VILLAGER Issue 43 - October 2015 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 43 - October 2015 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair Cremona The City of Music Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month Your FREEcopy 2 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts e VILLAGER Issue 43 - October 2015 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair Cremona The City of Music Win £25 in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month Your Contents FREEcopy Animal Know-How...... 29 Huntingdonshire Fencing Club...... 30 St. Neots Camera Club...... 32 Fun Quiz...... 33 What Your Brain Can Gain From a Music Hobby...... 34 Puzzle Page...... 36 What’s On...... 38 Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions...... 41 Prize Crossword...... 42 Win Tickets to The Famil Travel Show...... 45 Kimbolton Castle 4 Book Review...... 47

Kimbolton Castle...... 4 Employing a Tradesman and not a Cowboy...... 8 St Neots Camera Club 32 Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair...... 10 Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle...... 13 Cremona - The City of Music...... 16 Keeping your Divorce Stress-Free and Simple...... 18 CADAR...... 21 When to Fly (Invest)...... 22 Christmas Too Soon?...... 23 Leaf Litter...... 27

11,000 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Abbots Ripton, Alconbury, Brington, Buckworth, Bythorn, Catworth, Covington, Dillington, Grafham, Great Staughton, Hail Weston, Keyston, Kimbolton, Kings Ripton, Leighton Bromswold, Little Staughton, Lower Dean, Molesworth, Old Weston, Perry, Pertenhall, Ramsey, Riseley, Sawtry, Shelton, Stonley, Stow Longa, Swineshead, The Stukeleys, Tillbrook, Upper Dean and Warboys (We also have over 150 distribution points, including pubs, garages, most shops, post offices, Supermarket Chains in all of the above as well as in Huntingdon, Lt Staughton, Grafham Water Visitor Centre’s and Kimbolton)

Editorial - Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Publishers Anna Bradley-Dorman, Solange Hando, John Cranston, Villager Publications Ltd Abby Smith, Tony Larkins, Hannah Byatt, Pippa Greenwood, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP RSPCA and Kate McLelland Tel: 01767 261122 [email protected] Advertising Sales/Local Editorial www.villagermag.com Scott - 01767 261122 [email protected] Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Photography - Denys Prokofyev and however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Darren Harbar Photography content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 3 History

Kimbolton Castle Every year visitors from all over the world come to rebuilt it as a Tudor manor house, remains of which Kimbolton Castle, a remarkable local building which are still visible. It was in this house that Katherine of over the centuries has played a part in some of the Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife, spent the last twenty key events in this country’s history. Henry VIII and months of her life, effectively under house arrest, his wives, the Gunpowder Plot, the English Civil dying on 7th January 1536 in what is now the War, William of Orange and the Glorious Revolution Headmaster’s study and World War II all have their place in the story of For a brief period around 1600 another Kimbolton Castle, which since 1950 has been the distinguished resident at the Castle was Sir John home of Kimbolton School. Popham, later to become Lord Chief Justice and The first castle at Kimbolton, a wooden motte and judge at the trials of Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter bailey structure on the valley slopes near Kimbolton Raleigh. His portrait still hangs in the Queen’s Room, cricket ground, was soon replaced in about 1200 by and the gruesome legend of his baby daughter is a stone castle on the present site. During the Middle recounted by present-day Kimbolton School pupils. Ages, successive owners added to its defences, A major turning-point in the Castle’s history came creating a building which was described as ‘double fifteen years later, when it was bought by Sir Henry dyked [moated] and metely strong’. In the 1520s, Montagu, a Northamptonshire lawyer, whose family Sir Richard Wingfield, one of Henry VIII’s courtiers, owned the Castle for nearly 350 years. Sir Henry further modernised the building and later became 1st Earl of Manchester; his eldest son, Edward, 2nd Earl, commander of Parliament’s Eastern Army, was Cromwell’s superior officer in the early stages of the Civil War. Between 1690 and 1720 the Castle was transformed into the elegant country house it is today. Initially, the inner courtyard was refaced in red brick, with a remarkable set of drainpipes, said to be ‘among the finest in all England’. Then, in 1707, after the partial collapse of the south front, Sir John Vanbrugh and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor carried out major rebuilding, designing a new range of state rooms and refacing the rest of the exterior. At the same 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 5 time the 4th Earl (later 1st Duke) of Manchester) 1876. By the late 1940s, the School was in urgent brought back from Venice the artist Giovanni need of larger buildings, and the purchase of the Antonio Pellegrini to paint the walls and ceilings of Castle in 1950 for £12,500 provided the solution. his new apartments. A spectacular set of murals on When the contents of the Castle were sold by the main staircase celebrate the triumphs of William auction, the School Governors showed great of Orange, whom the 4th Earl had supported. foresight in acquiring many of the Montagu family Half a century later, another great architect, Robert portraits, which still adorn the walls of the state Adam, completed the Castle’s transformation with rooms, helping the Castle to retain the feel of the the addition of a fine gatehouse screen, which still great country house it once was. dominates the eastern end of the High Street. Adam Since then, Kimbolton School has continued to also designed the celebrated Kimbolton Cabinet, grow and flourish. With the erection of new school now one of the treasures of the V&A in London; buildings, sensitively designed to minimise any a modern replica made by staff and pupils of detrimental impact on the setting of the grade 1 Kimbolton School is a recent addition to the Castle’s listed Castle, the main state rooms are no longer state rooms. used as teaching rooms and have been restored to In the late 1860s, the 7th Duke and Duchess of something of their former glory. Pupils regularly Manchester, who entertained the Prince and attend services in the chapel where Katherine of Princess of Wales at lavish weekend house parties, Aragon once prayed; young musicians perform commissioned the Scottish architect William Burn in Vanbrugh’s saloon under the gaze of Lely’s fine to build an elaborate new stable block and further portrait of the 2nd Earl; and staff drink their mid- embellish the ceilings of two of the State Rooms. morning coffee beneath the elaborate Victorian Around the same time the family also planted dining room ceiling. the impressive avenue of Wellingtonias (Giant Kimbolton Castle may no longer be a ducal Redwoods), which still frame views of the Castle residence, but, under the careful guardianship of portico from the East. Kimbolton School, it remains one of England’s great From 1890 onwards the fortunes and reputation of country houses, loved, cared for and a source of the Montagu family declined steadily, and with the pleasure and inspiration to those who study or teach outbreak of World War II in 1939 they left the Castle, there and to its many appreciative visitors. never to return. Six years of occupation by the Royal Nora Butler Army Medical Corps did little to improve the state of Kimbolton Castle is open to the public on the first the building, and in 1949 the 10th Duke decided to Sundays in March and November and to groups by sell the Castle and its contents. arrangement at other times. Next opening: Sunday Kimbolton School, originally founded as a Tudor 1st November, 1-4 pm. For full details please see grammar school in the Churchyard, had moved to www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk. new buildings at the western end of the village in www.flickr.com/photos/davepickettphotographer/

