V The ILLAGER...V ILLAGER The and Town LifeIssue 62 - May 2017 Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life

Issue 62 - May 2017

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

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

Your

FREEcopy

In this issueRSPB Garden

Birdwatch Results

Win Ticketsto see Sam Brookes Live

Win £25in our prize Crossword

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts2

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3

PublishersVillager Publications Ltd

24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NPTel: 01767 261122

[email protected]

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the

content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be

reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Editorial - Catherine Rose, Trevor Langley, Jennie Billings,Nick Coffer, Hannah Byatt, Tony Larkins, Abby Smith, Ra-

chael Leverton, RSPB, RSPCA, James Baggott, Sarah Daveyand Kate Duggan

Advertising Sales/Local EditorialScott - 01767 261122 [email protected]

Photography Krzysztof Wiktor and Darren Harbar Photography

Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

The History of Beauty ......................................................4Wine: Gems of Italy .........................................................8Win Tickets to see Sam Brookes Live ..............................10Win Afternoon Tea for Two at Jordans Mill ....................12Tips for Mums ...............................................................15Nick Coffer’s Weekend Recipe ........................................17Cheap Divorce? ..............................................................18How Much? ...................................................................19

Divorce - The real danger of doing it yourself ................22Blooming Baskets .........................................................26RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Results ..............................28Bedfordshire’s Cleverest Puppies Need More Parents .....31Animal Know-How ........................................................33BMW M760Li xDrive ......................................................34Puzzle Page ...................................................................36What’s On ......................................................................38Prize Crossword .............................................................42Bank Holidays ...............................................................44Book Review .................................................................46

Contents VILLAGERTh e

and Town Life

Issue 62 - May 2017

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding areas every month

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

Your

FREEcopy

In this issueRSPB Garden

Birdwatch Results

Win Ticketsto see Sam Brookes Live

Win £25in our prize Crossword

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)

Advert Booking Deadline Thursday 11th May 2017 Artwork Deadline Thursday 11th May 2017

Big Garden Birdwatch Results 28

Blooming Baskets 26


History

The History of BeautyWe all have an innate appreciation of beauty but throughout history and across cultures, the concept of what makes a woman beautiful has changed according to the social background and fashions of the time.

Surviving examples of primitive art usually depict women as full-figured, even fat, and often pregnant. This is because fertility was of primary importance for those civilizations. When survival was precarious, a woman’s ability to reproduce was the bottom line.

By Catherine Rose


Just as we do today, people adorned their bodies with jewellery, paint, tattoos and piercings, not only to look attractive but also as status symbols. And status has always played a big part in our concept of beauty.We can get a good idea of beauty ideals during any period by looking at art. Throughout the medieval and early Renaissance era, ‘beautiful’ women had narrow shoulders and small breasts that emphasised their weaker sex compared to the broad, sword-wielding shoulders of their menfolk. In many paintings women are also shown with very rounded stomachs. This didn’t necessarily mean they were pregnant: it was a beauty ideal indicating a woman was fertile and able to have many children. It was also a religious time and for women, appearing virtuous was a sign of beauty. Somewhat odd to us today, a long neck and a high forehead were prized, with almost non-existent brows to accentuate it. Women would often pluck or shave hair from their hairline to achieve this look. Once married, they were also expected to modestly cover their hair, which was how the elaborate headpieces and veils of this period came about.During the late Renaissance and Baroque eras women became more voluptuous – think of Rubens whose buxom females would be considered obese by today’s standards. There was a rationale behind this. Food was hard to come by unless you were wealthy and being full-figured meant you were well-fed and therefore of high status - hence a desirable mate.In a similar way, if you were light-skinned, it meant that you were clearly a lady from a genteel family as only poor outdoor labourers had ‘coarse tanned skin’. So for several centuries beauty was measured by how pale you were (hence the term ‘fair’ meaning ‘beautiful’). The poisonous lead-based white make-up that achieved this was also used for disguising the widespread blemishes from disease. Hair was now a beauty statement and powdered wigs were worn because many women suffered from hair loss due to venereal disease. These had become very elaborate and tall by the 18th century thanks to fashionista Marie Antionette.Along with wigs came fake beauty patches to cover up smallpox scars. Made of materials such as mouse fur and velvet, eventually these ‘mouches’ (French for ‘flies’) became a status symbol and women of beauty and fashion would

keep a small box of them on their dressing table.During the 19th century an hourglass figure became the desired female body shape and corsets, long used as undergarments (the name ‘corset’ comes from the Latin ‘corpus’ meaning body), were designed to achieve a waist circumference of down to 18”, later accentuated by the bustle.Following WWI and the suffrage movement, a new sense of female liberation produced a beauty revolution. Women no longer wanted to be sexual objects to please men. Hemlines went up for the first time and dresses became straighter, giving a slender, more androgynous appearance. Women even wore suits and long hair was cropped. Coco Chanel, who banished the notion that only a porcelain complexion could be beautiful when she showed off a suntan, declared “a woman can never be too rich or too thin”, arguably beginning the modern trend.The 1930s-50s saw curves return, possibly thanks to the Hollywood film industry and stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield who were the epitome of female beauty. Wearing full make-up also began to be the norm, in imitation of actors who used it to emphasise their looks on-screen. Max Factor was originally a make-up artist to the stars. With the rise in hemlines, the focus shifted to shapely legs and it was arguably the start of female epilation, when once women had even worn ‘mirkins’ (pubic wigs).The 1960s saw another beauty revolution. Society was finally recovering from WWII, rationing had ended in 1954 and young people were enjoying a wave of new music with its roots based in black culture. Once again women were re-establishing their power and asserting their sexual freedom. Mini-skirts arrived along with big hair. Twiggy, the slender, doe-eyed model from north-west London became the most desirable example of womanhood. Compare her with the women in Rubens’ The Three Graces and you could not have two more opposing ideals.Over the last fifty years, beauty goals have gone through more subtle changes. The athletic, toned female figure became popular in the 1980s with the advent of the ubiquitous exercise video. Today, with models that range from the catwalk clothes-horse Gigi Hadid and black model Winnie Harlow who has vitiligo, to the curvy Ashley Graham, we now seem to be embracing more diversity in women’s beauty than ever before.



