The VILLAGER Issue 50 - May 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue Win tickets to the Garden Theatre The Old Village Lock-Up 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 50 - May 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
Inside this issue Win tickets to the Garden Theatre The Old Village Lock-Up 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 30 Days Wild...... 28 May Day Animal Stories...... 31 R.A.T.S...... 33 8 Raspberry Pavlova Roulade...... 34 Puzzle Page...... 36 What’s On...... 38 Prize Crossword...... 42 How to Choose the Right Pre-School...... 45 Fun Quiz...... 45 Book Review...... 47 The Old Village Lock-Up...... 4 Classifieds...... 47 May Day...... 8 Bedfordshire Young Farmers Show and Rally...... 10 Choosing the Right Pre-School Win Thickets to The Garden Theatre...... 12 Spring Clean Time - StainStop...... 15 45 Wines - Let’s Go Sparkling...... 16 Employment Matters...... 19 Award Winning Trainee...... 20 Cilla Black and Alpacas...... 21 A Parent is still a Parent after Divorce...... 22 The Grass Can Be Greener...... 26 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 - Catherine Rose, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Publishers Trevor Langley, Carol H Scott, Tony Larkins, Abby Smith, Villager Publications Ltd Pippa Greenwood, RSPCA, Nick Coffer and Willow Coby 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 Advertising Sales/Local Editorial [email protected] Scott - 01767 261122 [email protected] www.villagermag.com
Photography - Cathy Yeulet and Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Darren Harbar Photography however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 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 Townlife please call 01767 261122 3 History By Catherine Rose The Old Village Lock-Up
It is still possible to see the unique single-storey historian Mr A.W. Watkin’s recollections: gaols in villages across England that were once “Many years ago there was an old gravel pit on used to hold local miscreants and drunks for a the site of where Victoria Court now stands. In short time, usually overnight. Typified by their one corner were the remains of a building known small, often round or polygonal structure with as The Cage. My father told me that this was a a single door and a narrow slit or grille to let in building once used as a lock-up where drunks light, the majority of these buildings also had a and lawbreakers were temporarily housed. The pointed or domed roof. The latter is believed to building was earthed over on top and had a heavy have inspired the shape of the original policeman’s barrelled door.” helmet. When the County Police Act was introduced The village lock-up was used mainly in the 18th in 1839 that required every town to have its and first half of the 19th centuries to enable rural own police station with a paid police force, the communities to have their own law enforcement. buildings gradually started to become redundant It was useful for detaining poachers, drunks and as the act required that local police stations be petty criminals before they were brought in front built with their own secure purpose-built cells of the local town magistrate. They were also used making the village lock-up less necessary. to house straying animals which were released on During the Second World War, some lock-ups payment of a fine by the owner. Many well-known were used by the Home Guard as sentry posts or authors of this period have referred to the use of storage for arms but many more were demolished. lock-ups in their novels including Charles Dickens Of those that are left today, a number have been and Charles Kingsley. restored and are now listed buildings while some There was a wonderful array of nicknames for have been converted into private homes. these quirky buildings that either stood alone or In Bedfordshire, there are still lock-ups at Barton le were attached to other buildings. They included Clay, Clophill, Harrold and Silsoe. Others, such as round house, jug, bone house, watch tower, the one in Northill near The Crown public house, kitty, lobby, bridewell and the cage, that latter only partially remain. of which was a nickname that was used in both Built of red brick with a slate roof, the lock-up at Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Clophill adjoins the ‘village cage’ to the south of Small towns had their own lock-ups too. A report the green and measures what was probably a fairly in The Biggleswade Chronicle refers to local typical floor span of 22 square feet. 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts ReservingNow
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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 5 In 1936, J. Steele Elliot, writing for the Bedfordshire untypically, was used well into the 20th century by Historic Record Society, described an incident from which time it had been formally handed over to the 1814 Quarter Sessions records where a ‘breach the parish council. of the Peace in the said Parish of Clophill’ took In Hertfordshire, there are lock-ups at Anstey, place. It was reported (perhaps rather comically Ashwell, Barley, Buntingford and Shenley. for us reading it today) that ‘James Odell did, with A small square building with a pyramid-shaped Force and Violence, break open the pound there, roof made of slate, the Ashwell lock-up was built where his ass was impounded for Trespass’. Odell’s in 1800 out of stone obtained from the demolition sentence was ‘10 days in gaol’ and he was fined a of a north-east chapel in the chancel of St Mary’s shilling. Church. The lock-up retains its original studded By the early 20th century, Clophill’s lock-up was plank door in an oak frame, and a barred iron grille being used to store lime and as an advertising above but fell out of use in the early 20th century hoarding. In January 1985, it was grade II listed by after which it was used to keep the village fire cart English Heritage for its ‘socio-historical interest’. in until 1939. The octagonal building in Church Road, Harrold Despite their sturdy construction, it was not is one of the older surviving lock-ups. It was built unknown for people to escape the lock-up. After of ironstone in 1796 and has a pointed doorway. Amos Pammenter was imprisoned in the Ashwell It once had a pole in the centre that was used lock-up, he was fed ale by his friends using a to chain prisoners who were in transit between straw through the grille which clearly gave him Bedford and Luton. the strength to tunnel out under the door where In Buckinghamshire, old lock-up buildings exist he promptly went home to bed. It was after this at Amersham, Great Missenden, Wendover, incident that the authorities decided the Ashwell and West Wycombe. And amongst those left lock-up was not fit for purpose. in Cambridgeshire are buildings at Anstey, A similar incident occurred in 1858 when the St Broughton, Burwell, Coveney, and Eaton Socon. Neots Chronicle reported that on Friday, February The Eaton Socon lock-up, also nicknamed ‘the 27th ‘a prisoner, charged with felony, was placed cage’, was built in 1827 in School Lane opposite in the Eaton Socon lock-up about noon, to await St Mary’s Church at a time when Eaton Socon was his examination the next morning.’ The report part of Bedfordshire. Prisoners would be taken continues: ‘About ten o’clock at night, police- from there to Bedford Magistrates Court. constable Bedlow saw him safely locked up, and Today, Eaton Socon lock-up is open several times a about twelve o’clock went again, but the bird had year for visiting. You can find out more at the Eaton flown, having made a hole about two feet square Community website - http://www.escan.org.uk/. in the brick work, which was three bricks thick.’ Other surviving lock-ups in Cambridgeshire can As the lock-up had always been considered to be be seen at Fen Drayton, Fenstanton, Litlington, impregnable, due to the fact that ‘several notorious Needingworth, Parson Drove and Sawtry. characters had tried to make their escape out The Sawtry village lock-up was built in the 19th of it, but failed’, the daring escape caused much century, again of local brick with a (hipped) slate merriment in the village. roof. The doorway was studded with an iron grille It seems difficult for us to imagine today someone and it contained two cells, one on each side of a we know from our local village or town being passageway, both of which had iron-clad doors. locked up in a cell on the village green but there are Situated on the east side of the village green, still reminders that once, it was as commonplace as it faced the local police constable’s house and the stocks were in medieval times. 6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts QUALITY A new look for your old KITCHEN FACELIFTS kitchen this Spring
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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 Time of Year
May DayBy Debbie Singh-Bhatti
