VILLAGER The
Issue 14 - April 2012
and Town Life
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VILLAGER
Issue 14 - April 2012
The
In this Issue
and Town Life
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£25
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West End
Wedding Dance Bringing local business to local people in Bedford and surrounding villages
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Henlow Bridge
Editorial
Lakes and Riverside
Pippa Greenwood, Carl Bland, Kelly Burgess and Debbie Singh-Bhatti
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Advertising Sales Christa Hallam Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com
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CPRE Living Countryside Awards............................................. 4 Time of Year - Easter................................................................. 6 Route for Olympic Flame......................................................... 13 Bedford Hospital’s Primrose Unit...........................................14 BodyFit, Milton Ernest.............................................................16 Franklins Art Gallery.................................................................19 Slugs and Snails....................................................................... 26 More Chances to Recycle....................................................... 29 Drought Leads to Flood of Calls............................................. 29 Children’s Page.........................................................................32 Seasonal Delights.....................................................................35 Puzzle Page............................................................................. 36 What’s On................................................................................ 38 Taxi........................................................................................... 46 Check out the Villager & Town Life website
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CPRE LIVING COUNTRYSIDE AWARDS 2012
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Have you been involved in a successful project to preserve or enhance the quality of the Bedfordshire countryside or know of anyone with one that you could recommend? The Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is inviting entries to its prestigious Living Countryside Awards. Now in its fifth year, the awards recognise schemes that improve the county’s appearance, preserve its character and promote sustainability. The deadline for entries is 21st May 2012 and the three categories are: • Landscape Improvement • Historic and New Buildings • Sustainable Living. The awards recognise groups or individuals that have made special efforts to improve the natural environment. The scheme is not competitive and anyone can nominate a project which they believe is deserving of recognition. Examples of the broad range of activities that are eligible include: • Creation of nature reserves and ponds • Tree and hedgerow planting • Environmentally sensitive and sustainable farming practices • Conservation of historic sites • Imaginative building design • Local production and sale of food
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• Traditional crafts such as coppicing, hedging, thatching and smithery This year we are keen to see examples of new housing developments that are imaginatively designed and have limited environmental impact on their surroundings. The entry form is very simple to complete. Previous award winners have included country parks and ponds, conservation schemes on farms, village churchyards, farm shops, school grounds, barn conversions, bridges, and individual craft businesses. Please follow the link to the leaflet thttp://www. cprebeds.plus.com/lcawards.pdf which can be downloaded from our website. There you will find the application form under Living Countryside Awards, along with details and images of previous awards. A panel of experts will visit nominated entries during the summer and a prestigious awards ceremony will take place in the autumn. Your nomination could great difference to groups and individuals working on imaginative local projects which care for and enhance our landscape and environment. For further details contact Ann Collett-White 01234 353331/07989 837819 or by email at ann. cw@cprebeds.org.uk
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Easter
TIME OF YEAR It’s been a long road from the glory of Jesus Christ’s death resurrection – the central miracle of the Christian faith – to gorging on chocolate. And it’s a road that those of a philosophical bent might liken to the descent of Western civilisation into gluttonous consumerism. But leaving such considerations aside, how did it happen? Let’s start with the word itself, Easter. We have it on the word of the Venerable Bede, writing in the very early 8th century, that “Eostre” is derived from “Eostre-monath”, the month in which pagan Saxons celebrated the festival of the goddess Eostre. It’s a simple explanation, and one with which with which scholars of philology have had endless fun ever since – some even denying that there ever was a goddess Eostre and that Bede (uncharacteristically) made the whole thing up. But “eostre” is cognate with “öster”, the German for east, and is therefore associated with sunrise and hence spring, so Bede’s explanation at least has context on its side. Indeed the feast is only called “Easter” in Germanic countries: in France it’s called “Pâques”, a variation on the Jewish spring festival Pesach, and other Latin countries use names of the same derivation. Fascinating stuff, but it doesn’t get us much closer to the chocolate. And the answer is eggs. Eggs have been associated with spring since... well, since birds started laying them in spring. There are Persian wall-paintings of eggs being given as gifts from 2,500 years ago; the tradition survived the country’s conversion to Islam and persists to this day. In Egypt, another Islamic country, there is a seasonal tradition of egg decorating of unknown antiquity; in eastern Orthodox countries they paint eggs red (for Christ’s blood) and green (for returning spring); in England and North-Western Europe there is a tradition of rolling coloured eggs down hills at Eastertime, echoing the rolling away of the stone from the Holy Sepulchre; in America the White House puts on an annual display of decorated eggs from every state of the union, and favoured children (how are they selected?) are invited to a spot of egg-rolling on the White House lawn. Egg decoration seems to have evolved into making eggs out of solid chocolate in France or Germany in the early 19th century, and the first Easter egg in England came from Cadbury’s in 1842. These eggs can hardly have been for the mass market
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since the chocolate of the time was very expensive and also very bitter. Finer, less harsh, and less expensive chocolate was made possible by more sophisticated processing equipment in the later 19th century, and Cadbury’s produced its first hollow egg (filled with sweets) in 1875. The first milk chocolate Easter egg followed exactly 30 years later and... well, what more do we need to know? Except that Easter eggs sell for a far higher price per gram than the slab chocolate of which they’re made, and as they’ll keep almost indefinitely any left unsold can simply go into cold store until next year – at which time next year’s prices can be charged for last year’s stock. As I said, it’s all a very long way from the Mount of Olives! Which brings on to the troublesome question of the date. Easter is the only moveable feast left in the Western calendar, all the others having been fixed; and it’s a source of enormous irritation to many, especially those in the tourism and education trades. But it too is based on Pesach or Passover, which falls on the full moon on or immediately after the vernal equinox. The early Church fathers knew that the Last Supper was held on Passover, for the Gospels told them so; the same authority placed the Crucifixion on the following Friday, so ipso facto the resurrection was on the first Sunday after the full moon that followed the vernal equinox. This was officially promulgated at the Council of Nicaea in 325AD; but since then the eastern Orthodox churches have drifted apart from the western tradition, and the western calendar has changed from the Julian to the Gregorian, so if you want to celebrate Easter twice all you have to do is hop on a ferry from Italy to Greece.