Please mention The Villager when responding to adverts

Food and Drink

Wine: Gems of Italy

Italy has numerous wine producers, in many regions. Multi award-winning Conti Faina estate, with its vineyards, growing both indigenous and international grape varieties, plus olive groves and more, is to be found in the heart of Umbria. Some 40K from Perugia, this area once belonged to the Borghese Princes in past times. From the 18th century the estate has been the property of the Counts Faina of Civitella dè Conti. The winery, founded in 1876, was commenced by digging into the rock beneath the impressive 13th century castle of Collelungo.

The ruby-red Pinot Noir 1883 wine is classic and aged in top-quality French oak barriques. The bouquet of dark fruits is most inviting. The mouthfeel is treated to the dryness and elegance of this wine, with a delighted palate following through, to the excellent finish. A great accompaniment to roasts, etc. Maltempo and Villa Murelli are also red productions and, again, have wonderful aromas of forest fruits. These well-structured wines have mouthfeels and palates well satisfied, with impressive finishes.Montione and Macchia della Torre are both easy-drinking white wines. Straw-yellow in colour and each

with a fresh fruit bouquet, plus dry flavour, make these very popular selections, for many. Splendid pairings with fish and white meat dishes. For a sparkling production I enjoy the Senatore Zeffirino. This superb brut sparkling wine is elegant with its persistent perlage that enhances a dining occasion and is also often chosen for celebrations and events. An admirable aroma leads, enticingly, to the wonderful mouthfeel and impressive palate sensation.The wines produced at the Collelungo Winery are appreciated and respected by a good number of wine lovers and connoisseurs. The estate’s productions also include excellent olive oil, as well as walnut trees and seed crops. Accommodation, with all modern requirements, in the restored and preserved 11th century Benedictine Monastery, is available, too. Conti Faina Winery continues to promote theatre, cinema, arts and literature. Also, tastings, tours, medieval dinners, plus numerous events, happen throughout each year, whilst being committed to producing wine and olive oil to an exceptional standard of quality. www.contifaina.it

As always, Enjoy!

Trevor Langley


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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts1010 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts10

Win a pair of tickets to see Sam Brookes live at The Portland Arms in Cambridge on Tuesday 9th May 2017

London based songsmith and former Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ Sam Brookes is still one of the UK alt-folk’s best kept secrets. His acclaimed 2014 album was tipped by The Independent for a Mercury Prize nomination and received support from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2. With over 5 million plays on Spotify, it is fair to say that those who know his music, love his music….and those who don’t, are about to.Brookes’ new single My Girl Drinks Coffee, his first for over two years, marks an exciting shift in the Sam Brookes sound. Already well known as an idiosyncratic singer-songwriter, Sam challenged himself to expand his sonic pallet, spending a few years out the game gigging and experimenting with new material. The end result is an immediate and ethereal work of chic melancholy, built on synthesised textures that devilishly underpin his soaring signature vocal. Now Sam’s new soundworld is as evocative of Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem or Grimes as it is the obvious titans of influence for any British troubadour. Jointly produced by Grammy nominated Dom Monks (Ray Lamontagne, Laura Marling & Katie Melua) and Berlin based ex-pat Greg Freeman (Goldfrapp, Portico, Mumford & Sons), the track was arranged and recorded on a trip to a remote boathouse and completed at Guy Chamber’s Sleeper Sounds studio in London, where the production duo truly realised Sam’s dark but dancey vision.

The Villager Magazine gives you the chance to win a pair of tickets for Sam’s gig at The Portland Arms in Cambridge on Tuesday May 9. Answer the following question for your chance of winning:

‘My Girl Drinks Coffee’ was recorded on a remote boathouse on which Scottish island?A. Skye B. Colonsay C. Mull D. Jura

To enter, simply answer the question and complete the form below. Send your entry to: Sam Brookes Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP

All entries must be received by 12pm on Monday 8th May, winner will be notified on the 8th.

COMPETITION

THE SAM BROOKES COMPETITION ENTRYTo win tickets, answer the following question: Complete the Saw Doctors song title: ‘My Girl Drinks Coffee’ was recorded on a remote boathouse on which Scottish island?A. Skye B. Colonsay C. Mull D. Jura

Name:

Address:

Tel:



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Win an afternoon tea for two with Prosecco at Jordans Mill

Name:Address:

Tel: Email:Answer: Please tick if you would like to receive our e-newsletter

Jordans Mill is a hidden gem, tucked in away in the heart of rural Bedfordshire on the banks of the River Ivel. It is a unique food heritage attraction with something for all the family - tours of the historic flour mill, beautiful gardens and woodland to explore, and the Riverside Café and Mill Store. Jordans Mill is open seven days a week

from 9am until 5pm. In summer months it is open later in the evenings, see the website for more details. Enjoy a meal or a snack in the Riverside Café with its stunning riverside terrace and picturesque views over

the mill pond. The Café serves a varied and delicious seasonal menu, using local ingredients where possible, indeed much of the produce from the Mill Gardens makes its way into the kitchen.

This year Jordans Mill has launched afternoon teas, available by pre-booking only. Served in beautiful surroundings our delicious freshly baked, home-made afternoon teas are a treat not to be missed. Choose from

either the traditional Whizzer’s Afternoon Tea or for something different try our Shunter’s Afternoon Tea with mini beef sliders, scotch egg, fish finger sandwich and cakes and scones. Both are served with a selection of

teas and coffee and have the option to add a Prosecco or beer. There is even a children’s tea for the little people.Whatever you choose simply admire the view, take a stroll through our Mill Gardens or book onto a guided tour

of the historic watermill for the perfect leisurely afternoon.For further information visit www.jordansmill.com

Please answer the following question – On which river is Jordans Mill situated? Complete your details below and send your entry to Jordans Mill Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP. The winner will be randomly selected. Deadline: 16th May 2017

COMPETITION



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Mums are under constant pressure with ever growing to-do lists. However we still want to look as good as we can! Here are my top tips on how to up your look at the school gates with minimal effort.1. Within your colour scheme, pick the colours

that suit you best and dress up a simple outfit with a statement item in one of your wow shades. A staple accessory like a scarf or a statement necklace could be the perfect thing to spice up your outfit, so you can still pull off your everyday clothes, but with a colourful twist.

2. Try a simple jacket within your colour scheme and style. It’s often tempting to wear the same old coat that’s been in the back of the wardrobe for years. Instead, try dressing up a casual jeans and boots look with a wonderful jacket which emphasises your personality. Always stick to the right colours and it’s a simple fix to complete your look.