My mum is proud to recall the year she was Maid of Honour to the May Queen. We have a photo of her and several other young girls, surrounding the May Queen who is wearing a flowing white gown and coronet of flowers. My own memories of May Day celebrations are less regal. I remember clutching a coloured ribbon attached to a maypole and weaving in and out an eight hour working day. of other children to make pretty patterns for our In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and parents to watch and enjoy. Labor Unions in the US proclaimed that “eight This traditional image of May Day, which in Pagan hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from times celebrated the completion of seeding and and after May 1st 1886.” Without the backing of springtime fertility with village fetes and community the government or businesses, this ideal was not gathering, has little to do with why May 1st is realised, so when the day arrived 300,000 workers celebrated in Britain today, and why it is recognised walked off their jobs in protest. internationally as a public holiday. Strikes, picket lines, beatings, shootings, rock May Day is International Workers Day, and its history throwing and bombings followed, and finally major is a little more colourful than the ribbons of the progress was made in 1914 when the Ford Motor maypole or the handkerchiefs waved around by Company cut its standard work day to eight hours, Morris Dancers! whilst also doubling their workers’ pay. Amazingly, The late nineteenth century saw employees working productivity increased significantly and profit 10-18 hour days in unsafe and difficult conditions. margins doubled within two years. This encouraged Capitalist factory owners, keen to maximise their other companies to follow suit. output, kept them running as many hours as In the UK the Labour government declared May 1st a possible with a “sun up to sun down” working day. bank holiday in 1978 and it has been used regularly Death and injury were common. by protest groups to fight for their cause, especially An early British Socialist reformer, Robert Owen, for workers and their rights. In 2011 the Tories made campaigned for the work day to be divided into attempts to scrap May Day and move the bank thirds, coining in 1817 the phrase; “Eight hours holiday to October, but for now it remains in place labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” By and an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of all the late 1800s, Socialist movements in both Britain those who fought to secure better working hours and the USA were working towards the same end: and conditions for us all! 8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 Local News Bedfordshire YFC Country Show and Rally At Manor Farm, Pertenhall, Beds, MK44 2AZ 21st May 2016 (Just off the B660 Bedford- Kimbolton Road) Lots of fun for all the family and a great day out - so save the date now and put it in your diary. Join us from 10am for a fun filled day out for all ages! Adults £8. Under 12’s free. Free Parking and Programmes!
The Young Farmer’s Rally The Country Show For the 400 Bedfordshire Young Farmers’ members, Apart from all the Young Farmers activities to the rally is a competitions day with livestock, watch and enjoy, the day offers something for all. horses, handicrafts, cookery, flowers, practical There will be combine harvesters, tractors, and skills and a lot of fun to be had along the way! With farm machinery to look at and learn about. The over 180 classes suitable for the ages from 10 to event is supported by the Red Tractor Assurance 26 years old, there really is something for all the Scheme which supports British food and farming members to work towards to win the Rally Cup! and we are delighted to have our very own “Red The Young Farmers competitors’ day starts with Tractor” on site! Look out for the prize draws and Show Jumping and dressage, whilst the livestock giveaways when you visit the Red Tractor. ring springs into action with Cattle, Sheep and Pigs Fifty trade stands with countryside themes attend. being shown to find the best of the best for the The Craft area will have a wide range of exhibitors, Grand Parade in the early afternoon. ranging from cakes/breads/pies, honey, spices, During the morning the handicrafts and flowers beer, jewellery, books/cards, toys, nik-nacks. This competitions are judged, with the Young Farmers will offer a great chance to pick up a lovely or showing of their skills, even the rugby playing lads unusual present. have a go! The children’s’ entertainment area with bouncy With competitors competing to be the best tractor castle, inflatable slide and face painter will be open driver, welder and blind folded painter there is all day. This is sited near the refreshments area and plenty to amuse visitors during day. There will be most importantly the Ice Cream van and bar! something for everyone. Birds of prey, alpacas, beagles, Thatcher display During the afternoon the focus is on the Main Ring and the Hemlock Morris dancers will provide other where there will be an actioned packed line up to attractions throughout the day. keep the whole family entertained for hours – see With a range of activities going on all day to provisional Main Ring timetable below entertain visitors to the show, we do hope you • 1pm Grand Parade of Livestock visit, learn about the Agricultural industry, and • 1.30pm Assault Course enjoy the show and what the Young Farmers get • 2pm Tug of War up to! • 2.30pm Kids Sweet Scramble After a year of planning by the hosts North Beds • 2.45pm Slide Challenge Young Farmers this will be the highlight of the • 3.10pm Olympic Relay year. • 3.30pm Parade of Oakley Hunt Fox Hounds • 3.50pm Pallet chariot challenge The rally is by kind permission of • 4.20pm Day’s Surprise The Bates Family. • 4.40pm Parade of Large Decorated Floats with Follow us on twitter and face book or theme of the past 70 years http://www.bedsyfc.co.uk/ 10 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Could there be more in your life? ® We have a shortage of foster carers. safelocaltrades.com
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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 COMPETITION
“worth catching them whatever the show, wherever they go” 5 star rating NORTHERN ECHO “Open air at its best" EASTERN DAILY PRESS Win a Family Ticket to a Magical Evening of Garden Theatre at Knebworth House
This summer, Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be bringing three wonderful productions to Knebworth House. Performed in the spectacular setting of the Sunken Lawn in front of the House. Gates to the Gardens open at 6.00 pm - bring a picnic, a blanket to sit on and enjoy the atmosphere before the performances begin at 7.00pm. Then as dusk falls, the magic begins…. Your prize is a family ticket to one of these exciting 3 productions: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Thursday 23rd June A thrilling journey to the most magical of forests; where you will meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players. Beautifully designed Elizabethan costumes, a wonderful new musical score and enchanting woodland creatures will make this a wonderful informal theatre experience. The Railway Children, Thursday 21st July The unforgettable and heart-warming story of adventure and family, as three children find a new home in a beautiful village. The children make new friends and discover the wonders of the Yorkshire hills and the railway lines scattered throughout them. Stunning period costume, traditional music and songs and a whole host of unforgettable characters, Peter Pan, Thursday 18th August The unforgettable story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter far away on the magical island of Neverland. There they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruelest pirate of them all, Captain Hook. Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M.Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner, with original music and songs, and beautifully designed costumes. To enter, complete the form below (ticking preferred show) and send to: Knebworth Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. Winners will be picked at random. Deadline: 31st May 2016 KNEBWORTH HOUSE COMPETITION ENTRY Question Name: (please tick correct answer): Address: Knebworth House is in which English county? Dorset Tel: Hertfordshire Midsummer’s Night Railway Children Peter Pan Essex Good luck! However, should you not be successful in the competition you can purchase tickets via the Knebworth House website. Tickets: Adult £14, Child (3-16) £10. Family ticket £42 (2+2) See www.knebworthhouse.com/events or call 01438 812661 Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX www.knebworthhouse.com 12 Please mentionPlease mention The Villager The Villager and andTown Town Life Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts COMPETITION
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 Before After
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14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts
EARL conservatory advert 4-16.indd 1 14/04/2016 19:14 Spring Clean Time! With spring well and truly upon us, you are probably thinking about freshening up your home which can include giving carpets, curtains and upholstery a much-needed clean. It is important to remember some rules when attempting to spot clean carpets and fabrics: treat the stain as soon as possible, don’t rub and never overly wet. Instead gently blot the stain and rinse and dry thoroughly to finish. If you have any excess (e.g. chocolate, mud) then scrape it up first before cleaning to avoid spread. The handy table below shows you how you can treat everyday stains using products that you may already have in your home.