6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 Three Counties Radio By Jonathan Vernon-Smith Employing a Tradesman and NOT a cowboy! Sadly over the years I have dealt with far too many cases of consumers who have employed the services of a rogue tradesman and have paid a heavy price for their mistake. But how do you find a good tradesman to carry out work in your home or garden? Here are my top tips: NEVER employ the services of someone who knocks at your door offering their services. If a builder, roofer or plumber has time to cold call people, then they’re obviously not very busy. Why are they not very busy? BECAUSE THEY’RE PROBABLY NOT VERY GOOD! A good tradesman will be busy with work for weeks in advance. I am always similarly sceptical of anybody who tells you on the phone they can do a job for you that day. Always ask your friends and neighbours if they can recommend a good tradesman when you decide you need some work doing. It may sound simple, but the best way I have always found to employ the services of someone good, is to use your trusted contacts. Chances are if they did a good job for your best friend or next door neighbour, they’ll do a good job for you too. Make sure you always get at least 3 quotes from different people before you decide who to use. Don’t necessarily use the cheapest, but at least if you have a range of quotes you can ensure that you are not overpaying for work to be undertaken. I generally go for the quote in the middle as long as I have a good feeling about the tradesman and feel I can communicate effectively with him/ her. Always ask for references (particularly when you’re using someone to carry out a large job). Don’t be afraid to make contact with their previous customers and ask if you can go and look at the job they did. Ask them if they had any problems and what the tradesman/company was like at resolving those problems. It is very important that you agree a method of payment before work begins. I personally do not pay for work until it has been completed. If the builder/ electrician/plumber needs to buy parts etc for the job, then I am happy to pay for that on the basis of a receipt, however I insist on paying for labour costs on completion of the job. When you’re dealing with a large job (eg an extension), then I would agree a payment plan in writing. However, you should always ensure a large enough final payment is retained to act as an incentive for the job to be completed to your satisfaction. Finally, NEVER agree work without a written quote. Verbal contracts and quotations are of course legally binding, but trying to prove what was agreed weeks down the line is normally a nightmare. Of course, as always if you follow my advice, but still come unstuck and find yourself dealing with a cowboy, then remember you can always call my consumer programme on 01582 637450.

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 10% OFF with this advert

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Nu Look full page advert.indd 1 16/01/2015 15:54 COMPETITION All We Want For Christmas IS YOO-OO-OU! HOORAY! The Festive Gift Fair is back! 12-15th Noveber 2015, NEC, Birmingham Combine your festive shopping with a fun day out

Christmas again! Stuck for ideas? Don’t worry, help is at hand! Visit the fantastic FESTIVE GIFT FAIR where you are guaranteed to be inspired - 325 stalls from all over the country overflowing with gift ideas. More to see, try, touch, taste, buy and enjoy than ever before. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a daily programme of FREE live musical entertainment. There won’t be a dull moment – no wonder it is now one of the most popular Christmas shopping events in the UK. From the moment you walk into the Fair, you will be caught up in the excitement of the day, browsing round all the stalls overflowing with clever new gift ideas and Christmas decorations that don’t cost the earth. The variety is huge, with something for ALL the family! ENTERTAINMENT WHILE YOU SHOP! We don’t know anywhere else you will find such a great variety of LIVE bands to get your feet tapping while you shop! Of course, the Fair wouldn’t be the same without the most outrageous Dame accompanied by Father Christmas himself. GIFTS FOR THE LITTLE ONES! Lots of fun and games for Tiny Tots to School Children. PRESENTS TO KEEP FOREVER! Thoughtful personalised gifts and family heirlooms… FESTIVE FLAVOURS! Christmas is the one time of the year when everyone can ‘over’ indulge a little. At the Fair you can sample lots of Christmas favourites BEFORE you buy – from delicious cheeses to Christmas puddings …

CHRISTMAS STARTS AT THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR! 12 – 15 November 2015 at NEC, Birmingham For more information on Exhibitors and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk. Click on the button online to watch a short video from last year’ show. We have 12 pairs of tickets to give away Simply send your name and address by Fri 6th Nov 2015 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 £8.50. Book now by calling NEC Ticket Hotline on Train to Tibet, view from the window, 0844 581 0808/0809 or online at www.theticketfactory.com 1st sign of life on the plateau (£2.50 per booking transaction).

10 Please mentionPlease mention The Villager The Villager and andTown Town Life Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts ® safelocaltrades.com COMPETITION Recommended & Appro ed Not sure who to trust? Need a recommendation? ...see our recommended list, with local feedback

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12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

EARL advert.indd 1 21/09/2015 16:20 Local News Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle

The Rotary Club takes its name from Kimbolton the West Hunts Friendship Club and the Great Castle, located in the village of Kimbolton in West Staughton Youth Club. A recent Derby Day event Cambridgeshire. Being our titular home we do raised money for Riding for the Disabled. We hold events during the year at the Castle, including also support our District events as well as the our annual Charter celebrations. The Castle history designated charities of RIBI on an annual basis, dates back to Norman times and more details can such as Rotary Foundation to eradicate polio be found at http://www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/ throughout the world. This has nearly been castlehistory achieved with still some cases still in Pakistan and The Club was Chartered in 1994, and originally Afghanistan. had 28 members. Today we have 26 members, The biggest event in our calendar is the annual and there are still several founder members in Kimbolton Country Fayre that is held in the Castle the club. There are also six members who have and its surrounding grounds. With more than received the Paul Harris Award for outstanding 800 classic cars on view plus a full programme of service to Rotary. There are still a number of events for both the main and secondary arenas original members who have since rejoined the it is a great day out for all ages. This year in July Club. The Club operates in an informal style, and 2015 the event raised around £20,000 for the many guests have suggested that this is a relaxed designated charities. More details can be found at and very enjoyable experience, whilst maintaining http://www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com/ the objectives of Rotary. The Club prides itself with The Club is twinned with Compiegne Sud in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere; not only at France. We have a series of joint events that both our weekly club meetings, but also during all the clubs share. This has also included work experience events we support and deliver through the year. in each country for the children of Rotarians. Over the years we have developed a series The theme for 2015/16 from the Rotary of successful events that support the local International President K R Ravindran is “Be a gift community and local charities, as well as to the world” Every Rotarian has something to give international charities which help deprived such as their talent, knowledge, abilities, effort, children in Romania, and people in times of natural dedication and devotion. Through Rotary we can disasters. One of our local charities is the Burns take these gifts and make a genuine difference Camp where we take children with burns from in the lives of others in the world, and this can be the Grafham Water Centre by coach to Alconbury seen through the activities of our Club. Airfield to be driven in various vehicles. A recent John Cranston Hog Roast in Great Staughton raised £1,800 for President 2015-2016