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WEST END WEDDING DANCE
www.westendweddingdance.com West End Wedding Dance has the vision to give your First Dance the Glitz and Glamour that your special day deserves. The first dance is often over looked until someone asks what you are planning? It can prove to be a stressful aspect of your special day which most people put to the back of their minds. Maybe you will just go with the flow? But how about creating a first dance to be proud of. With your Professional choreographer you will learn new skills to wow your friends whilst taking centre stage in the biggest show of your life! Our dance teachers are highly experienced having trained at the top stage schools with many having graced the West End stage in the hottest shows in London’s Theatre land. Tailor your theme to Mamma Mia! Grease, Dirty Dancing, Fame, Footloose and Flash Dance…This is your day and anything goes. All you need is an idea and the wish to see the surprise on friend’s faces as you take to the floor in style. At West End Wedding Dance we aim to create a First Dance that is unique and individually choreographed for you and your special day– Stand out from the crowd…the spotlight is all yours! Hen party Dance parties are all the rage, why not take the opportunity to learn from the best in the business and throw a Hen party with a real twist. West End Wedding Dance are specialists in creating a unique package to suit any age, ability and theme. Strut your stuff, let your hair down and have the time of your life! Hand Jive with your Hens and be Footloose and Fancy Free. A great opportunity
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for special people in your life to bond, have fun and learn great moves to perform during the big event. You will be amazed how quickly you can learn a great routine and of course you will be the Dancing Queen. West End Wedding Dance invite you to experience a taste of Show Biz! Begin your festivities on a high! West End Wedding Dance is the brain child of Adelle Young co-director of West End Wendies Theatre School. Her theatre credits include a five year stint in Chicago, West End, We Will Rock You, Cats and Hollywood Blockbusters including X-Men First Class and Dark Shadows directed by Tim Burton. Guest teachers have West End theatre credits in Dirty Dancing, Fame, Flash Dance, Footloose, Ghost, Grease, Hairspray, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. Please call 01234 826072 or visit www. westendweddingdance.com for pictures, videos and further information. Follow us on twitter @westendwendies and @westendweddings Images courtesy of www. adrianbullersphotography.com
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This Easter don’t let us teach you how to suck your eggs! But if you’d like to actually bite them...
give us a call
For confidential dental advice contact Victoria Place Dental Practice Helen did and it transformed her life! 01767 313896 info@victoriaplacedental.com 3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9RN Before www.victoriaplacedental.com After 12
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ROUTE FOR OLYMPIC FLAME
IN BEDFORD BOROUGH IS CONFIRMED The route the Olympic Flame will take through Bedford Borough on Sunday July 8th has been revealed! As part of its 8,000 mile journey across Great Britain, the Olympic Flame will travel the length of breadth of Great Britain and Bedford Borough Council is delighted to announce the Flame will pass some of Bedford’s iconic landmarks as part of this journey. The relay starts on Goldington Road near Goldington Green. This will provide a brilliant opportunity to see the Flame and enjoy the open spaces of the Green itself. From there, the Flame travels down Barkers Lane and past the Bedford International Athletics Stadium, which will also be an official ‘Olympic Live Site’ during the Games. The Flame will then travel along the Embankment, again giving plenty of opportunities for local residents to line the route and see the Flame. It crosses the Town Bridge and continues along London Road and Harrowden Road. The relay then recommences in Cotton End and travels along High Road before leaving the borough. Crowds are encouraged to line the route and cheer on the Torchbearers who will carry the Flame through Bedford Borough. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “I look forward to joining thousands of local residents in lining the streets to welcome the Olympic Flame on July 8th. With the route now confirmed people can plan when and where they will be able to cheer on the Torchbearers and experience the biggest show on earth coming to Bedford Borough. “The Olympic Flame relay is one of a number of exciting events happening in Bedford Borough this summer. The Kite Festival and Diamond Jubilee celebrations take place in June. Following that we have the River Festival and the Olympic Live Site at the International Athletics Stadium.” Katie Campling, 30, is one of Bedford’s Torchbearers. She was nominated after helping her friend Adrian Sudbury launch an education programme about blood stem cell, blood and organ donation. The Register & Be A Lifesaver programme is now run by Anthony Nolan – a charity which provides life-saving blood stem cell transplants. “Adrian had leukaemia and received a stem cell transplant thanks to Anthony Nolan. His cancer was too complex and he died, but his last wish was for others to have a chance of life through transplants and I’m proud that R&Be inspires young people to become the donors who can make that happen. “I was shocked when I found out I had a place in
the relay. I felt others deserved it much more than me – like the volunteers who give so much time and energy to R&Be. “But when I carry the flame I’ll be representing them and Adrian too. It’s a huge honour and I can’t wait.” Councillor Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: “The route of the Olympic Flame allows for thousands of people, both from the borough and further afield, to see the Flame as it travels through the borough. I am hopeful we will see big crowds cheering and welcoming the Flame to Bedford Borough.” Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, added: “Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life. The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets. Now the people know the route they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it Bedford Borough’s moment to shine.” The streets along the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, which can be viewed in full at www. london2012.com/olympictorchrelay or www. bedford.gov.uk/london2012, gives street-by-street details and proposed start times for when the Olympic Flame will travel through Bedford Borough. Residents living in and around the borough can find out when it will be travelling along their nearest high street, through their town square or past their local village shop. An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. LOCOG has worked closely with representatives from a number of sectors in each Nation and Region of the UK to devise the route and is taking the Olympic Flame to within ten miles of over 95% of the population. Schools across the UK can now access free learning resources linked to the Olympic Torch Relay through Get Set (london2012.com/getset), the official London 2012 education programme. The activities are designed to help schools and colleges make the most of the Relay by lining the route, and cheering on their local Torchbearers. Resources include ideas for making Flame hats and shakers to welcome the Flame, an assembly presentation to get the school behind a Torchbearer and a film showing one Get Set network school’s preparations for the Relay.
