01-feeling-frosty-fens 1 December Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton Carols with Southonian Singers. For adults of all ages with lunch and various activities available.

Tel: Leisa Hunt 01480 471748 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 1 December Singing for Scotty’s 7.30pm The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, St Neots Tickets £15, Concessions £10. A charity concert of male choirs featuring Huntingdon Male Voice Choir and formed especially for this event Sing2Help plus special guests Seer Green Singers.

Tel: Stewart 07771 616113 Web: www.hmvc.org.uk 1 December BRAHMS - A German Requiem 7.30pm St Mary's Church, Eaton Socon St Neots Choral Society Concert.

1 December Big Deal Comedy Night 7.30pm St Andrews Centre, School Hill, Histon £7 per person. Bringing some of the best new and experienced comedians on the circuit to a comedy night near you. On behalf of The Homeless Support Stand Up Project our Histon gig will be in aid of Jimmy’s Night Shelter. For every ticket sold, we will donate £2 to the Charity. Advance booking advised.

Email: events@bigdealcomedy.co.uk Web: www.bigdealcomedy.co.uk 1 & 2 December Christmas Tree Festival Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12-4pm Alconbury Parish Church Vote for your favourite tree. Refreshments, chocolate tombola, craft stalls and children’s crafts.

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3 December Wandlebury Adventures 6-8pm £14 per child CambridgePPF event.

For unaccompanied children aged 8-12 years.

Activity is Christmas Decorations.

Tel: 01223 243830 for more info & booking Email: enquiries@cambridgeppf.org Web: www.cambridgeppf.org

5 December Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club Coffee Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noon Godmanchester Town Hall Monthly coffee morning and raffle. Annual membership fee is £10. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 5 December St Mary's Afternoon WI St Neots 2pm St Mary's Church Room, St Neots First Wednesday of the month. Christmas Celebrations with festive food, entertainment and Secret Santa. Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Marys-AfternoonSt-Neots-Womens-Institute-238190076940278/ 5 December Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Visitors £6. Lesley Beeton presenting 'Christmas Raffle'. Raffle, refreshments and sales table.

Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Email: jandobie1946@googlemail.com Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 5 December Huntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30pm Women's Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon Speaker will be Liz Davies on ‘A Nineteenth Century Peterborough Family Christmas'. Non-members most welcome - contact the Secretary to attend. £1 donation at the door appreciated.

Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 for more details Email: secretary@huntsfhs.org.uk Website: www.huntsfhs.org.uk 5 December Huntingdon and District Branch of the Royal Air Force Association 7.30pm for 8pm First Wednesday of the month.

Tel: Tony Perryman, Secretary 01480 465395 Email: rafa.huntingdon1@btinternet.com 5 December Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall Meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 5, 12 & 19 December Kimbolton Bridge Club 9.30am-12 noon Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Meets every Wednesday morning to play friendly, social bridge. No partner needed. Just come along or call Vanessa. Tel: Vanessa 01480 453929

5, 12 & 19 December St Neots Choral Society 7.30-9.30pm Eynesbury Junior School, Montagu Street, Eynesbury New members are very welcome to join and there are no auditions to frighten you but an ability to read a little music is helpful! There is an annual subscription once you decide to join the Society. New members are welcome in all voices. Tel: 01480 212298 Web: www.stneotschoral.org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 December Healthy Walking 10am or 10.30am-11am Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Free event. CambridgePPF event. Every Thursday.

Meet at the Stable Rooms at 10am for a longer walk or 10.30am for a shorter stroll. No need to book.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to register.

7 December Manor House Christmas Shopping Event 3-7pm The Manor House, Broad Street, Cambourne The Wildlife Trust BCN's Annual Christmas Fair. Join the Trust for a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while browsing a lovely array of Christmas gifts.

Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2018-12-07christmas-shopping-manor-house 7 December The Greatest Showman Meal 6 for 6.30pm, Film 7 for 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Kimbolton Community Cinema. Starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. Tickets available from Oliver’s, Swan Pharmacy, Courtyard Kitchens, Bytes Café or by email. Email: jrstratford@hotmail.com Web: http://e-voice.org.uk/ themandevillehallkimbolton/community-cinema 7 December St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Guest Hall, Priory Centre, St Neots Tickets £5. Traditional Christmas Songs and Humorous Readings with St Neots Folk Club.