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 Are you in pain? Chiropractic so often the answer • Back, Hip and Leg Pain • Headaches, Migraines • Cranial Therapy • Sinuses Canine Hydrotherapy Services • Neck, Arm and Shoulder Pain • Muscle Ligament and Tendon Injuries • Paediatric Care Brampton Chiropractic Clinic 84 High Street, Brampton PE28 4TH DR NEIL BROE, DC and Assoc • Rehabilitation after illness or injury • Relieves Pain, Swelling and Stiffness • Strengthen and Maintain Muscles 01480 436435 • Increase Range of Motion 10% discount on initial visit • Aids Weight Loss www.neilbroechiropractor.co.uk • Improve Fitness and Stamina BUPA and PPP registered • Fun for Your Dog Also at: Manor Lodge, Barham Road, • Other Pet Services also Available Buckworth PE28 5AQ Professional new facilities in a Tel 01480 891539 friendly home environment Wendy Gilpin, Colmworth, Beds, MK44 2NA Registered with the General Chiropractic Council Members of the British Chiropractic Association 07480 877800 Over 30 years experience Riverglade Hydrotherapy

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14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts WORDWHEEL Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel. TARGET Excellent: 45 or more words Good: 38 words Fair: 30 words O A R B M R E U T Fair Fabrics Ad_Layout 1 11/05/2015 10:46 Page 1

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 Travel By Solange Hando Cremona - The City of Music South of Milan in the lush Po Valley, Cremona is love affair with violin making is ongoing, with 157 a special place where tradition lingers in every ‘luthiers’ in town producing modern instruments, cobbled lane and shaded square. Renaissance ‘different but just as good in their own way.’ Stefano and medieval buildings glow red and gold in the Conia is one of them, inviting visitors to share his morning light, the belfry claims the world’s largest life’s passion in a tiny workshop filled with tools and astronomical clock but above it all, the heart of violins hanging all around in warm coppery hues. Cremona beats to the sound of music as it has done ‘It’s a family tradition,’ says the father of two, ‘ and for centuries. the violins are like my children.’ How long does it First there is the cathedral, a centre of musical take from start to finish? About two months, but the excellence since the Middle Ages when Pope wood needs to mature for ten years so you have to Gregory XIV, formerly the city’s bishop, spread its work on several instruments at the same time, all at reputation far and wide. Today, an organ recital in different stages. Attention to detail, soul and feel are the Duomo still sends shivers down your spine as the hallmark of every piece signed by Stefano, each superb acoustics enhance its amazing range, from one unique and a ‘mirror’ of himself. gentle fanciful flurries to thunderous outbreaks. Back in town, visitors wander around the piazzas Then come the city’s illustrious sons, Claudio where monuments and statues recall Cremona’s Monteverdi, born in 1567, composer, singer, musical past. Others head for the ‘historical shop’ musician and priest, and Amilcare Ponchielli who offering among the finest specialities its own violins wrote his first symphony at the age of ten before made of almonds or chocolate. Later, when towers falling in love with the opera. Born near Cremona and palaces turn fiery red in the setting sun, you can in the 19th century, he gave his name to his native almost hear the haunting sound of violins reaching village and the town theatre, one of the first in out to the darkest corners and floating down river northern Italy. towards Mantua and Venice, in the wake of a festive But for many music lovers, Cremona is synonymous musical cruise. with Antonio Stradivari, the 17th - 18th century violin maker who lifted the craft to unrivalled heights. He would walk through the forests of the Dolomites, they say, to find the perfect wood and made around 1,100 violins and other string instruments. There is no record of his birth in Cremona but the town claims him as its own. After all, he did come from a local family and his instruments were labelled ‘Cremona’. Around 500 original violins have survived, including the ‘Lady Blunt’ auctioned in 2011 for over £9 million, donated anonymously for earthquake relief in Japan. Meanwhile, Cremona cherishes its own beautifully preserved collections in the Civic Museum and in the Violin Museum, where occasionally a priceless ‘Stradivarius’ comes out of its glass case to be played by a world- renowned virtuoso in the adjoining auditorium. For the audience, it’s a privileged moment that will stay with them long after the final notes. Stradivari died in 1737, aged 93, but Cremona’s

16 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 17 Family Law Keeping your divorce stress free and simple By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

If you have decided your marriage is over you will unrealistic. You might have to slow down for a most probably want to make the whole process while, be patient, and wait until they are ready of divorce as painless as possible. to move things forward. Contrary to public perception not all divorces 6. Consider all the options available to resolve have to involve outright war leaving a trail of matters, such as solicitor negotiation, destruction and despair. With the right divorce mediation, collaborative law and only lawyer you should be able to resolve a divorce consider court proceedings as a last resort. A sensibly, enabling you and your children to move Resolution committed lawyer will explore the on with your lives in the most amicable and best option with you, suited to your individual constructive way. So what is the secret? case. Divorce lawyers’ tips for a less painful divorce Whilst getting a divorce is clearly not an 1. Firstly, as tempting as it is to take advice from ideal situation it does not have to be a time your best friend or the “know it all guy” in the consuming, stressful, unpleasant money pit. pub, seek proper professional advice. Talk to Sensible advice coupled with sensible people can a family lawyer who is ideally a member of help to ensure the experience Resolution committed to resolving disputes in is as painless and cost a non-confrontational way. effective as possible but 2. Listen to the professional advice given to you more importantly that and try to act upon it. Always negotiate before you and your children you litigate. Compromise is the essence of any can move forward agreement. with your lives in the 3. Inevitably there will be disagreements with best possible way. your spouse but try to keep emotions under control and avoid verbal abuse and threats. This will simply lead to them becoming difficult and inflexible. You do not want a war. 4. Try to avoid involving the children or using them as a pawn. They are innocent in this situation and they will need the love and support of both parents. Agree a parenting plan. 5. Think about timing. You may have been thinking about a divorce for years whereas your partner may only have received the news For advice on divorce or any family law a matter of weeks ago. Expecting your spouse issue contact Abby Smith for a FREE initial to discuss future living arrangements at a telephone consultation. Call 01480 270499 time when they are still reeling from the news or email [email protected] that you want to end the marriage, may be 18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Your local divorce & family law specialists

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6 FREE downloadable Local meetings arranged at guides available on a time and place to suit you our website www.family-lawfirm.co.uk Woolley & Co is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Head office: Warwick Enterprise Park, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9EF

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 19 20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News

Cambridgeshire Advanced Drivers & Riders ‘Changing attitudes through educations’ My name is Mike Read and I am the Chairperson advise and help you to improve your drive or ride. It of CADAR (Cambridgeshire Advanced Drivers and is very likely we will make your life a lot safer on the Riders). road system. Visit www.cadar.org.uk or phone 01480 My concerns: the number of young drivers who 213117 for information about membership. have an accident within a few months of passing To help you along, we use a book entitled Roadcraft. their driving test, older drivers who are finding it There is one version for car drivers and another for harder to cope and react to the demands of road motorcyclists. These books, readily available from users around them, older people who suddenly find Amazon or booksellers in the High Street, are used themselves driving again after years of being the to train traffic police officers. ‘back-up’ driver, older bikers who buy modern bikes To bring you up to date with the latest rules and that can do 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. They regulations we also use the Highway Code. Most all too frequently have an accident that can often people haven’t looked at a copy of the Highway be fatal! Code since they passed their test! CADAR is affiliated to RoSPA (The Royal Society for Visit our website or give us a call for a safer way to the Prevention of Accidents). RoSPA claim that any get about. drivers or riders who drives or rides to an advanced test standard has at least a 25% less chance of being involved in an accident. For £10 a year we offer a trained personal tutor to