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Bedford Hospital’s
Primrose Unit
The Primrose Unit is Bedford Hospital’s dedicated cancer treatment centre. Staffed by a team of specialist oncology doctors and nurses, the unit provides a full complement of high quality diagnostic, treatment and support services to more than 2,500 cancer patients in Bedfordshire every year. The unit, which was opened in 2003 thanks to fundraising by the Bedford Hospitals Charity, houses the hospital’s oncology outpatient clinics and boasts a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities all under one roof to ensure that patients are offered a holistic service at every stage of their cancer treatment. The unit has a dedicated phlebotomy service for cancer patients and a purpose-built chemotherapy suite. These are attached to the outpatient clinic area which enables nursing staff to work closely with consultants and
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support staff to ensure that patients receive a seamless service throughout their treatment. Chemotherapy patients also have access to a wig and hair advice room and a scalp cooling system which helps minimise chemotherapy induced alopecia. In addition to the wide range of clinical services, the Primrose Unit also provides a comprehensive support service for cancer patients. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support centre is based in the unit where trained advisors are on hand to offer support to patients and their relatives every step of the way. The service provides emotional support and counseling, information about different types of cancer and complementary therapies, and advice about local support groups and financial help that is available to patients and their families. Patients also have access to a volunteer transport service to alleviate the stress of traveling to and from their appointments, and a quiet room and gardens on site to take time to relax and reflect while they are here. Primrose Unit also hosts the clinical research team, linked to Cranfield University, which designs and conducts a wide variety of studies with the aim of improving oncology treatments and patient wellbeing. You can find out more about the Primrose Unit on the Bedford Hospital website at www. bedfordhospital.nhs.uk
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Bodyfit
at Milton Ernest The Bodyfit team consists of Amanda, a Chartered Physiotherapist, and Sarah, a personal trainer. They are both World Champion skydivers with a passion for improving the health and fitness of all individuals. Amanda, is Chartered and State Registered and has a high level of experience in all areas of musculoskeletal injuries. She has a specific interest in sports injuries and has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in sports physiotherapy. Amanda is also a member of the Association of Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine. Amanda is a clinical Pilates instructor and offers both 1:1 sessions or small classes to improve your core stability. Pilates works on the principle that movement must begin from the central core, and addresses the balance between strength and mobility. When these core muscles are not functioning correctly an increased work load on other areas of the body occurs, which may lead to injury. Sarah is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals and is trained to work with any individual. Personal training is the fast track to
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fitness! If you have ever considered training with a professional, now is the time to do it. The Health and Fitness industry has developed so fast in recent years that a fully qualified personal trainer will know all of the science behind getting fit so can really help you to achieve your goals. Sarah is the head personal trainer at Bodyfit and is up to date with the current research in the fitness world. She uses her passion for health and fitness to motivate her clients and sees consistent, astounding results!
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e bookings Early bird onlin May until the 31st
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Franklins Art Gallery
Spring Exhibition 2011 (31st March - 6th April) Franklins Art Gallery re-opens its doors with an amazing array of Original Artwork on display and for sale at their Spring Exhibition. For those of you who did not get to the gallery last year, they have an amazing 3500 sq.ft. rustic barn that houses the original artwork by Artists around the Country. Franklins are into their 2nd year and are still amazed at the quality of artwork they receive for each exhibition. Karen Franklin, owner of the Gallery, commented “when we decided to open a gallery back in March last year, we had no idea of the response we would receive from artists, and how much of a gap there is in the market for artists to display and sell their work, hence, some travel hundreds of miles to be part of Franklins. Again this year the response has been overwhelming, and we are delighted to welcome new friends to the gallery to exhibit their work. We have every medium, style, size and price available, so something for everyone. There is nothing more rewarding than owning an original piece of artwork, and as some of our artists are new to the selling side of Art, you could find yourself investing in a new artist and following their
success story and watch the value of your purchase grow�. Franklins welcome some new friends to the gallery this year including 5 very talented Artists from Northampton Open Studios. Artist Network Bedford has taken 4 walls for their members exhibiting new and inspiring works. They also have wonderful photography on exhibit and for sale. All artwork can be bought off the walls, and their gift shop again is full of handmade porcelain, pottery, sculptures, cards and much more. There is a lovely seating area where you can enjoy a lovely Lavazza coffee or a good old fashioned cup of tea. Their Spring Exhibition starts on Saturday 31st March going through to 6th May opening for 6 weeks. They have dedicated Mon - Wed for School Excursions and private viewing’s, if your school would be interested in visiting the gallery, and having a demonstration from one of the resident artists please do not hesitate to contact Karen Franklin, they are known for encouraging our younger generation to express themselves with art and talk to our artists that have made Art their career.
