VILLAGER Issue 51 - June 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

The VILLAGER Issue 51 - June 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win a set of Gardening Tools National Picnic Week 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 The VILLAGER Issue 51 - June 2016 and Town Life LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

Inside this issue Win a set of Gardening Tools National Picnic Week 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 The Plitvice Lakes - Croatia...... 29 National Picnic Week Animal Heroes...... 30 R.A.T.S...... 32 8 BMW at the Movies...... 35 Puzzle Page...... 36 What’s On...... 38 Prize Crossword...... 42 Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe...... 44 Win Tickets to the Farr Festival 2016...... 46 Book Review...... 47 Death of the Dialect...... 4 Classifieds...... 47 National Picnic Week...... 8 Win a Set of Wilkinson Garden Tools...... 10 A Touch of Indulgence...... 13 Ousefest...... 14 World Blood Donor Day...... 17 Employment Matters...... 18 No Will, No Way...... 20 The Plitvice Lakes - Croatia When Does Your Birth Certificate Expire?...... 21 Keeping Divorce Costs Down...... 23 29 Tackling Troublesome Weeds...... 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 - Catherine Rose, Ssan Brookes-Morris, Villager Publications Ltd Kate Duggan, Alison Runham, Carol H Scott, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Veronica Leone, Tony Larkins, Abby Smith, Tel: 01767 261122 Pippa Greenwood, Solange Hando, Iain Betson, RSPCA, [email protected] Nick Coffer and Willow Coby www.villagermag.com Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, Scott - 01767 261122 [email protected] however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Photography - Dotshock and Darren Harbar Photography statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher. Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460 To advertise in ThePublishers Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 3 History By Catherine Rose Death of the Dialect

The English language is constantly evolving, with the 20th century but has now been overtaken by new words being added to the Oxford English the term ‘buggy’ to describe the modern baby Dictionary every year and various outdated carriage! words dropped (if you are like me, browsing Although we base written English on well- through a 1930s dictionary and seeing how established standards of grammar, spoken many curious terms have fallen out of use can be English is as fluid as a river, ever changing, and as endlessly fascinating). the saying goes, ‘you can never step in the same Put in simple terms, while the world moves ever river twice’. forward with technology and invention, new But words and expressions are not the only words are needed to describe them. At the same aspect of our language that changes. The UK has time, redundant words from a more antiquated a population of around 65 million and although time slowly disappear. For example, the once most of us will speak English as part of our commonplace word ‘wireless’, along with the daily life, there is a wide variation of regional large radio set it describes, has disappeared accents - Brummie, Glaswegian, Scouse, Cockney to be replaced by everyday words describing and Geordie to name but few of the more new technology such as DVD player, laptop and recognisable ones. smartphone (that I was once admonished by Years ago, before globalisation and nationwide a youngster for writing as two words). Words commuting when most people would spend also get abbreviated – for instance, ‘personal their life in the area in which they were born, computer’ has become PC. This shortening of regional accents and dialects were even more words is not at all new. ‘God be with ye’ became defined. (The combination of accent and regional condensed to ‘goodbye’ some centuries ago and expressions or words peculiar to that area is is now abbreviated further to ‘bye’, and the word known as a dialect.) ‘perambulator’ was shortened to ‘pram’ during Today, you can still hear the distinct twang of the 4 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 5 original rural Bedfordshire accent when talking to towards certain regional accents and at one time, old folk who have lived and worked their whole it was a distinct disadvantage to have one if you lives in the villages of their birth, but accents like wanted to find certain types of work and you did these are slowly dying out with people in the not speak the ‘Queen’s English’ or what is also home counties in particular said to be adopting known as ‘Received Pronunciation’. If you look at what is coming to be known as a ‘multicultural old black and white films, you will hear most of London English’ or ‘Estuary English’ – often the actors talking in what now seems this archaic criticised as being a bland homogenisation of the but rather charming way. old Cockney and outer London accents. This extended to the first radio presenters. When Likewise, many of the old regional words my father started working for the BBC in the and colloquialisms have also disappeared. In 1940s, not only did all the radio and television Bedfordshire the term ‘fercalling’ was once used presenters have to speak ‘BBC English’ (Received for ‘messing around’, ‘clack’ meant ‘mouth’, ‘jallop’ Pronunciation) but under the famous Director described ‘medicine’, and ‘buppy’ was a term for General Lord Reith, they were even expected to ‘butter’. And of course, there was the famous wear dinner jackets while broadcasting over the Bedfordshire ‘clanger’ – the unique meat and jam radio. pasty combination that no field worker would set Similarly, when my mother came down from her off for the day without. home city of Sheffield in the 1950s to find work, Interestingly Dr Shaw found that many of these she had elocution lessons to try and diminish words were used south of Bedfordshire and as her northern accent as she knew that it would be far as north London. I can certainly recall my detrimental to her finding a job in London. Even north London Dad (who was born in 1912) using today, some research has shown that R.P. still the word ‘jollop’ for medicine. The gentle but gives British speakers an edge when it comes to distinctive Bedfordshire accent however was landing the best-paid jobs although this could be peculiar to the area. due to the fact that many people who speak with In the 1950s, the BBC recorded the accents of this accent attended private and public schools rural farmers in Hertfordshire. They found an with the social and networking advantages it can accent which turned words such as ‘price’ into often bring. ‘proice’ and ‘mouth’, ‘maooth’. A mid-morning Fortunately, there are numerous archives of snack was known as a ‘bever’ which interestingly voice recordings both by the BBC and the British is very similar to the word ‘bevvy’ for a drink or Library to name but two that have helped to ‘beverage’. chronicle regional accents and their changes over In some ways, these fading regional accents the past 100 years. are a reflection of the fact that old traditions Imagine you could transport yourself three to and ways of life within small rural communities four hundred years into the future. You would are dying out. At the same time, strong accents probably find it difficult to understand a lot of such as Yorkshire and Cornish which remain are the conversation taking place around you despite becoming far more accepted as part of our rich it being in ‘English’. And that is the beauty of cultural heritage and our social moves towards language. It exists only at a single point in time multi-cultural acceptance. and often within a confined geography. That is In the past, there was a great deal of prejudice also its tragedy.

