Alconbury October 2018

VILLAGER The

Issue 79 - October 2018

and Town

Life

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

In this issue Win two tickets to

The Festive Gift Fair

Parcels, Peculiarities and the

Postal Service Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Inside this issue...

The History of Specs

4

The History of Specs.........................................................4 The Day of the Dead.........................................................8 Wines: Gems of Switzerland...........................................10 Win Two Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair...........................12 Yoga Mats - Which is the right one for you?....................15 Bullying - What if your child is the bully?.......................16 Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service...................19 Who will look after your pet?.........................................20 Life in Retirement..........................................................21

Saving Options for Children............................................22 Beautiful Bulbs..............................................................27 Lawn Love......................................................................28 Teaching your dog to come back when called................30 Indoor Games for Wet Autumn Days..............................32 Nick Coffer’s weekend Recipe.........................................35 Puzzle Page....................................................................36 What’s On.......................................................................38 Wordsearch....................................................................41 Prize Crossword..............................................................42 Reading Charity Issues Volunteer Appeal.......................44 Fun Quiz.........................................................................44 Book Review..................................................................46

The Day of the Dead

8

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, Iris Saunders, Louise Addison, Hannah Byatt, Tony Larkins, Ann Haldon, Pippa Greenwood, Rachael Leverton and Nick Coffer

Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost • Tel 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Sergii Koval 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.

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

3

History

The History of Specs Said to be man’s fifth most important invention, many of us see our spectacles as an indispensable dispensable. And with the array of modern designs available now, they are usually a fashion statement too. It’s a far cry from the 1930s when they were described as ‘medical appliances’.

Wearing glasses has often been associated with stigma and it wasn’t really until the 1960s and 70s – when figures in the public eye such as John Lennon, Michael Cane and Elton John turned their glasses into a signature style – that they began to be seen as potentially desirable accessories. But where did the idea of wearing lenses over your eyes to help correct your sight even begin?

Lenses have been around for a long time. The properties of optical lenses were known as far back as the ancient Greeks. The Vikings would grind

4

lenses out of rock crystal, and in the 12th century in Europe, smooth-bottomed spherical magnifying lenses were called ‘reading stones’.

It is generally accepted that the first actual spectacles were made in northern Italy in the late 13th century and that they were in accepted use by the 1350s, with Italy exporting large numbers of eye glasses to the Middle and Far East. The lenses were manufactured by highly skilled ‘cristalleri’ at the famous Venetian island’s Murano glassworks, to exacting criteria.

One of the earliest (if not the earliest) artworks showing people wearing spectacles and using lenses is a series of frescoes by the Italian artist Tommaso da Modena, completed in 1352 at the Basilica san Nicolo in Treviso. They show Cardinal

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Our bespoke Smart Conservatory roof insulation solutions are tailored for your conservatory and can be installed with minimal disruption, making your conservatory nice and cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter. Within just a few days, you will be sitting back, relaxing in your new comfortable all-year-round living area.

Having an insulated conservatory roof will not just add value to your property, but it will totally change the way you are using your downstairs living area. For more information or to request a quotation, visit our website or give us a call.

For more information or to request a quotation, visit our website or give us a call.

32 Smart Conservatory Solutions Ad (update).indd 1

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

5

10/05/2018 15:39

Hugh, or Hugo, of Provence wearing a pair to read with, and Cardinal Nicholas of Rouen attempting to decipher a text using a monocular lens on a handle. It is no coincidence that the order from which these cardinals came, the Dominicans, were known as the ‘carriers of the sciences’.

During this time, spectacles would not have had arms or earpieces but would have been made up of two magnifying lenses attached to a metal fame or holder that could be riveted to grip the nose (also known as pince nez or rivet spectacles). The spectacles would have acted like reading glasses, with convex lenses to correct long-sightedness only (hyperopia and age-related presbyopia).

In 1604, the well-known scientist and astronomer Johannes Kepler explained how convex and concave lenses could correct both long and shortsightedness (myopia) and, in 1629, The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers was formed in England. Their slogan was ‘a blessing to the aged’.

Although rigid rod side arms for spectacles were dreamt up as early as the beginning of the 1700s (possibly by the London optician Edward Scarlett), the innovation didn’t catch on initially, with people favouring the use of lorgnettes and scissor glasses until the late 18th century, even after optician James Ayscough improved on them by adding folding hinges.

It is polymath and US founding father Benjamin Franklin who is often credited with having invented bifocals (the forerunner to today’s varifocals) to correct both short and longsightedness in the same pair of spectacles. They were invented at some point during the mid to late 1700s and this belief is based on a letter Franklin wrote to his friend George Whatley, where he states that he is ‘happy in the invention

of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes are useful to me as ever they were.’ Although Franklin does not actually say he invented them himself, his reputation as a scientist and inventor meant that many took it to mean he did. But another theory is that he bought them on a visit to England and the true inventor remains anonymous. The debate will probably never be completely settled.

The first glasses for correcting astigmatism (where the eye is rugby ball shaped causing a blurred ‘double’ image) were invented in 1825 by a British astronomer named George Airy. By 1850, modern ‘temple’ glasses (with arms and a ‘temple’ that fits over the ears) were in use, and frame designs continued to evolve for comfort and practicality.

In the early 19th century, under the direction of optical scientist Moritz von Rohr, the lens manufacturer Zeiss came to dominate the spectacle lens field with their spherical point-focus lens known as Punktal®, and for the first time the wearer could see clearly through the whole of the lens, not just the centre of it. Zeiss was also able to move away from the limitations of what had previously been the only lens available – the round optical lens – to create spectacles in more ergonomic shapes that better fitted the wearer.

The 20th century saw a huge surge forward in spectacle technology with the introduction of polarisation, plastic frames, lightweight and photochromic lenses, specialist eyewear and, of course, contact lenses. The 1950s brought us the NHS and its now legendary NHS specs to the masses. Their iconic range of frames, typically either round wire ones or solid black plastic, is now seen as the ultimate retro chic.

By Catherine Rose

6

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

7

Time of Year

The Day of the Dead Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events differ in traditions and tone. While Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, the Day of the Dead festivities honour deceased family members.

Revellers don amazing makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. It actually takes place over two days: November 1st and 2nd - All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people.

These pre-Hispanic cultures considered death to be one part of life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit, and during Día de los Muertos they temporarily returned to Earth. Over the years these traditions blended with Christian traditions.

At the centre of the celebration is an altar, or ‘ofrenda’, built in homes and cemeteries. These are designed to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. They are loaded with offerings: water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. The altars are decorated with marigolds which are scattered in a pathway to the grave-site, to guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers and purifies the whole area.