Members of the St Neots Local History Society meet monthly for talks of local and historical interest but this talk is open to all who would like to come. Tickets available from St Neots Museum.

Tel: Tickets 01480 217492 7 & 8 December Theatre at the Leper Chapel 7.30-8.30pm Tickets £12, Under 18s & Students £8 Leper Chapel, Newmarket Road, Cambridge Theatre at the Leper Chapel: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol, the way Dickens told it himself: one man, one stage. Playing over 20 characters, Martin Prest brings Charles Dickens’ timeless story of redemption to life. As popular now as when it was first published in 1843, this captivating seasonal tale has the feel-good factor of a roast Christmas dinner with presents under the tree.

Dress warmly. www.thatsmycueproductions.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In December

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com

7-9 December Christmas Tree Festival Fri 11am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12.30-3pm Free admission.

The United Reformed Church, High St, St Neots 40 trees decorated by local organisations. Saturday includes St Neots Singers and Black Cat Radio LIVE. Sunday 11am Worship Service among the trees.

Seasonal Refreshments, Luxury Prize Raffle, Light Lunches and Craft Stalls. www.stneotsurc.co.uk

7, 14 & 21 December Friday Night Lights 7.30-8.30pm Longsands Academy Astro, Longsands Road, St Neots St Neots Hockey Club. Friday Night Lights aims to provide the local community of St Neots with the opportunity to experience hockey in a casual, relaxed and family orientated environment.

Tel: Chris (Club Development Officer) 07792 044878 Email: cjbryden08@hotmail.co.uk 8 December Big Deal Comedy Night 7.30pm Upper Cambourne Cricket Pavilion, Cambourne £7 per person. Bringing some of the best new and experienced comedians on the circuit to a comedy night near you. Returning after a sell-out show in September. Make sure you get your tickets ASAP as half sold out within 12 hours previously. Further details, including booking information, is online.

Email: events@bigdealcomedy.co.uk Web: www.bigdealcomedy.co.uk 8 & 9 December Christmas Tree Festival Sat 1-5pm, Sun 2-5pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Free admission. Come along and see stunning Christmas trees decorated by local village groups and organisations. Stalls and raffles. Refreshments available. A great community event for all ages.

8, 15 & 22 December Meet Father Christmas at the museum 11.30am-1.30pm & 2-3.30pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots £4 per child. Father Christmas will be making some special stop-offs at St Neots Museum during the festive season. So add a little extra bit of magic to the festive season for little ones (and the young at heart). A wrapped gift and card from Father Christmas for every child.

Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk 12 December St Neots Museum Ghost Walk 7.30pm The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Tickets £5. Discover the haunted buildings, ghostly secrets and spooky stories of St Neots on our ghost walk. Join our 90 minute walk through the town centre to find out more. Meet at the museum, walks go ahead in all weathers. Please book by email.

Email: curators@stneotsmuseum.org.uk Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

14 December Charity Christmas Carols at Island Hall 7.30-9.30pm Island Hall, Godmanchester £25 per person inc. refreshments In aid of the Pepys House Trust (Registered Charity No: 262261). Please email with your name and address so a booking form may be sent to you.

Email: enquire@islandhall.com Web: www.islandhall.com

15 December Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Family Christmas Concert 4pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Huntingdon Tickets: £14/£12, Student Concession £7/£6 A Family Christmas Concert including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night, and lots of your favourite carols. Conductor: Bjorn Bantock. Tickets available by telephone, online or on the door. Tel: Box office 01480 375678 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm) Web: www.huntsphil.org.uk 15 December The Aragon Singers of Buckden 7.30pm St Ives Methodist Church Tickets £10 inc. refreshments. Entertainment of beautiful Christmas Music and Carols with audience participation. Proceeds in aid of Project 200 and The Toilet Twinning Charity. Tickets available in advance or on the door. Tel: Tickets 01480 494133 16 December Carols by Candlelight 4pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Come and join us in singing a variety of traditional carols in a lovely candlelit setting. Bring a torch!

19 December Christmas Trail 10am-3pm £1 per child Ferry Meadows, Peterborough Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for clues as you walk around. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. Open to any age.

Web: www.neneparktrust.org.uk Until 21 December Escape Room: Jail Break Conscription 1916 1.30-9pm St Neots Museum, The Old Court, 8 New Street, St Neots Large teams (5-8 people) £80, Small teams (4 people or less) £60 in partnership with Mystery in History, are proud to present the second season of Jailbreak, set in the Victorian cells of the Old Police Station, more commonly known these days as St Neots Museum.