Stain Type Cleaning Procedure Coffee, tea, beverages B-A-G Blood, milk, chocolate B-E-G-H Vomit, urine B-D-G-H Red or white wine A-B-G Tar, grease, polish C-F-H Key: (A) White vinegar (not wine or malt) (B) Detergent solution (1 tsp to ½ pint warm water) (C) Surgical spirit (D) Hydrogen peroxide
(E) Ammonia solution (1 tsp to 1 cup warm water or mix detergent and vinegar 50:50) (F) Warm water (G) Cold water
For an overall professional clean, it is worth looking at companies that are eco-friendly which is not only good news for the environment but also better for you, your family and pets. A local company with over 20 years’ experience, Stain Stop offers chemical-free cleaning of carpets, rugs, sofas and curtains and can have your soft furnishings looking like new again in no time.
For a chemical free cleaning, contact Stain Stop based in Bedford Telephone 07753 939901 www.stainstop.cleaning To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 Food and Drink Wines Let’s Go - Sparkling The popularity of sparkling wines increases yearly. Always a major part of a celebration or occasion, as well as being enjoyed on their own, sparkling wines offer excellent value and impress, regularly. I searched for a company supplying sparkling wines from different countries and then selected just four, which, to me, offer quality, very good value for money and are widely available.
Codorníu Reina Maria Cristina is fresh. This well-balanced beverages, available. I found the Blanc de Noirs Vintage Reserva production is highly-popular staff very knowledgeable and Cava Brut (Spain) I found to be and very suitable for so many always able to advise on food superb. Produced in honour of occasions, including parties. pairings, etc. the Regent Queen Maria Cristina Graham Beck Brut Rosé NV (South Majestic Wine has free tastings, of Austria, this production uses Africa) has Chardonnay and with the opportunity, sometimes, Pinot Noir Grapes. A most pleasant Pinot Noir grapes from Graham to meet winemakers. Also, I bouquet greets the nose and Beck’s own estate vineyards. This consider the discounts on ‘mix and extends pleasures, wonderfully, to colourful wine has a bouquet match’ to be really good, providing the taste buds. of light-red fruits and on the great value for money. There is Bouvet-Ladubay Saumur Brut NV mouthfeel delivers a refreshing free delivery and free glass hire (France) has Chenin Blanc grapes taste. Great for al fresco dining. available (if an event is planned, utilised to great advantage, in this I located these productions at for example), also. For all details, excellent production. A floral and the multi award-winning Majestic including ordering online, too: fruity bouquet leads enticingly Wine Company. Well-renowned for www.majestic.co.uk to the wonderful mouthfeel and competitive prices and impressive palate sensation. This wine is very customer service, Majestic Wine As always, popular and enjoyed at a great has a most excellent range. There Enjoy! number of events. are many wines – each to their Famiglia Pasqua Prosecco D.O.C. own – plus beers, spirits and other Trevor Langley Treviso Brut (Italy) welcomes with a fruity bouquet. The palate
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18 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employment Employment Matters Employment Law Changes: Your Essential 9 Point Checklist Every April, new legislation relating to employment If an employer provides a previously contracted- rights and responsibilities is introduced. This year, out scheme, its employer and employee national the introduction of the National Living Wage has insurance contribution liability will increase. grabbed the headlines – here are all the important 4. Employer NICs are abolished for apprentices employment law changes: under age 25 1. The National Living Wage is introduced. In line with the Government’s aim to encourage Workers aged 25 and over will be entitled to the the creation of apprenticeships for young national living wage rate of £7.20 per hour from people, from 6 April 2016, employers will not pay the first pay reference period beginning on or employer NICs for apprentices aged under 25. after 1 April 2016. The national living wage is a 5. Statutory family-related pay and sick pay rates new top rate of the national minimum wage. are frozen Employers should check that employees’ pay There will be no increase to statutory sick pay, is not brought below the new rate by salary- statutory adoption, maternity, paternity or shared sacrifice arrangements. parental pay rates in April 2016. 2. Penalties for non-payment of the National 6. New limits on statutory redundancy pay and Minimum Wage are increased employment tribunal awards. The penalty for employers found not to have From 6th April 2016 the maximum amount of a paid the national minimum wage doubles from week’s pay for these purposes increases to £479, 1 April 2016. The enforcement is the same for and the maximum compensatory award for non-payment of the national living wage. From 1 unfair dismissal increases to £78,335. April 2016, the penalty is set at 200% of the total 7. Financial penalties can be imposed for non- underpayment. There is a minimum payment payment of tribunal awards of £100 and a maximum payment of £20,000 Legislation allowing tribunal enforcement officers and the maximum payment applies for each to impose a financial penalty on an employer that worker who has been underpaid, not to the total fails to pay a tribunal award or ACAS settlement payment for all workers. sum is expected to come into force in April 2016. The most serious cases e.g. producing false 8. A salary requirement is introduced for tier 2 records or refusing to answer questions from a workers compliance officer, may be criminally prosecuted Employers can sponsor skilled foreign workers by the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions to come to the UK to work for them under tier Office. The potential penalty on conviction is an 2 of the immigration points system. A new unlimited fine. requirement for a minimum salary of £35,000 will 3. A new State Pension Scheme is introduced and apply from 6 April 2016. contracting-out ends. 9. Public sector employees can be required to A single-tier state pension is introduced from repay exit payments 6 April 2016, replacing the previous basic state Regulations requiring higher earning public- pension and additional state pension. sector employees to repay exit payments if Employer-provided pension schemes will no they re-join the public sector within a year are longer be able to contract out of the state expected to come into force in April 2016 or soon pension and receive a national insurance rebate. after.