In the 18th Century the term Calavera (which means ‘skull’) was used to describe short, humorous poems, often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs that poked fun at the living. In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada illustrated a calavera by drawing ‘Death’

8

By Tracey Anderson

dressed in fancy French clothes. It was a social commentary about the way Mexican society copied so-called European sophistication. He captioned it, “Todos somos calaveras,” which translates as, “We are all skeletons.” He meant that underneath all our manmade finery, we are all the same. His stylised personification of Death was appropriated by the artist Diego Rivera in 1947, in his most famous piece of artwork - Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Almeda Park. He painted Death wearing a large feminine hat, and named her Catrina, slang for ‘the rich’. She was adopted as a symbol of the day of the Dead and today this elegant skull is seen everywhere during the festival, especially in the beautiful make-up and costumes worn by revellers. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and wear fancy suits and dresses.

Foods eaten included pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, which is a typical sweet bread containing anise seeds, and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. There are also sugar skulls, in the style of the Catrina Calavera. These are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. They can be incredibly beautiful and complex. To drink there is often pulque, a sweet fermented beverage made from agave sap, the same sap from which tequila is produced.

Thanks to recognition by UNESCO and the global sharing of information, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever—in Mexico, and increasingly abroad. It’s possible to find Day of the Dead celebrations in America and even in the UK. Last year there was festivals in London, Leeds, Bristol and Bournemouth. Look around your local area and see if anything is happening near you.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

9

Food and Drink

Wines:

Gems of Switzerland Switzerland’s residents and visitors experience and enjoy an excellent quality of life. The country has magnificent glaciers and southern Switzerland has Mediterranean climate conditions. Many grape varieties, including indigenous, regional and international types, are grown and there is viticultural history of over 2000 years. The wines, from Swiss producers, are now recognised, globally. Valais is the largest wine region of Switzerland.

Multi award-winning Germanier wines have a history dating from 1896, when Urbain Germanier produced the first vintage at Balavaud. During the following years the wines have become renowned amongst the ‘premiers crus’ of the Valais. Jean-René Germanier has a team of specialists at each stage, in the productions of their exceptional wines. From the winegrower, through the winemaker and the cellar master, for example, plus other very talented personnel, they all work tirelessly to produce authentic wines, along with the logistics and administrations, etc. Quality is paramount and shows through with the numerous prestigious awards, received from regional, national and international competitions and events.

White wine productions include Petite Arvine and Heida Clos de la Couta, Vex, which have impressive bouquets. The mouthfeels appreciate the fullness of these wines, with fresh and excellent finishes on the palate. Wonderful with fish and seafood dishes. Red wines include Pinot Noir Balavaud, Vétroz Grand Cru and Cayas, Syrah. Expressive noses prevail and mouthfeels have a good balance, with dark fruit flavours. Perfect to accompany red meats, game and cheeses. Cornalin is powerful, elegant and rich. Popular with many connoisseurs, a superb bouquet leads, enticingly, to the splendid mouthfeel and palate sensation, which is long, with an abundance of dark fruits. Red meats, game dishes and cheeses all benefit from pairings with this wine. For a dessert wine Mitis Amigne de Vétroz Réserve will not disappoint, with its full-bodied mouthfeel and palate. The Amigne varietal is indigenous to the Valais and the wine is aged for 18 months in new oak barrels, to create the character of this exceptional production.

The winery embraces the benefits of the microclimate (warm and dry summers) and tours are arranged on request. UK stockists of Swiss wines include Hedonism and Alpine Wines.

E-mail: info@jrgermanier.ch www.jrgermanier.ch www.swissfinewine.ch

As always, Enjoy!

ey Trevor Langl

10

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Buy

Buy Buy

blinds vertical blind

vertical blinds

vertical blinds blind vertical

Buy

10 20 % %

15 15 20 10 % % % %

13

31

off off

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

off off

off off

� www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk � 01223 904023

3|2|1 OCTOBER OFFER

2

T&Cs apply.

Order by 31st October 2018.

11

Christmas is just around the corner More to see, try, touch, taste, enjoy and buy at The Festive Gift Fair

15-18th November 2018 NEC, Birmingham

CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE UPON US…. and the dynamic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the BEST place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK (Birmingham NEC 15-18 November 2018) As well as finding GREAT GIFTS for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations. With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags. The festive atmosphere is always fantastic, and the great live music and Christmas entertainers are sure to get you into that Christmassy mood.

So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start!

For more information and to book your advance tickets please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address by 16th October 2018 to: Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP The winner will be drawn at random. If you are not a lucky winner, adult tickets are priced from just £9.00. Book now by calling The Ticket Factory hotline on 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk (£1.00 fulfilment fee for E-tickets and £2.50 for postal tickets - per transaction, not per ticket)

12

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Aisling Lodge Residential Care Home St Neots

Unde r N E Owne W rship

Quality care for the elderly set in the heart of St. Neots • Home-From-Home Feel • Independent, family owned care home • 24 Hour Care • Newly refurbished rooms with en-suite facilities • Competitive Fees

Please call 01480

476789 for more information

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

13

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

14Oakleigh Residential half page.indd

1

05/12/2016 11:03 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Fitness

Yoga Mats

Which is the right one for you?

Yoga is hugely popular now, with classes and YouTube tutorials dedicated to making our cores stronger and our bodies more flexible.

Yoga doesn’t require a lot of equipment or space, which means it’s easy to practice between sessions on your own. But if you’re going to do this you will need a mat. There are all manner of different mats with prices ranging from £5-£100! Your choice should be based on the following: Thickness: Thickness equates to comfort, but thicker is not necessarily better. While thicker mats are more comfortable to kneel on they can make it harder to balance and your tree pose may topple.

A standard mat is 3-4mm thick. I find 5mm is a good compromise, that extra 1mm makes all the difference to comfort, yet allows me to feel the floor for good balance.

Material: This dictates the texture, stickiness, ecofriendliness, and sponginess (how much it yields to body-pressure), and how it wears over time. Most standard yoga mats are made of PVC. However newer, more earth-friendly options include natural and recycled rubber (avoid these if you are allergic to latex), jute, and organic cotton. Sponginess can vary widely with different blends of materials, but in general, PVC has the most “give” of any yoga mat material, while jute and cotton have the least.

Texture: The texture of your mat dictates how much traction it provides. Some people can’t tolerate certain textures so it’s as well to find one you like.

I had a jute mat once which made me feel queasy

when my skin rubbed against it. I prefer smooth bumps. My partner on the other hand loves the rough stuff and happily adopted my cast-off mat as his own!