6 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 7 Time of Year National Picnic Week The weather’s warming up, so why not get outside meats, olives, humus and crackers are also now and go for a picnic? commonly included and some choose to create 11-19 June is National Picnic Week: a celebration items from special picnic recipe books. of picnicking that’s been happening in the UK for One of the tricks of picnicking successfully is over a decade. packaging items correctly to ensure food is not Some see picnics as a romantic affair to be shared squashed beyond recognition and drinks don’t with a loved one, fine foods and a bottle of leak. Carrying your picnic on a bike ride can champagne. For others it’s an inexpensive family create extra difficulties but add to the fun. Utilise day out and often a reminder of childhood days. specialist plastic containers, cling film, foil and Or it could be a chance to spend time with friends, sandwich bags, or buy items pre-packed. You choosing to meet at a given location and each could even splash out on a traditional picnic bringing along their favourite food and drinks to hamper. You can now buy a wide range of stylish share. brightly coloured plastic plates, cutlery and cups The Oxford Dictionary describes a picnic as ‘an to enhance your experience. It’s a good idea to occasion when a packed meal is eaten outdoors, remember to take napkins or kitchen roll and especially during an outing to the countryside.’ some wet wipes, as eating a picnic can get a little Whilst many do choose a countryside spot for their messy, particularly if you are sat on a picnic rug picnic there are many other options including rather than at a table. Do take some bags for your local parks, the grounds of stately homes, the rubbish too; never leave litter behind. seaside and riverside settings. It’s not just about the food and drink. Most picnics You can find recommendations for places to enjoy include some form of group exercise such as a your picnic on the National Picnic Week website: walk, cycle, swim or game of rounders, in addition www.nationalpicnicweek.co.uk or you could try to a good laugh and a chat. This makes picnics a asking friends for their preferences. stress-busting, healthy activity. For many people a picnic consists of traditional And if the weather isn’t kind you can still create a items such as sandwiches, crisps, boiled eggs picnic atmosphere indoors. You could even try a and cakes or fruit. Research shows however ‘carpet picnic’ at home. Kids love them! that Mediterranean options such as deli-style By Susan Brookes-Morris

8 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 9 COMPETITION A Passion for Gardening Win top quality carbon steel garden tools plus a gift voucher together worth over £100

For well over 80 years the Bickerdike family have been in the horticultural industry. When his father retired, Mark Bickerdike and his wife Debbie decided to follow the family tradition and start a Garden Centre of their own. In 1999 they opened Bickerdikes Garden Centre, employing the same principles as previous generations of the family, quality, choice, value for money and above all personal service. Bickerdikes Garden Centre has a comprehensive choice of expertly sourced products and services for your home and garden, all delivered with friendly, welcoming, professional and practical advice. The Bickerdikes service extends to their carry to car assistance and free delivery for larger items if you spend £15 or more. That’s not all, the Bickerdikes Reward Card scheme means that every time you make a purchase you’ll earn points towards future purchases. Once you’ve browsed all the plants, containers and pots, tools and equipment, plant feeds and fertilisers, garden furniture, huge range of gifts and gift food you’ll be ready for a rest so visit Norton’s Café. Whether it’s for a quick cup of coffee or a light snack or even lunch, you will be able to sit back enjoy your food while looking out over the beautiful landscaped gardens. There’s a full menu all day starting with breakfast and waitress service too. Competition Answer the question below to win a compete set of seven Wilkinson Sword carbon steel garden tools, all with a five-year guarantee: (hand fork and trowel, garden rake and lawn rake, digging spade, digging fork and Dutch hoe) plus a £20 voucher to spend at Bickerdikes. (Please note the wheelbarrow is not part of the prize) To enter, complete the form below and send to: Bickerdikes Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be picked at random. Deadline: 30th June 2016 BICKERDIKES COMPETITION ENTRY In which year was Name: Bickerdikes Garden Centre Address:

opened?  Tel:

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 11 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Health & Beauty A touch of By Kate Duggan indulgence Work and family demands can up on a hot very hydrating, so make it pretty difficult to find time day. I like to leave lips feeling to treat ourselves. Thankfully, keep it to hand utterly pampered. our top picks this month make to spritz if my With a choice of indulgence easy. skin feels dried 12 colours, there’s I have very dry skin, out by central one to suit any skin so tend to use rich heating or air- tone. Guava gets body butters. But conditioning. my vote for daytime sometimes I like It’s great at wear, though coral something a bit removing any tulip comes a very lighter, that doesn’t last traces of close second. take half an hour to makeup, and leaves skin feeling I’m a bit lazy when it comes to sink in. Odylique’s wonderfully soft. skincare, so I do love a product Rose Velvet Body I try a lot of cleansers as a beauty that makes Lotion, £29, has writer, but Akamuti’s Sweet it easier. proven a godsend. Orange Facial Cleanser, £7, is Plantscription It’s a powerhouse of one of my all-time favourites. Powerful botanical ingredients, The sweet orange oil works as a Lifting including aloe, natural exfoliator, to wipe away Overnight avocado, cocoa bean, dead skin cells and leave me with Mask, £52, coconut and rose petals, smells softer, ‘glowier’ skin. Other natural by Origins gorgeous and absorbs quickly. oils, including sweet almond and does just that. As implied by the My skin just drinks it up, and feels olive oil, ‘feed’ my skin and leave name, you massage it into your much softer and more hydrated it softer and plumper. It’s effective skin before bed, then forget for the rest of the day. Plus, as it’s at removing makeup (including about it. It absorbs into your 100% natural (93% organic), it’s mascara), but gentle enough skin, so you don’t need to faff gentle enough to use on even my for even my sensitive skin. Plus, around with cotton wool pads daughter’s sensitive skin. a little goes a long way, so it’s or a muslin cloth to remove it. Continuing on with the rose superb value for money. Natural ingredients sourced from theme, another of my beauty A new lipstick always feels like a around the globe include Indian essentials at the real indulgence. More Commiphora, a tree resin that moment is Mixtress’s so than a mascara or works to stimulate skin’s own It’s All Roses Toner, pretty much any other anti-ageing Hyaluronic Acid. The £10.95. I find most cosmetic product. mask helps to toners too drying for A pop of colour and tighten, lift and my skin, but this one I’m set for whatever plump skin, is really hydrating. The lies ahead that day. so you look main ingredient is rose Clarins’ new Joli fresher-faced water, from petals that Rouge Brilliant in the morning, have been steamed Lipsticks, £19.50, are even if the kids/ to extract the oil and a real treat. Formulated dog/partner juice. Unsurprisingly, it with organic marsh woke you up smells beautiful and is samphire extract and several times in perfect for freshening mango oil, they’re the night. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 13 Local News

OuseFest returns this summer with over 100 exciting events! OuseFest returns this summer (from Monday 18 Throughout the to Sunday 31 July 2016) with a fortnight of over festival there 100 local events celebrating the Ouse Washes will also be lots Landscape and Communities! There’s plenty of opportunities happening at a variety of venues right on our to learn about doorsteps, spanning from Downham Market to our fantastic St Ives, Ely to Chatteris. It’s a perfect opportunity cultural heritage to learn more about the history of our fascinating with a variety of Ouse Washes area, local wildlife and habitats and events including traditional Fenland life. OuseFest is sure to be lots village walking of fun and a great way to reminisce about the old tours, poetry days, think about the Ouse Washes of the future workshops, and enjoy everything our beautiful local area has folklore talks, art trails, photography exhibitions, to offer. theatre performances, craft workshops and film Now in its second year with over 3,000 visitors in festivals. 2015, OuseFest is organised by the Ouse Washes Sara Marshall, Countryside Engagement & Landscape Partnership and is a celebration of Marketing Officer at the Ouse Washes Landscape everything that makes the Ouse Washes Landscape Partnership says “last year’s OuseFest was so much and surrounding Fenland area great. Become a fun and we’re incredibly excited to celebrate again Nature Explorer at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes; discover this year with even more events and partners; life under the water with a Botany Fun Day at WWT there’s something for everyone to help connect Welney Wetland Centre; explore our local history with the local area, have some fun and meet new on a Museums Trail including Prickwillow Museum; people in their communities”. see the landscape from a different point of view on This only gives a taster of what’s happening a Kite Aerial Photography Workshop; let off some during OuseFest! To find out more and to see the steam at one of the Family Fun Days happening full programme, please visit www.ousewashes. across the area. There is sure to be something for org.uk/ousefest, Twitter (https://twitter.com/ all ages. OuseFest) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ ousewashes). If you have any other questions or would like to volunteer at an OuseFest event, please contact Sara Marshall on [email protected]. 14 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 15 Before After