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 19 Jeffrey Mills Award Winning Tony Larkins CFP APFS CMgr FCMI MCSI Trainee Group Managing Director It takes considerable training to be top in your add to these with the right candidates. profession, and much of it comes from initial Beacon Wealth Management Ltd only acquired training, aptitude and attitude. Jeffrey Mills Solicitors in April 2015 and can take Cambridge Law Society has recently announced little or no credit for Caroline’s achievement, that the winner of Trainee Solicitor 2016 is Caroline but having been fortunate to win a number of Dye of Jeffrey Mills Solicitors, in St Ives. awards we hope Caroline’s award is one of many Caroline is in the final months of her training achievements for the team. contract and will then officially be a qualified With Linda Eaton as Practice Director, Jeffrey Mills, Solicitor, although in fairness has been more than Hannah Byatt and Veronica Leone all part of the competent for some time. management team and client service being a top Caroline has chosen to specialise as a Private Client priority, the future is exciting. Solicitor, which includes Wills, Trusts and Probate. If you are looking for a Solicitors with family values Being proficient in several different languages, and a fresh approach, who will put you first, please Caroline’s skills are in big demand, and she is give us a call. Traditionally Jeffrey Mills Solicitors starting to create a reputation for professionalism. has been known for their attention to detail in Jeffrey Mills Solicitors have offices in St Neots, St conveyancing matters, and with new improved Ives, Sawtry and Kimbolton, and Caroline is happy software, speed of processing is incredible. to travel to the most convenient office for clients. If you are a business owner looking to provide staff Continually assisting fellow colleagues, you will benefits we have an interesting proposition. also find her promoting the business through Should you require legal assistance from a networking, so look out for her at events. firm with family values and a fresh approach, Jeffrey Mills Solicitors are fortunate to have a contact Jeffrey Mills Solicitors. E-mail: enquiries@ number of specialist Solicitors and are looking to jeffreymills.co.uk
20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Beacon Wealth
Tony Larkins Cilla Black APFS CFP CMgr FCMI MCSI Managing Director Chartered and Certified and Alpacas Financial Planner I think we were all shocked by the tragic death of with my hands, the project is quite complicated. Cilla Black, but what has probably been missed is (Bear with me this is relevant). that she left an estate of £15m, and whilst each of The approach is the same as a financial plan. We her 3 sons inherit about £3m, the Chancellor is to start with the end goal in mind. Then take stock receive £5m. of what we have already, time frames, cost and The same scenario occurred when Princess Diana practicality. A brief plan is formulated and then died. Each could afford advice, and the advice we seek an adviser suitably qualified by real would have been very cheap, given the alternative. experience. With the Inheritance Tax (IHT) Nil Rate Band of For us so far we have Rob, a local farmer, whose £325k reducing to Nil on larger estates and the assistance, knowledge and contacts have been a proposed introduction of a probate fee of £20k godsend. We also have Carole who is 2 years ahead on an estate over £2m; there are going to be a of us and gratefully imparts her pearls of wisdom number of individuals who should be seeking which are invaluable. To proceed alone would have advice from advisers such as Beacon Wealth led to expensive mistakes. Management Ltd. The initial plan has now been formulated and There are quite a few exemptions and allowances commenced, but whilst numbers and planning are to be aware of, and together with good planning, second nature, I cannot plan clearly when I am not should enable most people to either avoid it in control of all the facts. altogether, or make provision for it, without Whether you need to implement or tweak affecting the estate value. an existing financial plan, speaking to an The start of every tax year is an ideal time to review appropriately qualified Financial Planner i.e. one all your allowances and exemptions, not just for IHT. that is Chartered or Certified (look for APFS or CFP A proper financial plan should assist you in this. after their name), will assist you in cementing your Recently I bought a field and intend to keep goals. Alpacas, Donkeys, Goats and Chickens. As I have If you have a financial question, only owned family pets and I am not very good e-mail: [email protected]
To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 21 Family Law A parent is still a parent even after divorce or separation By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk I am often surprised at how separation, they usually are and wish very much to people expect their status as remain ‘present’ in their children’s lives. a parent to change, simply Parental Responsibility because their relationship All married parents will have parental responsibility status does. Being a partner for their children and all unmarried parents will or a spouse is something also have parental responsibility so long as they are that can cease or change named on the child’s birth certificate (for children depending on the choice of born after December 2003). Parental responsibility one or both parties. However, is completely unaltered by separation and rarely parenthood is for life. affected by child arrangement orders. Parental The terminology we use to describe ourselves and responsibility exists whether the children are each other after separation can be very telling spending time with a parent or not. That means the about how we view co-parenting after separation. right to be informed and consulted about all key It is no coincidence that the Family Justice system aspects of a child’s life such as education, health, has striven to change the language we use and religious upbringing and medical treatment. These ‘custody’ and ‘access’ became ‘residence’ and ‘contact’ areas require two parent decisions and, unless an and, most recently, simply ‘child arrangements’. order provides otherwise, parents need to agree if The emphasis is clearly on both parents having an children are to be removed from the country, even ongoing meaningful involvement in parenting their for a holiday. In practice, it generally makes sense children. for both parents to have relationships with the The term ‘single parent’ is a curious one. It is a fact school and GPs but any big decisions will require that children generally have two parents, so why discussion. does the process of separation mean they only end Parents are permitted to exercise their parental up with one? After separation children will generally responsibility in their own way when children spend time with each parent separately, so both are spending time with them. As frustrating as it parents will be ‘single’ parents at some time or might be, parents can and do parent differently another. and attempts by one parent to control how time is The same applies to the term ‘parent with care’. After spent, what children eat and who children spend separation both parents can and do care for their time with in that period are given very short shrift children, just not at the same time. Time spent with by the Court. It does make sense for routines to be each parent will depend on lots of factors but, like similar and diet and health needs met but parents it or not, the general position is that children need can parent the way they choose, provided that their routine, so one parent, certainly in school time, choices are not unsafe or otherwise damaging to will probably have more time for hands on care the child. than the other. The parent who has traditionally Whatever the arrangement in place it must always accommodated the school routine often practically be remembered that parents remain parents and has more time to undertake care during these times they retain responsibility for their children. Nothing and can become labelled the “parent with care”. has changed. They just don’t live together anymore. The polar opposite of the ‘parent with care’ is the ‘absent parent’. This is quite an unfair description, For advice on any family law issue contact as on the whole, the parent who has left the family home has done so to minimise disruption for their Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone children, rather than absconding or attempting to consultation. Call 01480 270499 or email slip out of their parenting obligations. Whilst this [email protected] parent might not see their children every day after 22 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Your local divorce & family law specialists
Caring, confidential legal advice
3 Divorce and separation
3 Getting a fair financial settlement
3 Seeing your children after you split
3 Legal arrangements before you marry or live together
FREE telephone appointment Call locally based divorce & family lawyer Abby Smith on 01480 270499 or email [email protected]
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
To W&Co_131.93LS_AbbySmith.inddadvertise in The Villager and 1 Townlife please call 01767 261122 04/12/2014 14:2223 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25 Garden The Grass By Pippa Greenwood Can Be www.pippagreenwood.com Greener