Eco-friendliness: Practising yoga has connected me more to my body, the air I breath, the food I eat and the world in which I live. Many people who are drawn to yoga care about their environment so practicing on a yoga mat that will ultimately end up as landfill can feel wrong. Earth-friendly yoga mats are typically made from natural or recycled rubber.

They may incorporate natural materials, such as jute or organic cotton. If eco-friendliness is important to you avoid PVC mats.

Price: A basic 3-4mm plain solid-colour PVC yoga mat will be toward the low end of the price range.

From there you may pay more for patterns, logos; extra thickness; antimicrobial treatments; and textures, especially raised tactile patterns. Ecofriendly yoga mats tend to be toward the higher end of the price range.

Size and style: These are personal choices. If you’re tall you might need a longer mat. If you’re a larger build you might prefer a wider one. As for style, I rather like a complex geometric pattern in soft colours as it allows me to see at a glance whether my feet are aligned, and gives me something nice to focus on in longer holds. But you can choose your favourite colour, or one that matches your decor, or even your yoga outfit!

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

By Iris Saunders 15

Parenting

By Louise Addison

Bullying

What if your child is the bully?

My daughter’s teacher sounded embarrassed, “Tess is bullying another little girl,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it!” said Amy, “Tess wasn’t the bullying type!”

Her teacher explained that the girl had complained of being ostracised. This was upsetting but fairly normal behaviour among eight-year-old girls. Then her property started to go missing and was found stuffed in toilets or left outside in the rain. Finally, the teacher caught Tess red-handed cutting holes in the other girl’s coat with scissors she’d smuggled in from home!

Amy felt terrible.

“I was horrified. This is not the way she was brought up. Worse, I hadn’t got a clue how to deal with it.”

Amy told her husband, who was naturally furious with Tess, but they decided that simply going off at the deep-end might prove counter-productive.

Fortunately, Amy’s sister Sarah is a childpsychologist, so she rang her for advice.

Sarah was great. She told us that while it’s never pleasant to realise your child might be bullying others, it’s behaviour which needs to be confronted or it can escalate.

What shocked Amy and her husband most was that Tess would not initially admit she’d done wrong. She was what Sarah called ‘a controlling bully’. She was bright, pretty, good at reading social situations, charming to adults and popular with her peers. ‘Victim bullies’, the other type tend to lack self-control and fly off the handle using aggressive behaviour. ‘Controlling bullies’ like Tess often see little downside to their behaviour because adults don’t see the evidence or find it hard to believe.

16

“We realised this probably started around the time her brother was born. Tess suddenly lost most of our attention and was expected to be the perfect older sister, help out and put her needs on hold much of the time. We’d kind of forgotten she was still a little girl, who needed us.”

Sarah’s solution was simple. “Admit, atone, apologise.” Tess needed to acknowledge what happened, to understand that her actions were hurtful and harmful, and to say sorry.

“In the end we sat her down and apologised for our behaviour, demonstrating that we accepted we had not behaved as well as we could. Then we asked her gently what the other girl had done to offend her so much that destroying her belongings seemed appropriate.” At that point Tess broke down. She quite liked the other girl she said, but she was angry with her and sad because every Friday the other girl’s mum collected her, and they went for tea and cake at the local cafe and talked about their day. There were other things too; this girl had great outfits for school dress-up days and brought in cakes that she and her mum had baked and iced together. “On the surface these were superficial silly things,” says Amy, “But it became clear Tess wanted more time with me. She didn’t feel she could ask so all her feelings of anger towards me were being directed towards this other poor child.”

In the end Tess made a card for the girl and apologised to her and her mother. “We replaced her coat and invited her for tea. Incredibly she accepted,” says Amy, “And they’ve become friends. I am much more aware now of how my own behaviour can affect the behaviour of my children.”

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

EBAY COLLECTIONS

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

Local & Reliable

17

18

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Special

Parcels, Peculiarities and the Postal Service

Photo: Royal Mail Coach at The Science Museum. Credit Martinvl, Wikimedia Commons.

It’s World Post Day on 9th October, but how was our own postal service created?

Non-Humble Beginnings A royal dispatch system existed even in Edward IV’s reign, but it was Henry VIII who created the Master of the Posts role and Brian Tuke who truly founded the service.

Tuke, who became a knight and Master of the Posts in 1516, used his experience of continental postal services and his influence to create a formal postal network. In each key town he nominated, three horses were used to transport mail. Their stable was called a post, hence our mail system’s nickname.

But this service was truly Royal Mail, solely for the King and court. Common folk had to wait for Charles I to open up the King’s Posts to everyone in 1635. Cromwell’s more formal Office of Postage covered the whole Commonwealth, but once the monarchy was restored this was replaced by the General Post Office, a genuinely public service.

By this time, senders rather than recipients were paying the postage, and by 1661 letters were also being date-stamped – to mitigate complaints about delays.

Royal Mail was privatised in 2011 and the UK government sold its remaining shares in 2015, ending 499 years of public ownership.

Privacy and Peculiarity Long before the internet, retaining privacy in communication while ensuring security was problematic.

Oliver Cromwell’s Principal Secretary of State, John Thurloe, regularly intercepted mail for intelligence purposes, but if he hadn’t, Sexby’s plot to assassinate Cromwell may never have been discovered. As for scam emails, they’re merely descendants of scam letters. In the 1870s, many US citizens received letters from someone claiming they had been given their name by a friend and offering $1,500 of ‘the best and safest’ counterfeit money for $75 of genuine cash (or a bargain $30,000 for $400).

On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, whom you might have expected to value his privacy given the times he lived in, is rumoured to have thrown his stamped letters into the street, relying on the good nature of passers-by to pick them up and post them.

Far more peculiar were the antics of Willie Reginald Bray, who was inspired to test the limits of the postal service by its own 1898 guide. Among other things, it promised to send creatures through the post, including a live bee, ‘if confined in a suitable receptacle’. Bray took a dog to the post office, which was ‘posted’ via a walk with an obliging postman, and even posted himself once. It’s also believed that in December 1899, he became the first person to send a postcard to Santa Claus Esq. Finally, while Lewis Carroll is now viewed as something of a dubious character by many, some of the advice in his letter-writing guide is still relevant today. He advised always placing a cheque or document in the envelope before you finish writing the letter, lest you forget to put it in.

Wise words indeed.

Further reading To the Letter, Simon Garfield, Canongate Letter of Note and More Letters of Note, Shaun Usher, Canongate Unbound

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

19

20

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

21

Finance

By Ann Haldon

Want to save for your children?

What are the options?

Putting money aside for your children is a great way to offer them a little security as they get older. You do not need to save a huge amount – even a few pounds each week adds up to a nice little nest egg over time.