For all your window, door and guardian roof requirements call Tim on 01480 216677

Tim [email protected] www.eastanglian-group.com

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

EARL conservatory advert 4-16.indd 1 14/04/2016 19:14 Health World Blood Donor Day Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk World Blood Donor Day on 14th June is an annual World Health Organisation event. This year’s A special scale constantly measures your donated campaign celebrates blood donors, highlighting blood until the 470ml mark is reached, which usually the idea that blood connects us all. It seeks to raise takes 5-10 minutes. You shouldn’t feel any pain. Once awareness of the need for regular blood donation, the needle is removed, a sterile dressing is applied inspiring more people to become blood donors. to your arm. Why Should You Give Blood? After Your Donation It’s easy to find reasons not to donate, but also You should keep the pressure roll on for 30 minutes easy to assume blood will be available if we need and the dressing on for 6 hours. You’ll be sent to the it. However, in the UK we need over 6,000 people refreshment area to relax and encouraged to have a to give blood every day to meet our needs; around snack and at least 2 drinks before you leave. 67% is used to treat medical conditions, 27% in You should avoid having a hot bath and using your surgery (including emergencies) and 6% to treat donation arm for anything strenuous for the rest of blood loss after childbirth. the day. Most people feel fine, but if you feel dizzy, Who Can Give Blood? sick, hot or shaky, drink plenty of fluid and lie down If you’re fit, healthy, aged 16 to 66 and weigh over until you feel better. If bleeding recurs, sit down, 7 stone 12lbs or 50kg, you should be able to start raise your arm and press on the area until it stops. donating blood. Men can give blood every 3 months If you become unwell (other than a cold or cold and women, every 4 months. sore) within 2 weeks, or believe there’s a reason your However, some things can affect your eligibility, blood shouldn’t be used, you should call 0300 123 such as organ transplantation, travel to certain 2323. countries and existing medical conditions. You can Become a Lifesaver check your eligibility on the NHS webpage www. Think of saving a life and you probably imagine blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood. rescuing someone from an accident or a fire. But by Preparing To Give Blood becoming a blood donor, you could save a life every You can register online at www.blood.co.uk, by time you donate. So why not register today? calling 0300 123 2323, or at a blood donation session. To donate, book an appointment or drop in at your next local session. To make your donation as comfortable as possible, ensure that beforehand you: • Eat regularly. • Get a good night’s sleep. • Drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol for 24 hours). • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. • Avoid unusually strenuous exercise. • Know your medical and travel history. What Happens When You Donate Blood Pre-booked appointments shouldn’t take over an hour; take a friend or book to distract you if you’re nervous. You’ll be given a drink to keep you hydrated. Your identity and health check details will be confirmed, and your iron levels will be checked by testing blood from your finger. A small cuff is placed on your arm to maintain a light pressure and the donation site will be cleaned with antiseptic before the needle, connected to a blood bag with your unique donor number, is inserted. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 17 Employment Employment Matters An Employee Raises a Grievance at Work What Do You Do? Carol H Scott HR and Business Consulting Ltd Employees raise grievances when they are order to get a good understanding of the needs of unhappy with something at work and want it to be the employee and set their expectations of what a dealt with in a formal way and employers should realistic outcome could be. aim to settle any grievances as soon as possible Sometimes an employee raises a grievance after close to the issue. they have been invited to a disciplinary meeting A grievance is a complaint about something that and it may be appropriate to put the disciplinary the employee is not happy with e.g. proceedings on hold and resolve the grievance • terms and conditions of employment first. Every case is different and the facts of each • health and safety case will dictate whether this is necessary or if • working relations both procedures can be run at the same time. • bullying and harassment The grievance may require further investigation • new working practices/organisational changes by the Manager to gather more facts and if it • discrimination. relates to actions/conduct of another colleague, A grievance may be raised verbally or in writing the investigation will involve speaking to that and even if an employer has no formal grievance colleague and any other staff who have witnessed procedure in place, it is an implied term of a what happened. contract of employment that they are dealt with Based on the evidence available, the Manager fairly in a timely manner. will make a decision on whether the employee’s The aim is always to resolve a grievance informally grievance should be upheld and action to be and quickly but if that does not work or employee taken, or not upheld if there is no evidence to wants to go the formal route, invite them by letter suggest that the complaint is substantiated. to a attend a grievance hearing including their The employee should be invited to a meeting and right to be accompanied by a work colleague or advised of the outcome which will be confirmed trade union representative. in formal a letter giving the employee the right Wherever possible grievances should be heard by of appeal if the grievance was not upheld, or only an impartial Manager who has not been involved upheld in part. and is not the subject of the grievance. In cases where the grievance involves problems The purpose of the hearing is for the Manager to in working relationships between two or more explore the issue(s) and ensure full understanding employees, mediation through an independent of exactly what instigated the complaint and third party can be considered and allows the decide whether the employee has a point or not. parties involved to examine the effect of their The Manager should also ask the employee what behaviour on each other and the business, and a suitable outcome to the complaint would be in find a mutually agreeable outcome.

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 19 Jeffrey Mills No Will, Veronica Leone LLB Head of Wills and No Way Probate Department The sudden death of celebrity Prince shocked a who will look after them, who their legal guardian lot people, however, what stunned most was the is, and how they will be provided for if you become fact that he seems to have died with no Will and ill or pass away. one has still not emerged. When someone dies without a Will, they are If you have a Will but no one knows its deemed to have died intestate, and the estate is whereabouts, it can have the same impact and therefore administered as per the Intestacy Rules. difficulties as dying without a Will. Therefore it is Family members are then left with a minefield important to store your Will correctly; this can be of documents ascertaining information about done by your Solicitor. the deceased’s estate and tracking distant family Sometimes the death of a celebrity can often members. It is often the nearest blood relative that prompt us to look at our own lives, including is responsible for administering the estate. the plans we have in place for loved ones once Ease the stress for your family at an already hard we have passed away. Your estate comprises of time and make sure you have a valid Will in place. everything that you own; your car, house, other A Will is there to benefit you now, and not just in property, bank and savings accounts, investments, old age. personal possessions and much more, so it is Unexpected things can happen to anyone. important to appoint an executor to manage your It is important to speak to your Solicitor and possessions according to your wishes. Also note update your Will if your circumstances change e.g. that your next of kin is not guaranteed to inherit family extends or reduces. If your Will is out of date your entire estate. then this can also cause unwanted complications. It is a common misconception that you need to Should you require legal assistance from a firm be rich to have a Will; it is an important document with family values and a fresh approach, contact regardless of your wealth. Jeffrey Mills Solicitors. If you have children then your Will should state E-mail: [email protected]