EBAY COLLECTIONS Local & Reliable

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 21 Beacon Wealth

When to Fly Tony Larkins CFP APFS CMgr FCMI Managing Director / IFA (Invest) Chartered and Certified Financial Planner A couple of weeks ago I flew to the Isle of Wight they also note the changing world economy and for lunch thanks to local pilot, Peter, from Hail tax implications. They have the risk tolerances Weston. I know that sounds extravagant, and implications to follow for each of the ten portfolios perhaps it is, but as they say on Miranda, “bear and many more things. But, could they also find with, bear with”, and you will see the point I am new clients, advise them and keep up to date trying to make. with every other type of financial legislation and A couple of months ago I won the flight at a village product design change? I do not think so. charity auction. I chose to fly on 12th August, This is why at Beacon we have a number of perfect timing as the weather was great, but it specialist teams working in harmony, and believe rained on the 13th. this style will always perform better than a small Now to the point, choosing the day to invest is group of individuals doing more than one role, pot luck, in a stable market it does not matter that and far better than the one or two person practice much, but with recent events in China and Greece effectively treating work as a lifestyle. a regular 3% saving is not uncommon, so timing is I am not knocking the chosen work style, just everything… or is it? expressing my thoughts that clients usually want I will always remember my flight. It took two the best possible when the cost is about the same, pilots working together to fly the plane; constant so that like me, when I was in the plane, they can navigation, radio communications, speed and sit back and enjoy the ride knowing the team have height monitoring, switching fuel tanks every 30 everything under control. minutes and physically steering... Could a single pilot have done all these things? Possibly, but not You should always seek qualified advice from as well as two. an IFA, preferably a Certified (CFP) Or Chartered At Beacon I have a team of three who constantly Financial PlannerCM (APFS). If you have a financial monitor the funds both in and out of the portfolios; question, e-mail: [email protected]

22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Jeffrey Mills Christmas Hannah Byatt Head of Family Department Too Soon? Member of Resolution October is about the time I start thinking about order to make arrangements for the children, Christmas! Some would say that it is too early, and sometimes I refer parties to mediation where but it has a habit of creeping up on you, and they will be able to discuss arrangements for the as a busy mum I like to try to be organised. children with the help of an independent third Christmas can be a stressful time, with lots party. These processes can take time, which is why to think about. It is not just the food and I would advise thinking about things sooner rather presents that need to be considered, but school than later. nativities, visits to family etc. For anyone who October also sees the start of a fairly busy period has just experienced a family breakdown, it can for my children at school, with harvest festival be a daunting time. activities, early preparations for Christmas, and one If you have recently separated from a partner, of their favourites...Children In Need. My children and you have children, it is not too early to start love to dress up and take part in fundraising thinking about when the children will spend time activities, in order to help in some small way with each parent over the Christmas period. There those less fortunate than themselves. Jeffrey Mills are several ways to approach this. Ideally, you Solicitors are proud this year to be joining forces will be able to sit down and make arrangements with Beacon Wealth Management’s fundraising between yourselves, but sadly this is not always efforts, and we are looking forward to taking BBC’s possible. In these cases, discussing the matter with Pudsey Bear on a tour of St Neots. Please get in a solicitor can help. touch if you know someone who would like a visit I see many clients on a fixed fee basis for an from Pudsey. initial consultation to give them some general Should you require legal assistance from a firm with advice. After this meeting they often feel able to family values and a fresh approach, contact me liaise with their ex-partner directly. Sometimes or one of our team at Jeffrey Mills Solicitors. If you I will be instructed to write to the other party in have a question, e-mail: [email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 Manor Farm Bird seed & Country Store

Established for over 50 years Family run business Arguably the best selection of wild bird products in 3 counties Committed to Quality Products and Service Easy to nd – Brington is just 1 mile away from Junction 16 on A14 Large car parking space One UK’s best known bird food suppliers Open Manor Farm Granaries Brand Bird Food 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday through Saturday manufactured on site. and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday

• Dog foods • Chicken food pellets mash scratching • Rolls of Wire for aviaries chickens etc mix mixed corn and large selection • Cat foods • Great prices on a good selection of Coal, requisites logs kindling. Best prices for miles. • Small pets Food • Insect and wildlife habitats • Bird tables • Pond food • Insect study kits • Bird houses • Pigeon Food and requisites • Great selection of countryside • Confectionary/sweets & soft Drinks Brington, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5AF • Cage and Aviary Bird Food and greeting cards. Tel : 01832 710235 requisites • Potatoes various bag sizes • Country side calendars Email:[email protected] and onions • Wild bird Food Food and requisites • Selection of local honey and Very • Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings yummy jams & pickles very yummy I small packs and large bales have tried most of them. www.manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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• Dog foods • Chicken food pellets mash scratching • Rolls of Wire for aviaries chickens etc mix mixed corn and large selection • Cat foods • Great prices on a good selection of Coal, requisites logs kindling. Best prices for miles. • Small pets Food • Insect and wildlife habitats • Bird tables • Pond food • Insect study kits • Bird houses • Pigeon Food and requisites • Great selection of countryside • Confectionary/sweets & soft Drinks Brington, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 5AF • Cage and Aviary Bird Food and greeting cards. Tel : 01832 710235 requisites • Potatoes various bag sizes • Country side calendars Email:[email protected] and onions • Wild bird Food Food and requisites • Selection of local honey and Very • Animal bedding Straw hay Shavings yummy jams & pickles very yummy I small packs and large bales have tried most of them. www.manorfarmbirdseed.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25

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26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Garden By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com Leaf Litter