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Solar PV
have I missed the boat…? If you’ve done any research into fitting a solar PV system to your home recently, you could be forgiven for being confused by the Government’s recent changes to the FeedIn Tariff system! Thankfully, the dust is now settling on the upheaval within the industry and with this article I hope to clarify the current situation. As from 1st April 2012, to claim the top rate of feed-in tariff of 21p/kWh, all buildings to which solar PV panels are mounted or wired must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of at least band D. Approximately half the dwellings in the UK will fall below this category and measures will have to be taken to achieve it. What is an EPC? An EPC certifies the energy efficiency of a building. It’s issued by a trained advisor who will assess & categorize the dwelling with an Energy Efficiency Rating score. I’m considering installing solar PV - how can I get an EPC? As part of the quotation process, BSG Solar can do the EPC for you. If the property doesn’t achieve category D, we can advise and quote for the necessary measures to bring it up to “D”, from low-cost (cavity wall & loft insulation), to more extensive works (e.g. condensing boilers). My house still doesn’t quite make category
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D…. The good news is that installing solar PV can help you achieve category D! You simply submit your EPC with your FiT tariff application to receive the highest rate of 21p/kWh. Should I install solar PV now, or wait 6 months? This is an easy one to answer – now! The FiT scheme is currently under consultation, and the results of the won’t be known for some months. It is certain that the tariff payment will periodically reduce – it could be every 3 months, every 6 months…we just don’t know. What we all know is that the cost of electricity has never been higher, and that it will only ever get more expensive. A solar PV system makes more sense now than it ever has, in spite of the recent FiT cuts. Why should I use BSG Solar as my installer? BSG Solar is part of the BSG Property Services group of companies that has been serving your area for over 30 years. We can offer an unrivalled combination of reputation, quality and service as all the work is undertaken by us – we use our own scaffolding company, our trained roofers will install your solar panels and the system is wired and commissioned by our own electricians. By keeping all aspects inhouse, we keep control of quality. Carl Bland - Renewable Technologies Manager Tel. 01767 680912 or Mob. 07805 408470
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renewable solutions
The ever rising cost of gas and oil is not a welcome sight on our doormat, but the ever rising sun in the morning is! With government incentives for consumers to install and use solar power systems, and the growing concerns on our environment, Solar PV systems are now more economically attractive than ever before. A major benefit of placing your PV panel requirements with us, is that we employ our own experienced technicians to fit the panels on the roof, or other structure. For any challenging installations we have our own fully accredited scaffolding and roofing companies, to ensure your roof “is in safe hands”. To find out more about Solar PV Panels, solar energy, and to book a free site visit/quotation from our Solar Advisor, please call us
Installations before 31 March 2012 are set to the 43.3p tariff index linked for 25 years Generate savings now!
01767 680912 www.bsgsolar.co.uk
OVL Magazine full page ad.indd 1
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A FAMILY AFFAIR KIMBOLTON CASTLE
The Kimbolton Country Fayre has, without doubt, become the premier fayre in the County providing a full day’s entertainment for all the family. This year, the main charities that we will be supporting are HemiHelp, The Burns Camp, Cancer Research UK, The Samuel Pepys School and The East Anglia Air Ambulance. The organisers hope you will come along on the 15th July, not only to support our very worthy causes but to have a great family day out too. For more details, please check our website www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com
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P and R Bathrooms
www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk
While I am no expert in bathrooms, I can tell you, today I met a man who is – and he has the showroom to prove it. I was simply amazed at the P and R Bathrooms showroom – the largest I have ever been to but also the smartest, most beautifully presented and informative too – exactly the right place to find anew bathroom. You see, the fact is that for most of us, seeing is believing, especially where larger, more important purchases are involved and the
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bathroom is certainly one of those. The average person will spend over one and a half years in the bathroom in their lifetime – double that for those of us who like a long lazy soak every night, so the décor, layout, style, comfort and ambiance of the ‘littlest room’ is very important. How very important it is then to really be able to see, touch and spend time in the bathroom you are considering before you make that final decision – and that is exactly what is on offer at family company, P and R Bathrooms. ‘Most people have more than one bathroom these days’ explains Paul Kynoch, the ‘P’ of P and R Bathrooms. ‘There is the en-suite, the guest bathroom, the family bathroom and the children’s bathroom. Some people have a downstairs cloakroom or a downstairs shower room perhaps – modern houses have many different options and it’s important to most people to make these rooms just as beautiful as the rest of their home.’ ‘We offer a design service as well as the complete installation package – as much or as little as our
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customers need and we really listen to what they want as well as taking on board what will work in their home and with their personal tastes. The beauty of having been in this business for the years that we have is that we use only suppliers who have proved themselves, the ones with the best track record of quality products and service. We insist on this because we insist that our customers are happy with their bathroom, and that has to be true, really honestly true, down the whole line – confident and happy designers, suppliers and installers result in delighted customers who come back to us time and again. And that really is our experience. Our customers return. They know they can trust us to treat them fairly and competitively and be second to none on customer satisfaction. That’s what makes this a job I love.’ P and R Bathrooms can undertake the complete transformation of your bathroom, ensuring the plumbers, carpenters, electricians and installers are all of the highest standard with experience and workmanship that is unrivalled. ‘We don’t have to
provide the complete package, some people just want us to supply the bathroom, others want design and supply, but our customers who have trusted us with the whole package have all been thrilled with the results as well as the fact that they could just leave it all in our hands and there was no stress or added responsibility for them.’ If you are considering a new bathroom, whether it is a new suite, the fitting out of a whole new room or just a change of tiles, I couldn’t recommend P and R Bathrooms more thoroughly. Wander around their impressive showroom and you will know you are in the exactly the right place to find exactly the right bathroom for you.