20 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Beacon Wealth

When Does Your Birth Tony Larkins APFS CFP CMgr FCMI MCSI Managing Director Chartered and Certified Certificate Expire? Financial Planner

Before you check, I can confirm there is no expiry will depend on whether you wish to leave any date printed on the certificate. If there was we money when your birth certificate expires. would know how long we would live and how Before panic sets in, the provision of the State long we needed to plan for. Pension for a couple will more than halve the Google advises us that the average life expectancy required fund - assuming a £24,000 per annum is 81, however, The Office of National Statistics goal. is perhaps a better guide, pointing out that your My father-in-law is of an age where he is seeing his average life expectancy depends on your age now. great granddaughter grow up, whilst still driving Assuming you are 65, then for a man it is 86, and and enjoying good health. He has also been retired for a woman it is 89. For women of 65 there is a for nearly 25 years, and long may it continue. 1 in 4 chance of reaching 96, and 1 in 10 chance Life is ‘not so good’ for everyone. We often hear of reaching 100. Clearly if you are looking to plan that income needs go down in retirement, but this how long your money will last 81 may not be very is not always true. appropriate. Retirement should be looked at in 3 stages with With the expected ages going up due to quality the first stage being the most active, to the third of life and advances in medicine, it also lends being fairly inactive. Your Bucket List should be itself to ensuring the right level of risk is given for viewed in that way to have the least regrets. investments. For those under 65 and still saving To find out if your investments reflect your you may need to save a bit more than you are retirement goals, contact your independent currently. financial adviser and ask for a review. If you assume a 4% net growth on your You should always seek qualified advice from an investments, and tax at 20% you would require a IFA, preferably a Chartered (APFS) or Certified (CFP) fund of £750k for an income of £24,000. Financial Planner. If you have a financial question, There will be many variables in real life and much e-mail: [email protected]

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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

22W&Co_131.93LS_AbbySmith.inddPlease 1 mention The Villager and Town Life when responding04/12/2014 to adverts 14:22 Family Law Keeping divorce costs down By family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitors www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

Divorce costs often hit A solicitor cannot give you definite advice about the headlines when the fairness of a proposed financial settlement we learn that multi- without full disclosure and a Judge requires a millionaires have minimum level of disclosure from both parties spent £000’s on their before he can finalise an order. You can prepare by divorce but in reality the gathering together the documents and information “average” divorce costs your lawyer requires as early as possible. much less. 4. Do some thinking too. Firstly, a divorce Consider where you and any children will live. refers only to the If you want to stay in your home can you afford legal ending of the to do so? If the house is sold, could you afford marriage, normally a to purchase a suitable property for you and fairly straight-forward process, often dealt with any children who will be living with you? Speak by a lawyer for a fixed price. The reason costs to mortgage advisors to find out what your sometimes spiral out of control is when couples fail mortgage capacity is and speak to estate agents to to come to an agreement about the matrimonial see how much other suitable properties are selling home, how they will split joint finances and how for in the area you wish to live. the children will be cared for by both of them after 5. Be clear on the costs from the start they separate. Your lawyer should give you a breakdown of all Anyone facing separation or divorce usually the likely costs involved and in many cases will be has enough to worry about without the added able to offer a fixed price for the divorce or other pressure of whether they can afford legal advice. specific stages. But using a lawyer to help does not need to cost Perhaps the most important piece of advice I an arm and a leg. can give to keep costs down is that the more you Here are my top tips for helping you save money can agree with your spouse, the cheaper your when divorcing, whilst still ensuring you receive case is likely to be overall. Therefore, if possible, appropriate legal advice. try to avoid “mud slinging” and sticking to your 1. Take advantage of a free initial consultation guns over points of principle. You may be angry At Woolley & Co we offer a free 30 minute with your other half and possibly rightly so, consultation. This allows us to obtain some basic but consider whether your reaction is going to information about you and your circumstances assist you in the long run. It is far easier to reach and we can then discuss options and costs with agreement with someone you are on speaking you. A free initial meeting will not be enough terms with. to provide all the answers, but it will help you For any Family Law queries please contact Abby understand the key issues in your situation and the Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation. options for dealing with them. Thereafter meetings can be arranged at a time and 2. Consider all options for resolving any venue convenient to you. disputes between you and your ex Call now: There are now a number of methods for discussing Abby Smith – 01480 270499 or 07948 533610 and settling the financial and other issues that [email protected] arise on separation or divorce. If you have a free initial consultation with a solicitor they will no For advice on any family law issue contact doubt discuss the options with you. There is no Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone “one size fits all” solution. consultation. Call 01480 270499 or email 3. Do your homework [email protected] Both parties need to provide financial disclosure. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 23 24 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 25 KIMBOLTON FENCING COMPANY LTD

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26 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Garden

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com Tackling Troublesome Weeds Why is it that weeds always seem to grow faster • Avoid composting any weeds which are and more vigorously than pretty well anything you setting seed, have set seed or have particularly actually choose to plant in your garden? Top of pernicious and resilient roots (dock and my weed hate list is hairy bittercress (Cardamine dandelion are classic examples of these). hirsuta), which produces a little rosette of leaves • When removing deep-rooted weeds such as topped with a short spike with tiny white flowers, dock and dandelion, always make sure that you and I despise it because it spreads so quickly. take out every fragment of root, as each piece Weeds are typically described as ‘any plant which left behind has the potential to form a new plant. is growing in the wrong place’ such as your The best tool I know for removing dandelion flowerbeds, your vegetable garden, your shrubbery roots is my little red-handled weeder, see www. or your lawn. pippagreenwood.com/products/good-growing So what makes weeds such a nuisance? for more information. • They feed and take up moisture in great • Don’t take a short cut by rotovating ground quantities and sometimes compete actively with which is heavily infested with weeds such as nearby garden plants. dandelions, docks, nettles or couch grass, as you’ll • They can create shade and stunt the growth of be chopping up their roots and helping to create nearby plants. more plants! • Those with a ground-cover like effect can cause • If you want to sow annuals or vegetable crops the growth of garden plants to be distorted or directly and minimise later problems with weeds, held back. then try the stale seedbed technique. Prepare • Weeds may harbour pests or diseases. the area you intend to sow in advance of your So what can you do to try to minimise the problems proposed sowing date, which allows dormant they cause without spending hours with a hoe or weed seeds to germinate; remove the weed sprayer? seedlings and then sow or plant up as you wish. • Get on top of weeds early in the year - removing This should give you fewer problems later on. as many as possible before your garden plants • Many weeds can be kept at bay if you cover the start to grow strongly makes weeding easier and soil surface with two to three inches (5 – 7.5 cm) cuts down on the amount of competition the of mulch. weeds cause. A hoe is one of the quickest ways to • Use weedkillers with caution and ensure you effectively kill off most annual weeds, but it needs choose one appropriate for the problem you to be a good one. have. Weedkillers are designed to kill off plants • Disturb the soil as little as possible when you and they can do a lot of damage if allowed to weed to prevent dormant weed seeds from contaminate your garden. germinating. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. • Some people avoid anything other than an early com for a really useful selection of Pippa’s weeding and a late weeding, as they find that favourite gardening items including SpeedHoes, regular weeding seems to bring more seeds to SpeedWeeders, ladybirds to control greenfly, the surface and encourages germination. Nemaslug, biological controls, pop-up crop covers, • Remove your weeds before they set seed. signed books and lots more besides. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 27 Let us transform the appearance and quality of your lawn RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT

