£200 of shopping vouchers! - huntingdon first · april food & drink offers – where to go…...

Sponsored by BID Huntingdon

£200 of shopping vouchers!

Food & Drink OffersGREAT savings in April

Local MarketsUse them; Love them

Easter Eggs Donations for Holly Ward

Music & DanceTwo great local businesses

Events DiaryWhat’s happening in

Huntingdon?

www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

H U N T I N G D O N

April/May 2014www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk FREE

April/May 2014

2 Advertise here. Call Chris on 07827 015170 or email [email protected] Replying to an advert? Say you saw it in Huntingdon LIVE

April/May 2014

�www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Join us on Facebook/HuntingdonFirst

Don’t miss out on the fantastic Food & Drink Offers this April, more on page 7.

Businesses are the very essence of the town and we have a wide variety. This edition we focus on Wendy Burke School of Dance and the new look for Musicstreet, both independent businesses; pages 15 and 17.

We have a busy town with an age-range of customers, some of whom are elderly or with limited mobility. The BID Huntingdon Town Rangers are a welcome sight in times of need and can administer first aid and call for the ambulance service. We are also planning to add to the existing defibrillators – see page 9.

As we go to print we await confirmation of the exact opening dates for the new multi-storey car park (MSCP) and the link road from Brampton Road to Ermine Street. Both are due to open in early April.

I am regularly asked questions about the town developments. To bring everyone up to date, we have new website pages at huntingdonfirst.co.uk. See page 11. In answer to questions about the MSCP i.e.

what will the parking charges be? This is a Huntingdonshire District Council car park and fees will be the same as Sainsbury’s car park. And about the link road – what will it be called? Well that’s under wraps and I’m interested to know too. The final burning question is - which retailers will be coming to the new shop units? The deals are being done between the landlord and the prospective tenants. When the landlords tell me, we will be passing it on!

Katy Sismore, BID Huntingdon Manager BID Huntingdon, 23a Chequers Court, Huntingdon PE29 3LZ

01480 450250 [email protected] www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

Inside Huntingdon LIVE this month...

Shopmobility - Mon to Sat 9am to 3pm, Princes Street car park. Drop in or book ahead to be sure of a comfortable ride

around the town. 01480 432793.

Demolition of Chequers Court – before

After the demolition, MSCP in the background

“They all laughed when I said I was buying houses for £1.00. They’re not laughing now”!Learn how a 64 year old cleaner with no qualifications earned £32,400 in just one year; Part Time, buying nine houses, four of which he bought for just £1.00 each!

I will show you how YOU can buy houses without money, mortgages, or a bank loan and increase YOUR income substantially............ part time.

INTERESTED? visit:www.34kPartTime.co.uk

April/May 2014


April/May 2014

�www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Join us on Facebook/HuntingdonFirst

WHAT’s ON at

Commemoration Hall

Find out at www.commhall.org.uk

or call 01480 455167

EvENTS DiAry

April2 to � August Cromwell

Curios at Cromwell Museum. A loan collection of Cromwell related objects, never displayed in Huntingdon before, and from a private collection. It includes personal objects such as gloves and spectacles associated with Cromwell. Free. 01480 375830

� to � French Market. For the first time a genuine French market will be bringing Gaelic flair to Huntingdon. Authentic produce including bread and patisseries, pancakes, French cheeses and wines, leather handbags, olives from Provence, pâté and saucisson from Normandy, wooden toys, basketwork and French music. 9am - 5pm. Huntingdon High Street

� The Whitney Collection of Historical Huntingdonshire Photographs. EngAGE in the Afternoon for the over 50s. Huntingdon Library. 13.30 – 15.00. 0345 045 5225

4 Starz in your Eyes. Disco for those with special needs. 7.30pm. £5. Birthday celebrations night as it’s PATCH’s 9th year anniversary, Commemoration Hall. 01480 411883

� rAF Anniversary Concert by rAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band. The ever popular RAF Anniversary Concert. 7.30pm. Pathfinder House Civic Suite. £10/£8. 01480 455210.