Our first season in Spring this year saw 574 people locked in our cells and we now return with a brand new challenge involving different skills and challenges.

Tel: 01480 214163 Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

21 December Christmas Holiday Bushcraft 8.30am-4pm Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Holiday Bushcraft at Wandlebury is designed for children ages 5-12 and is run by experienced, qualified teachers from the outdoor learning experience group, Wild Thyme & Embers, who will inspire children and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild. Booking essential.

Web: www.wildthymeandembers.co.uk 22 December A Calm, Creative Christmas at Wandlebury 10am-11am & 11.30am-12.30pm £6 per child (age 2+) Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge Join Vital Spark for some calm creativity with craft, storytelling and nature - all the magic of the season with a natural and mindful slant to the activities.

We’re not at all ‘bah humbug’, we just enjoy a little quality family time away from the more commercial side of Christmas! For ages 3-7 years. Children to remain accompanied throughout. Booking essential.

Email: katherine@vitalsparktheatre.org 22 December Children’s Christmas Party 2-4pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Come and join us in celebrating Christmas with crafts, songs and a film, all with a Snowman theme.

Please telephone to leave a message or email to book a place. Tel: Nicci Jones 01480 877215 Email: admin@thepaxtonsbenefice.org 22 December Carol Concert 6pm St Mary's Church, Eaton Socon Joint concert with St Neots Choral Society and St Neots Sinfonia.

24 December Christingle with Carols 2pm St James’ Church, Little Paxton Other Christmas services being held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 29 & 30 December St Ives Antiques Fair 10am-4pm Burgess Hall (One Leisure Centre), Westwood Road, St Ives Adults £2.50, Concessions £2 Around 50 dealers offering affordable quality antiques and vintage pieces including ceramics, glass, maps, small items of furniture, silver, china, jewellery, paperweights, postcards and other interesting treasures of yesteryear at prices to suit all pockets. Ample free parking, wheelchair access from street level, on-site catering and licensed bar.

Dealers welcome from 9am upon production of business card. Tel: 01480 896866 Email: parkhousepr@aol.com Web: www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk Facebook: www/facebook.com/stivesantiquesfair Twitter: www.twitter.com/StIvesAntiques

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November’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs G Trigg from Potton Overtones Competition Pat King from Buckden

Champneys Competition K. Hurren from Stevenage

Easy

Hard

Fun Quiz - Shops 1. The final episode of which TV show was the most-watched TV show in the UK on Christmas Day 2015?

2. In a 1992 Christmas special, who fails to give his girlfriend, Irma Gobb, the engagement ring she wanted when he didn’t realise what she was pointing to, and instead gives her a picture of an engaged couple that was next to it in the shop?

3. Screened on Christmas Day in 2003, Sleepless In Peckham was the final episode of which long-running TV sitcom?

4. On Christmas Day of what year did a Doctor Who episode called The Time Of The Doctor see Peter Capaldi take over from Matt Smith as the Doctor?

5. Which TV series features a robot Santa Claus who, due to a programming error, judges almost everyone to be naughty and every Christmas, goes on a murderous rampage?

6. The title character in which TV show lived at 52 Festive Road?

7. Broadcast on Boxing Day 2015, The Farmer’s Llamas was a Christmas special of which TV show?

8. Which character from EastEnders was murdered on Christmas Day in 2009?

9. Introduced in the first episode of The Simpsons, what breed of dog is Santa’s Little Helper?

10. On the TV show South Park, who brings presents to boys and girls whose diets have been high in fibre?

1. Downton Abbey 2. Mr Bean 3. Only Fools And Horses 4. 2013 5. Futurama 6. Mr Benn 7. Shaun The Sheep 8. Archie Mitchell (accept Archie) 9. Greyhound 10. Mr Hankey the Christmas Poo

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41

The Villager Prize Crossword

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th December 2018 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1. Connect to another (6) 4. Yarn, twine (6) 9. Mature (7) 10. Problem, concern (5) 11. Bend (5) 12. Places of work (7) 13. Differentiate (11) 18. Identical (7) 20. Fang (5) 22. Having had water removed (5) 23. Hammering (7) 24. Leaders, monarchs (6) 25. Business, company (6) Down 1. Diminish (6) 2. Sweetheart, paramour (5) 3. Most statuesque (7) 5. Robber (5) 6. Bugs (7) 7. 1978 musical set in 50s (6) 8. Meeting with doctor (11) 14. First letter (7) 15. Unfastening, removing knots (7) 16. Kill (6) 17. Long-haired, unkempt (6) 19. More advanced in age (5) 21. Pungent vegetable (5)