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28 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Travel By Solange Hando

The Plitvice Lakes - Croatia Set up in 1949 in northern Croatia, the Plitvice easy, rides on an electric boat across Lake Kozjak Lakes are the oldest national park in the country or a panoramic train in the upper levels. and the largest, covering close to 300 square But nothing beats a leisurely stroll where lush kilometres. There, on the edge of the rugged scenery and fresh air quieten mind, body and soul. Dinaric Alps, rocks and water have created a The lakes beckon, more bewitching the closer unique landscape protected by UNESCO and one of you are. Azure, silvery grey, deep blue or emerald the most impressive karst formations in the world. green, shimmering in the sun or mirroring a Yet just 400 years ago, the whole area was darkening sky, they are for ever changing as light inaccessible, draped in mystery and legends from and shade filter through the abundant foliage buried treasures to the kind-hearted Black Queen along the banks. who gave water to the poor. In the 18th century, it The lower lakes glitter through a rocky canyon, was described in turn as ‘five beautiful lakes in the the upper lakes nestle among forested slopes densest wood’ and ‘the devil’s garden’. But those rising to 1,279 metres. Mediterranean and Alpine who come here today know that neither is true: plants mingle with fir, spruce and beech and in there is no devil in this natural paradise but there the remote areas of the north-west, trees are up to are 16 beautiful lakes for all to see. 700 years old. Over 1,100 plant species have been The twelve upper lakes and four lower lakes are all recorded in the park, including 75 endemic and connected, divided by natural limestone barriers 55 different orchids. Gentians and lilies add colour shaped by water, wind and plants and creating in the undergrowth and grassy bells and wild myriad waterfalls. The highest is the aptly named hyacinths grow alongside endangered species ‘Large Waterfall’, swollen by the Plitvica river and such as the carnivorous round leaf sundew. Spring tumbling down 78 metres into the final section heather, beard grass and mint are also found along of the lower lakes. Just a stone’s throw away, the lakes where maple and sumac trees turn all the source of the Korana is said to be the most shades of red and gold in autumn. beautiful in karst country, heading through the Wild cats, lynx, deer and wolves all live in the canyon towards a bucolic village dozing in flower park but the brown bear has become the true meadows. symbol of the Plitvice Lakes. Yet visitors on a day Meanwhile, footpaths and single-file boardwalks trip from the beach are far more likely to spot the meander from one magical lake to the next, butterflies, an Orange Tip, a Painted Lady, a Red festooned in waterfalls, canyons and caves, and Admiral, to name just a few, and at least some of whatever the crowds, little disturbs the peace but the 105 species of birds, woodpeckers, grebes, the rumbling of cascades and bird song. There are larks, finches and others, or perhaps a rare golden popular viewpoints and secluded corners, steps eagle hovering in the thermals high above the here and there and for those who want to take it glistening lakes. To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 29 Pets

Animal Heroes Become a local hero John Bunyan – one of Bedfordshire’s most well- As well as donating items, making regular visits to known residents, and a local hero – once said: the shops and buying from them, helps enormously “You have not lived today until you have done in bringing in funds to help the animals. something for someone who can never repay you.” Additionally, donating is now made easier through The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch is a local using easyfundraising.org.uk selecting RSPCA animal charity experiencing a crisis in the number Bedfordshire North. This app enables you to gain of ‘someone’s,’ coming into their care. donations to the charity whilst doing your online There are so many ways for you to help: shopping. It doesn’t cost you – the online retailer Adopt – Choose a rescue cat, kitten, dog or bunny. you are shopping with donates to your chosen Check the website or call the branch to find out charity. who is waiting for adoption – there is bound to be Legacies – Over half of the national RSPCA’s someone you love. work is paid for by gifts people leave to them Volunteer – We rely entirely on volunteers and in their Wills. By specifically naming the RSPCA couldn’t help animals in our local area without the Bedfordshire North branch in your Will, you can wonderful people who give their time to run and ensure that your gift goes directly to local animals. support the branch. Events – we run, or attend, a number of local We need foster carers for our cats and rabbits, and shows and events. See the local press for details or home checkers. We also need help in our shops check our website – and come and support us. – whether it’s on the till, or behind the scenes Supporting the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch sorting out donations – and volunteers to help ensures that this local charity will always be here with fundraising. for animals – protecting them and giving them Support the shops – There are around 215 new beginnings. So, come on – be an animal RSPCA shops in England and Wales – Bedford is hero, follow Bunyan’s advice – ‘live today’ and ‘do fortunate in having two. One shop is in Thurlow something for someone’! Street, by the bus station. The second shop is on 6 Thurlow Street, Bedford, MK40 1LR 01234 the High Street, opposite Debenhams. The charity 930304 has found that a shop is the most effective way of 49 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1RY 01234 353362 raising regular funds. Please email [email protected] with We’re constantly in need of stock – and two any enquiries. shops has doubled the need! Please donate any unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, DVDs, CDs, books, ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought toys, jewellery, small furniture or electrical items. to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch Whether it’s a single item, or several bags, we’d be delighted to see you! www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk 30 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts COME TO OUR OPEN DAY Canine Hydrotherapy Services Saturday 18th June from 9am

• Rehabilitation after Illness or Injury • Relieves Pain, Swelling and Sti ness Professional new • Strengthen and Maintain Muscles facilities in a friendly • Increase Range of Motion home environment • Aids Weight Loss Wendy Gilpin, Colmworth, • Improve Fitness and Stamina Beds, MK44 2NA • Fun for Your Dog 07480 877800 • Other Pet Services also Available Riverglade Hydrotherapy

To Rivergladeadvertise Hydrotherapy in The Villager 1/2 page 4-16.inddand Townlife 1 please call 01767 261122 18/04/2016 21:4731 Local News

Rehoming Animal Telephone Service This is Pepsi and she is looking for her forever home. She about 3½ years old; a sweet girl who likes attention on her own terms. She is quite vocal and likes to sit on your lap to be fussed. A home where she is the only cat would be preferable for Pepsi. If you feel you could offer Pepsi a home, please call Liz on 01767 681157 or alternatively please e-mail Philippa at [email protected] who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the team. We are also looking for someone who could occasionally foster a cat on a temporary basis in their own home. For more information contact Liz on 01767 681157

32 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Let us help you get your business oﬀ to a ﬂ ying start

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VILLAGER The The Issue 30 - SeptemberSeptember 20142014 and Town Life ILLAGER LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES •• LOCALLOCAL CHARITIESCHARITIES •• LOCALLOCAL PRODUCTSPRODUCTS 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 LocalLocal PeoplePeople inin 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 Stukeleys Your and all surrounding areas every month Bringing Local Business to Local People in FREEcopy 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 611 or e-mail [email protected] or visit our website www.villagermag.com