P&R Bathrooms
9 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 0845 434 8401 Website: www.pandrbathrooms.co.uk Open 9:00am-5:00pm Mon - Fri 10:ooam-4:00pm Saturday To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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Slugs and Snails
By Pippa Greenwood This is the time of year when you’re likely to start to notice the presence of slugs and snails in your garden, greenhouse, coldframe, window box.... indeed just about everywhere. It never ceases to amaze me how much damage something as small as a slug can do and in such a short space of time. But then the truth of it is, there is never just one slug or one snail, you can always be sure that there will be hoards of them. I garden on clay and our soil is alkaline and so we have a plentiful supply of snails; if you garden on an acidic soil you will generally find that snails are not a problem as they need the calcium to make their shells. To say that they infuriate me would be an understatement, but the type I hate most are those small grey-black keeled slugs that do such a lot of damage to crops such as potatoes. I garden without chemicals so there is no question of using pellets, but I have tried pretty well every other trick in the book. I use the biological control nematode Phasmarhabdites hermaphrodita. Although quite expensive it works brilliantly against slugs and poses no environmental problems. If you time the applications so that the crops, flowers or other plants are protected while they are at their most vulnerable, then it shouldn’t be too much of an outlay. Slug and snail traps also work well, whether you buy your own ‘Slug Pubs’ or make them by plunging plastic beakers into the soil close to susceptible plants and then part filling them with beer. I once did a mini trial on Gardeners’ Question Time to see which beers slugs and snails liked best, and Guinness came out tops.... with alcohol-free lager proving least popular! I also find that stale milk works well and if you add a small quantity of grain or porridge oats to the liquid, the pests come in at an amazing rate. Make sure that you leave a centimetre or so of the rim of the beaker protruding above the soil level so that beneficial creatures such as ground beetles don’t fall in. If you create barriers around plants this can help, but I find it less reliable. My preferred materials are coco-shell, pine needles and crushed shells. But whatever you use do remember to put a complete circle around the base of the plant,
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not just a ring or the slugs may simply come up inside the ring and of course check it regularly, replenishing the material as necessary. So before they start to really get a hold, show them who is boss, and take action straight away: Encourage wildlife such as ground beetles, birds and hedgehogs Create barriers around particularly susceptible plants. Buy or make slug traps. If growing potatoes concentrate on earlies and lift these as soon as possible, and grow varieties that show some resistance to attack. Use the biological control as a soil drench to control slugs (not snails) Attach copper strip around the circumference of pots containing slug susceptible plants. Go on night-time slug and snail hunts. In late autumn collect up snails from their hibernating places. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and make Veg Growing Easy. Just select the vegetables you’d like to grow and you’ll receive garden ready veg plants PLUS every week Pippa emails you hints, tips and advice about your chosen veg. From just £39 for up to 66 gardenready plants, 6 packets of seed and the weekly emails. Pippa’s website now also offers a great selection of growing frames, cloches, raised bed kits and biological controls.
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BEAVER SHEDS
Quality Bespoke Timber Buildings • Sheds • Kennels • Offices • Summer Houses • Playhouses • Cabins
23 Spinney Road, Chawston, Bedford, MK443BW Monday - Friday – 8am-5pm Saturday - 9am-3pm Sunday – Closed Tel: 01480 212336 www.beaversheds.co.uk
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MORE CHANCES TO RECYCLE
WITH EXTENDED OPENING TIMES Bedford’s Household Waste Recycling Centre opening hours are changing from 1st April 2012. The HWRC on Barkers Lane will remain open 7 days a week and will continue to provide recycling facilities for a huge range of materials. The centre will now be open until 7pm on Saturdays to enable local residents to use the centre for longer at the weekend. Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Transport, said: “The Household Waste Recycling Centre provides an excellent service for local residents and recycles a huge range of materials in a safe and convenient set up. “We are extending the opening hours on Saturday to enable local residents to recycle for longer and at a time which suits them. This, in turn, will help to further increase local recycling rates. “The extended opening hours come into effect on 1st April 2012 and continue until 30th September.” The Barkers Lane site is open seven days a week all year round, excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Householders are requested to arrive 10 minutes before closing time to allow time to unload (as no waste will be accepted after that time). The site will fully close 10 minutes later. If on site before “last entry time” residents will have time to recycle and dispose of their waste. For information on which materials can be taken to the HWRC, visit the Council website at: http:// www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/ rubbish,_recycling_and_waste/waste_recycling_ centre.aspx Barkers Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre opening times, as of 1st April 2012 and continuing until 30th September 2012: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm
GILKS FENCING LTD Supplying of all types of gates and fencing to trade and public. •Maintenance free •Environmentally friendly •Stronger and lighter than concrete posts •Unique natural wood-grain finish •Dual faced fencing posts and gravel boards •Will not rot, crack, chip or split We are looking for show gardens to promote this exciting new product. Excellent prices for the first few selected. Interested? Call us.
•Closeboard Fencing • TGV Gates • Trellis Made to Customers Design • Lap Panel Fencing • Railings • Chain Link • Knee Rail Fencing • Concrete Slotted Posts • Professional Installation Available
QUALITY AND SERVICE
Membership No. 200424
Unit 2, 1 Stockton End, Off Sunderland Road, Sandy, Beds SG19 1SB Tel: 01767 681746 Fax: 01767 681776 www.gilksfencing.co.uk Email: gilksfencing@hotmail.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122
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DROUGHT LEADS TO FLOOD OF CALLS
TO LAWN EXPERTS
With recent press coverage regarding low reservoir levels and impending hosepipe bans, a lawn treatment company in Bedford and Huntingdon has developed an amazing way of keeping garden lawns greener for longer in 2012. GreenThumb Three Shires has devised a special water-preserving treatment they claim can prevent a lawn turning brown during a drought. And they have been swamped by customers wanting this service. The secret is a special water-conserving spray, which will direct the smallest amounts of water – from morning dew or spots of rain – down to the grass roots. The technology was originally pioneered on golf courses in the USA, but GreenThumb experts have been testing this wonder spray on all kinds of lawns. It even works on clay soils, which normally bake hard during a hot summer causing any moisture to run straight off without giving any nourishment to the roots. Nic Hodge of GreenThumb said: “Our moistureretaining agent can be sprayed on the lawn in one application and it is still not too late to have it done.”