You can teach younger children good money management skills by offering a little more pocket money as long as they save the extra amount. If they are old enough, get them involved in choosing a savings account and physically putting the money into it each month.

Junior ISA There are two types of ISA for children – a Cash Junior ISA, and a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA. They are available if your child is under-18 and living in the UK. The money in a Junior ISA belongs to your child and is locked away until their 18th birthday, when the account upgrades to an adult ISA. Unlike other savings accounts aimed at children, you will not have access to the money once it has been deposited.

• This tax year (2018/19) the savings limit is £4,260 for each account.

• There is no tax to pay on the interest or investment returns in a Junior ISA. Friendly Society tax-exempt plan A child tax-exempt savings plan offers a guaranteed minimum tax-free lump sum at the

end of the term from a share-based investment fund. This type of account is designed for saving over a relatively long period of time – usually 10-25 years.

• You can currently save £270 a year if you make ad hoc deposits, or £25 a month if it is on a regular basis.

• Charges vary between Friendly Societies so it is worth shopping around.

NS&I Premium Bonds Premium Bonds are an easy and very popular way to save money for a child. Instead of earning interest, each £1 bond you purchase has its own number that is entered into a prize draw each month and could win between £25 and £1 million.

You need to buy a minimum of £100 in Premium Bonds, with the maximum amount that can be held being £50,000.

• Prizes totalling more than £2million are paid out each month.

Child pension You can set up a pension fund for your child and transfer it to them when they reach the age of 18. Starting a child pension offers a little stability when they become an adult, and gives them a valuable head start in their retirement savings.

• The government tops up each contribution you make into a pension by 25% (up to a total of £2,880 in 2018/19), which considerably increases its overall value over time.

• You can still contribute more than £2,880, but it will not attract the government’s top-up.

However you decide to put money aside for your child, your attitude to risk may guide the decision as to whether to save or invest. You will also need to consider any fees and charges if you decide that investing is the preferable option. www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/ childrens-savings-options www.gov.uk/junior-individual-savings-accounts www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/national-savings-andinvestment-products#toc-2

22

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

23

24

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

25

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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Garden

Beautiful Bulbs

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com

Why not make your house all the more special this winter with some colourful bowls of bulbs, perhaps with some gorgeous perfume too? You can buy ready-planted bowls of bulbs later in the year, but act now for a stunning display at a fraction of the price.

The best bulbs are those described as ‘prepared’, which means they will flower well, reliably and uniformly indoors. Although often pricier they are still great value, as results with standard bulbs may be unpredictable. I like to use prepared hyacinths, but I have bowls of non-prepared bulbs too.

Visit your local garden centre now and you should see a good array of bulbs for sale, plus all the other things you need. Special bulb bowls are a good buy, and are available in many colours. They’re like huge soup bowls, but in plastic or china, and have no drainage holes. You can use normal flower pots, but put a fully waterproof container or saucer beneath each pot to protect your furniture.

Bulb fibre or special compost formulated for indoor bulb planting performs better in containers without drainage, but is more expensive, and you can use standard multi-purpose compost if you wish.

Hyacinths for forcing are available in many shades, but use a single colour in any one container as there is often some variation in flowering times between the colours, and ideally you want all the flowers out simultaneously. Specially prepared crocus, paperwhite narcissus and some other daffodil types are also available. You can create a low-cost bowl with a large bag of inexpensive

dwarf narcissus, such as ‘Tete-a-Tete’. Crocuses also work well.

Fill your bowl about one third full of compost for larger bulbs to one half full for smaller bulbs.

Firm the compost gently and position the bulbs pointed end uppermost. They can be quite closely packed, but not so they touch each other or the sides of the bowl. Nestle the bulbs gently into the compost and then top up with compost so that just the noses are poking out. Water the compost lightly until moist but not waterlogged. Cover the bowls loosely with a black bin liner and put them in a cool, dark place so that the bulbs can form good root systems.

Check the bowls every week or so and apply a little more water if necessary. Bring the bowls out into the daylight once the shoots are about 2-3cm tall, which usually takes 3-5 weeks. Put them in a cool spot with plenty of natural daylight, where the shoots will continue to grow and develop a healthy green colour; they will now need a little more water.

Put your bulb bowl in a warmer room once the flower buds start to colour up. For a really smart look, cover the compost with some moss or tie a seasonal ribbon around the bowl.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items: stylish cloches, tunnels, the fantastic SpeedHoe, plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, 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

27

Garden View

Lawn Love

There are times I threaten to astro-turf my entire garden, but then I remember the smell of freshly mown grass and how lovely it is to walk through the dew with the dogs in the morning, and I relent.

Of all garden tasks I find lawn-care the most tedious. I am not a lawn enthusiast, preferring plants. For me lawns are a necessary evil. I like sitting on them, walking on them, and they make my flowers look good, in much the way a frame enhances a picture. So, I feel I do have to give my lawn at least a little love and care.

By October lawn growth has slowed so you can raise your mowing height by at least one setting until mid-spring next year. If like mine your lawn sprouts moss the moment it rains, raise the mowing height even more so that at least 1 to 2cm of grass shows above the moss after grasscutting.

Damp grass builds up inside the mower so give the mower a good brush, scrape or hose down after every use. This necessary housekeeping prolongs the life of your mower.

After the middle of October there is no point applying weed-killer, so if you haven’t been diligent in weed control the only option will be hand-pulling them. I am rarely diligent about weed-killing, so you are in good company here!

Moss becomes more evident as the weather cools but you’re too late for raking by now. Probably best to embrace the lush greenness: moss lawns

By Rachael Leverton are all the rage in Japan anyway. On the other hand, if the weather is still warm and the ground is dry, apply moss killers, rake it out, reseed and water. You’ll thank me next year.

October is the best time for aerating the lawn. I used a fork for years until I bought a hollow-tine aerator three years ago, and now I’m a convert.

You can’t overdo it, insert them every few inches until you’re fed-up. It’s a great work-out. The hollow tines pull out little cores that look like fat worms. Leave them in place to recycle the nutrients. Aerating improves drainage and allows air, nutrients and rain to move down to the roots rather than sitting at the surface. Normally by now there has been enough rain to allow the tines to penetrate the soil making the job easier but who knows what the crazy UK weather will be doing when this article is published.

It’s best to fertilise the lawn after aerating if possible. This month is quite a good month for fertilising the lawn if you haven’t already got around to it. Not only does fertilisation give you a fantastic lawn ready for the winter but also offers some protection from the ravages of winter temperatures and diseases.

Make sure you collect fallen leaves weekly to discourage moss and disease.