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34 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts Motoring BMW at the Movies There’s no greater advert for a car using the screen on his phone. Deirdre, with Robert De Niro than a starring role in a movie – After jumping out of the car, Bond pursuing in a Peugeot 406. and for BMW there have been a drives the BMW into the assailants Through tunnels and against the few! before driving off the car park and motorway traffic, the M5’s sporting One of the biggest was when BMW into a rental car shop several floors pedigree is shown off, until it is took over the Bond franchise with below. taken down by a pot shot from a centrepiece in 1995 blockbuster BMW’s most recent appearance in Jean Reno that hits one of the GoldenEye. Bond, played by the Bond franchise was with the tyres, causing the M5 to flip. Pierce Brosnan, drives a Z3 with Z8 roadster in The World Is Not We jump forward with our Bond girl Natalya Simonova, Enough. Sadly, this met with an final car on the list to 2011, played by Izabella Scorupco, in unfortunate end when a helicopter with the fourth instalment of the passenger seat around Cuba wielding a circular saw cut the car the Mission: Impossible series. before the final mission. As with in half at a caviar factory. It was Mission: Impossible – Ghost many Bond cars, the Z3 was fitted with surface-to-air missiles Protocol involved one of the kitted out with the latest gadgets, that had taken out a helicopter best concept designs, the Vision including a parachute braking previously and it even had six cup EfficientDynamic from 2009, the system, all-point radar, missiles holders, so it was very useful. pre-cursor to the i8 electric sports housed behind the headlights, As a main character, Jason car. and the iconic ejector seat. Statham’s E38 735i in 2002’s The It was involved in the final act Brosnan returned in Tomorrow Transporter is pretty key, with where Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Never Dies which included one much of the early action involving Cruise, needed to intercept the of the most impressive Bond cars, the 7 Series. One of its best film’s protagonist and prevent the thanks to the amount of tech on- moments is the chase following start of a nuclear war. The V ED board - a 750iL with bulletproof the bank robbery, where Frank swept in and out of the Mumbai windows, electrified door handles, drives superbly around the streets traffic and with a special HUD with tear gas, spike dispenser and and ends up jumping off a bridge navigation screen it looked pretty missiles concealed in the roof. onto a car transporter lorry. cool too. Most impressively, the car could Noted for its driving sequences, Other honourable mentions for be remote controlled from a 1998 film Ronin - set in Paris and BMW include the black and orange touchpad in Bond’s phone. Nice - involved plenty of action, E24 633 CSi from Back to the In the famous chase through a and with the film nearing its final Future II, the E28 5 Series from The multi-storey car park, Bond drives act, a spectacular car chase took Bourne Supremacy and Robert De from the back seat to remain place involving a BMW E34 M5 Niro’s E31 850i from heist movie, under cover and see everything driven by Natascha McElhone’s The Score.