Are you surrounded, engulfed and swamped with water if they are dry, then more water if the weather huge quantities of fallen leaves? Whether they come remains dry…and then leave them be. Chop up from trees in your own garden or from a neighbour, larger or tougher leaves (like horse chestnut) first the deluge of leaves that falls in autumn is often so they rot down much faster - either mow them enough to get level headed, tree-loving gardeners with the lawnmower or ‘chop’ them with a sharp eyeing up chainsaws! spade. Avoid very spiky leaves, and those that are Leaves that are allowed to build up can cause very leathery and tough - mainly evergreens such problems - on the lawn they smother the turf as holly, laurel and camellia, or those from sycamore grasses, often causing patches of die back, largely and plane. You can speed the process up by adding a due to lack of light and oxygen. If the crowns of the leaf mould activator, which is available from garden less tough herbaceous perennials or alpines are centres. covered in leaves, they too start to deteriorate. So, You can also make leaf mould in a bin liner or other like it or not, you need to do something - the sooner bag. Choose a good quality bin liner and cram it full the better! of leaves, again adding water and/or activator if you A spring-tined rake is perfect for raking leaves off wish. Then stab a few holes in the bag with a garden the lawn, and can even work quite well on a gravel fork, loosely fold over the top and weigh it down drive. If you have a lot of lawn or a lot of leaves with a brick. Bin liners full of leaves can be hidden then the easiest way to deal with them is to mow anywhere that you have the space - perhaps behind the lawn. Provided you keep the hopper or grass- the shed, garage or greenhouse. If you don’t like collector on the mower, when you empty it out the idea of black plastic, then there are now some you’ll have a fantastic mix of grass clippings and lovely jute mesh bags which can be crammed full of chopped leaves. On beds and borders you can pick leaves and act as a perfect container whilst the leaf by hand, or you could invest in a leaf vacuum or a mould is forming, but will eventually rot down and leaf blower (and this can be used on most drives and add to the useful material you produce. You can see paths, and lawns too). these on my website www.pippagreenwood.com/ After collecting the leaves, make leaf mould. products. It is easy and makes a fantastic soil mulch or Whichever method you use you should have a conditioner…for free! useable product in 12-18 months, but leave it a bit Leaves are best rotted down on their own (they take longer and it will be even better! longer to decompose than the rest of the stuff in Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for your compost heap and need less air and warmth), gorgeous gardening things including the unique so make yourself a simple and inexpensive leaf ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - you mould bin. Just drive four stakes into the ground choose the vegetables you’d like to grow and Pippa to make the corners of a square, and then attach sends garden-ready plants as well as weekly advice chicken mesh around the outside to make a cage. and tips emails to you. Plus Nemaslug, signed books, Stack the leaves in, tread or firm them, add some jute composting bags and lots more besides. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 III SHIRES PEST CONTROL

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28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Pets

Animal Know-How Litter costs lives The RSPCA charity receives over 7,000 phone Containers and cans – animals looking for food calls a year about litter-related incidents and our can get trapped in cans or injured by sharp edges officers regularly rescue animals trapped or hurt – so, clean and empty containers. Pinch cans shut by litter. and cut containers in half. Recycle where possible. As pet owners go directly to vets, and many Elastic bands – can wrap around small animals injured wild animals are never found, it’s estimated and beaks of birds. If swallowed they can cause that this figure is much higher. choking – so, reuse bands when possible or cut Here are some of the preventable incidents we them open before putting in a bin. have dealt with: Glass – broken glass can cause serious injury and • a fox cub with its head stuck in a wheel hub animals can get trapped in jars – so, clean and • a badger cub with a plastic can holder recycle glass. embedded in its neck Plastic bags – animals can climb inside and • a cat that lacerated its paw on some broken suffocate, or eat them and choke – so, always tie glass bags in a knot before recycling. • a dog with its tongue caught in a discarded can Plastic can holders – animals can get entangled, • a hedgehog with its head wedged in an empty and suffer deep wounds or choke – so, always cut tin the loops before recycling. • a seal with fishing net around its neck. Fishing tackle – animals can get entangled in line It’s incredibly frustrating because protecting and hooks can pierce skin or be swallowed. Always animals from harmful rubbish is actually quite take any discarded items home with you. easy. We all just need to dispose of our rubbish Litter is not only an eyesore, but also a real danger responsibly. to the animals around us. By following a few So, please recycle and reuse OR put it in a bin. simple suggestions – you can avoid unwittingly Even everyday objects can become hazards – harming someone’s pet or our precious wildlife. some examples below may come as a surprise. Balloons – animals can eat them and choke or ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought become impacted – so, cut balloons up before to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch putting in the bin. Don’t release balloons as they www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk can land anywhere. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 29 Local News Huntingdonshire Fencing Club Fencing Ancient Art & Modern Sport What is Modern Fencing? Fencing is a tremendous sport with huge appeal for all ages! • Fencing is a fast, exciting and athletic sport, like “active chess” and keeps both body and mind fit! • It helps you increased co-ordination, greater strength and endurance, fine-tuned balance, improved flexibility, sharper reflexes, better cardiovascular fitness, greater confidence, enhanced mental agility, improved self- discipline, increases respect and finally reduced stress levels. • It is safe and lots of fun. The light modern sword came about with the introduction of fire arms making armor redundant. With the decline of armor swords become lighter, with slimmer blades & more finished with a slight graze on the arm of Lifar. pointed. EG the rapier and then the small- Sabre is the only weapon where you can cut sword. These over century`s developed in to our (the sword edge) and thrust (the point) to strike modern sporting weapons. your opponent. It also has a restricted target; • There are 3 weapons in modern fencing. everything above the waist. Foil, a point only thrusting weapon but with a Originally used by cavalry soldiers and it is said our restricted target, the trunk of the body, front & current rule of restricted target of hitting above back. the waist came from the idea of not wanting to hit The foil started as a practice weapon for the small the horse. sword back in the second half of the 1600`s. If Within the modern sport all three weapons use you practiced you then you need a Sword-Master electric scoring apparatus to record hits. to help you. To teach and hone your skill. Such Huntingdonshire Fencing Club has been teaching/ masters operated in “Salle dÀrmes” places where coaching fencing in the area for over 35 years. All 3 you could practice & receive lessons. Could this be weapons are fenced, taught & coached at the club. the start of fencing as an art? The club meets every Thursday evening between Epee, a point only thrusting weapon, The whole 7pm and 10.30 pm at the One Leisure Centre, body is target, arms, legs, feet, head etc. You need St.Neots. to strike your opponent before they hit you. The With 3 qualified coaches, plenty of equipment electric scoring apparatus is able to split such including electric scoring apparatus. possible double hits down to 1/25th of a second. The Epee was a duelling weapon developed in A Full 10 week Beginner Courses. the nineteenth century when the small-sword had HFC runs two 10 week beginners courses a ceased to be worn. Dueling was never legal within year, based on the foil, starting in January and England but in France it lasted right in to the mid September. Current cost £70.00. For full details 20th century. The last record duel was in 1958 of the next course go to the clubs website. between the Marquis de Cuevas & Serge Lifar, it WEB SITE:- http://www.huntsfencingclub.co.uk 30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Let us help you get your business off to a fl ying start