I know some gardeners like to discourage leatherjackets and worm-activity but frankly I like watching starlings poke around for leather-jackets, and I like worms, they are my little garden friends, so if the odd worm cast is the price I must pay for their help then I’m happy to put up with them.

Happy Gardening

28

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

GARDEN MACHINERY AND TRAILER CENTRE

ALL SEASONS GArdEN & PrOPErty MAiNtENANcE

 Personal customer service, collection and delivery available.  Assessment of individual requirements.  Full after sales backup and parts service.

St.NeotS baSed compaNy

 NEW Oregon, the world's only unique battery operated, self-sharpening s In stock. chain saw.

FuLLy iNSured

 Ride-on and pedestrian mowers, chainsaws, strimmers, hedge trimmers, cultivators, estate and equestrian equipment. Trailers - sales, hire, service.  Accessories, oils, Aspen fuel, batteries, spares, security locks for garden/ horticultural machinery and trailers. horticultu

Appointed dealers for:

 Main dealer for Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki & Mountfield engines.

Honeydon Road, Colmworth, Bedfordshire MK44 2LY

eStabLiShed SiNce 2011 domeStic & commerciaL 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

01234 376513 www.bri-ag.co.uk

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm

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

29

Pets

Teaching your dog to come back when called Does your dog know how to come back when called? Most dogs love running around off the lead, but before you give your dog their ‘freedom’ it’s vital for their safety that you know they will come back when called.

The more your dog learns that they will get lots of praise and a reward whenever they come back, the more they will make the connection that you are more fun to be with than anything else. Choose a word or sound as your recall cue that you use ONLY when you want your dog to return. It should be short and sharp, like ‘come’, or a whistle. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and the level of distractions you call them away from. You want your dog to learn that coming back to you is much more rewarding than ignoring you! Keep it fun and use a reward they really enjoy; this could be a treat they like or a game with their favourite toy.

For more ways to make life for you and your dog a walk in the park, visit Dogs Trust Dog School.

This national network of experienced trainers provides fun, educational training courses for all dog owners. Based on up-to-date scientific research, our trainers use only reward-based training methods to help you enhance the bond between you and your dog. Small classes of six dogs and two trainers mean you get the one-on-one time you need to learn effectively and most importantly, have fun!

Courses are five weeks long, with a free introductory session and are available in Yaxley, Buckden, Hinchingbrooke and Eaton Socon. Visit www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk for more details and take your first step to making the most of your relationship your four-legged friend now.

30

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Puppy and Dog Training Classes various locations around Cambridgeshire www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk 07388 377371 cambridgeshiredogschool@dogstrust.org.uk @dogschoolcambridgeshire

Business gone slow?

Let us help!

fb.com/dogstrustdogschool

dogstrustdogschool

III SHIRES PEST CONTROL 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

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

Residential - Commercial - Industrial - Agricultural

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

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

31

Pets

Indoor games

for wet autumn days

When the summer has gone and you’re not able to get out as much with your dog, it’s important to keep them active even if they’re in the house.

Try these indoor games to stimulate mind and body, prevent boredom, and let your dog thrive through the wetter autumn months.

Treasure Hunt It’s a good idea to play this game in a room that has carpet or other non-slip flooring so your dog doesn’t injure itself in the excitement. Hide some of their favourite treats in one or more areas of your home, and let them hunt for the ‘treasure’. If your dog is more tempted by toys, you could always replace the treats with their favourite ones. This is also a good game if you make people they know the ‘treasure’ – especially when children are involved as it keeps them entertained too.

Treat puzzles Stimulate your dog’s mind with chewable toys, puzzles, and activity balls in which you hide food treats. It will take some time to work out how to get to the treats, and the activity balls keep them physically active too.

Ball games If you have a long hallway, you can roll the ball along and get them to bring it back. Throwing a ball up the stairs is also a great way to give them the exercise they need without setting foot outside. You’ll have a very tired friend on your hands before long, ready to play again the next rainy day. www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/indoor-games-dogs barkpost.com/life/12-rainy-day-entertainment-ideas-fordogs

By Ann Haldon

32

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

33

34

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Three Counties Radio

Chilli and Ginger

Baked Camembert (and three other variants) The main theme of my Weekend Kitchen programme is that food needn’t be complicated. Great flavours, fresh produce, cooked simply - that’s what it’s all about. And what could be simpler than bunging a camembert in the oven and eating it, hot and melting, with crusty French bread? This month’s recipe is actually four recipes in one - four original takes on the classic baked camembert. All created by a talented young chef, Jake Moxham, who co-owns the Oliver and Hare in Leighton Buzzard and the Axe and Compass in Heath And Reach.

My personal favourite is the chilli and ginger, just because it is so surprising, but all of these are lovely.

Ingredients (Serves 2) 250g Camembert 15g root Ginger 1 tsp chilli puree or sauce 1⁄2 fresh chilli 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4

6. Place the camembert into a camembert baking dish (a round clay ramekin is perfect).

7. Place on the middle shelf of the oven and allow to cook for around 25-30 minutes, or until the camembert appears oozy. Leave to cool slightly and serve with lots of crusty bread.

2. Make 2 parallel cuts into the top of the camembert, approximately 4 centimetres long and 3 centimetres apart.

Variations:

3. Glaze the top of the camembert with chilli puree or chilli sauce.

Garlic and rosemary. As above with the rosemary one, but add two peeled garlic cloves into the slits as well.

4. Grate the ginger root evenly over the top of the camembert using a fine grater and allow any juice to drip onto the camembert.

5. Slice the fresh chilli into small pieces and spread evenly over the top of the camembert. For extra heat you can also insert pieces into the cuts already made.

Rosemary (the classic one). Simply insert two sprigs of rosemary into the slits and bake as above.

White wine and pear. Make the slits in the camembert. Glaze the top of the cheese generously with wine. Very thinly slice a 1/4 of a pear and place the slices on top of the cheese. Glaze with extra wine and bake as above.

Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick every weekday afternoon at midday for brilliant local guests with great stories to tell and all the music you want for your early afternoon.

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

35

Codeword 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

36

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

G.B.BUILDERS 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

TELEVISION MOBILE SERVICE ST NEOTS, ST IVES, HUNTINGDON AREA REPAIR TV,VCR, DVD, FREEVIEW DIGITAL BOXES TUNING & DEMONSTRATION OF EQUIPMENT DIGITAL LOFT AERIALS SUPPLIED & FITTED EXTENSION AERIAL POINTS DAY OR EVENING CALL OUTS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE PHONE JOHN FABISZ FOR ESTIMATE

01480 495408 OR 07887887319

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

37

n O s ’ t Wha In October

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

What’s on entries to whatson@villagermag.com

Until 13 October Art Exhibition - Paul Todd, Trees Tues-Sat 11am-4pm St Neots Museum Adults £3, Seniors £2, Children £1, Local residents free. A stunning new exhibition by well-known local artist Paul Todd. Many works will be for sale and make ideal Christmas presents, either for a friend or for yourself!Tel: 01480 214163 Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31 October St Neots Badminton Club 8-10pm One Leisure, St Neots Play badminton to a good standard and interested in joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays.