3. Add trend to a wardrobe staple. A classic knitted jumper doesn’t have to look like something from 90’s TV. Update this in your best seasonal colours and you’ve instantly upped your look.

4. Try changing your jean style to flatter your shape. Everyone needs jeans but to look great they also need to reflect your personality and fit your body. Consider investing here – you know you will wear them a lot!

5. Show off your favourite part of you. Whether it’s legs, shoulders or arms, show the parts of you that make you feel confident! Use accessories to draw the eyes to where you want them to look!

6. Since lower heels are always in the shops there will be interesting choices on the market. Comfy shoes are vital but show your personality with some zebra flats or bang on-trend trainers. Step out of your comfort zone and try something different but which still suits your personality and makes you smile!

7. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a new haircut when you need it. It is amazing how well cut hair enhances your look. Make sure your hair is the colour it is supposed to be and that the cut suits your face shape and personality!

8. Having two good statement bags helps us feel and look good at the school gates. Buy one in a neutral colour and another in a wow colour that will make your neutral outfit zing! Bags are key to any outfit at any time as well as providing a home for the all-important snacks, toys etc.

9. In bad weather a fabulous pair of wellies or an umbrella in your wow colours can add fun and statement to your outfit and be a great talking point!

10. A bit of lippy in your best colours will lift your eyes and make your skin glow. Always a great boost.

Tips for Mums How to look good at the school gates

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7 Layer Bar

Three Counties Radio

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.

I am not sure I know any food writers who are more prolific than Hannah Miles. Every time she is a guest on my programme, she seems to have added another couple to her list and she is now up to well over 30 books. Her latest is

called Traybakes (published by Lorenz Books) and, in it, she shows how versatile traybake cakes can be. This indulgent tray bake may actually be the Queen of Traybakes. Loads of indulgent ingredients, bound together by a

can of condensed milk, to create a perfect snack or lunchbox treat, especially for your children or grandchildren. It’s also ideal, as traybakes often are, if you need to rustle together a cake for the school fete or a cake sale at work.

This is a big treat bar, packed with flavour, fun… and calories!

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4/180C/350F.2. Blitz the biscuits to fine crumbs. Melt the butter in a

saucepan and pour into the crumbs. 3. Stir well so that all the crumbs are coated in the

butter. Press the crumbs out in an even layer over the base of the tin using the back of a spoon.

4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the biscuit base in a layer. Sprinkle over the fudge pieces, raisins and pecans. Sprinkle over the coconut and hazelnuts.

5. Drizzle with the condensed milk. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes until golden brown then leave to cool completely in the tin.

6. Cut into 24 squares to serve. This layer cake will store in an airtight container for up to 3 days - if it lasts that long!

IngredientsFor the base

300g/ digestive biscuits or graham crackers125g butter

For the topping200g chocolate chips

100g fudge pieces or butterscotch chips60g raisins

100g pecans, coarsely chopped150g flake sweetened coconut (or desiccated)

60g toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped398g can of condensed milk

Equipment: food processor or blender, 35cm x 25cm deep baking tin, greased and lined




For many people making a will is not something they have thought about and has never been a priority. It is important for you to make a will even if you consider you do not have many possessions or much money.Having a will in place tells everyone what should happen to your money, property and possessions (known as your ‘estate’) after you die. If you do not leave a will, the intestacy rules will apply and your estate will be distributed according to the law, and not according to your wishes.At present, the intestacy rules do not recognise cohabitees who are not married. Therefore if you live

with your partner and die without making a will, your partner will not automatically inherit from your estate. Your estate will pass to your family (children, parents, brothers and sisters).Having a valid will in place makes it easier for your family or friends to deal with everything when you die. The absence of a will can be stressful and time consuming for your loved ones. When a deceased person’s wishes are unclear, disputes can arise and cause arguments among family members. By leaving a will there is no doubt about who you want to leave your estate to. Close relatives and dependants you do not wish to include in your will may be able to make a claim against your estate but we can advise you in this regard and the best way to prevent it.A will includes details of who you would like to be in charge of organising your estate and following the instructions in your will, known as your ‘executors’. These can be friends, family

members or a professional (for example a solicitor).

You can use your will to include any burial or cremation wishes, the type of funeral service you may like and also make specific bequests to individuals which can range from sums of cash to specific items (for example jewellery).If you have children under the age of 18, you can appoint someone in your will to be their guardian

to care for your children in the event of your death.Wills can be prepared according to your personal circumstances. It can cover second marriages, children from previous relationships and ownership of properties abroad.It is important to regularly review any existing will you have in place, especially if your family or financial circumstances change. A will is revoked by entering into a marriage or a registered civil partnership unless you have made a provision for this in your will and therefore keeping your will up to date is essential.Although it is possible to write a will yourself, it is advisable to use a solicitor to draw up your will to ensure that it will have the effect you want it to. It is very common to make mistakes when preparing a will and using a solicitor will ensure that the legal formalities are followed to make sure the will is valid.

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Family Law

It is an unfortunate fact of modern society that many marriages end in divorce. Following separation, most couples are driven by their emotions and worry about the cost of instructing solicitors to help them. An increasing number choose to manage divorce proceedings themselves which can cause complications along the way – and that simple act of cost-cutting can actually cost them dearly in the long run.Lawyers train for years to learn the legal process, understand how to negotiate a settlement and learn all the different ways of reaching a solution. Those choosing a so called ‘DIY divorce’ where they deal with everything without the help of a qualified lawyer can face many pitfalls along the way.For a start, the divorce forms themselves can be complicated and if not completed correctly can be rejected by the courts, causing delay, additional stress and higher costs.Divorce DIY-notWhen thinking about divorce, it is a common misconception that “divorce proceedings” include bringing an end to a marriage, dealing with the arrangements for the children and separating the financial ties they have with their former spouse. This is not entirely true. Whilst a divorce brings a legal end to the marriage itself and does mean that either party is free to remarry if they wish, it does not bring an automatic end to any financial obligations they have to each other and does not include any legal arrangements for the children. Unless these things are sorted out it could result in financial claims being brought by one party against the other some time after the divorce has concluded. So that Lottery win or family inheritance received in a few years’ time could be eroded by an ex if you have not properly finalised the finances, for instance by agreeing a Consent Order (or Clean Break Order). These orders must be approved by the court to become legally enforceable. A lawyer will tell you about them and help you draw one up (there is no standard form to fill out). Those flying solo may not know about them until it is too late.Another point to consider in any divorce is what

happens if one party remarries before financial matters are resolved. If the respondent to divorce proceedings remarries, this brings about an automatic ban from him or her asking the court to deal with financial matters under matrimonial law. It does not, however, ban the spouse who started the divorce proceedings from still applying to the court for financial matters to be considered. This could have a huge impact on the former spouse but also on their new husband or wife. Again, DIY-ers may miss this point.There are many pitfalls in a DIY divorce and it is always better to seek legal advice to ensure that all matters are fully concluded and to give you peace of mind that your divorce really does end all ties you have with your former spouse. A DIY divorce may seem an attractive, cheaper option but in the end it could cost a lot more.For advice on divorce or any family law issuecontact Abby Smith for a FREE initial telephone consultation. Call 01480 270499 or email [email protected]