The

VILLAGER The The Issue 30 - September 2014 and Town Life ILLAGER LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS VILLAGER V and Town Life Inside this issue Issue 35 - February 2015 The and Town Life The Issue 37 - April 2015 LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARI The History of TIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Huntingdon VILLAGER Inside this issue Inside this issue Issue 32 - November 2014 ILLAGERand Town Life Elba LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCALand CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODU V Tuscany’s Best Kept Secret Town Life Issue 39 - June 2015 How to find The End of the Line a good estate agent LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS Win £25 CTS Inside this issue in our Prize Crossword Win Tickets Win tickets to Ghost The Musical to see some Inside this issue Win toTickets see Parklife Music Maestros! Win £25 in our Prize Crossword The History of Bonfire Night From Poldarkto Pen Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Beware Win £25i n o u r of Buying Online Bringing Local Business to Local People in Prize Crossword Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month Your Win £25 in our Prize Crossword FREEcopy Bringing Local Business to Local People in

Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys Bringing Local Business to Local People in and all surrounding areas every month Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys Your and all surrounding areas every month FREEcopy Your FREEBringingcopy Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The St Your and all surrounding areas every month Bringing Local Business to Local People in FREEcopy ukeleys Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month Your FREEcopy Our award winning magazines oﬀ er a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to oﬀ er 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 [email protected] or visit our website www.villagermag.com

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 31 Local News St Neots Camera Club knowing how to take a good expand knowledge amongst picture and which settings to use like-minded friends – whether that on the camera will mean fewer is from starting from scratch or to opportunities are missed. Much gaining photographic accolades in of this can found in books but it International competitions. Age, is often far easier to understand if ability, disability or gender is no bar demonstrated by a knowledgeable to becoming a member, everyone photographer through words and new soon finds a colleague to Did you know St. Neots has a long demonstrations. chat to. It is the individual’s own established Camera Club? There are so many choices these keenness to enjoy this wonderful Are you interested in taking days but we need to know how pastime that is important. photographs? If you are, reading and when to do any manipulation. If you are interested in this article will be of interest to you. We have all seen and cringed at photography why not pop in to The aim of the St. Neots Camera landscapes with a royal blue sky! one of our weekly meetings. We Club is to help and improve We can easily choose between meet every Tuesday at 7.15pm photographic knowledge and black and white or colour by in the St. Neots Bowling Club, St. skills, at all levels, by as many simply pressing a button on our Anselm Place (near the tennis means as possible. Even those with computers or we have the luxury courts) PE19 1AP from September basic skills can achieve far greater of producing one of each of the to April. We offer our members enjoyment from their hobby by same subject. As a member help a full and varied programme of being a member of the club. on a one to one basis in the use of lectures, talks and competitions Digital technology has computer software manipulation throughout the season. Please do revolutionised photography, as well as learning camera craft is take a few minutes to look at our although the basic rules have never readily available. website www.stneots-camera-club. changed. Back in the days of film At the club we welcome as org.uk. If you would like to chat our we had to decide whether or not members complete novices, Membership Secretary, Roy Allin, to use up one of our precious 24 ‘snappers’, ‘point and shooters’ would be delighted to talk to you negatives, but all that has changed. in addition to those already 01480 475228. We now have the opportunity to experienced and maybe previously take multiple shots of the same having gained a collection of subject and discard the ones we photographic qualifications. We don’t like. do not look for members to arrive So often photographs are taken with a bag of the latest gear or to in haste and unfortunately many own the most expensive camera, cannot be taken again, the all we ask for is enthusiasm and moment has passed. However, a wish to learn, improve and

32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Guitar Lessons Owen Edwards Guitar: Local Lessons – With a Global Reputation! Rock, Metal & Blues, Funk, Punk & Indie, Acoustic, Folk & Country, Electric, Acoustic & Bass All Ages and All Levels - Beginners to Advanced 25 Years Teaching Experience One to One or Group Lessons available Exclusive Student Live Concerts & Guitar Clinics with Top Pro Players

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Owen Edwards 1/2 page.indd 1 16/06/2015 15:34 Fun Quiz - Fancy Dress

1. In the film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, what did Michael and Elliott dress up the title character as at Halloween so they could sneak him out of their house? 2. For which film did Madonna earn a Guinness World Record for “most costume changes in a film”? 3. Set at a New Year’s masquerade ball, the song Masquerade features in which famous musical? 4. Who caused controversy in January 2005 by turning up to a party wearing an armband with a swastika on it? 5. Who dresses up as a woman to take on the role of Dame Edna Everage? 6. If you’re going to a fancy dress party dressed as Superman, what colour of pants should you wear on top of your tights? 7. In which William Shakespeare play does Viola disguise herself as a man and take on the name of Cesario? 8. In an episode of Only Fools And Horses called Heroes And Villains, who do Del and Rodney dress up as to attend a party, but when their van breaks down on the way, have to run the rest of the way and ended up scaring off thieves? 9. Which boxer was awarded the title of Britain’s best dressed man by the British Menswear Association in both 1991 and 1993?

10. Who did Daniel Hillard become when he dressed up as a woman? 6. Red 7. Twelfth Night 8. Batman And Robin 9. Chris Eubank 10. Mrs Doubtfire Mrs 10. Eubank Chris 9. Robin And Batman 8. Night Twelfth 7. Red 6.

1. A ghost 2. Evita 3. The Phantom Of The Opera 4. Prince Harry 5. JBarry Humphries Humphries JBarry 5. Before Harry Prince 4. Opera The Of Phantom The 3. Evita 2. Afterghost A 1.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Hobbies What your brain can gain from a music-making hobby When did you last pick up a musical instrument musical skills, those first few steps towards and play a piece of music from beginning to end? learning (or returning to) a musical instrument Last week? Last month? Last year? will be crucial. There are many resources out there, Sadly for most people the answer is quite likely to so take your time exploring the options to find a be: “Not since I was a child.” solution that’s tailor-made for your level of skill Musicians are most likely to develop their abilities and experience. during childhood. It’s the ideal time to learn If you live in a city you may be able to access adult basic skills such as reading music and playing an education services. Pick up a prospectus at your instrument, but as children turn into teenagers it’s local library or search online to find a suitable not unusual to find that the pleasures of learning course. Some adult learning institutes let you try a and playing are sacrificed to the pressures of taster session so you can decide if the lessons are taking exams, studying at college or university and appropriate before you book an entire course. – eventually – taking up full-time work. Alternatively, find a local tutor by searching the Although it may be hard to find the time to make Music Teachers UK website (www.musicteachers. music as a busy adult, much attention has recently co.uk). This organisation offers a free service to been focused on the physiological benefits of help musicians with every aspect of education and learning to play an instrument. For example, a performance and the site provides some valuable study based on 157 sets of twins discovered that information, including a helpful guide to selecting those who were able to make music were 33% less a music teacher. likely to suffer from dementia. If you are returning to music and have retained Recent research has also suggested that playing some basic (if rusty) skills, you might enjoy joining music can improve listening skills, encourage up with a local amateur music group, or even better self-discipline, help with memory and even putting together a group from scratch. Making increase the IQ of both children and adults. In Music (www.makingmusic.org.uk) helps its 2009 the University of Zurich conducted research members to set up, run and develop music groups with people aged 65 and over and discovered in their communities. that playing an instrument for an hour a week The BBC’s website also provides some useful produced strong changes in the links, including resources to help you learn to brain. read music, explore local courses and even So whether you’re returning find an amateur orchestra in your area to an instrument you once (www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/music. loved to play, or learning for shtml). the first time, you can enjoy Whatever your interest in music, your hobby in the knowledge whether it’s performing to that you’re not just concert level or joining an bringing pleasure amateur ukulele orchestra, to others through it can be a hugely your music, you are rewarding hobby. enhancing your brain’s Apart from the hours capabilities. of pleasure you’ll If you’re feeling get from playing, insecure about your science suggests that your brain is likely to stay sharp well into old age. By Kate McLelland 34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts K. Cooper Motors MOT'S REPAIRS Light Haulage & Removals SERVICING House & Office Removals Collections/Deliveries TYRES Free Quotes EXHAUSTS Luton Tail-lift Van Covering all of the UK BATTERIES Fully Insured Service 01487 830643 No Extra Charge for Evenings/Weekends 68 Green End Road Call Trevor Sawtry. PE28 5UY Tel: 07782 359050 [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Tues 13th October 11.00am - 7.00pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 10am – 5pm Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement Wed 14th October 10.00am - 3.30pm Over 40 stalls oﬀering an extensive variety of quality goods. Join a friend for coﬀee/drink – Do your Christmas shopping early! Sponsored by The Haycock Hotel Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, ENTRANCE £2.50 St Neots, PE19 5XT ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `` [email protected] ``Supporting the ``“HOSPITAL AT HOME” 01480 812281 | 07786 854946 `` ``service www.cromwellstoves.co.uk ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` FREE CAR PARKING To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35

Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31 Codeword 1 2

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 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 Before After

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EARL conservatory advert.indd 1 21/09/2015 15:50 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s OnIn October 1 October 3 October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 October The History of Tea and Tea Tasting: Military Wives Choir of Wyton & Friendship Club 10.30am-1.30pm EngAGE in the Afternoon Brampton with Rachel Godsill CARESCO Centre, (behind the Old School 1.30-3pm Huntingdon Library 7.30pm St Neots Parish Church, Church Hall), Green End Road, Sawtry Enjoy sampling different varieties of tea, as Street, St Neots Monday and Tuesdays. Club members meet for you find out how it became Britain’s best loved Tickets £12.50, Concessions £10 conversation and the sharing of a two-course afternoon drink. Limited tickets, please speak The Choir will be joined by Rachel Godswill, meal cooked fresh on the day. We can be to library staff or call 0345 045 5225. International Soprano. Organised by The flexible with attendance and couples are Friends of St Neots Parish Church with all funds welcome. Transport can be provided within 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 October raised being used to repair and maintain the Sawtry. If you live outside of the village and Bingo fabric of the church and churchyard. would like to attend but lack transport, our Doors open 7.30pm, Eyes down 8pm Tickets 01480 473820, 476314 or 213884 car scheme may be able to help. For more Little Paxton Village Hall information please call into the office on Every Thursday night. Raffle and refreshments 3 & 4 October weekday mornings or call Pat 01487 832105 at interval. Sorry only 18+ can play. Produce Fair Tel: Eddie 01480 475265 for more information 10.30am-5pm Wimpole Hall 7 October Stalls selling local produce, including fruit Biggles and WE Johns 1 & 15 October and vegetables from our own Walled Garden, 7pm for 7.30pm Basement Tour Wimpole Hall cakes from the restaurant, and eggs, flour and The Comrades Club, Godmanchester Take a peek at rooms in the basements not sausages from the farm. The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western normally open to visitors, on this 45 minute Front Association is pleased to present a talk by guided tour. Booking essential. 4 October Geoff Hales on the parallel careers of Biggles Tel: Bookings NT Box Office 0844 249 1895 The Big Draw - Every Picture Tells a Story and WE Johns. Non WFA members most 11am-3pm Hinchingbrooke Country Park welcome. A small donation is encouraged at 2-4 October Get creative in the great outdoors (or inside if the door to pay for the running of the branch. Cambridge Quilters Exhibition it is wet!) with a range of drawing and related Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 10am-4pm activities. Web: www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ David Rayner Centre, Scotsdales Garden countrysideevents 7, 14 & 21 October Centre, Cambridge Road, Gt Shelford Little Fishes Admission £2, Accompanied children free 4, 11, 18 & 25 October 10-11.20am Grafham Village Hall Large and small quilts, bags, cushions and Kingfisher Church Stay & Play Tots Session (babies welcome too). much more. Quilt Raffle with many sewing 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Sessions include free play and craft activities, relates prizes. Sales table of members’ Every Sunday. Services include children’s bible story and sing-along. Term time only. work. Tombola and refreshments. Proceeds groups and crèche. Tel: 01480 476811 Tel: Jean Clark 01480 890033 to Scotsdales Charitable Foundation and Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk Email: [email protected] Macmillan Nurses. 5 October-23 November 8 October 3 October The Friendly Invasion - the USAAF in East Ecuador the Andes to the Amazon Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Anglia 1942-1945 2.30pm Free Church, St Ives Free admission 2-4pm Reading Room, High Street, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve Handmade art and craft stalls and tombola. Hemingford Grey Course fee £44.80 Admission £2.50 on the door Hemingfords’ WEA Course. A follow-on from Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve event. 3 October the inaugural lecture on 28 September, “Ecuador the Andes to the Amazon” by Jo Art Fun Day 10.30am-2.30pm including the social impact of the USAAF, the Thomas. Jo ran local nature reserves before Huntingdon Library Free drop-in event development of appropriate aircraft, strategy setting up her own wildlife travel company. Enjoy a fun-filled day of family friendly art and tactics, leadership and risk and aviation Her lavishly illustrated account of Ecuador’s workshops inspired by Alice in Wonderland. archaeology. Tutor is Ian McLachlan, aviation flora and fauna will appeal to armchair Children must be accompanied by an adult. historian. Seven two-hour sessions. travellers and seasoned eco-tourists alike. Tel: 0345 045 5225 Tel: John Rolfe, Course Secretary 01480 463493 38 Please mentionPlease The mentionVillager The and Villager Town and Life Town when Life when responding responding to to adverts adverts What’s OnIn October 9 October 14 October 16 October Gamlingay Photographic Society Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat Bedford Brass Concert 8-10pm Gamlingay Village College, Monthly meet-up for adults with M.E. (and 7.30pm Little Paxton School Hall Station Road, Gamlingay partners/friends). We meet the second Adults £8, Children £5 including light buffet Lecture evening with Andy Hanson ARPS Wednesday of every month. All details and Concert organised by St. James Church. Tickets MPAGB APAGB FIPF (EAF). Including The PAGB latest meeting info can be found on our available from The Anchor, by telephone or on Awards. Non-members welcome - free of website. Web: www.crmetea.org the door. Tel: Jenny Gellatly 01480 219022 charge. Refreshments and optional raffle. Tel: Nick or Jackie 01767 651025 14 October 16 & 17 October Meet the Author Jim Kelly Art Exhibition 10 October 3-4.30pm Huntingdon Library 10am-4pm St James Church, Waresley Sing-Along ‘Grease’ Tickets £3 Huntingdon Library’s October Adults £2, Children free Doors open 6.30pm, starts 7pm Huntingdon Library is delighted to present an Come and see work from ten esteemed local St Mary’s Church, Gamlingay afternoon with award winning crime mystery artists. Paintings will be for sale. Two children’s Adults £5, Children free writer Jim Kelly. Booking is essential. master classes at 2 or 3pm on portrait drawing ‘You’re the Ones that We Want’ to join us for our Tel: 0345 045 5225 on Saturday afternoon - £2 per child including next exciting Film Night. We’ll be ‘Hopelessly materials. Please book in advance. Devoted To You’ if you come and join in all the 14 October Tel: Charmian Chapman 07856 224027 fun of the big screen in the comfort of your Amphibians and Reptiles local church. We may not have a ‘bouncing 7.30pm Brampton Memorial Centre, 17 October ball’ but the words of all the songs will be Thrapston Road, Brampton Awesome Huntingdon Chilli Fiesta 2015 up on the screen. Drinks and nibbles will be Admission £2.50, Accompanied children free 10.30am-5pm Commemoration Hall, available when the doors are open at 6.30pm Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife Huntingdon Free admission so come early with your cushion to get a good Trust illustrated talk by Terry Moore. Terry’s Hot curry, sauces, cooking sauces, hot dips, seat and enjoy a pre-show drink.There will be a talk will help us to identify those amphibians spicy snacks, plants, seeds, chilli cocktails, chilli small prize for the best Grease costume. and reptiles found in the UK and he will also beer and lots more. Web: www.chillifest.net Tel: 01767 650178 outline the challenges facing these creatures Web: www.gamingaychurch.co.uk today. Anyone interested in wildlife is most 18 October welcome to attend. Booking is not necessary. A Traditional Autumn Craft Fair 10 October Tel: Tim 01480 457795 for further information 12 noon-4pm St Peter’s Church, High An Evening with a Difference Street, Offord Darcy Free admission “Dessert” Island Discs 16 October Local handmade crafts. Homemade 7pm Sacred Heart Church Hall, The NHS Retirement Fellowship refreshments. Free parking on adjacent field. Needingworth Road, St Ives Tickets £10 10am-12 noon Email: [email protected] Eight well known people will select their Partnership Centre (Former Hawthorn Web: www.stpetersofforddarcy.co.uk favourite piece of music, talk about it and then Ward), Hinchingbrooke Hospital the music will be played. £10 annual membership 21 October Tel: Tickets Kathy Bishop 01480 214524 If you are retired or coming up to retirement Carers Coffee Club from the NHS and living in this area, you and 2.30-4pm 13 & 14 October your partner will be made very welcome at The White Horse, High Street, Tilbrook Country Gift Fair our branch. The Fellowship exists to maintain Are you caring for a loved one with a memory Tues 11am-7pm, Weds 10am-3.30pm friendships and to provide opportunities to loss? Then come along and enjoy a cup of Haycock Hotel, Wansford £2.50 make new friends through a range of social tea or coffee whilst chatting with others in a Over 40 stalls offering an extensive variety and leisure activities. The group meets on the similar situation. Our informal group meets on of quality goods. Join a friend for coffee/ 3rd Friday of the month (except December). every third Wednesday of the month. No need drink. Do your Christmas shopping early! You will be given a warm welcome. to book, just turn up. Hope to see you there. Sponsored by The Haycock Hotel. Free parking. Tel: Jill Waddell Secretary 01480 411994 Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 for further details Supporting the ‘HOSPITAL AT HOME’ service. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.nhsrf.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 FLOORED By Ian