Your garden should now be starting to look lush row should be staggered, like bricks in a wall. and green, with beds and borders beginning to Lay the first row of turf using the adjacent path or come into their own. But if your lawn spoils it all, or lawn edging to form a straight line to work to. Roll you want to install one, now is the perfect time to out each turf carefully so that the edge abuts onto get started. its neighbour. Preparing the site Lay the next row, again ensuring that the long Remove all weeds, large stones, debris and any old edges of each abut onto the long edges of the last grass, then dig or fork over thoroughly to remove all row. To avoid damage, kneel on a plank placed over taproots of weeds. the previous row and continue until your new lawn Kill off an old lawn or a weed infested site with is in position. weedkiller based on glyphosate, then strip it off If you need a small section of turf to complete a or dig it in once it all dies off. Incorporate organic row, add this in the middle of a row rather than at matter to improve moisture retention on sandy the end so it is less likely to be dislodged or dry soils; on heavy soils dig in grit and organic matter out. For a curved edge lay the turves so that they for drainage. overlap the new lawn edge and cut to shape. Next, firm the whole area by treading it over evenly When finished, gently tamp the area over using in flat-soled boots, then rake thoroughly and the back of a rake and if any turves sink place some remove stones or other debris from the surface, extra soil underneath until they are level. Finally, treading gently down again if necessary. brush in a mixture of horticultural sand and finely Buying turf sieved soil over the surface, ensuring that gaps Buy turf from a reputable supplier which is suitable between the turves are filled in. for your requirements – some, especially those Care and maintenance including lots of dwarf ryegrass, are much tougher, Gently water the new lawn using a sprinkler, while some contain a seed mixture for use in shade. ensuring that the water penetrates right down to A ‘bowling green’ effect may look superb but will the root level. need more maintenance and be less hardwearing. Water regularly in dry weather, particularly for the Avoid cheaper turf as it can contain weeds, pests or first couple of months whilst the roots establish and diseases, or is simply not a good grass mixture. avoid walking on it during this time. You will soon Arrange delivery of turf when you need it and have a gorgeous lawn to be proud of. never store for more than two days. It can remain rolled up for up to 24 hours, but for any longer Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. unroll immediately, lay out flat on paving or plastic com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ - sheeting and water regularly. fantastic UK grown vegetable plants of your choice Laying the turf plus weekly advice and tips emails from Pippa, Lay turves closely together and do not allow the Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, edges to overlap. For an even finish, joins on each signed books and lots more besides. 26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 Local News 30 Days Wild Feeling wild? Take the wildlife challenge – commit to Random Acts of Wildness during June . . Draw a tree, collect stones, look up the Latin name of a bird or plant, make a plaintive tune through a piece of grass, thread a daisy chain – there many simple and pleasing ways to connect to nature. As way of engaging more meaningfully with nature and wildlife, the Wildlife Trust in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire - and Trusts across the country - are encouraging a daily activity or action during the month of June, looking to create the UK’s first month-long nature challenge event. 30 Days Wild involves doing Random Acts of Wildness each day anxiety, boost motivation and car park, contact 07734 478471 of June – for anyone registering improve mood. The actions can be Rebecca.green@wildlifebcn. in advance during May there for one second, one minute, one org www.wildlifebcn.org/ are posters, leaflets, wall charts, hour a day – to find out more and events/2016/05/01/dawn- stickers available, which will help register, visit www.wildlifebcn. chorus?instance=0 bring inspiration. org/30DaysWild Brampton Wood Spring Walk, It can be a sociable time to share Listings: Cambs; annual guided walk to wildness with family, friends and Dawn Chorus Sunday 1 May, see spring flowers, Sunday 1 May, colleagues - experiencing the 6-8am, Trumpington Meadows, 2.30-4.45pm; contact Tim Fryer benefits of being outside can Cambridge; meet at entrance to 07941 261346 www.wildlifebcn. affect the lowering of stress and the park just near the Byrons Pool org/events/2016/05/01/ brampton-wood-spring-guided- walks?instance=1 Walk at Gamlingay Wood, Cambs, Wed 4 May, 10am- midday; spring flowers and bluebells; contact Betty Cooke 01462 851954 bettycooke954@ btinternet.com www.wildlifebcn. org/events/2016/05/04/ walk-around-gamlingay- wood?instance=0 Fordham Woods visit, Cambs Friday 20 May, 6.45-9.30pm, exploring specilaist wildlife; contact Will Burdett 01353 661339 willburdett@btinternet. com www.wildlifebcn.org/ events/2016/05/20/visit-fordham- woods?instance=0 28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts KIMBOLTON FENCING COMPANY LTD
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30Riverglade Hydrotherapy 1/2 pagePlease 4-16.indd mention 1 The Villager and Town Life when responding18/04/2016 to adverts 21:47 Pets
Animal Stories Don’t be average….. We’ve all seem the ‘extreme hoarders’ on TV – able to collect the items from you if you have a unable to move around their own homes because large enough donation. We can sell your donated of piles of newspapers clogging up rooms and items at one of our charity shops – in Thurlow Street corridors. Such extremes make entertaining telly, or the High Street, Bedford – and use the money but even the ‘average’ person owns a surprising to help local abandoned and neglected animals in amount of unnecessary stuff. Are you guilty of need of a new home. Don’t worry if the clothing is being average? tatty, or if you have odd, or scuffed shoes – we can • The average woman has about 22 garments still sell these for rag. in her wardrobe that she will never wear, but The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch is a small absolutely refuses to throw out. local charity that is entirely responsible for raising • Added up across the country, women spend its own funds and supporting itself. We are currently more than £1.6 billion on more than 500 million experiencing a crisis as the number of animals items of clothing they will never wear. Placed on abandoned has increased by 65% over the last 5 a clothes rail, this would stretch for 15,534 miles. years. It costs us every day, £5 to look after one • Jeans are the most common item of unworn healthy cat and £8 for one healthy dog. This means clothes, with 88 per cent of the population that every month we need to find at least £1,300 to saying they own at least one pair that they house all the animals in our care and £2,000 for vet would never be seen out in. bills. The number of animals being abandoned is, • One in five people hoard up to six pairs of shoes unfortunately, still on the increase. that will never be worn. And almost everyone So, if you’re guilty of ‘being average’, why not sort owns at least one top they ‘would not be seen through you’re stuff, bring it into one of our shops dead in.’ – and transform your guilt into something a lot • Men have 19 items of unworn clothing lurking in more worthwhile? You can even sign up for gift aid. their wardrobes. It costs you nothing but makes your donation go • Two thirds of Brits dislike their junk and a quarter even further. say it makes them stressed. 6 Thurlow Street, Bedford, MK40 1LR 01234 930304 • One in five homes have enough unwanted items 49 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1RY 01234 353362 to fill an average bathroom and a similar number Please email [email protected] with enough to fill an entire bedroom. any enquiries. If you find yourself guilty of any of the above…help is at hand. You can donate any unwanted clothing, ANIMAL STORIES is one of a series of articles brought bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch furniture to the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch. We also now take electrical goods – and may be www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 31 All Seasons Garden & Property Maintenance
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foster homes in the Bedford area. Fundraising features very prominently within our charity and during the year we hold events at various locations around the Bedfordshire area. Details of the animals for re-homing are available R.A.T.S. stands for Re-homing Animal Telephone at our events and where possible, we bring along Service and reflects the origins of our charity. some of the dogs and small mammals to view. We began in 1984 with a small group of dedicated R.A.T.S. DOG SHOW animal lovers who, via the telephone, put those Our next major event is on Sunday 5th June who needed an animal re-homed in touch with and will be the first of two dog shows held each those who wished to adopt. year at G & M Growers in Upper Caldecote, Nr The charity continues today to be run entirely by Biggleswade. This will be a Companion Dog Show volunteers and we are proud to say that R.A.T.S. plus we will also have lots of Novelty classes for has grown into one of Bedfordshire’s leading those who just want to come along with their dog animal charities. and have some fun. Our aim is to re-home the dogs, cats and small Companion classes start at 11 am and Novelty mammals in our care into loving, secure homes so classes at 12.30 pm with registration for all classes that they can live out the remainder of their lives opening at 9.30 am. happily. All homes are vetted. There will be various stalls at the show plus a good selection of home-made refreshments, all made and donated by our team of volunteer catering ladies. CHARITY SHOP The R.A.T.S. charity shop is located in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade and we are always in need of items to sell such as good, clean clothing and bric- a-brac etc. The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.