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EARL advert 4-16.indd 1 14/04/2016 19:13 Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month. What’s OnIn June 1 June 2 & 3 June 5, 12, 19 & 26 June Little Paxton Gardening Club Outing 30 Days Wild with the Wildlife Trust 10am-2pm Kingfisher Church Outing to Swineshead Nursery in Market Deeping. Paxton Pits, Environmental Education Centre, 10.30am Little Paxton Primary School Meeting Colin Ward on home territory. Ticket only. Little Paxton, St Neots Every Sunday – all welcome! Services include Tel John 01480 215201 or Jane 01480 218805 Get inspired by wildlife activities for every day of children’s groups and a crèche. Refreshments June! Tel: 01480 473161 served. Tel: 01480 476811 1 June Email: [email protected] Web: www.kingfisherchurch.co.uk Wild Wednesday 1-2pm Ferry Meadows Country Park 3 June 6-12 June Children and adults are welcome to come and join Pond Dipping 10.30am-12 noon Carers Week in some seasonal and wild crafts. Meet at Discovery Ferry Meadows Country Park Find out more from Carers Trust Cambridgeshire, Den. This event takes place indoors and is suitable Free event - suggested donation £2 the leading local provider of support, information, for all abilities. No need to book. Join our education team to find out who calls the advice and guidance for family carers and the people Tel: Nene Park Trust 01733 234193 lakes of Ferry Meadows home. Meet at Discovery they care for. Tel: 01480 499090 Email: [email protected] Den. This event includes walking on uneven ground Web: www.carerstrustcambridgeshire.org/events and therefore may not be suitable for all abilities. 1 June Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193 6, 13, 20 & 27 June British Artillery in 1917 - 7pm for 7.30pm Email: [email protected] Comrades Chess Club The Comrades Club, Godmanchester 7.30pm Comrades Club, Godmanchester A talk by Geoff Spring on the use of artillery by the 3 June Keep your mind active and play chess. Over 18s only British Army in 1917. Non WFA members most HDC Children’s Activity Road Show as it’s a licensed premises. welcome. A small donation is encouraged. 2-4pm QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton Every Monday except Bank Holidays. Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com £4 per child Lots of fun and games. Come along for a fun filled 7 June 1 June afternoon. The event is managed by qualified staff. Cambridgeshire Community Fair 2-6pm Huntingdon Royal Naval Association 8pm Bring a water bottle. Booking required. Burgess Hall, St Ives, PE27 6WU Free event Falcon Tavern, Market Hill, Huntingdon Tel: One Leisure 01480 388700 Annual Community Fair which has been set up to The Huntingdon & District branch of the Royal Naval help communities think about how they can fund, Association meets on the first Wednesday of the 3, 10, 17 & 24 June build and do more in their own villages and towns. month. Email: [email protected] Bat punting Safaris River Cam, Cambridge No booking required – just turn up on the day. Every Friday evening until September. Drift down There will be a marketplace of stalls from voluntary 1-11 June the River Cam at dusk with a hand-held bat detector and community sector organisations, funders, local National Volunteer Week and expert Wildlife Trust guide – an exhilarating authorities and other local programmes, projects 10am-12pm Huntingdon Library journey like no other!! Tel: 01223 359750 and groups. Web: https://cambscommunityfair. Huntingdon Volunteer Centre - exhibition and drop- Web: Booking www.wildlifebcn.org/events/bat- wordpress.com/ or visit www.cambsacre.org.uk in celebrating National Volunteer Week. Find out punting-safaris about local volunteering opportunities. Volunteer www.scudamores.com/bat-safari-punting 7, 14, 21 & 28 June Centre staff will be available from 10am to 12pm on Roxton Bridge Circle Thursday 2nd June, Saturday 4th June, Wednesday 4 June 7.15-10pm Roxton Parish Hall 8th June and Saturday 11th June. Tel: 0345 045 5225 Art & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm Small friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday Free Church Hall, St Ives Free admission evening. Just come along or call/email. 2 June Quality handmade art & craft stalls and tombola. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327 Going on a Bear Hunt Email: [email protected] 10.30am-12 noon and 1.30-3ppm 4 June Ferry Meadows Country Park £5 Nearly New Sale 2-4pm 8 June Bring your own teddy bear, listen to the story and One Leisure, St Peter’s Road, Huntingdon Cambridgeshire Rural M.E. Tea & Chat make bear related crafts. Then join us on a bear Lots of stalls selling excellent quality nearly new Second Wednesday of every month. Monthly meet- hunt around Ferry Meadows to find Barney the baby and children’s items from birth to 8 years. up for adults with M.E. and partners/friends. Bear. Includes a ride on the miniature railway and Please contact Tara for stall bookings. Web: www.crmetea.org a goodie bag. Suitable for ages 3+. Meet at the Tel: 07951 210250 Visitor Centre. Booking essential. Tel: 01733 234193 Email: cambridgeshire@babyandchildrensmarket. 8, 15, 22 & 29 June Email: [email protected] co.uk Little Fishes 10-11.20am Grafham Village Hall 2 June 5 June Stay and Play Tots Session (babies welcome too). EngAGE in the Afternoon: Conington Castle Buckden Treasure Trail Just turn up. Sessions include free play and craft 1.30-3pm Huntingdon Library Free admission Registration 1.30pm onwards activities, bible story and sing along. Local historian Alan Bottell tells the story of St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Buckden Tel: Jean Clark 01480 890033 for more information Conington’s lost 16th century castle. Booking Tickets £5 per family/individual or couple Email: [email protected] required. Please speak to library staff or telephone Walking Treasure trail accessible for buggies and for a ticket. wheelchairs. Refreshments available. Earlybird Tel: 0345 045 5225 entrance tickets giving Fast Track Registration from Costcutters and Que Sera. 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 June 10 June 12 June 18 June Film Night: Spectre 7.30pm ‘Magic Mania’ – a show for all ages “Blackheart” in Concert Offord Village Hall Tickets £5 3pm St Peter’s Church, High Street, Offord Darcy Doors open 7.30pm St Denys’ Church, Colmworth Refreshments available. Adults £5, Children £3, Family £15 Tickets £10 An afternoon of great entertainment. The Friends of St Denys’ Church will be hosting 10 & 24 June Tel: 01480 811126 or 01480 812795 the Manchester-based male/female acoustic duo Nightlights Social Club “Blackheart”. Tel: Tickets Steve or Felicity Evans 8-11pm The Red Lion, Grantchester 14 June 01234 376887 or Emma Pegler 07769 671142 £9 including buffet Alconbury Over 60s Club Trip Nightlights Social Club for Singles 39+. Live music 9.30am £13 per person 18 & 19 June and dance night with Jon Stanton playing favourites Coach trip to Melton Mowbray. Departs Alconbury Bolnhurst Vintage & Country Fayre from 60’s,70’s,80’s. Nightlights hold hosted, and picks up in Alconbury Weston. The Club meets Gates open 10am informal social events at The Red Lion every 2nd and on the second Thursday of the month in Alconbury St Neots Road, Bolnhurst, MK44 2ER 4th Friday of the month. Web: nightlights.org.uk Memorial Hall at 7.15pm. Come along and meet Adults £6, OAP £5, 12-16 years £5, Under 12s free new friends. First month is free. Vintage tractors, cars, motorbikes, scaled steam 11 June Tel: Sheila 01480 890396 or Val 01480 890166 engines. Tel: 07912 862460 for information Bromswold Bike Fest Start & finish at The Green Man, Leighton 14 June 18 & 19 June Bromswold Community Public Access Defibrillators (CPADs) Broughton Flower Festival and Open Gardens A charity cycling event for everyone! Marked cycle 2-4pm 4pm Little Paxton Village Hall Weekend Admission £5 at the church routes of 7, 15, 25, 50 & 70 miles. Entry by charity This is a great opportunity learn how to recognise Flower Festival in Church. Theme is “Around the donation. Raising funds for Macmillan Woodlands sudden cardiac arrest, use the defibrillator and World in 18 D(ispl)ays”. Art exhibition, classic car Centre, Hinchingbrooke and Shine. Post-ride do CPR. It takes only 5 minutes to save a life. The display, street organ, cream teas and homemade entertainment with music, fete, beer & BBQ from 1 session will be run by the Community HeartBeat cake stall. Tel: 01487 822341 pm. Web: www.bromswoldbikefest.uk to sign-up Trust in the Little Paxton. No need to book. Tel: Mrs J Gellatly 01480 470193 23 June 11 June St Neots & District Gardening Club 8pm Trumpington Meadows Discovery Day 14 June St. Mary’s Church Hall, Brook Street, St. Neots 11am-3pm Kimbolton Flower Club Outing Members £2, Non-Members £2.50 including A fun filled day for all the family with activities, 6.30pm £5 including refreshments refreshments and a raffle ticket crafts and nature walks. Bring a picnic or enjoy the Evening outing to Cramden Nursery, Northampton, Demonstration of Staging flowers and vegetables refreshments on offer. Tel: 07734 478471 Geranium and Pelargonium specialists. Includes a for the Show Bench by club members. Competition Email: [email protected] tour of the Nursery. Plants for sale. Prompt 6. 30pm is ‘One stem of roses’ start. Use own transport. Limited numbers so book 11 June early. Tel: Mary on 01832 731601 24 June Pop-up Tea Rom Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” 12-4pm St James Church, Little Paxton 16 & 17 June 7.30pm Buckden Towers 1920s theme celebrating the Queen’s 90th Birthday! St Neots Victorian Festival The Festival Players will be performing in the Knot Gourmet teas, coffee, delicious cakes, BBQ, stalls, 11am-4pm St Neots Market Square Garden. Picnic in the grounds from 6.30pm. ballroom dancing, children’s crafts, tots corner, a Discover the Victorian history of our area including Tickets: 01480 810344 or on the gate on the night. 1925 Bentley, tower tours and lots more! Queen Victoria and her Private Secretary; A Victorian Doctor and his patient; Palace of Curiosities 25 June 11 June Travelling Show; Victorian dressmaker and corset Craft and Gift Fair 10am-3pm Bach: B Minor Mass Extracts and Other Works seller; 4” Foster working Steam Engine and The Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St. Neots 7.30pm The Chapel, Churchill College, Agricultural workers and a Game Keeper. In aid of The Coffee Pot Memory Café, a local charity Cambridge in St. Neots for people with memory loss. Tickets £10, Concessions £5, Students £3 16-19 June Featuring The St Faiths Singers, Churchill College Art 4 Africa Exhibition 25 June Chapel Choir and Obbligato soloists from The 9am-5.30pm (7.30pm Saturday) The 2nd Godmanchester Bomber Command Orchestra on the Hill. Tickets available online and on The Old Chapel House, Riseley Road, Keysoe, Veterans Day 10am-4pm the door, subject to availability. An exhibition of local and national artists supporting The Comrades Club, Godmanchester www.chu.cam.ac.uk/may-week-concert/ the education of vulnerable children in Tanzania. Adults £2, Under 16s free Web: www.art4africa.co.uk Many WW II Veterans will be at the event. They will 11 & 12 June sign items from 10am-1pm (any 2 items for £10). St Mary’s Church, Houghton with Wyton, Flower 17 June Festival Sat 10.30am-5pm, Sun 11.15am-5pm Annual Charity Ball Tickets £49 30 June The theme this year is “Her Majesty”. On Saturday 7pm-midnight Burgess Hall, St Ives Toddler Time – Victorian Wash Day there will be various stalls outside the St Mary’s In aid of Carers Trust Cambridgeshire to support 11am-12 noon St Neots Museum Centre, with coffees then lunches and teas served Young Carers in Huntingdonshire. Tables of 10. New sessions for children aged 2-5 and their carers within. On Sunday the Church will be open from Entertainment by The Soul Patrol. Licensed bar. at St Neots Museum. Join us for activities themed 11.15am - 5.00pm but no coffees, lunches and teas Three-course dinner with coffee. Silent Auction. around the museum’s collection and take home a will be available. Black tie. Tel: Annette 01480 499090 messy art creation too! To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 39 Light Haulage & Removals House & Office Removals Collections/Deliveries Free Quotes Luton Tail-lift Van Covering all of the UK Fully Insured Service No Extra Charge for Evenings/Weekends