Call now:Abby Smith

01480 270499 or 07948 [email protected]

Divorce The real danger of doing it yourselfBy family lawyer Abby Smith of Woolley & Co, Solicitorswww.family-lawfirm.co.uk



25To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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

Blooming Baskets!

Garden View

By Rachael Leverton

For extra moisture retention place a circle of polythene in the base of the basket before filling with soil.The best planting medium is soilless multi-purpose compost, mixed with water-retaining granules. Place a layer of compost in the base of the basket and push the first layer of plants through. Trailing plants such as lobelia, bidens and ivy-leafed pelargoniums look lovely but you can be as creative as you like. Water the plants in their containers before planting them and squeeze the rootball firmly to make it small enough to push though the mesh from the outside. Plant quite densely and gradually build up layers of plants and soil. When it’s full to within 3 cm of the rim you can plant up the top with more upright, compact bushy plants like begonias, petunias and pelargoniums.Make sure your basket never dries out. It will be reliant on you for all water and nutrition. If you water it at least once a day and feed with dilute tomato fertilizer once a week I promise it will be blooming basket in the best possible way.

Happy Gardening

It’s hanging basket season! They can be a source of delight but also a source of stress. It’s easy for a hanging basket to fail badly. Too sparsely filled and they look bedraggled. Too little water and death is swift! The secret to growing a successful basket lays both in the way it’s planted but also in sensible aftercare.Plant the basket with bedding plants at the beginning of May but don’t plant them out for a couple of weeks, especially if you live in a more exposed area. Instead give them some shelter in a porch, or unheated greenhouse, or even under polythene at the side of the house. This allows the new plants to grow and toughen up a little before they are hung in their final position.Check that your bracket and chains for signs of rust and also check that the bracket is securely fixed to the wall. Hanging baskets are extremely heavy, especially when they are wet and you really don’t want your lovingly-planted orb of flowers to be deposited unceremoniously all over the floor!Planting is easiest if you balance the basket on a large flowerpot or bucket. Fibrous liners help to retain water and look nicer than polythene.


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• Number of robins seen visiting gardens at its highest level for more than 20 years

• In excess of 497,000 people took part in the 2017 Birdwatch counting over 8 million birds

Nearly 7, 000 people in Bedfordshire joined nearly half-a-million people across the UK in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, counting more than eight million birds during the 38th RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, witnessing some exciting and unusual visitors. In Bedfordshire, there was no change to the top two. House sparrows held on to the top spot being seen in the 70% of gardens during the survey despite having decreased nationally by 57% since 1979. Starlings were another non-mover remaining in second place, although there was a 26% rise in the number of gardens starlings were seen in.Blackbirds knocked the blue tits out of the top three as they moved up two places from fifth to third, being seen in a whopping 95% of gardens, making them the county’s most widespread bird. The event held over the last weekend in January also revealed an explosion in the number of recorded sightings of waxwings. These attractive looking birds flock to UK gardens in winter once every 7-8 years when the berry crop fails in their native Scandinavia. Known as an ‘irruption’, results showed that within the region waxwings were seen in around 5 times more gardens in 2017 compared to previous years.

Weather conditions leading up to the Birdwatch meant that this year UK gardens were treated to a range of different visitors. Along with waxwings, there was also a large jump in the number of visits from other migrant birds. In the East there were 5 times as many redwing and fieldfare seen and an 18% increase in sightings of brambling as the sub-zero temperatures on the continent forced them to go in search of milder conditions. Dr Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientists, said: “The sight of a robin or blackbird perched on the garden fence is often one of the first experiences we have with nature. So to have over half-a-million people taking part and counting a bumper eight million birds across one weekend is amazing. Using the information from the weekend we’ll be able to create a snapshot of how our garden birds are doing. “In the lead up to the Birdwatch there was some speculation as to whether we could see a ‘waxwing winter’ and the results prove that to be the case. Flocks of these striking looking birds arrived in the UK along the North Sea coast and will have moved across the country in search of food, favouring gardens where they can feast on berries. With it only happening once every 7-8 years, it will have been a treat for the lucky people who managed to catch a glimpse of one.”There was also good news for robins, with the average number seen visiting gardens at its highest level since 1986, helping it climb from number nine to number seven in Bedfordshire and the same jump nationally, its joint highest-ever position in the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings.

Robins, starlings and blackbirds joined by more unusual visitors


Blackbird was another climber, moving to number three in the East and becoming the region’s most widespread garden bird after being spotted in more than 96% of gardens.The survey also highlighted a downturn in Bedfordshire in the recorded sightings of blue tits (-15%), great tits (-12%) and coal tits (-20%) on last year’s figures. Dr Hayhow explained: “Numbers of small bodied birds such as blue tits and great tits are susceptible to changes in weather throughout the year, and scientists believe that the prolonged wet weather during the 2016 breeding season led to fewer younger birds surviving than usual, meaning there are fewer to be seen in gardens.”This year’s results also pointed to the positive effects that wildlife friendly gardens are having on bird behaviours. Recorded sightings increased for sixteen of the top 20 Big Garden Birdwatch birds between 2016 and 2017 showing how gardens are becoming an invaluable resource for our most common British garden birds. Claire Thomas, RSPB Wildlife Advisor, said: “This year was another incredible year for the Big Garden Birdwatch, with our favourite garden birds like starlings, robins and goldfinches, joined in the gardens up and down the country by more unusual visitors. Our gardens can become an

invaluable resource for birds – throughout the year birds need food, water and a safe place to shelter. If we all provide these things in our outdoor spaces it will be a huge help to our garden birds, perhaps even playing a role in reversing some declines.” The nation’s school children noticed a similar pattern when taking part in the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch. The UK-wide survey of birds in schools saw over 73,000 school children – almost 1, 900 of whom took part in Bedfordshire - spend an hour in nature counting birds. Nationally, the blackbird remained the most common playground visitor for the ninth year in succession with over 88% schools spotting at least one. However in Bedfordshire the woodpigeon took the number one spot.Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are a part of the RSPB Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the house crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their gardens and outdoor spaces – whether it’s putting up a nest box for birds, creating a pond for frogs or building a home for hedgehogs.