11 Farmers’ Market Easter Celebrations. Have a go at winning our free prize draw and there’s lots for the children too with an Easter egg competition and FREE chocolate eggs. Huntingdon Market Square. Truly local food sold by the people who produce it. 8am–2pm

Sunday Shopping in Huntingdon FREE parkingMore than 80 shops and attractions are open in Huntingdon on a Sunday. With FREE parking, this is an ideal time to visit shops, cafes, the Library, the Cromwell Museum and much more. For a full list visit www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

Craft & Collectables Market Commemoration HallEvery Friday 8.30am to 3pmTel 07711 391003

SHOPMOBILITY Shopmobility provides a six day service, Monday to Saturday, from premises in Princes Street car park. For more details contact Shopmobility on 01480 432793.

Huntingdon’s Summer Outdoor PerformancesA popular series of annual Summer Outdoor Performances every Saturday during June, July and August in Huntingdon’s Bloomfield Park. Hosted by Huntingdon Town Council www.huntingdontown.gov.uk

As far as possible the above information is accurate. BID Huntingdon takes no responsibility for information published incorrectly.

Looking for something to do or a local venue? Visit www.cambridgeshire.net

Farmers’ Market

Market Square 8am to 2pm

Fri 11, 25 April

Fri 9, 23 May & Sat 31

Traditional Markets

Every Wednesday & Saturday

Market Square

For further dates and more

information, visit

www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

17 - 21 H Samuel Wedding Fair For all things weddings! Visit www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk for more information.

21 Easter Monday Family Fun Day. Huntingdon Racecourse. 01480 453373

2� St George’s Day. Join in the celebrations in the Market Hill between 17 – 29 April. Visit www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com/huntingdon_branch

2� Farmers’ Market. Huntingdon Market Square. Truly local food sold by the people who produce it. 8am–2pm

May1 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People:

EngAGE in the Afternoon. Meet puppy trainer Deborah Maloney and her latest recruit. EngAGE in the Afternoon for the over 50s. Huntingdon Library. 1.30pm – 3.00pm. 0345 045 5225

� - 4 Free Comic Book Weekend at Niche Comics. Free new comics for all – promoting reading for all ages! Come in a Superhero T Shirt or a comic book character. 147 High Street. Free

7 ready for Work Clubs. What and what not to put on your CV and application form. Huntingdon Library. 10am – 12pm. www.huntsworkclubs.co.uk or 01480 420601

9 Farmers’ Market. Huntingdon Market Square. Truly local food sold by the people who produce it. 8am–2pm

10 Organ and Soprano recital. David and Carol Shippey will cover a wide and interesting range of music. The organ is a fine Victorian example of pipework. St Mary’s Church. 7.30pm £5/£4 on the door

2� Farmers’ Market. Huntingdon Market Square. Truly local food sold by the people who produce it. 8am–2pm

2� Love your Local Market! ‘Love your Local Market’ celebrations week at the Farmers’ Market. Come and sample some delicious foods from cakes to sausages.

27 Huntingdon racecourse – Tuesday evening. 01480 453373

�1 Saturday Farmers’ Market. Huntingdon Market Square. Truly local food sold by the people who produce it. 8am–2pm

June� Kenyan Safari. Dr Tom Davies

returns to tell tales of his recent Kenyan Safari. Engage in the Afternoon for the over 50s. Huntingdon Library. 1.30pm - 3.00pm. 0345 045 5225

7 riverside Gala. A variety of entertainment, arena events, dog show, charity stalls, live music and possibly more, it’s the best free event in the area. 12 noon. Free.