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“Then in the dry summer months the water conserver will help direct any moisture down to the root system and keep your grass lush.” He added: “It will really aid the retention of water at the root zone. This product also helps combat a turf disorder known as ‘dry patch’, where bacteria cause the lawn to become hydrophobic, which means that it repels moisture.” “No matter how much water you put on an area affected by dry patch, the soil will repel it. But with this treatment water will get into the roots and the grass will recover.” GreenThumb’s water conserver treatment starts from as little as £30.00 for a lawn up to 60m2. GreenThumb also offers this treatment within one of their Direct Debit treatment programmes, starting at just £11.25 per month. If you would like to find out more about GreenThumb and our amazing treatments and treatment programmes, call GreenThumb Three Shires today on 01234 709345) or find us online at www.greenthumb.co.uk
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Mulching
With the prospect of another dry summer and water shortages a simple option to help protect your woody plants is applying wood mulches. Mulches provide many benefits for trees and shrubs. They moderate soil temperatures, reduce soil moisture loss, reduce soil compaction, provide nutrients, improve soil structure, prevent mower and strimmer damage to the tree trunk. These benefits result in greater root growth and healthier plants. Ideal mulch materials are composted leaves, wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine needles. Plastic, stone, sawdust, finely shredded bark, and grass clippings should be avoided. Mulch should be applied from the drip line to the trunk, If this is not practical, minimum mulch circle radii should be 0.3m for small trees, 1m for medium trees and 3m for large trees. When applying mulch it is best to kill or remove existing ground cover or at least mow the grass very short and remove clippings. Mulch should be applied directly to the soil surface, do not use landscape fabric to separate the mulch from the soil. Mulch layer should be 5-10 cms thick depending on tree species and mulch. Mulch should not be placed against the trunk Mulch will retain too much moisture against the trunk that may result in disease. This type of “Volcano Mulching” can cause future problems for your plants For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673 Bartlett Tree Experts will also be exhibiting at the Milton Keynes Garden Show 30 April, 1 & 2 May 2011 –Come and visit us on our stand. Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK
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your Proof for aPProval mkflyers
Publication(s): MK Flyers. Approval must be received by 12th December 2012 Please email stuart@mkflyers.co.uk with your comments/approval. If we do not hear from you before this date, we will assume all is ok to print
Cleaning the way you want it cleaned All our cleaners are Experienced Reliable, Insured and Fully Vetted 3regular cleans 3New build cleans 3Spring cleans 3oven cleaning 3Tenancy cleans 3Carpet cleaning
for a free quotation please call 01908 465657
http://miltonkeynes.domestique.co.uk 34
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SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Easter Chocolate Mousse Cake Perfect for a special Easter Sunday meal this indulgent dessert has a chocolate sponge base, creamy white chocolate mousse filling and a rich and dark chocolate glaze. It can be prepared the day before or made a couple of weeks in advance and frozen.
Serves 4 Ready in 1 ¼ hours plus 3 - 4 hours chilling
Ingredients
BASE • 3 eggs • 70g caster sugar • 50g plain flour • 2 tbsp cocoa powder MOUSSE • 2 x 150g bars good quality white chocolate, broken into pieces • 3 tbsp milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 300ml double cream • 3 large egg whites • 2 tsp powdered gelatine GLAZE • 85g plain chocolate • 20g unsalted butter • 4 tbsp double cream • Melted white chocolate and small candy coated chocolate eggs, to decorate
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease and line the base of a 20 cm round spring-form tin. To make the base, whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water until very thick and pale – the whisk should leave a trail in the mixture when lifted. 2. Sift over the flour and cocoa and fold in gently. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 12-15 minutes until just springy to the touch. Turn out and leave to cool completely. Clean the tin and lightly grease and re-line the base. Place the cold sponge in the base of the tin. 3. To make the mousse, place the white chocolate, milk and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth then stir in 4 tbsp of the cream. 4. Dissolve the gelatine in 2 tbsp hot water. Cool for a few minutes then stir into the chocolate mixture. Softly whip the rest of the cream and fold into the chocolate mixture. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold in. Spoon the mousse over the sponge base and chill for 3-4 hours until set. 5. For the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat, stir until smooth then stir in the cream. Leave until cool and thick enough to spread, stirring occasionally. Remove the mousse cake from the tin and gently spread the chocolate glaze over the top. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate with the eggs.
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CODEWORD
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
9 X 9 PUZZLE
How to play It’s simple! 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 puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
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what’S ON?