For more information about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results – www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

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Bradgate 1/2 page 2/17.indd 1 13/01/2017 15:14


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If you would like to find out more about Jessie and Pudding, please contact Liz on 01767 681157.Alternatively please e-mail Philippa at [email protected] who will be pleased to forward your enquiry on to the teamView other dogs, cats and small mammals currently in our care for re-homing on our website: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk or facebook: www.facebook.com/ratscharity Home checks are carried out on potential homes.

This month’s rescue animals looking for their forever home are Jessie and Pudding.Jessie and Pudding are sisters and are looking for a home where they can stay together.They are nearly 5 years old and very friendly girls who love fuss and attention. Jessie is a real lap cat and very affectionate and Pudding loves to play.They will make wonderful companions but have not lived with dogs or young children previously.

Rehoming Appeal

Jessie

Pudding

31

Local News

They will help with the housework, load a washing machine and open doors – but now the region’s cleverest puppies are calling for your help.Charity Canine Partners is looking for special volunteer ‘puppy parents’ that can look after puppies that are training to become assistance dogs for physically disabled people.Carol Lloyd has been a puppy parent for 10 years and is currently looking after her 13th puppy, 11-month-old Labrador Milo.She says she loves helping to train and socialise the puppies.“I would recommend being a puppy parent. It’s a really nice way of having a dog. It’s fantastic seeing the difference a dog makes to someone’s life,” said Carol.The 56-year-old cleaner from Wootton, Bedfordshire joined the charity’s team of volunteers after moving to the area from Milton Keynes.She said: “I liked the idea of having a dog but also having a purpose to that.“Rather than having a pet dog, we have Canine Partners’ puppies.”Carol has been looking after Milo since he was eight weeks old and she has been teaching him the basic skills he needed for life as an assistance dog, while ensuring he was always well-behaved.She has taken him on busses and trains and visited supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, parks and banks. And they are making sure they met lots of other people and animals.

Carol and Milo also attend puppy training classes and they have home visits from Bedford satellite trainer Lorraine Lotan who gives Carol guidance on the charity’s reward-based training techniques – praising the puppy and giving it lots of treats, toys and playtime when they get something right.When he is about 13 months old he will go to one of Canine Partners’ advanced training centres in West Sussex or Leicestershire to develop the skills he is learning with his puppy parent.Mum-of-two Carol said: “The first time a puppy leaves you for its advanced training is the worst but it makes all the heart ache of the puppy leaving worthwhile when you see the difference it will make to someone’s life.”Now she is calling for more people to sign up and join the growing band of volunteers.She added: “I really enjoy being a puppy parent and in Bedford we have a fantastic support group so you’re never on your own. We also have a great satellite trainer in Lorraine.”It comes after the group hosted a special puppy party which gave people the chance to meet the puppies and existing volunteers and watch demonstrations showcasing some of the skills puppy parents teach the dogs.There’s still time to sign up as a volunteer puppy parent for Canine Partners.Puppy parents receive full ongoing support, both at their homes and at puppy training classes. Food, equipment, vet bills and temporary holiday care is provided.And there’s another chance to meet the team at the Bedford group’s summer show June 24 at Happy Dog Training in Clapham.For more information call 01730 716017 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/puppyparties.

Bedfordshire’s cleverest puppies need more ‘puppy parents’


I have a life time of experience with animals, personally and professionally, I am a qualified dog groomer and veterinary assistant. Pets are my passion.

Take time out knowing that your pets are being loved and cared for.

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Pet Carer half page.indd 1 14/03/2017 16:21

For further information or to book your advertising space

call Nigel on 01767 261122 e-mail: [email protected]

or visit our website www.villagermag.com

VILLAGERThe

and Town Life


Pets

In the excitement of preparing for a holiday or weekend away, don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets. Sorting out care arrangements for your pet can take time, so you should always do this well in advance. Never leave pets on their own without a responsible person to care for them; you must make sure they get the care they need. When someone else is looking after your pet they too have a legal responsibility to ensure your pet’s welfare and you should make sure that they understand your pet’s needs and any special requirements that he, or she, may have. There are a number of options to ensure your pet is cared for when you are away. You can leave them with friends or family, have a pet-sitter, or take them to a boarding establishment. Many pets can find the absence of their owner and/or a change of routine stressful. It is important that all of your pet’s needs are met, and that you leave clear instructions on how to look after your pet, including: • dietary requirements; • daily health checks (especially for small animals

to check that they are eating and toileting properly, and to check they are healthy ie fly-strike in rabbits);

• how and when to exercise them;

• if and when they may need any medication and how to give it to them;

• how to socialise with them. Whoever you choose to care for your pets while you are away, make sure that you: • are confident that they will care for your pet

properly; • give them clear instructions on how to care for

your pet; • leave the name and number of your vet and, if

possible, a number where you can be contacted in case of emergencies;

• keep your pet’s vaccinations and flea and worming treatments up-to-date.

It is a criminal offence to leave any animal without making proper arrangements for their welfare.But, if organised properly, holidays can be a welcome break for both you and your pets. Happy holidays to you all.

Animal Know-how

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch

www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

Happy holidays for everyone…

Motoring

BMW M760Li xDrive Those of you hoping this was BMW’s M7 need to look away now. Although this may be the fastest BMW ever made, if you’re after a fire-breathing, full-blooded M car, the M760Li will leave you a little disappointed. BMW says that’s because this is a car for buyers with something of a split personality. One moment they may be keen on a country road assault so they can enjoy the glorious V12, the next they might want to kick back and relax in the massaging seats and just cruise along.Looks and imageThe 7 Series has long been a luxury choice for the type of buyer who still enjoys driving, though – and the M760Li is the epitome of that. With several driving modes to choose from, sporty drivers are well catered for when its sport setting is active. With the comfort setting it’s mellower, more relaxed, it eases over bumps and floats along beautifully. The looks of the M760Li won’t be for everyone but inside is a wonderful place to spend time. For those who are chauffeured the back seats are arguably more comfortable than up front. There are multimedia screens to enjoy, cushioned headrests and massaging, reclining seat backs.