Email: Committee@stneotsbadminton.org Web: www.stneotsbadminton.org 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October West Hunts Friendship Club 9.30am-3pm Great Staughton Village Hall Meets every Monday except Bank Holidays. We are looking for new members who are retired to join our happy team. Members can participate in a range of activities, such as music and singing exercises, quizzes, card and board games as well as enjoying a hot meal at lunch time. Transport can be arranged for those who live within a six miles radius of Great Staughton. Tel: Annabelle Blackham 07527741495 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Godmanchester Senior Citizens Club 1.30pm Afternoon Bingo 6.30pm Whist Drive Godmanchester Town Hall £1 for Whist drive inc. tea & biscuits If you are feeling lonely and over 55 years of age, then you will find a warm welcome waiting for you in the Senior Citizens Club. The club has a lively atmosphere and a wide range of activities. Friday afternoons is another opportunity to play Whist.

Members also meet on a Saturday morning for games, chat, tea and biscuits for 50p. Non-members are welcome to visit on Saturday mornings to find out more. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 or 07515 881209 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only as it’s a licensed premises. Every Monday except Bank Holidays. Seeking new members – novice or experienced. Ozzie: 01480 414623 Email: ozzie.day5@gmail.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Oakington Singers 7.45-9.30pm Oakington Parish Church Oakington Singers invite new Tenors and Basses to join them on Mondays. Their repertoire includes Rutter Anthems, Queen, Folk Songs, Spirituals, international songs and much more! They are a friendly and experienced group and the choir is free!

Email: paul.tann@btinternet.com

38

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 Email: pat@patcrowe.plus.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday evening. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 Email: mary@jackpike.co.uk 3 October 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 3 October St Mary’s Afternoon WI St Neots 2pm St Mary’s Church Room, St Neots First Wednesday of the month. Ray Bylett & Companion - Canine Partners Assistance Dogs.

Tel: May Parker 07724 043941 Email: mayp.at.home@gmail.com 3 October Brampton Flower Club 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke Park Road, Huntingdon Tickets £14. An evening with the great Mig Kimpton presenting “Into the Woods”. Raffle, refreshments available. Sales table. Tel: Jan Dobie 01480 531822 Email: jandobie1946@googlemail.com Web: www.bramptonflowerclub.com 3 October Black Cat WI 7.30pm Wyboston Village Hall The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tel: Susie Woodman 01234 376098 3 October 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 3 October Little Paxton Gardening Club 8pm Little Paxton Village Hall Members £1, Guests £3. Special guest speaker Mike Biggs of BBC Radio 4 Gardeners Question Time will be visiting, telling us about his latest book and taking us on a journey through the world of gardening. Mike’s books will be on sale. Admission by ticket only - please call or email to book.

Tel: Jane Hill 01480 218805 Email: lpgardeningclub@hotmail.com

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 October 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 3, 10, 17 & 31 October Little Fishes 10-11.20am Grafham Village Hall All welcome on Wednesdays in term time. Just turn up for free play time, followed by a short bible story, action songs and simple craft.

Email: robnjeanclark@tiscali.co.uk 5 October Film Night – Paddington 2 7.30pm Offord Village Hall Tickets £5 5, 12, 19 & 26 October 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 6 October Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Free Church Hall, St Ives Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola.

6 October Simply Saturday 12.30-2.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton For adults of all ages with lunch and various activities available. Tel: Leisa Hunt 01480 471748 Email: young_paxton@ntlworld.com 8 October Godmanchester Trefoil Guild 7.30-9pm Godmanchester Football Ground Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguiding for Adults aged 18+. They meet on the second Monday of the month. Email: jeanmking@outlook.com for more info 9 October St Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30-9pm Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Visitors £6. Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands-on, various cake decorating techniques and/or sugarcraft. The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616 10 October World Mental Health Day Cake Bake Sale 10am-1pm The Workstation, Bellingham House, Huntingdon Street, St Neots Tea or coffee and cake £1.50. All proceeds to Mind.

All welcome, bring your friends.

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

n O s ’ t Wha In October

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

10 October Fundraising Coffee Morning 10am-1pm All Saints Church, Market Square, Huntingdon The Hunts Society for the Blind Fundraising Coffee Morning. All welcome to come along and try our delicious homemade cakes, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. Lots craft stalls, Tombola and a Raffle.

The coffee morning is on every second Wednesday of the month from March-November.

11 October St Neots Local History Society 7.30pm Guest Hall, Priory Centre, St Neots Tickets £5. Royal Palaces in Cromwell’s England.

Come to this fascinating illustrated talk to be given

by Simon Thurley, former head of English Heritage, and expect to be surprised. 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 12 October Gilbert & Sullivan Concert 7.30pm St James Church, Little Paxton Adults £7, Children £5. Stewartby Operatic and Drama Society will be presenting an evening of Gilbert and Sullivan music. This concert should be a memorable evenings’ entertainment. Booking advisable. Tel: Alison Rogers 01480 215607

12-14 October 27th Cambridge Open Art Exhibition Swavesey Village College Fri £5, free admission Sat & Sun Traditional and contemporary paintings, prints, crafts and cards to buy, creative activities for children and a “win-a-picture” competition with donations going to local charity Headway Cambridgeshire. Preview Reception on Friday evening at 6.30pm, with the exhibition being opened by Jeremy Newsum. Jeremy is Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire. Sales of artworks are commission free giving better value to both artist and buyer. Ample parking. The café will be open on Saturday and Sunday and all proceeds will be going to the Johabetto Orphanage, Kitale, Kenya. Web: https://coax.org.uk/ 13 October Hemingford Village Market 9am-1pm Parish Centre, Hemingford Grey Second Saturday of the month. An opportunity to buy food, crafts, plants and flowers from small local businesses. Hemingford Grey Parish Council hold a surgery at the market should you wish to meet councillors to discuss local issues. Refreshments available all day in the Hemingford Garden Room.

13 October Kimbolton Royal British Legion Autumn Luncheon 12.30 for 1pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Tickets £15. Featuring music by The Caverners.

13 October Apple Day at Burwash Manor 10am-4pm Adults £4, Under 12s free Join in the fun, and help raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust. Bring your apples down to be identified by the EEAOP. Cam Valley Orchards will be selling and discussing their heritage apple varieties, and there will be all sorts of appley games, stalls and crafts to enjoy. Cider and craft beer bars. Burwash’s unique shops and tea room will be open as usual and joining in the Apple day fun.