24 – � July (except Sun 29 June) Shakespeare at The George - The Merchant of Venice. New this year, Tues 1 July is a ‘captioned’ performance. 7.30pm. £13.00/£11.00 + booking fee. www.satg.org.uk/tickets

April/May 2014

� Advertise here. Call Chris on 07827 015170 or email [email protected] Replying to an advert? Say you saw it in Huntingdon LIVE

April/May 2014

7www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Join us on Facebook/HuntingdonFirst

These offers run from 1 – 30 April and can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer

Alex’s Cafe restaurant25 High Street01480 357575OFFER – Free soft drink with any lunchRestrictions: Monday to Friday only until 3pm

Barney’s Plaice Fish & Chips22 High Street01480 437775OFFER – Fish and chips with mushy peas OR curry sauce £4.50. (Normal price £6.30)Restrictions: Lunch time special Monday to Thursday except bank holidays.

Bunters51a High Street01480 459389OFFER - Buy one individual meal deal get a second half price Restrictions: Lunch times only. One voucher per customer

Chilli Bite4 – 5 Trinity Place01480 356000OFFER – 15% off only on orders over £10 with voucher

Domino’s Pizza1 Grammar School Walk01480 454700No 1 OFFER – Buy 1 get 1 free on any large or medium pizza – any time. The month of April 2014 only. No 2 OFFER – Large pizza with one topping £4.99Restrictions: Lunch time before 4pm. Collection only.

This April sees a first for Huntingdon as the town hosts its first Food Fiesta for the entire month.

More than 14 restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, hotels and pubs are showcasing ‘Special Offers’ to tantalise your taste buds and SAVE you money in the process.

You can enjoy a mouth-watering array of food choices from menu deals to drinks and more.

How do I get the vouchers?Just check the Hunts Post newspaper each week and you’ll find information on getting your voucher. You’ll also be able to download vouchers from www.huntspost.co.uk/foodanddrink take them along to participating venues and enjoy some great savings on food and drink in the town during April.

WIN £200 of shopping vouchers!When you visit the participating venues, just leave your contact details on the voucher and you’ll be in for a chance to win a £200 shopping spree in any of over 200 shops and

businesses within or on the edge of the Town Centre from a list supplied by BID Huntingdon. The more places you visit to eat and drink, the more chances you have to win! Simple yet satisfying!

The choices are entirely yours – lunch with friends, evening meals with loved ones or coffee and cake with the children over Easter!

APRIL Food & Drink Offers – where to go…

Lee Wong Chinese Takeaway69 Ermine Street01480 451518OFFER – 10% discount with the voucher

Ocean House Chinese Takeaway25 Chequers CourtTelephone: 01480 411940OFFER – Spend £15.00 or over and get 10% discount

Pizza Town1 Newtons Court01480 413535OFFER – ALL pizzas, buy 1 get 1 free PLUS free coleslawRestrictions: Monday to Thursday. Collection by customers only.

Platters35 High Street01480 435535OFFER – Bacon OR sausage sandwich PLUS tea or coffee only £3.25. Eat in or take away. (Normal price £4.35 take away or £5.35 eat in)

Prima restaurant143 High Street01480 455553No1 OFFER - Any pizza or pasta £7.95 PLUS either a 175ml glass of wine or a pint of Peroni. (Normal price £12.70 +)No 2 OFFER – 2 adults + 2 children 12 or under, children eat free Restrictions: Mon to Sat 5pm to 7pm Sun 11.30am to 5pmrosamunds Sandwich Bar109 High Street01480 435958OFFER – Buy any breakfast panini and get a FREE tea or coffeeRestrictions: Mon to Sat to 12 noon only.

Southern Fried Chicken16 All Saints Passage01480 412400No 1 OFFER - Buy any pizza and get a free drink PLUS free chipsNo 2 OFFER - Three pieces of chicken, chips, coleslaw PLUS drink £4.50No 3 OFFER - Quarter pounder cheese burger OR chicken burger PLUS chips and drink £4.00

Subway12 Chequers Court01480 420046OFFER – Two can dine for £6.99 any two 6” subs, two regular 16oz drinks PLUS two cookies or crisps Restrictions: Only available after 2pm