IN APRIL
1 April Sunday Stroll 10.30am The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine £1 payable on the day Come and join us for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area. The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. No need to book.Walks last approximately 2 hours. Tel: 01234 767037 Web: www.marstonvale.org 3, 10, 17 & 24 April Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free. Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 4, 11, 18 & 25 April Whist Club 7.30pm Great Barford Bowls Club, School Lane, Great Barford Cost £1.50 Every Wednesday. Tel: Beryl Seymour 01234 308844 6-9 April Easter Hunt Trail 10am-4pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Trail sheet £2. Follow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a creme egg to collect when you finish! Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 7 April My thirty best plants 2.00pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Cambs and Beds Hardy Plant Society talk by Bob Brown. Visitors welcome to all meetings, a small charge applicable. Tel: Winifred 01234 721720 Web: www.hpscambsandbeds.co.uk
Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 11 April Wildlife Trust Bedford Local Group Meeting 7.30 pm Priory Park Visitors Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford £2 voluntary donation suggested An Illustrated Talk ‘Unique Sri Lanka - The Wildlife Highlights’ by Marion Hession. All welcome. Tel: 01234 266057 Web: www.wildlifebcn.org 13 April The first Cuckoo of Spring? 10am-12 noon RSPB The Lodge, Sandy The Lodge is a great place to see and hear the increasingly scarce messenger of Spring, the Cuckoo. We’ll take a walk to see if these intriguing birds have found their way back to The Lodge from their wintering grounds in Africa. Booking essential. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 13 April Roll-up Evening 6.00pm Great Barford Bowls Club, School Lane, Great Barford Flat soled shoes required; the club will provide additional equipment. New comers most welcome. Tel: Beryl Seymour 01234 308844 13 April The Last Weekend of Peace, The First Weekend of War 7.30pm Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Come along to find out more about this interesting subject at the next talk run by the Bedfordshire Family History Society. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 14 April Coffee Morning 10.30am Great Barford Bowls Club, School Lane, Great Barford Entrance £1 All welcome. Tel: Eileen Carter 01234 838539 19 April Trinidad, Tobago and Other Titbits 7.30pm ARA Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Bedford RSPB Group. ‘Trinidad, Tobago and other titbits’ a talk by Marilyn Basketer. All welcome. Web: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford
8 & 9 April Easter Trail 11am-4pm The Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine 19 April £2 per child Bedford Branch of the Embroiderers Guild Get your wellies on and come and follow our 7.30pm for 8pm Millennium Country Park Easter Trail. Follow the trail St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Bedford, MK41 7UY and answer the questions to the wildlife quiz as you Entrance £3 go. When you’re finished, head back to the Forest Jamie Malden on ‘Creating Patterns with Indian Centre to check your answers and collect a prize. No Blocks’ - Learn the exciting textile technique of block need to book, just turn up. printing with hand carved wooden printing blocks to Tel: 01234 767037 for more details design your own fabric -to perfect to embroider on. Web: www.marstonvale.org Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding adverts 38
what’S ON? IN APRIL
21 April Birds 4 Beginners 10am-12 noon RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Adults £5, RSPB members £4, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2. Discover how to identify the birds that you see on your walks and in your gardens. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 21 April Quiz Night with Ian Brooks 7.30pm Blunham Village Hall £5 per person. Bar and Food available. In aid of Teddybears Playgroup, Blunham. Tel: Fiona 0796 8028615 to reserve a table or to join a team 22 April R.A.T.S. Fundraising Event 1-3.30pm Gt. Barford Village Hall, Green End Road R.A.T.S. (Re-homing Animal Telephone Service) fundraising event including stalls, plants, homemade refreshments. Information on animals for re-homing. Tel: 01234 871174 Web: www.rats-animalrescue.co.uk 22 April Spring Herbalist’s Walk 2.00pm-4.00pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Adults £5, RSPB members £4, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2. Discover the many medicinal uses of plants. Medicinal herbalist Julie Dore returns with her very popular walk, showing us how leaves, roots and berries can be used to treat anything from headaches and stress to colds and constipation! Booking essential. Tel: 01767 680541 eb: www. rspb.org.uk/thelodge 23 April Tea Dance 2-4.30pm The Addison Centre, Kempston Admission £2.50 including refreshments Tel: 01234 340997 25 April Bobbin Lace Exhibition & Demonstration 10am-3pm St Pauls Church, Bedford Aragon Lacemakers exhibition and demonstration of Bobbin Lace over the years and there will be a chance to learn this special craft. The Church cafe will be open for refreshments.
28 April Barn Dance 7.30-11.00pm The Addison Centre, Kempston Tickets £8 including supper Ivel Valley Band with caller Joan Rutt. Funds in aid of The Addison Centre. Tel: 01234 340997 28 April Kempston Musical Society Concert 7.30pm Kempston East Methodist Church Admission £7 Kempston Musical Society presents an evening of Mozart, including Requiem. Tel: 01234 781010 Email kempstonmuscialsociety@hotmail.com 29 April That’s Entertainment 1pm-5pm National Trust Dovecote and Stables, Church End, Willington Free, but a minimum donation of £1 towards the upkeep of these beautiful buildings appreciated. A display by Willington Local History Group features archive photos and memorabilia of village fetes, shows and other community gatherings. Teas and toilet facilities in St. Lawrence Church nearby. 4 May The Poor and The Poor Laws 7.30pm Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Come along to find out more about this interesting subject at the next talk run by the Bedfordshire Family History Society. Specialist Bookstall and library also available. Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 12 May Nursery Plant Sale 10.30am-2.30pm Village Hall, Pavenham, MK43 7PH Entrance £1.20 Nursery Plant Sale with at least 9 nurseries, including Alpines, Bedding, Clematis, Geraniums, Herbs, Perennials and Shrubs, Sundries, Vegetables. Buy from the growers; high quality, unusual plants, keen prices and good advice! In aid of the Friends of St Peter’s – keeping our church building in good repair. The Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is calling for entries for projects which improve the county’s appearance, preserve its character and promote sustainability. The three categories for entries are Landscape Improvement, Historic and New Buildings and Sustainable Living. Deadline 21 May. Web: www.cprebeds.plus.com/lcawards.pdf Email: ann.cw@cprebeds.org.uk
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Business to Business Associates Ltd
VIP CLUB
www.b-b-a.com sponsors of
THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD
1st Prize £25
Complete the crossword on the following page, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th April 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP
Name:
2nd Prize £15
Tel:
Address:
D&M PROPERTY SOLUTION
Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Services Your local family run business All plumbing, heating and electrical work undertaken 24 hour emergency call out Free quotes OAP discounts • Full bathroom installations including plumbing, plastering, tiling, carpentry and electrical • Boiler installations • Power flushing specialist • Drainage • Leaks, toilets, radiators/convectors, sink, taps, showers
Tel: 01234 266220
• • • • • • •
Full home rewires Fuseboard upgrades Additional sockets and lighting, Cookers and fans Heating and fire alarms Security systems Outside sockets and lights and out-building supply
Mob: 07754 820756
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Fill in your details on the previous page and send your completed entry for a chance to win a cash prize.