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Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT [email protected] 01480 812281 | 07786 854946 www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

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Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1 30/07/2015 17:31 Crossword Solution for The Villager May Edition

Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs Joanne Wollger – Upper Caldecote

May’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 Well known (6) 4 Long curtains (6) 9 Grandparent (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Flavour (5) 12 Loosening (7) 13 Marvellous (11) 18 Season’s crop (7) 20 Star sign (5) 22 Bet (5) 23 One of the three R’s (7) 24 Go back (6) 25 Alcove (6)

Down 1 Brawls (6)  2 Breakfast, dinner etc (5) 3 Remove clothes (7) 5 Respond (5) 6 Piece (7) Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, 7 Vehicle used on snow (6) 8 Make, produce (11) cut out this page and send to the address below before 14 Type of piano (7) 15 Turn aside (7) 17th June 2016 16 Light rainfall (6) 17 Tree branches (6) Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 19 Mistake (5) 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP 21 Elevate (5)

Name:

Tel:

Address:

42 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 43 Three Counties Radio

Rump of lamb, pesto mash, ratatouille, rosemary jus Serves 4

The beauty with this recipe, created by St Albans’ First, marinade the rumps with snipped thyme, Sopwell House’s brasserie head chef, Dan Woosey, rosemary and chopped garlic. is that you can use the different components with In a hot frying pan, add a little oil and carefully seal different meals - the pesto mash is a winner, the the lamb on all sides. Place the steaks on a baking simplified ratatouille goes with any other meat tray, ready to cook. or fish. And you’ll be amazed what adding a little For the mash, cook the potato chunks in salted rosemary does to humble gravy granules. boiling water, taking care not to overcook them as Perfect for a dinner party, the whole dish can be this will make the mash watery. After draining the prepared in advance, leaving just the sealed lamb to potatoes, place them back in the pan and put them oven roast and the mash, ratatouille and jus to warm on a very low heat, stirring to remove the moisture. up. Plump lamb rump works really well here but you Add the butter and cream to the potatoes. Mash can replace it with leg steak or cutlets if your prefer. them, season them and finish by mixing in the pesto bit by bit, until the right flavour and consistency is INGREDIENTS achieved. 4 x 170g rumps of lamb For the ratatouille, place a pan on a medium heat, Sprig of rosemary and a Sprig of thyme add a little oil then cook the diced veg until “just 1 garlic clove soft” (4 or 5 minutes). Season, then add the tomato 1kg King Edward potatoes, peeled and cut puree. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes on a low 100ml green pesto heat, then add the white wine and reduce until Knob of butter nearly evaporated. Add the vegetable stock a little 50ml double cream at a time until the vegetables are beautifully coated 1 red pepper and 1 yellow pepper, diced small with the tomato sauce. 1 aubergine, diced small For the gravy/jus slowly heat up the gravy and add 1 courgette, diced small the snipped rosemary, simmer for a few minutes and 1 tbsp tomato puree it’s ready. Sprig of thyme To cook the lamb in the oven and cook 12-14 50ml white wine minutes for a nice medium rare. Leave to rest at least 100ml vegetable stock 6 minutes before cutting and serving. Store-bought jus or gravy granules Assemble the mash and ratatouille on the plate, 1 sprig of rosemary, picked and snipped carve each steak into 2 or 3 even pieces and place on the mash, then drizzle the rosemary jus over for a Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 lovely dinner party dish. 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.

44 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts RCG DECORATING Ltd

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 45 Classifieds COMPETITION

Win a Pair of Tickets to the Farr Festival 2016

From humble beginnings in 2009 Farr Festival has evolved from a small gathering of like-minded friends into one of UK’s leading music festivals. Bringing an array of international musical talent to the tranquil environment surrounding Farr Festival’s uninhabited forrest. Taking place between 14 – 16th July 2016 the seventh edition of Farr Festival will see us venture deeper into the woods, boasting new areas, stage hosts and of course an eclectic selection of artists and performers to warm your ears. Key to the success of Farr Festival is its size, while we’ve slowly increased size to accommodate the growing demand for a piece of the magic, we look to 2016 as a year to refine all the best bits of the last six years. We can’t wait to have you along for the ride. WE HAVE 5 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY To enter, complete the form below and send to: Farr Festival Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Winners will be picked at random. Deadline: 24th June 2016 FARR FESTIVAL COMPETITION ENTRY Name:

Address: 

Tel:

46 Please mentionPlease The mentionVillager The and Villager Town and Life Town when Life when responding responding to to adverts adverts Classifieds

Removals, Delivery & Storage Book Review For All Your Storage, By Willow Coby Delivery and Removal COMPETITION Requirements Use your local Based in Alconbury Weston removal The Wedding Girl company Freephone - 0800 689 0894 by Sophie Kinsella Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 Sophie Kinsella is www.move-plus-safe.co.uk best known for her Shopaholic series of books, but it is Tuition well worth reading this older novel, first published in 1999 under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. Milly is about to marry the man of her dreams. The son of a successful millionaire business man, her future seems assured. Okay, so Simon and his father don’t get on, and he insists on making his own way in the world without any help, but he dotes on Milly and she loves him. A society wedding is planned complete with giant marquee, oysters, a cake which arrives in 10 boxes, and two giant ice swans. But then the wedding photographer arrives to stay at her parents’ B&B. He and Milly recognise each other, though at first she doesn’t know from where. When the penny drops Milly is struck with fear. A chance encounter on a college lawn in Oxford ten years ago when she was a naïve 18-year-old had led to a rash decision which now has ramifications and threatens to bring her dream wedding crashing down. Can she find a way to fix this, or will she have to tell Simon the truth? A slow burner that picks up pace as it progresses. In Milly the author created a very different protagonist compared with Becky in her later Shopaholic books. Milly has flaws so she’s less immediately likeable than Becky. And the novel lacks some of the frivolity of the classic chic-lit genre but this is not necessarily a bad thing, and it is interesting to see how an author’s style develops with time. 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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