Space and practicalityThe 7 Series does feel a little smaller in the rear than rivals from Mercedes and Audi, though. Up front the driving position is a little cosseting too, but it’s easy to get comfortable.What’s under the bonnet?BMW made a lot of noise about it being 30 years since they installed a V12 engine in their 7 Series at the launch. Since then, the 12-cylinder lump has doubled in power: the 2017 6.6-litre unit boasts a whopping 601bhp, a staggering 800Nm of torque and is capable of propelling it to 60mph in just 3.6 seconds. That gives it the impressive title of the fastest accelerating BMW ever made, but you’ll pay at the pumps; the M760Li will return 22.1mpg and emits 294g/km.Behind the wheelThe BMW is a true Jekyll and Hyde car with distinct personalities behind the wheel. On the track it was incredibly swift and that V12 makes a pleasingly sound and, while there may be some body roll, it’s not too intrusive. It’s all helped by four-wheel drive that has a rear wheel drive bias when needed. The steering is a little light in the comfort setting, though, but flick it into sport and it’s far better.

Value for moneyFor £132,310, you do get some goodies thrown in. Lightweight 20-inch alloys, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and Car Play are included, as is an Advanced Parking System, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, and massaging seats. There’s even rear-seat entertainment and a panoramic glass sunroof provided too. There’s also an extensive options list, including night vision and BMW laser headlights.VerdictThe fact BMW perseveres with a V12 is a revelation. With downsizing the current buzzword, it seems hard to believe that a manufacturer would launch a 6.6-litre petrol drinking lump. Although the market for it will be small, we’re still very glad it has. OK, so this might not be the M7 that many performance BMW fans crave, but it’s as close to it as we’re going to get. It’s great fun to drive, sumptuously luxurious and wonderfully relaxing when you want it to be - and all in, a very competent and exciting 7 Series indeed.

By James Baggott



01480 270677 Stukeley Meadows, Huntingdon, PE29 6EG

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• Non-scheduled Service including Oil & Filter change

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• Make sure your car meets the mandatory road safety and environmental standards

• Reduced price of RRP £30 when booked with a Ford Motorcraft service (RRP £35 without a service)

MOT £30*FROM JUST

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Focus range: urban 32.1-65.7 (8.8-4.3), extra urban 49.6-83.1 (5.7-3.4), combined 41.5-74.3 (6.8-3.8). Official C02 emissions 159-98g/km. *Ford Motorcraft Servicing, MOT, Tyres and repairs are available at participating T.C.Harrison dealers for Ford passenger cars and commercial vehicles with up to 2.5L engines and are applicable to retail customers only. All published prices are recommended retail prices and include parts, labour and VAT. RS, Mustang and LPG derivatives are excluded. Reduced price MOT test only valid when booking a Ford Motorcraft service. Ford Motorcraft services are none scheduled services not manufacturer scheduled services, so could affect the manufacturer’s warranty status during the first three years of registration. **Any necessary adjustments identified during free wheel alignment check are chargeable. This offer supersedes any other offer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative offered. Offers valid until 31st December 2017.

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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.

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22

23 24

25 26

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

Codeword

Easy Suduko Hard Suduko


Interior & ExteriorPainter & Decorator

Nick Bussey

All aspects of decoration undertaken.Over 20 years of experience.Fully Insured.References available on request.

Email: [email protected]

Call for a FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION

07780 642238

38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts38 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts383838383838 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts3838 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts38383838

5 April-13 MayIcknield Potters Exhibition Tues-Sat 11am-4pm

St Neots Museum, New Street, St NeotsLocal residents free, Adults £3, Seniors £2

From vases and bowls to hand built sculptures don’t miss this exhibition. Tel: 01480 214163

Web: www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk

13 April and every weekend until mid-MaySinging with Nightingales

Grafham Water Wildlife Trust BCN Nature ReserveIn collaboration with folk singer and nature

lover Sam Lee, the Wildlife Trust BCN is hosting unique evening events at Grafham Water Nature Reserve. Meet round the camp fire for harmony with singers and musicians, have some delicious

campfire food, hear information on the habitat and life of nightingales. Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/

nightingales and www.singingwithnightingales.com/grafham/ for booking & further information

18 April-7 May Lambing Time10.30am-5pm Wimpole Farm

Normal admission charges applyHead to Home Farm to meet our rare breed ewes and lambs and if you’re lucky you may see a live birth. Learn more about lambing from our staff.

1 MayMay Day Celebrations

12 noon-4pm Eaton Socon Village Green

2 MayFamily Carer Drop-In Session

10am-12 noon Huntingdon LibraryCarers Trust Cambridgeshire’s monthly drop in to

provide information, advice and support for Adult Family Carers. Tel: 01480 499090

Web: www.carerstrustcambridgeshire.org

2, 9, 16, 23 & 20 MayRoxton Bridge Circle

7.15-10pm Roxton Parish HallSmall friendly group playing Bridge every Tuesday

evening. Tel: Phyllis 01480 374327Email: [email protected]

3 MayWildlife Trust Walk at Hayley Wood

10am-middayHayley Wood, nr Great Gransden

Walk at Hayley Wood to appreciate the spring joys of the woods.

Web: www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2017/05/03/visit-hayley-wood

3 MayGodmanchester Senior Citizens Club Coffee

Morning & Raffle 10am-12 noonGodmanchester Town Hall

Monthly coffee morning and raffle. Tel: Geoff 01480 434697 or 07515 881209

3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 & 31 MaySt Neots Badminton Club

8-10pm One Leisure, St NeotsPlay badminton to a good standard and interested in joining a club? St Neots badminton club play at One

Leisure Mondays and Wednesdays.Email: [email protected]

Web: www.stneotsbadminton.org

3, 10, 17 & 24 MayLittle Fishes 10-11.20am Grafham Village HallStay and Play Tots session (babies welcome too).

Tel: Jean Clark 01480 890033 for more informationEmail: [email protected]

3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 MayGames Afternoon 2pm

St Neots Library Free admissionEvery Wednesday. Adults come along and play

classic games. Tel: 0345 045 5225

4 MayGhost Hunting: EngAGE in the Afternoon

1.30-3pm Huntingdon LibraryFree event - donations welcomed

Mark Egerton will talk about his experiences as a paranormal investigator and will focus on Huntingdonshire’s ghosts. Booking required.