16 October Police Surgery 5-7pm Brampton Community Centre, High Street, Brampton Residents are invited to meet John Carter, Brampton Police Community Support Officer, to ask advice on home security, raise issues concerning their neighbourhood or simply to meet their local officer.

19 October The Hinchingbrooke Bösendorfer Piano Concerts 2018-2019 7.30pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Hinchingbrooke Park Road, Huntingdon Adults £15, all 5 concerts £60, Groups of 20+ £10 each, Students under 21 £5 Frédéric Aguessy, piano. Since winning the very prestigious ‘Concours Marguerite Long-Jacques Tibaud’ in Paris, French pianist Frédéric Aguessy has become firmly established as an outstanding solo and concerto player worldwide. His programme will include music by Debussy and Chopin.

Tel: Box Office 01480 375678 (9am-3pm) Web: www.ticketsource.co.uk/hinchingbrookepac 20 October Jumble Sale 10am-12 noon Keysoe Village Hall In aid of St. Mary’s Church, Keysoe Fabric Fund.

20 October October Half Term Trail 10am-3pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £1 per child. Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. All ages. Web: www.nenepark.org.uk 20 October Quiz night 7.30 for 7.45pm Offord Village Hall Tickets £5 per person Teams up to 6. Bring your own drink and picnic.

21 October Autumn Craft Fair 12-4pm St Peter’s Church, Offord Darcy Free admission. Local crafts people will be selling their wares in time for some early Christmas shopping. There will be hot soup, cakes and hot drinks available. Free parking.

Tel: 01480 811126 Email: jennygriffiths908@btinternet.com

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

22-26 October Wildlife Trust Wild in the Garden Daily 10am-2pm Paxton Pits Environmental Education Centre, Little Paxton Half term fun at Paxton Pits. Lots of great wild ideas, activities and fun things to do over the half term holiday with the Trust’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic team. Tel: 01480 473161 Email: Debbie.mckenzie@wildlifebcn.org 25 October St Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm Visitors £7 Burgess Hall, St Ives Demonstration by Linda Seabrook from Daventry entitled “Seasons Greetings”.

25-27 October Die Fledermaus 7.30pm Queen Victoria Hall, Oundle Adults £15, Under 19s £10 Peterborough Opera invites you to have a ball with a bat! Following their recent successful performances of Verdi’s A Masked Ball and Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Peterborough Opera invites you to attend their production of Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus.

Tel: Box Office 01832 274734 Web: www.oundleboxoffice.com 26 October Charming Worms 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm Ferry Meadows, Peterborough £3. Come along to find out more about these amazing creatures and have a go at charming them to the surface. Then make a wormery to take home with you. Age 3+. Web: www.nenepark.org.uk 26 October Peter Pan 7.30pm Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Inspired by J. M. Barrie’s novel and produced by the professional Peterborough-based Lamphouse Theatre. “Jam packed with live music, humour, adventure and energy.” Tickets on sale from Olivers, Swan Pharmacy, Courtyard Kitchens and Bytes Café in Kimbolton. Tel: 01480 860297 27 October St Neots Art Group Autumn Exhibition 10am-4.30pm United Reformed Church, High Street, St Neots An array of art by local artists at an affordable price.

27 October Black Tie Charity Ball Reception 6.45pm, carriages 1am Marriot Hotel, Huntingdon Tickets £50 inc. three course meal Featuring live band Ignition. In aid of Breast Cancer Support Group/Woodlands at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Tickets available by telephone or email.

Tel: Lorraine Walker 01480 363516 Email: mel.scholes@nhs.net

39

Let us help you get your business off to a flying start VILLAGER The

VILLAGER The

V

The

ILL AGEToR wn Life and

L PROD 2015 ITIES • LOCA LOCAL CHAR Issue 39 - June SERVICES • LE • LOCAL S • LOCAL PEOP

LOCAL NEW

Issue 37 - April 2015

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE

Inside this

• LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL

The

Elba

Tuscany’s Best Kept Secret

a good estate agent

Win £25

Win tickets

and Town

in our Prize Crossword

to see some Music Maestros!

Inside this issue to Ghost The Musical

F You coRE r py E

Alconbury, every month and all surrounding areas

mber 2014 S • LOCAL PEOP LE • LOCAL

SERVICES •

and Town

LOCAL CHAR

ITIES • LOCA

Life

L PRODUCTS

Inside this

Win £25 The Histor issue y of Bonfire Nigh t Beware

Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

Bringing Local Busines , Riseley, The Stukeleys Grafham, Kimbolton

Issue 32 - Nove

in our Prize Crossword

of Buying Onlin

e

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

s to Local People in

S

LOCAL NEW

in our

Prize Crossword

VILLAGER The

Life

The End of the Line Win Tickets

£25 Win Prize Crossword

5 Win £2in our

h Grafh Alconbury, every mont nding areas and all surrou

VILLAGER

Issue 35 - February 2015

Huntingdon

How to find

UCTS

issue

Life

The History ofLOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT

S

Inside this issue

to Pen

l The Bringing Locaam, Kimbolton, Riseley,

and Town

Inside this issue

CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT

kets Win toTic see Parklife From Poldark

le in Local Peop leys Business to Stuke

Issue 30 - September 2014

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

and Town Life

ur Yo EEy FRcop

Win £25

ur Yo EE y FRcop

Bringing Local Busines

s to Local People in

Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton , Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

in our Prize Crossword ur Yo EE py FRBrin co ging

Loca

l Business Alconbury, to Loca Grafham, Kimb and all surro olton, Risele l Peop le in unding areas y, every mont The Stukeleys h

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Our award winning magazines offer a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to offer incredible prices along with a second-to-none service, professional advert design and a team just waiting to help you.

With over 11000 copies being delivered door to door every month can your business wait any longer to be in The Villager?

Advertising in The Villager and Town Life could not be easier, for further information or to book your advertising space please call Nigel on 01767 261122 or e-mail nigel@villagermag.com or visit our website www.villagermag.com

Why advertise anywhere else?