Notes:
Across
Down
1 Not private (6)
1 Mailed (6)
4 One belonging to a club (6)
2 Destroyed by fire (5)
9 Endure (7)
3 Copy (7)
10 Book of maps (5)
5 Precise (5)
11 Surplus (5)
6 Accept as true (7)
12 Design (7)
7 Climbing up (6)
13 Discontinued (11)
8 Frantically (11)
18 Withdraw (7)
14 Interconnected system (7)
20 Living (5)
15 Clearly (7)
22 Concerning (5)
16 Chicken meat (6)
23 Outside light (7)
17 Racket game (6)
24 Removing (6)
19 Consumed (5)
25 Two wheeled vehicles (6)
21 Perfect (5)
Congratulations to last month’s crossword winners: 1st Prize - Miss C Porter from Gamlingay 2nd Prize - Mr P Brown from Cambourne 42
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43
CUT ENERGY COSTS
WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR LIFESTYLE
You’ve done everything you can think of to reduce your electrical usage and lower your electric bills – changed your light bulbs for low energy alternatives, installed a electrical usage meter to help monitor your usage, unplugged all but essential appliances and considered installing solar panels but were put off by the cost – yet with ever increasing utility bills and a desire for more and more appliances our electricity bills are set to continue to rise year in year out. There is however a solution to this dilemma, a “VPhase Device”. As seen on BBC 1’s DIY SOS earlier this year in their Eco House renovation the VPhase device reduces and manages the voltage coming into your home ensuring your electrical appliances use around 10% less electricity and cost less to run. It will also lower your carbon emissions. Large companies have been using this technology for years but it’s not been available to homeowners until NOW! The voltage coming into your home can typically be around 245V, but many appliances will actually work more efficiently and use less electricity at a much lower voltage. The VPhase device reduces this voltage and maintains it at 220V, saving you energy and money as a result. The VPhase device is easily installed by your local qualified electrician Paul Hodson Electrical Contractors and once installed it requires no maintenance. It’s a simple matter of fit it, forget it and save instantly! 44
Save around 10% on your electricity bills 5 year warranty No change in lifestyle required Maintenence free for 25+ year life Easily installed by a qualified electrician Reduce you carbon footprint
Paul Hodson
Now Installing V Phase Units
Electrical Contractor Electrical Maintenance Commercial & Domestic Installations Rewires Fuse Board Upgrades Electric Heating Systems Underfloor Heating BT Points Periodic Testing Portable Appliance Testing Showers Free Estimates ELECSA Part P Approved All work carried out to IEE wiring regulations 17th edition Call to discuss your requirements
Tel: 01767 691668 Mob: 07887 776980 paul@hodson-electrical.co.uk
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Maharajah of Sandy 01767 689743/680475
OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30PM - 11.30PM 22 Market Square, Sandy SG19 1JA www.maharajahofsandy.co.uk
Upcoming events
We are now taking bookings for: Easter and Fathers Day
Exquisite, modern Indian cuisine
Fully licensed
Takeaway menu available
Climate controlled
The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated & completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.
Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).
Please phone or email for details
07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com
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Taxi!
BY Debbie Singh-Bhatti After a night out it might be tempting to jump into the first mini cab you see, but you could be putting yourself in danger if you do. A mini cab, or private hire vehicle, is only licensed to pick up fares that have been pre-booked through a licensed operator. No booking means no record of your journey or your driver, and no insurance should an accident occur. If you want to flag down a ride, use a licensed Hackney Carriage which can pick up fares without a prior booking. Black cabs (taxis) can actually come in all colours, display an orange light and have white registration plates. PHVs carry yellow plates and are generally saloons. DON’T use a cab if the driver is not wearing a badge showing his license number; appears to be under the influence of alcohol; does not seem to know the local area; if the vehicle seems to be too old; or is in a state of disrepair. DO make a note of the number plate and driver’s
licence number and text them to someone; take a picture of the vehicle; always sit in the back; carry your mobile phone in your hand for easy access Travelling by taxi or mini cab is generally safe, but follow the above guidelines and help to keep it that way!
AJ Scutchings and Son Cast Iron and Aluminium Guttering Lead Roofing and Roofing repairs Specialists for listed and period properties 35 years industrial experience To see examples of work go to www.roofingplumbers.co.uk Or contact us on 07778 188952 or 01234 856922 46
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Classifieds Blinds
Qualified professional engineer 25 years experience I specialise in solving your plumbing problems Tap washers to boilers All work guaranteed No job too small Your local recommended engineer
Tel: 01234 772603 Mob: 07702 481 385
Gas Safe Reg No 112449
LPG approved
Electricians dennischandler@hotmail.co.uk friendly reliable & insured d. chandler electrical services niceic part p registered domestic & commercial 23 the lawns everton, sandy, beds 07966 296304 or 01767 680929
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