Tel: 0345 045 5225

4, 11, 18 & 25 MayGames Afternoon 2pm

Buckden Library Free admissionEvery Thursday. Adults come along and play classic

games. Tel: 0345 045 5225 for more information

4, 11, 18 & 25 MayLife Drawing Classes 2-4pm

Queen Elizabeth School Hall, GodmanchesterWeb: www.huntslifedraw.co.uk for full details

4, 11, 18 & 25 MaySt Neots Ladies Choir 7.30pm

Eaton Ford Methodist Church £5 per weekEvery Thursday. All abilities and ages welcome. Fee only payable for the weeks you attend. Find us on

Facebook.Tel: Emily Darlow 07980 987575


5 MayFamily Volunteering 10am-12 noon

Ferry Meadows Country ParkFree event – suggested donation £2

Make a difference by helping the Rangers out in the Park. All tools and training will be provided. Booking

essential – Tel: 01733 234193 for further detailsWeb: www.neneparktrust.org.uk

5 MayStageworks presents Musicals in the Aisles

7.30pm, St Mary’s Church, BuckdenTickets £10, Concessions £8

Tickets also available from Costcutter (Hunts End) and Que Sera (High Street).

Tel: Box Office 01480 812777 or 07979 030144

6 MayArt & Craft Fair 9.30am-4pm

Free Church Hall, St Ives Free admissionQuality handmade art and craft stalls and tombola.

6 MaySt Neots TimeBank ‘Gardening’ Coffee Morning

11.30am-1.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, St NeotsCome along for a demonstration of the best way

to make a hanging basket which will be raffled off afterwards. There will be over 100 plants for sale.

6 MayHollywood or Bust Walk of Fame - Breast Cancer

Charity Walk, Grafham Water £15The walk is open to all and you can walk, bike or run around Grafham. Proceeds go to the support group.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm – Tel: 01480 363516

6 MayArt Exhibition 10am-5pm

Bar Hill Church, Hanover Way Free admissionPaintings and Greetings Cards will be for sale.

6, 13, 20 & 27 MayGeorge & Dragon Live Music Evenings9pm George & Dragon, Eaton Socon

6 May - Man Alive Band. 13 May - Light Alloy. 20 May – Kurmojun. 27 May - Déjà vu. All

entertainment starts at 9pm till 1am on a Saturday.

7 MayCraft & Gift Fair Comrades Club, GodmanchesterFree admission - donation to Save the Children

Browse a wide selection of unique handmade crafts and gifts not found in the High Street.

Tel: 01536 675000 for stallholder enquiriesEmail: [email protected]

What’s OnIn May

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

month.What’s on entries to

[email protected]

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3939To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 3939393939To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122 393939

7 MayWildlife Trust Walk, Brampton Wood

2.30-4.45pmMeet at Brampton Wood Car Park,

Grafham Road, Brampton, near to PE28 0DBThe last scheduled guided walks to see bluebells and

other spring wildlife. Tel: George 01480 450809

7, 14, 21 & 28 MayWimpole’s Parkland: A Brief Walk in History

11am-12pm Free eventA gentle, short walk with fascinating stories about

how Wimpole’s parkland has changed with different fashions and owners.

8 MayWildlife Trust Trumpington Meadows Dawn

Chorus 6-8am Trumpington MeadowsAn early morning walk. Wake up to listen to the wonderful cacophony of birds. Meet outside the

new ranger office, a short walk from Byron’s Pool car park. Tel: 07734 478471


8 MayPerry WI 7.30pm Perry Baptist Church

For all women aged 18+. Guests are very welcome. This month’s topic is “Behind the scenes at the sale

room” with David Fletcher.

8, 15 & 22 MayComrades Chess Club 7.30pm

Comrades Club, GodmanchesterOver 18s only as it’s a licensed premises.

8, 15 & 22 MayScottish Country Dancing 8-10pm

Queen Elizabeth School, GodmanchesterMondays from September to May.Tel: Mrs Pat Crowe 01480 453774


9 MayHemingford Grey Flower Club 10am

Hemingford Grey Reading Rooms, High StreetFlower Demonstration by Rosemary Gadsby.

9 MaySt Ives Sugarcraft Guild 7.30-9pm

Reading Room, Hemingford Grey Visitors £6Monthly meetings where you can learn, hands-on,

various cake decorating techniques and/or sugar craft. The group meets on the second Tuesday of the

month. Tel: Shirley 01480 454616

9 MaySam Brookes, The Portland Arms, Cambridge

London based songsmith and former Sunday Times ‘Breaking Act’ Sam Brookes is still one of the UK

alt-folk’s best kept secrets. Web: www.sam-brookes.com

13 MayJumble Sale 10am

Keysoe Village Ball Entry 20pRefreshments available.

13 & 14 MayHemingford Art Club Spring Exhibition

10am-4.30pmHemingford Abbots Village Hall, PE28 9AHNew works of art, framed and unframed. Also

handmade original cards.

14 MayGreat British Dog Walk 10am

Wimpole Hall Adults £10, Children freeA nationwide sponsored charity dog walk in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Chose to walk

either 3km or 8km or just relax and watch the dog demonstrations. Registration at 10am, walk starts

at 11am. Tickets: www.hearingdogs.org.uk

14 MayBritish Red Cross Open Gardens

2-5pm Docwra’s Manor, Shepreth£4 per adult, Under 12s free

Two and a half acres of choice plants in a series of enclosed gardens. Wheelchair access to most parts. Some gravel paths. Teas. Parking. Plant stall. By

kind permission of Mrs Faith Raven.

17 MayLove’s Farm Women’s Institute 8.30-10.30pm

The Love’s Farm Ladies is Love’s Farm’s new WI group, meeting on the third Wednesday of the month.

Tel: Phyllis Brooks 01480 380240Email: [email protected] for more details

17 MayHuntingdonshire Family History Society 7.30pm

Women’s Institute Centre, Waldon Road, Huntingdon

Huntingdonshire Family History Society talk on ‘Fens qar War 1914-1918’ by Mike Petty. Bookstall

or helpdesk. Non-members most welcome. £1 donation at the door appreciated. Please check

website for any last minute changes to programme.Tel: Caroline Kesseler 01480 390476 for more details

Email: [email protected]: www.huntsfhs.org.uk

19 MayLive Theatre with Eastern Angles

7pm for 7.30pm The Mandeville Hall, KimboltonTickets £10

The acclaimed Eastern Angles present live theatre “The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart” with

magical visions, devilish encounters and wild, wild music. Tickets from Olivers, Swan Pharmacy, Bytes

Cafe in Kimbolton. Tel: Tickets 01480 860297

20 MayPlant Sale 11-3pm Buckden Towers

Entrance £2.50, children freeRefreshments available. Parking on site.