40

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

September’s Puzzle Solutions and Winners Last Month’s Crossword Winner Miss C Swepstone from Buckden Winner of the Southlake Aqua Park Competition Holly Webb from Letchworth

Winner of the Cambridge Youth Ballet Competition Maxine Hendry from Wilstead

Easy

Hard

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

41

The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

£25

Across 7 Moscow’s country (6) 8 Clears throat (6) 9 Continent (4) 10 Extra (8) 11 Picture houses (7) 13 Head organ (5) 15 Wooden barrier (5) 17 Go backwards (7) 20 Fell (8) 21 Limit, boundary (4) 23 Event, incident (6) 24 Idea (6)

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



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

Down 1 Pet name for cat (4) 2 Property, manor (6) 3 Yellow fruits (7) 4 Corrosive liquids (5) 5 Six-string (6) 6 Explanations, hypotheses (8) 12 Recognize (8) 14 Title (7) 16 Fighting (6) 18 Occurrences (6) 19 Warn (5) 22 Enlarge, develop (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

42

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Bathroom Distributor Little Staughton Airfield, Little Staughton, Beds MK44 2BY Tel: 01234 376878 sales@bbdbathrooms.com

End of Line Clearance Sale

Plus some B Grade Items, all ex stock Baths starting from £29.99 up to luxury models Bath Screens from £12.99 Tiles from £6.50 per square metre Cloakroom Suites including toilet, basin and pedestal from £57 Basin taps from £7.99 per pair Plus much, much more...

Open to the public Monday - Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm and Saturday September 29th, October 13th and 20th 10.30am - 12.30pm

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

43

Local News

Reading charity issues ‘Back to School’ volunteer appeal across Cambridgeshire

As the new academic year gets well underway, national reading charity Beanstalk is stepping up its search for volunteers across Cambridgeshire to help reach more children than ever before with its potentially lifechanging reading support programmes.

Beanstalk helps transform children’s life chances by recruiting and supporting volunteers and placing them in schools and pre-schools. These volunteers work with children to enable them to have the skills to become ready to read and prevent them from falling further behind in their language and communication skills.

In order to achieve this, Beanstalk needs members of the community who can volunteer a few hours a week to help local children become more confident readers through its range of programmes.

These programmes include Beanstalk’s 321 programme which sees trained reading helpers supporting three primary school children each for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Through this regular, consistent support the child’s approach to learning and enjoyment of reading is transformed.

Volunteers are also needed for its Story Starters early years programme. Story Starters volunteers work one-to-one with children in a nursey or pre-school setting for two 20-minute sessions a week. All volunteers receive professional training and support to ensure that they are best able to support young children.

If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading helper or a Story Starter volunteer in Cambridgeshire, please visit the website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call Beanstalk on 0845 450 0301.

Fun Quiz - Fruit and Veg 1. What fruit is the main ingredient of the dip guacamole?

2. À la crécy is a French cooking term that refers to a dish that is cooked with or served with which vegetable?

3. What commonly used two-word phrase originated in one of Aesop’s fables about a fox who couldn’t reach some fruit, so decided that the fruit was probably not ripe anyway?

4. What vegetable has a name that means “eat all” in French?

5. The phrase “forbidden fruit” originates in the Bible when Adam and Eve eat fruit despite God having commanded them not to. Which of Adam and Eve was the first to eat the fruit?

6. In an Indian restaurant, what is the main vegetable ingredient in a saag dish?

7. According to its packaging, the standard flavouring of the soft drink Lilt combines which two fruits?

8. What variety of lettuce is named after the Greek island where it originated?

9. Which 1967 hit single by Donovan was rumoured to be about the mistaken belief that someone could get high from smoking dried banana skins?

10. The vegetable the swede originated as a cross between which two other vegetables?

1. Avocado 2. Carrots 3. Sour Grapes 4. Mangetout 5. Eve 6. Spinach 7. Pineapple and Grapefruit 8. Cos (named after Kos) 9. Mellow Yellow 10. The turnip and the cabbage

44

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

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

www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1

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

09/03/2017 15:4

45

Books

Book Review

By Kate Duggan Twisted Fairy Tales

If you like your fairy tales more Brothers Grimm than Disney, you’re in for a treat with this lot…

Nightjar

by Paul Jameson

‘Nightjar’ is the first novel of local author Paul Jameson, and it’s been described as ‘a fairy tale for grownups’. Set in the countryside around Sandy and Everton, two boys escape the strict boundaries of a feudal future to explore an old Roman Way. There they meet with Nightjar, a strange being who introduces them to the magick of Man and Nature.

As a search hurries to find the boys, adventure beckons. Only Nightjar is not all he seems...

The True Story of Hansel and Gretel

by Louise Murphy

Electrician

Frank Plater Electrical Extra sockets - Lighting - Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers - Inspections No job too small. Free estimates Established in 1996 Tel: 01480 432154 Mob: 07976 797111

Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894

Use your local removal company

Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

In Nazi-occupied Poland, two Jewish children take on new identities – Hansel and Gretel.

Pursued by soldiers, the children’s father and stepmother urge the children to seek safety in the forest while they try to draw the danger away. Deep in the woods lives an old woman who may be the children’s only hope. A harrowing read, but a memorable one.

Grimm Tales for Old and Young

by Philip Pullman

Pullman has reworked 50 of the Grimm brothers’ tales. He’s kept most of the content the same, but updated the language and ‘tidied them up’. The collection includes well-known tales, such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin, along with lesser-known stories such as Hans-MyHedgehog and The Musicians of Bremen.

46

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

USEFUL NUMBERS

VILLAGER The

and Town

Life

Alcoholics Anonymous..............................0845 769 7555 Anglian Water............................................08457 145 145 Addenbrooks Hospital............................... 01223 245151 Papworth Hospital..................................... 01480 830541 Benefits for people with Disabilities...........0800 882 200 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue............... 01480 444500 Carers Line..................................................0808 808 7777 ChildLine...........................................................0800 1111 Citizens Advice...........................................0344 245 1292 Cocaine Anonymous..................................0800 689 4732 Crimestoppers..............................................0800 555 111

Bringing Local Business to Local People Your local full colour A5 monthly magazine delivered free of charge to 1000s of homes and businesses in your local area.

The Villager and Town Life is dedicated to promoting local businesses, charities, community groups and everything else in your local area.

Cruse Bereavement Care............................0333 252 9152 Floodline....................................................0845 988 1188 Frank—Drug Advisory................................0800 776 600 National Debt Line.....................................0808 808 4000 Gas Emergency............................................0800 111 999 NHS Direct.........................................................0845 4647 National Rail Enquiries..............................03457 48 49 50 Non Emergency Police Line.........................................101 NSPCC.........................................................0808 800 5000 Relate..........................................................0845 48 49 50 RSPCA Cruelty Line....................................0300 1234 999 Samaritans............................................................116 123 Tax Credit Helpline.....................................0345 300 3900 Victim Support..........................................0845 30 30 900

For more information or to reserve your space please contact Nigel on:

Tel: 01767 261122

Email: nigel@villagermag.com Web: www.villagermag.com

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

47