Poppy Freddie & Roxy
Volunteers are always welcome to help at our events, in the shop, or fundraise. Please contact us if you would like to help: Email: [email protected] Further details of our fundraising days and dog Looking for a new home... shows, together with the animals looking for Bambi new homes, can be found on our Website : www. rats-animalrescue.co.uk and on Face book: www. Whilst in our care, every animal will receive any facebook.com/ratscharity necessary veterinary treatment required and it is If you are interested in re-homing any of the our policy never to have a healthy animal put to animals above or any of our other animals, please sleep. contact the appropriate person below: Our dogs have been based at our kennels in Hare Dog enquiries Pauline 01462 834458 Street Village, near Buntingford since its purchase Cat enquiries Liz 01767 681157 in 2010 and the cats and small mammals are in Small Mammals Hazel 01234 357788 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 33 Three Counties Radio
Serves up to 8
Raspberry Pavlova Roulade If you’re a fan of the Great British Bake Off, you’ll Pre-heat your oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 have seen a fair few roulade disasters on the show. And yet, a simple roulade is actually very achievable Prepare a rectangular swiss roll tin (or just a shallow at home and it always looks great when served to baking tray) by lining it with baking parchment (you family and friends. The meringue here is basically a can stick it down with a few spots of butter). quick-cooked pavlova, meaning it is incredibly light In a large, grease-free mixing bowl, whisk the egg and fluffy. whites to soft peaks.While continuously whisking, This recipe is based on a beautiful roulade which slowly add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a was made for my show by pastry expert Simon time, until you have a stiff, glossy meringue mixture. Northcott. He made his with a whipped cream and Whisk in the vanilla extract, followed by the vinegar Nutella filling and topped it with hazelnuts. I’ve and cornflour. made mine a little more fruity, with an easy cream Pour the mixture on to the baking tin. Leave a gap and raspberry filling. Technically the addition of around the edges or else the meringue will stick. raspberries means that a slice of the roulade can Smooth it over with a knife or spatula so you get a (just about) qualify as one of your five a day! nice, regular spread. If you do want to make the nutty version, replace the Bake this for 15 minutes or until the meringue is a raspberries with two tablespoons of Nutella and top light golden colour but still soft on the inside. the roulade with chopped hazelnuts. Take the meringue out of the oven and leave it to cool. It will be quite flexible and malleable now. INGREDIENTS Cut another sheet of baking parchment. Turn the For the meringue: meringue over and put it on the new sheet of paper. 3 large egg whites Carefully pull away the baking parchment which the 175g white caster sugar meringue was baked on. 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold in the 1⁄2 tsp white wine vinegar raspberries, allowing some of them to crush up a 1 tsp cornflour little. Carefully spread this evenly over the cooled roulade and then simply roll it up tightly, with the For the filling: longest edge closest to you, leaving the greaseproof 300ml double or whipping cream paper behind as you go. 200g raspberries (or any similar red fruit, Put the roulade, seam down, on your serving plate. or a mixture) You can serve immediately but I find an hour in the fridge helps firm up the roulade. Just before serving, Icing sugar, to dust dust with icing sugar and grate some chocolate over (Optional) grated chocolate to decorate the top too if you fancy.
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.
34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 35 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.
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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 37 CBS1522 Community Poster_194x131mm.indd 1 23/12/2015 11:24 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s OnIn May 13 April-14 May 4 May 2016 7 May Life Lines St Neots Museum Commemorating the Western Front 2014-2018 Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm The Buckden Life Drawing Group presents a stunning 7pm for 7.30 pm Free Church, St Ives Free admission exhibition of drawings, and paintings revealing The Comrades Club, Godmanchester Quality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola. the human body in all its beauty and complexity. A talk by Professor Brian Bond who will examine The group is made up of a combination of people how 1914/15 has been reappraised by historians 7 May with a strong interest in the discipline of traditional and focus on 1916 as the pivotal year on the Western The Signals Museum 10am-4pm drawing based on human anatomy as it once was Front. Non WFA members most welcome. Small The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the taught in art schools, this was the visual language of donation is encouraged at the door. public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as artists, designers, architects and sculptors. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is Tel: Liz Davies, Curator 01480 214163 required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. Mobile: 07836 744 939 4 May Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk Email: [email protected] Gamlingay & District Gardening Club 7.30pm Kingspan Suite, The Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, 9, 16 & 23 May 1 May Gamlingay Visitors £2.50 Comrades Chess Club 7.30pm The Beautiful Bluebells of Brampton Wood Speaker will be Colin Ward talking about A Comrades Club, Godmanchester 10.30am & 2.3pm Brampton Wood Plantman’s Choice. This will be a ‘hands on’ talk Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only The Huntingdonshire Local Group of the Wildlife using live plants from the owner of Swines Meadow as it’s a licensed premises. Trust invites you to come and experience the Farm Nursery. Also seasonal and popular plants. Every Monday except Bank Holidays. delights of a carpet of bluebells in this ancient woodland, which lies on our doorstep. Please 4 May 9, 16 & 23 May meet at Brampton Wood Car Park, Grafham Road, Huntingdon Royal Naval Association Scottish Country Dancing 8-10pm Brampton at 10.30 or 14.30. GR TL 184698. Park in 8pm Falcon Tavern, Market Hill, Huntingdon Queen Elizabeth School, Godmanchester the Trust car park. There is no charge, but donations The Huntingdon & District branch of the Royal Naval Mondays from September to May. are welcome. Tel: George Cottam 01480 450809 Association meets on the first Wednesday of the Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774 month. Email: Karl Webb (Secretary) Email: [email protected] 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May [email protected] for further details Kingfisher Church 10 May 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School 4 May Hemingford Grey Flower Club 10am Every Sunday – all welcome! Services include Little Paxton Gardening Club Hemingford Grey Reading Rooms children’s groups and a crèche. Tel: 01480 476811 8pm Village Hall, Little Paxton Admission £3 with refreshments Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk Members £1, Guests £2 Flower demonstration by Lesley Beeton. Speaker David White on “Let’s talk about plants”. 