21 MayThe Lions Safari Walk Graham Water

Huntingdon Grafham Water Lions Club annual fundraising walk. All participants need do is to

obtain sponsors, do the walk, and collect the money. Contact Lion Peter Wallwork Tel: 01487 834669

27 MayPond Dipping 10.30am-12 noon & 1.30-3pm

Ferry Meadows Country ParkFree event – suggested donation £2

Come along and spend some time pond dipping and identifying the creatures you find. Booking essential

Tel: 01733 234193 for further detailsWeb: www.neneparktrust.org.uk

27 May-4 JuneHalf-term Trail Trail sheets available 10am-2.30pm Ferry Meadows Country Park 50p

Collect a trail sheet on the theme of rabbits from the Visitor Centre and then hunt for clues as you walk

around Ferry Meadows. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. This event is on surfaced paths and suitable for all abilities including wheelchair

users and buggies. No need to book.Tel: 01733 234193 for further details

Email: [email protected]: www.neneparktrust.org.uk

28 MayWildlife Trust Celebration of Lovely Lattersey at

30! 11am-3pmLattersey Local Nature Reserve, New Road,

Whittlesey, PE7 1SZFamily Open Day at Lattersey Nature Reserve, celebrating 30 years of Whittlesey’s only Local

Nature Reserve. Open to all: guided walks, wildlife trails, wildlife art and craft activities, face painting,

willow weaving, wildlife quiz, refreshments, displays - activities for all.

What’s OnIn May

This is a small selection of the What’s On for the full listing please go to

our website www.villagermag.com


PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE, AFFORDABLEFROM AS LITTLE AS £25 PER METRE FITTED

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ROOFLINE

EARL advert 4-16.indd 1 14/04/2016 19:13


April’s Puzzle Solutions and WinnerLast Month’s Crossword Winner

Mrs Pamela Bryant from Eltisley Last Month’s Saw Doctors Competition Winner

Mr Gordon Filkins from Ickleford

Easy

Hard

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Name:

Address:

Tel:

Prize£25

The Villager Prize Crossword

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below,

cut out this page and send to the address below before

16th May 2017 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd

24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Across7 Scratch (6)8 Lower spine (6)9 Settee (4)10 Very young frogs (8)11 Normally (7)13 Closes (5)15 Not heavy (5)17 Moves up (7)20 Keeps you dry (8)21 Coffee shop (4)23 Aggravates (6)24 End (6)

Down1 Repeat (4)2 Yellow fruit (6)3 E.g. snake (7)4 Scottish river (5)5 Level (6)6 Skilled (8)12 Dieting (8)14 Mortified (7)16 Terror (6)18 Getaway (6)19 Dental care (5)22 Blaze (4)

42


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LCA half page.indd 1 15/03/2017 16:03


Time of Year

By Sarah DaveyBank HolidaysI’m in two minds about bank holidays. On the one hand it’s a holiday, yay, and there are two of them in May…another yay; on the other it’s a prescribed holiday so most people are off work at the same time, so there are queues and traffic jams wherever you go. It would make more sense to me if bank holidays were rolled into an additional 8 days of compulsory leave which could be taken anytime.In the UK we actually fair pretty badly in the bank holiday stakes anyway. 8 public holidays is not a lot. The Italians have 12 days; the Austrians 13, while Spain and Portugal enjoy 14 public holidays per year!There has been a long-running campaign for an extra bank holiday in the UK somewhere around October. This is favoured because the period from August Bank Holiday to Christmas is a long time to work without a break! Past Prime Ministers have on occasion indicated this might be a possibility. It occurred to me that we might get a bonus ‘Brexit’

Bank holiday if the current incumbent of No. 10 feels she needs a popularity boost.Not everyone would welcome it though. The Confederation of British Industry calculates that just one extra day could cost the nation £6.5 billion. It sounds a lot but they also calculate that the cost to the economy of work-related stress and mental health problems is somewhere between £4-5 billion, and that sick-days cost over £12 billion per year. Given those figures it might be presumed that a couple of extra days’ holiday per year could prove beneficial over all.However you plan to spend your two bank holidays this month make sure you check the travel news. I plan to stay local. There are loads of great things to do on our doorstep and I really don’t want to spend my extra day off stuck in a traffic jam!


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HUNTINGDON IS THE SETTING OF AUTHOR’S LATEST PARANORMAL THRILLER.

Eddie Tomkins full page.indd 1 15/03/2017 13:01

This month’s books are all about relationships, from first loves and families to fleeting friendships.

Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran Mexican Solimar risks everything to start a new life in America, but as an illegal immigrant she has few rights. When she’s thrown into a detention centre, her son is placed in foster care. Kavya is an American-Indian chef desperate for a child. When she’s given Solimar’s toddler to care for it seems like a dream come true. One boy – two mothers, both of whom will do everything in their power in order to keep him. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, this looks set to become one of this year’s bestsellers.

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng 11 year old Alex loves everything to do with space. So he builds a rocket and sets off for a rocket festival in Mexico. His plan is to launch his rocket into space, attached to an iPod on which Alex is recording his thoughts and feelings about his family and the people he meets on his journey. While it’s been catalogued as a children’s book, See You in the Cosmos definitely has crossover appeal. Fresh, imaginative and full of energy, this is perfect for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Book ReviewBy Kate Duggan

Books

Here is one possible solution (others may exist)RAINlainlaidlandlanelineFINE

©P

uzzlepress.co.uk

Word LadderChange one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word - and move from the word at the top of the ladder to the word at the bottom, using the exact number of rungs provided.

R A I N

F I N E

HUNTINGDON IS THE SETTING OF AUTHOR’S LATEST PARANORMAL THRILLER.

Eddie Tomkins full page.indd 1 15/03/2017 13:01


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NEW

Documents

V The ILLAGER...V ILLAGER The and Town LifeIssue 62 - May 2017 Bringing Local Business to Local People in Alconbury, Grafham, Kimbolton, Riseley, The Stukeleys and all surrounding