The Brampton Pie Company16 Chequers Court01480 451643OFFER – Buy any large pie + large lasagna and get a FREE dessert. Normal cost £16.50 save £3.50 or moreRestrictions: Monday to Friday only

The victoria Inn52 Ouse Walk01480 453899OFFER - £3.00 a pint during all premier football matches in April. (Save up to 90p a pint)

The George HotelGeorge Street01480 432444OFFER – Two meals for £9.99Restrictions: Excluding Bank Holidays

BID Huntingdon takes noresponsibility for information published incorrectly. Check website for full details.www.huntspost.co.uk/foodanddrink

WIN a Carvery Lunch on either Mothers Day or Easter Sunday for a family of four! To enter, simply email “Holiday InnHuntingdon Carvery Prize Draw” [email protected], to be inwith a chance to win!

April/May 2014


Cardiac arrest claims approximately 150,000 lives each year in the UK with survival rates being around 5% when the attack occurs outside a hospital setting.Speed of response is crucial in dealing with the patient within the first eight minutes, recognised as a major factor in survival rates. Having researched where existing defibrillators are, BID Huntingdon, working with First Responders, is now looking to provide more in the town centre.

First Responders work in conjunction with the Ambulance Service and are called out in response to 999 emergency calls when paramedics advise that they are unlikely to arrive within the first crucial eight minutes to a patient. They are not a substitute for the Ambulance Service but, being based in the local area, are often able to attend the emergency scene in a very short time. As unpaid volunteers covering Huntingdon, Godmanchester and Brampton, they are trained to deal with life threatening emergency situations involving cardiac arrest, chest pains, fitting, breathing difficulties, diabetic emergencies and stroke.

The team, like all teams across the country, has had to raise the finance to buy all the equipment they use in the course of their work, which has been achieved thanks to a number of local groups.

Once the defibrillators have been located and the new ones installed, BID Huntingdon will be producing a map showing the siting of defibs around the town, for use by trained personnel.

Helping to save lives - Defibrillators in Huntingdon

Do you have a defibrillator in your building/ office/shop? Please tell us on 01480 450250.

if you are interested in becoming a First responder volunteer and can spare at least two hours per week, or would like to find out more about supporting this valuable service, please visit www.huntingdon.respondersuk.org

April/May 2014


The changing face of Huntingdon and the range of opportunities on offer will see an increase in the number of businesses and people looking to move into the area. Many will be seeking advice and knowledge on what retail business units and housing

opportunities are available.

BID Huntingdon has taken the opportunity to keep everyone on message at the website, www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk, and has added new ‘Property Opportunities’ pages in the ‘For Business’ section with information on Commercial Property, Estate Agents, Developments and New Retail Businesses.

Links to relevant websites are included for commercial agents and estate agents with property available in Huntingdon and the surrounding area.

In addition, the latest information and images on the many

Huntingdon First website’s NEW one-stop-shop for new developmentsdevelopments happening in and around the town is available for all to see.

More information can be found on the Huntingdonshire District Council Planning portal by using the planning application numbers, which are also shown on the website. These include Chequers Court, Sainsbury’s existing store and plans for the new store, the Huntingdon West link road, the multi storey car park and major plans at both Alconbury Weald and Northstowe.

“For a small market town, we are seeing unprecedented changes going on. This news is echoed by many visitors and developers, so these are exciting times for Huntingdon. We want to make sure that everyone has access to the information that will help them find the detailed plans and contacts they require”, explains Katy Sismore, BID Huntingdon Manager.

For more information, visit www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk/for-business/property-opportunities

Photograph by Jeff Soden.

April/May 2014


April/May 2014

1�www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Join us on Facebook/HuntingdonFirst

Huntingdon in Bloom – take part and be proudBe sure to be part of the Huntingdon in Bloom this year as there are lots of new ideas you can get involved with.

The Papworth Trust is running a Garden Open Day in Huntingdon, where residents who are keen gardeners can share their hard work with like-minded people. Contact Andrea Chupacova to find out more on 01480 357206.