2 May He will be giving a wide ranging talk about 11 May May Day Monday plants, some favourites some unusual. David is a Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat Denny Abbey & Farmland Museum nurseryman, speaker and designer. Second Wednesday of every month. Monthly meet- A variety of craft stalls and demonstrations. Have up for adults with M.E. and partners/friends. a go at Maypole dancing. Children’s craft area. The 4, 11, 18 & 25 May Web: www.crmetea.org museum’s rural location with its back drop of farm Little Fishes 10-11.20am buildings and medieval Abbey, is a perfect setting Grafham Village Hall 12-14 May for this May Day event. Calling all craft makers, Stay and Play Tots Session (babies welcome too) The Offord Players present False Pretences artists, small food producers and plant nurseries! - just turn up. Sessions include free play and craft Doors open 7pm, curtain up 7.30pm Contact Ann Wise to book a stall: 01223 860988 activities, bible story and sing along. Offord Village Hall, High Street, Offord Cluny Email: [email protected] Tel: Jean Clark 01480 890033 for more information Tickets: Thurs £7, Fri & Sat £8 Web: www.farmlandmuseum.org.uk Email: [email protected] A comedy by Eric Chappell. When confidence trickster Victor Blake descends on his long suffering 2, 29 & 30 May 5 May sister and brother-in-law after a spell in prison he Craft & Gift Fair 10am-4pm Sleep Well Workshops 1.30-4pm finds that they have a guest - an attractive and Roxton Garden Centre Free entry Tesco Community Space, St Neots wealthy widow. He sees this as a solution to his A wide selection of hand crafted crafts & gifts not Struggling with your sleep? Second part of the financial problems and deploys his charm and found on the High Street. workshop. Tel: Lyn Whittington 01480 731009 trickery to ensnare her. Tickets: 01480 811798, Tel: Stallholder enquiries 01536 675000 01480 810049 or www.theoffordplayers.org.uk Email: [email protected] 6 May PATHFINDERS: Leading the Way 13 May 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 May 2pm-3.30pm Huntingdon Library Tickets 50p Nightlights Social Club 8-11pm Roxton Bridge Circle 7.15-10pm Join staff from the RAF Wyton Heritage Centre, The Red Lion, Grantchester Roxton Parish Hall Pathfinder Collection for the first of two talks on £9 including buffet Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday the Pathfinder Force - the target-marking squadron Nightlights Social Club for Singles 39+. Live music evening. Just come along or call/email for more of Bomber Command who led the way during the and dance night. Nightlights holds hosted, informal information. Second World War. Booking required. Please speak social events at The Red Lion every 2nd and 4th Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 to library staff or call to book. Friday of the month. Web: nightlights.org.uk for Email: [email protected] Tel: 0345 045 5225 more info and calendar of events 38 Please mentionPlease The mentionVillager The and Villager Town and Life Town when Life when responding responding to to adverts adverts This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to our website www.villagermag.com What’s On In May 14 May 17 May 20 May New Running Festival at Waterbeach Barracks Little Paxton Community Pavilion AGM Screen St Ives 8pm St Ives Corn Exchange Waterbeach Barracks 7.45pm 45 Years (2015, UK, Andrew Haigh. 95mins, cert 15) Whether you are young or old, a serious athlete or We meet up to six times a year and are looking for In six decades of acting Tom Courtenay has rarely a fun runner, there are races to suit you. 10km and volunteers to help with the running of the Pavilion been more brilliant than in this poignant tale 5km races, a 2km fun run and even a 100m toddle and to fill the role of Secretary. of marital secrets and lost love. Something that for under-fives with adult assistance permitted. happened nearly 50 years before comes back to Entries for the 10km and 5km close on 7 May. The 18 May haunt a couple who are celebrating their 45th 2km and 100m distances can be entered on the day Carers Coffee Club 2.30-4pm wedding anniversary. Should some secrets stay before 10.15am. The White Horse, High Street, Tilbrook buried? Book online www.screenstives.org.uk Web: http://waterbeachtoddlerplaygroup.org.uk/ Are you caring for a loved one with a memory loss? event-details Our informal group meets on every third Wednesday 21 May of the month. No need to book, just turn up. Plant & Garden Sale 11am-3pm 14 May Tel: Neil Silby 07889 319888 for further details St James Church, Little Paxton Star Shine Stroll 2016 Email: [email protected] Lots of plants, refreshments, books and preserves. Shelford Rugby Club, Cambridge Registration fee £15 18 May 21 May Take a 6.5 or 10 mile route into and out of Huntingdonshire Family History Society AGM Gamlingay and District Garden Club Plant Sale Cambridge Historic Town Centre in pyjamas or fancy 7.30pm Women’s Institute Centre, 2.30pm Honey Hill, Gamlingay dress in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Waldon Road, Huntingdon By permission of Mrs Eileen Knibbs. If you would like to volunteer for support with event Huntingdonshire Family History Society AGM preparation, as a marshal or to help at the event followed by talk by Liz Carter on ‘100 Years of Maps 21 May with tasks such as registration, merchandise sales or & Surveys’. Bookstall or helpdesk. Quiz Night 7.30-9.30pm catering, please call Tasha Auburn on 01223 723115. Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 for more details Huntingdon Library £2.50 per person Tel: 01223 823115 to register Email: [email protected] Part of the Brave New Reads series of events. Web: http://www.starshinestroll.co.uk/register.asp Website: www.huntsfhs.org.uk Teams of up to 6 players. Booking required. Tel: 0345 045 5225 15 May 19 May Biggleswade Antiques Fair Bourn Golf & Leisure 8.30am 21 & 22 May 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle £120 a team of four includes half-way refreshments Hemingford Art Club Exhibition Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 Tee off for a great cause - NSPCC Charity Golf Day. 18 Sat 10.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm A diverse range of antiques and collectables. Café holes. Winners Trophy, great prizes, raffle and lunch. Hemingford Abbots Village Hall serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Lunch £15 lunch for non-playing guests. Forms from Free admission Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Golf Club or via email. Tel: 01954 719745 New and original works of art for sale. Also on sale Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk Email: [email protected] will be greetings cards featuring some hand painted work. Refreshments on sale. 15 May 19 May Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Concert: St. Ives & District Flower Club 2.15pm 26 May Two Orchestral Favourites 3.30pm Burgess Hall, St. Ives Visitors £7 St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts Centre, Demonstration by Jo Poulter from Peterborough St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots Huntingdon entitled “Picture This”. Refreshments available. Members £2, Non-Members £2.50 Tickets: £14/£12, Student concession £7/£6 Tel: Vi Hardware 07980 172049 for more information How to grow Dahlias by Robert Sherriff. Hunts Phil Orchestra with soloist Daniel Benn Email: [email protected]. Competition ‘One stem of a Foliage Plant’. Dahlia (cello) perform two of the most popular works in plants will be available to purchase on the night the classical repertoire: Dvorak’s Cello Concerto 20 May and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2. Tickets available by PATHFINDERS: The Bombing Missions – Berlin 28 May telephone, email or on the door. Tel: 01480 861591 and Peenemunde Raids 2-3.30pm St Neots Charity Walkalon 9am Email: [email protected] Huntingdon Library Tickets 50p St Neots Rugby Club Web: www.huntsphil.org.uk Join staff from the Pathfinder Collection at RAF Choice of start times from 9am-1pm. Includes quiz Wyton Heritage Centre, for a fascinating insight into with excellent prizes. In support of Sue Ryder St 16-29 May the Pathfinder’s role in the Berlin and Peenemunde John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. Large Print Book Sale Huntingdon Library Raids. Booking required. Tel: 0345 045 5225 Register at rotarystneots.org.uk/events Ex-library large print books and audio CDs available