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40 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Crossword Solution for The Villager September Edition

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mark Thomas from Alconbury Jordon’s Mill winner is Mrs L Clark from Stotfold

September’s Codeword and Suduko Solutions

Easy Hard

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email [email protected] To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 41 The Villager Prize Crossword Prize £25

Across 1 Used for drinking (6) 4 Warmed (6) 9 Impartial (7) 10 Sleepy (5) 11 Used for chewing (5) 12 Oblivious (7) 13 Contest (11) 18 Female grandparent (7) 20 Terrible (5) 22 Musical instrument (5) 23 Remove (7) 24 Simpler (6) 25 Windy (6) Down 1 Sound mental health (6) 2 Course (5) 3 Adore (7) 5 Additional (5)

6 Whirlwind (7)  7 Avoided (6) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 8 Added pictures (11) cut out this page and send to the address below before 14 Citrus fruits (7) 15 Farm vehicle (7) 16th October 2015 16 Disregard (6) 17 Showy (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Dimwit (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 21 Distress signal (5)

Name:

Tel:

Address:

42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts RICHARD KENYON MASTER THATCHER Of Bluntisham, Cambridge

T: 01487 843377 M: 07873 549872 E: [email protected]

Richard Kenyon 1/2 page advert.indd 1 08/05/2015 16:12 

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44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COMPETITION The Family Travel Show Discovering the World Together Olympia, London 31st October – 1st November 2015

The Family Travel Show is the The Family Travel Show will give We are giving 5 lucky people UK’s first ever event totally you the chance to get face- the chance to win a pair of dedicated to family travel to-face with the best family tickets to the show! adventures. holiday providers and specialist Just answer this simple Family holidays are precious operators all under one roof, take question below: memories in the making and advantage of exclusive show- a chance to spend that all only offers and competitions, Where is The Family Travel important quality time together. gather impartial advice and Show taking place? Whether you’re looking to inspiration, and of course A) Olympia embark on a chilled family beach quiz the experts on those all B) NEC break, an all-inclusive exciting important questions. C) Manchester Central cruise-holiday or something a So if you’re looking to just little more adventurous, from research, plan or book your ideal Simply send your answer with skiing in Austria to wildlife safaris family adventure, you can do your name and address in South Africa or a culture- all this and more at The Family by Fri 16th Oct 2015 to: driven holiday in Asia, there Travel Show! Villager Publications Ltd, will be something to suit all the 24 Market Square, Potton, family! SAVE THE DATE Beds SG19 2NP 31ST OCT – 1ST NOV 2015 The winner will be drawn at random. For more show information please visit www.familytravelshow.com READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £6 (that’s saving £6 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘VILLAGERMAG’ when booking tickets online at www.familytravelshow.com or when calling 0844 209 7360. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

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46 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Books French Tuition

FallBook Review In October, nature puts on a magnificent show for us to wonder at, as the trees shed their leaves in glorious Technicolor. As the nights draw in and the ‘Fall’ is upon us, snuggle up with a good book about those silent giants standing guard in the garden.

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 47 Getting the balance right for a faster sale

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