Huntingdon in Bloom is also organising a series of competitions that you can become involved with - The Best Front Garden and The Best Street in Huntingdon are just two of many.

Flower pots donated by Huntingdon Garden and Leisure have been painted by children in four nurseries Little Owls, Teddy Bears Nursery, Mother Goose Corner Day Nursery and Huntingdon Nursery School. Shops and offices in the High Street will be displaying the pots throughout the year bringing colour from one end of town to the other.

Hinchingbrooke Hospital has a wonderful garden, looked after by a dedicated team of volunteers. Poppy seeds will be sown to enhance the wild part of the garden and to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, with seeds also being sown in a wild area of Hinchingbrooke Park.

For more information about Huntingdon in Bloom or to take part in any activities or competitions, contact Alison Mills at the Town Hall on 01480 410381 or email [email protected] www.huntingdontown.gov.uk/town-council

Celebrate!20 years of hair fashion

with Molby’s

Molby’s Hair, 104 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3LB

01480 [email protected]

www.molbyshair.com

Come and celebrate with Molby’s Hair, who have been trading since April 1994. This hair show will take you back in time and bring you right back up to the present date covering 20 years of style and fashion.

There will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes in aid of Cancer Research.

Tickets from Molby’s Huntingdon, 104 High Street Huntingdon but be quick

as seats are limited.

April/May 2014

1�www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk Join us on Facebook/HuntingdonFirst

Happy Feet, Happy Faces!Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Burlesque, Hip-hop, Tricks & Flicks and more

With two new, purpose-built studios, the Huntingdon Dancentre offers lots of space, with air conditioning and sprung floors, essential for dancers of all ages. Disabled access and a comfortable reception means everyone can enjoy a cup of coffee. Located just a stone’s throw from The Old Bridge Hotel, this is an exceptional facility.

The School has grown over the past 24 years and now has more than 250 students and 71 classes a week, including evenings. A weekly timetable can be found on the website below.

Since 1997 there has been an annual Christmas show involving all students from the school; now there is an Easter and Summer School too, when students put together their very own show, including songs, dance and a script.

Students are entered for Royal Academy of Dancing and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing exams and the school’s exceptional pass rate demonstrates the high standards.

Join today - the youngest students are three years old and there is no upper age limit. Phone, email or call in and you could be dancing into summer!

Dance PartiesTailor made, themed dance parties with music, lighting and photography are available from 4.00 pm on Saturdays and 2.00 pm on Sundays. A great way to celebrate your child’s special day!

01480 434625 wendy.burke@hotmail.co.ukwww.dance4it.comwww.huntingdondancecentre.co.uk facebook.com/huntingdondancecentretwitter@huntingdondanceHuntingdon Dancentre, 10 Orchard Lane, Huntingdon PE29 3QT

Wendy Burke School of Dance

April/May 2014


Musicstreet An independent music store specialising in quality guitars and personal service, right in the heart of Huntingdon!

This established music destination

was rebranded by its new owner, Tony Rawson, in January this year. At Musicstreet customers come first with options to buy in store, on line or over the phone. The team are experienced musicians, all fully trained to offer assistance and support to make sure all products are in perfect condition. Their mission is ‘to offer customers the best service in the industry’. Little wonder that customers return time and again.

The drum department offers lessons on site; there is also a wide selection of sheet music, accessories and repairs are done in-house - you would have to travel a long way to find anything similar.

1. PricingSome of the lowest prices on quality stock in the UK. Bulk buying sees savings passed back to the customer.

2. Service Whether over the phone, in the shop, or through email you will get unparalleled customer service.

3. Assistance The team comprises experienced musicians offering their own opinion and unbiased information relating to any product for pre-sales and after-sales.

4. Range Only products that are of the quality and value that customers expect are sourced and stocked.

5. Convenience Call in to the store or order 24/7 through musicstreet.co.uk

Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, Epiphone, Squier, Tanglewood, Takamine Guitars, Blackstar, Orange, Fender plus Boutique Amplifiers.