to buy. Item prices as marked. Tel: 0345 045 5225 20 May 28 May Food & Film - Brooklyn (12) 6.15pm/7.30pm Wool Shearing Course 10am-4pm 17 May The Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Wimpole Estate Kimbolton Flower Club 7.30pm Tickets £10 Pie & Mash 6.15pm for 6.30pm in the £90 including tea, coffee and lunch Mandeville Hall, Kimbolton Small Hall followed by the film at 7.30pm in the For those people thinking of acquiring sheep or Visitors £7.50 including light refreshments Main Hall. Limited number of tickets to be booked having a small flock of sheep this course will give Flower arranging demonstration by Linda Seabrook by Monday 16 May from Watson’s, Yellow Bird and you the confidence to tackle sheep shearing with entitled ‘Twn Fion Cali’ (The Welsh Highway). Bytes. Tickets for FILM ONLY available at usual prices traditional blades. Booking essential. All welcome. from Watson’s, Yellow Bird and Bytes. Tel: National Trust Box Office 0844 249 1895 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 Nick Bussey Interior & Exterior Painter & Decorator Plumbing & Heating Specialists Boiler ● Servicing All aspects of decoration ● Repair undertaken. ● Replacement Over 20 years of experience. Fully Insured. ● General Plumbing References available on request. ● Heating Call for a FREE NO ● Bathrooms OBLIGATION QUOTATION 07780 642238 We accept debit and credit cards Email: [email protected]
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Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31 Crossword Solution for The Villager April Edition
Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs B Cope from Letchworth
April’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 7 A large sea (13) 8 Disclosed (8) 9 Opposed to (4) 10 Move forward (7) 12 Allude to (5) 14 Learn (5) 16 Not coolest (7) 19 Zn (4) 20 Fizzy drink (8) 22 Practical example (13)
Down 1 Not there (4) 2 Picture house (6) 3 Think about (7) 4 Unrefined (5) 5 Breathe in (6) 6 Insensitive (8) 11 Thorough (8) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 13 Mallets (7) cut out this page and send to the address below before 15 Physician (6) 17 Tiny (6) 18th May 2016 18 Show embarrassment (5) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 21 Let fall (4) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Name:
Tel:
Address:
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44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Local News
How to choose the right pre-school With research and preparation choosing the right morning and afternoon sessions 5 days a week, pre-school for your toddler doesn’t need to be a some give you the flexibility to increase hours confusing and daunting task. and days as you need it, as well as adding ad hoc Pre-schools accept children from between two – sessions. three years old, they can learn new skills, become Make time to visit the serious contenders, the more independent, gain confidence and build first time without your child so you can focus on new friendships. The 15 hours’ free government the finer details. Spend time observing how the funding available to some two, and all three year staff interact with the children and ask what a olds means giving your child a great start to their typical day entails, whether there is any outside education isn’t going to break the bank. space, if they offer extra activities such as physical Start by asking family, friends or neighbours for education or trips out, and whether your child recommendations, and browse the pre-school needs to be potty trained. websites or ask for a prospectus to give you an Lastly visit again with your child to see how they idea of the ethos. Find out how flexible they are enjoy the session. Above all trust your instincts about choosing the right sessions and days to and choose the pre-school where your child will suit your requirements; some pre-schools offer be happy and secure.
Fun Quiz - Days of the Week 1. Since the mid-1930s, UK General Elections have always been held on which day of the week? 2. What is the only day of the week that is an anagram of a valid English word? 3. The final round of each the four major golf championships normally takes place on which day of the week? 4. What day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus and his Apostles?... Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday? 5. According to the nursery rhyme, on what day of the week did Solomon Grundy get married? 6. Which day of the week features in the titles of top ten hit singles by New Order, Duran Duran and the Bangles? 7. Which TV and film character has the middle name of Friday and a first name to suggest she might be full of woe? 8. What is the first day of the week mentioned in the lyrics of the theme song for the TV show Happy Days? 9. “Mardi Gras” is French for what?... lazy Monday, fat Tuesday or angry Wednesday? 10. Hosted by Chris Evans, when the TV show TFI Friday was first broadcast in 1996, what did Channel 4 say the letters in “TFI” stood
for?
8. Sunday 9. Fat Tuesday 10. Thank Four It’s Four Thank 10. Tuesday Fat 9. Sunday 8.
7. Wednesday Addams (from The Addams family; the nursery rhyme Monday’s Child says “Wednesday’s child is full of woe”) woe”) of full is child “Wednesday’s says Child Monday’s rhyme nursery the family; Addams The (from Addams Wednesday 7.
6. Monday (Blue Monday, New Moon On Monday, Manic Monday) Monday) Manic Monday, On Moon New Monday, (Blue Monday 6. 1. Thursday 2: Judgment Day) 2. Monday (an anagram of dynamo) 3. Sunday 4. Maundy Thursday 5. Wednesday Wednesday 5. Thursday Maundy 4. Sunday 3. dynamo) of anagram (an Monday 2. Day) Judgment 2: Thursday 1.
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This is an unusually short novel by Kate Mosse at just 250 pages. However readers won’t be disappointed as Pet Services Mosse once again takes us back to the South of France and the area in the Pyrenees which provided the haunting backdrop to her weightier Labyrinth novels. It is 1933, and an Englishman visits a book antiquarian in France with a strange manuscript written in the now extinct Occitan language of the region. The antiquarian is curious and wants to know how an Englishman would have it in his possession. Slowly, the foreigner tells his story. Removals, Delivery & Storage In 1928, with Europe still recovering from the For All Your Storage, aftermath of World War 1, Freddie is recovering Delivery and Removal from an illness. Still struggling to come to terms Requirements with the death of his older brother George, Use your his doctor suggests a trip to France where the local Based in Alconbury Weston removal mountain air in the south may help his recovery. company He is consumed by grief and guilt over George’s Freephone - 0800 689 0894 death and welcomes the opportunity to visit the Tony Webb - 07850 293540 country where his beloved brother died. Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 A car crash during a storm in the mountains sees www.move-plus-safe.co.uk him stranded in the oddly deserted-looking village of Nulle. He finds lodgings and the next day is invited to attend the Fete de Sainte-Etienne, a celebration of the village’s past. It is here that he meets Fabrissa, a beautiful mysterious woman. Mosse cleverly allows us to see the psychological effects of grief. As in the Labyrinth trilogy she embeds the story in the medieval history of the Cathars (an ancient sect of Christianity, long since destroyed) in the region. Are there such things as ghosts or do we create them in our mind to deal From just £35.00 per month plus VAT with the events that appear doomed to reoccur throughout history? Or are ghosts merely the Call Nigel on 01767 261122 reminder of mistakes that we are condemned to for more information repeat? To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 47 The art of the perfectly balanced valuation Discover how to move when you want, at the price you want...
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