Name: Tel:



Address:

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NK Scaffolding Ltd Professional and reliable

Covering

Brampton Huntingdon Cambridgeshire Contact

Nick Kent

nick.kent84@gmail.com M : 07703 577762 T : 01480 530729

EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

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Local News

Twinwoods Adventure Based in Milton Ernest, Twinwoods Adventure is the home of indoor Adventure, easily accessible from the A6.

Now under new management, changes are already under way to improve the facilities and bring new, exciting Adventures to the people of Bedford, all under one roof.

We’ve always been known for our incredible Indoor Skydiving and Indoor Surfing, but did you know we offer much, much more? How about our relaxing spa with pool, sauna and steam room, or our adult and family salt caves which can help promote a range of health benefits.

Looking for more excitement?

Try the climbing wall, archery, our gas gun range, or the ultimate adrenaline rush, jumping 125ft from the top of our wind tunnel!

For the really little people, we have the Playhouse, an incredible adventure soft play, which offers regular mini-Adventures, as well as open play sessions. Let them play, while you enjoy a great tasting coffee and generous slice of homemade cake.

Whatever the weather, Twinwoods Adventure is the perfect place

to have a great time as a family.

Enjoy all the Adventures, fill up in our restaurant, and if you want to make a weekend of it, stay in our comfortable on-site accommodation.

We’re extremely proud of our location, our heritage and being a part of the local community, and core to that is charity. If your charity has a story and needs help, we’d love to hear from you to see if there’s a way that we can work with you. We’ll be picking a number of charities over the next year to work with, and support as best we can.

To find out more, please email: charity@twinwoods.email To find out more about the Adventures you can have with us, check out our website www. twinwoodsadventure.com or call us on 01234 816350. If you’re on social media, make sure you add us to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and special offers. You can find us at /twinwoodsuk Want to see what we’re about in person? All our activities are free to spectate, though be warned, you’ll want to give it a go once you’ve seen the fun people are having!

You can find us at: Twinwoods Adventure, Twinwoods Business

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Park, 36 Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest, Bedford, MK44 1FD. There’s plenty of free, on-site, parking - just look for the big blue building.

Roy Castleman, part of the new ownership team, comments: “It’s great to be a part of this historic site’s next chapter. We’re looking forward to making things even better here, and adding some incredible new Adventures. Charity is really important to us, which is why we’re looking for local charities that we can help support.

We would love to hear your story, and we’ll be picking a number of charities to work with.”

DUST & BRUSH Professional Domestic and Commercial Cleaning in and around the Cambridgeshire area Fully Insured and DBS Checked Specialising in: 20% OFF Regular Cleans FIRST CLEAN One Off Cleans End of Tenancy Clean Office and Commercial Cleans We provide FREE quotations so please get in touch

07702 270164

facebook/DustnBrushCleaning Email: dustnbrush@outlook.com

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45

Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan

Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements

Stuck for the perfect present this Christmas? Or need some inspiration for your own wish list? Read on…

Based in Alconbury Weston

For Harry Potter Fans

Tony Webb - 07850 293540

Freephone - 0800 689 0894

Use your local removal company

Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096

The Crimes of Grindelwald

By J.K. Rowling

www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to recapture Gellert Grindelwald, who’s recently escaped and is gathering followers.

This is the second in the Fantastic Beasts series. It’s a screenplay of the recently released film, rather than a traditional novel, so it’s quicker to read but no less enjoyable.

Locksmith Services

For Romantic Fiction Fans A Miracle on Hope Street

by Emma Heatherington

When she learns that one act of kindness has transformed a man’s life, Ruth decides to put her own loneliness aside and create a Christmas to remember for people in need. A heart-warming tale that’s perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Marian Keyes.

For Historical Fiction Fans Washington Black

by Esi Edugyan

11-year-old slave Washington Black is taken from the sugar fields and lent to his tyrannical master’s brother, Titch, to work on a ‘cloudcutter’ hot air balloon. The duo form an unlikely friendship that, coupled with Washington’s artistic talent, could provide a way out of slavery.

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and Town

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