Five step guarantee for in-store or on-line

Musicstreet 10 Chequers Court Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3LJ Tel 01480 431222 www.musicstreet.co.uk [email protected] twitter.com/musicstreetuk /musicstreetuk

www.youtube.com/user/MusicStreetUK

April/May 2014


It’s all about the MARKETS!A message from Huntingdonshire District Council markets team

On the 11th of April, at Huntingdon Farmers market, we will be celebrating Easter so come and join us in the Market Square, and have a go at winning our free prize draw. There will also be something for the kids with an Easter egg competition and chocolate eggs to give away.

We will also be celebrating ‘Love your Local Market’ week at the Farmers Market on 23 May, where you can come and sample some of our delicious foods from cakes to sausages. Love Your Local Market (LYLM) is a campaign to celebrate our national market culture from 14 to 28 May and has been devised to make shoppers aware of what is on offer on their doorstep.

Don’t forget that twice a week we have a Traditional Market on Saturday and Wednesday in the Market Square from 8am to 4pm where we have a range of stalls selling fruit and veg , meat, baby clothes, artisan bread and much more.

Make a child happy this Easter withchocolate!… Premier Travel; supporting Holly Ward

Premier Travel are asking for donations for their Easter Egg Appeal. Join in and support local children by donating Easter eggs at Premier Travel where Manager, Holly Shotter, will deliver them to Holly Ward.

Please take your donations to Premier Travel, 45 High Street, Huntingdon.

Holly WardHolly Ward is a 25-bed paediatric unit for 0-16 year olds and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The aim is to provide an appropriate child and family friendly environment with high quality care.

Hinchingbrooke HospitalHinchingbrooke Hospital, open since 1983, is a fantastic local facility serving more than 160,000 people, of all ages, with a range of services. The hospital has operated as a franchise by Circle, a private company, since 1 February 2012.

April/May 2014


April/May 2014


Tourists head for Huntingdon!Here at BID Huntingdon, we are focusing on encouraging ever more tourists to visit our town. Websites are an obvious way to let people know what’s here and our website, www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk, holds a lot of information for visitors whether from around the area, the country, from abroad or people here to visit relatives and special events.

Stays range from a day to a week or more and we’ve even had requests from tourists in Australia. Spread the word and encourage your friends and family to visit Huntingdon!

Huntingdonshire Association for Tourismwww.huntingdon-accommodation.org

Accommodation is a vital part of the jigsaw when visitors are making plans and one local organisation helps to fit the pieces together; Huntingdonshire Association for Tourism (HAT).

Since the eighties, HAT has been encouraging tourist and business ventures into the area. They are a non-profit making organisation, with funding coming from membership. The website supplies details on a wide range of accommodation including friendly B&Bs, guest houses, historic and modern hotels, as well as self-catering, caravan & camping sites. All accommodation shown on HAT’s website is nationally inspected by Visit Britain or the AA.

visit Cambridge websiteBID Huntingdon is also working in partnership with the Visit Cambridge team to make sure the information on their website is both current and inviting. The number of hits on this website is significant and captures potential visitors from across the globewww.visitcambridge.org/beyond-cambridge/huntingdon

Join in the Easter Egg Hunt... and explore some of the local independent shops that you might never have visited before. Starting on 5 April and running through until Easter Monday, 21 April, the Easter Egg Hunt is a fun, FREE family activity to enjoy during the school holiday.

All you need to do is visit 10 of the shops listed on the hunt map, and when you have 10 egg stickers from 10 different shops you collect a Fairtrade treat.

More details can be found at Niche Comics, 147 High Street, Huntingdon or at www.huntingdonfirst.co.uk

Supporting your local independent shops has a really positive impact on the local economy. For every £1 spent in a local, independent business between 50p and 70p circulates back in to the local economy. If you shop on-line or out-of-town the figure is approximately 5p back to the local economy.

£200 of shopping vouchers! - huntingdon first · april food & drink offers – where to go…...

Documents