Bedford Oct 12

VILLAGER The

Issue 20 - October 2012

and Town Life

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Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing local business to local people in Bedford and surrounding villages

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VILLAGER

In this Issue

Issue 20 - October 2012

The

and Town Life

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

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Jobs Hub Now Open

Bringing local business to local people in Bedford and surrounding villages

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Editorial

Competition

Sarah Davey

Great Prize Up for Grabs

Front Cover Image Chuck Place

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Advertising Sales

£25 up for grabs!

Christa Hallam Tel: 07868 369257 Christa@villagermag.com

Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

Prize Crossword

Pumpkin Power...............................................................4 Winter Wardrobe Blues................................................. 8 Bedford Junior Blues..................................................... 10 Bedford Writers Circle................................................... 13 Children’s Page..............................................................23 Puzzle Page...................................................................24 Seasonal Delights..........................................................27 Pensioners - Do you qualify for help with heating?.....30 Fun Quiz......................................................................... 31 You are now able to view the Villager Magazine online at

www.villagermag.com

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

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.

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Pumpkin Power

By Sarah Davey

How to carve a perfect Halloween lantern Our American cousins know how to celebrate Halloween with style. One of the trademark symbols you’ll see outside almost every house at this time of year is a huge carved pumpkin, or Jack-o-lantern as they’re known across the pond.

There’s a knack to carving a great pumpkin lantern. If you want yours to be the envy of all your neighbours this October, follow our stepby-step guide.

First choose the right pumpkin. Firm and smooth is best for beginners. Advanced or creative types might like a more gnarled and warty specimen. Make sure there are no soft spots and that the stalk is nice and firm. Most importantly, make sure it sits up without rolling over, or your lantern will be a failure!

If you have to buy your pumpkin in advance, store it in a cool dry place, like the garage, to help keep it fresh.

The best carved pumpkins require good tools. You can buy children’s pumpkin carving sets which work reasonably well for simple designs. However if you’re after something showy you’ll need a sharp kitchen knife with a long blade, a smaller paring knife and possibly a craft knife. A bradawl is useful too. These tools are adult-only for obvious reasons.

An ice cream scoop or large spoon is great for scooping out the flesh. Don’t forget to lay

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down lots of newspaper or plastic sheeting because pumpkin carving is a messy business.

Plan your design before you start. Draw a circle roughly the same size as the area you want to carve and get your children to help. If you’re stuck there are some great free templates available on the internet. Tape your design on to the pumpkin then use a cocktail stick to push through the paper to mark out the design. Then cut it out.

You can carve other veg, like turnips, though it’s more difficult to hollow them out. You can use cocktail sticks to fasten other small vegetables, like courgettes, carrots and tiny squashes to your lantern for decoration. With a bit of ingenuity you can give your pumpkin face ears or horns. Broccoli and cauliflower florets can make funky hair.

The only limit is your imagination. The pumpkins in the photo were carved by a friend’s husband. He hollowed out and carved a little pomegranate for his pumpkin monster to chomp on!

Once you’ve created your masterpiece soak it in water for an hour. Then pop it on your doorstep for everyone to admire. If you’re worried about leaving a lit candle inside, try an electric tea light. They flicker like the real thing but are totally safe.

Happy Halloween!

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JOBS HUB

NOW OPEN The Jobs Hub, a unique and new approach to helping local residents find jobs and training, has today been officially opened by the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson.

The Jobs Hub is an exciting new partnership project and is believed to be the first centre of its kind in the country.

Based at Greyfriars, the service provides individual advice and help for residents of all ages looking to make that next step, whether they are looking for work or new skills, have entrepreneurial aspirations, are still in education or are looking for a career change.

In its first few weeks of opening the Jobs Hub with its Partners has already supported over 900 residents, secured jobs and training with employers including De Vere Hotels and Waitrose and is working with some major employers to bring opportunities forward. A weekly programme of workshops is in place and some exciting events are planned for the rest of this year, including a Jobs Fair in the Harpur Suite, Harpur Square, Bedford, on 18 September.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “Opening the Jobs Hub in Bedford town centre is about offering real support for residents in finding employment and training opportunities during these extremely tough economic times, and I’m delighted that it is now up and running .

“The Jobs Hub will make it easier for residents to get direct access to employment opportunities, training and enterprise support as well as helping partner services to directly engage with local people all under one roof in a convenient town centre location.

“Although the Jobs Hub has only been open for a very short period of time, the staff have already

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secured a number of excellent opportunities with employers and are working to bring more forward.”

“I look forward to further success stories from the Jobs Hub in the future as the highly trained professionals working there continue to offer individual help and advice to anyone on finding their next job, developing their skills or pursuing a new business.”

Some of the services on offer at the Jobs Hub include: • Access to job vacancies, including apprenticeships • Individual help with CVs, job applications and interview • Internet access for job searching and help to complete online application forms • Advice about education and training options • Business start-up workshops and enterprise coaching • Appointments with the National Careers Service – including a bilingual service • Access to training – accredited and nonaccredited • Help with volunteering, mentoring and work experience opportunities • Linking to other services to help with specific issues, such as redundancy, housing, health, benefit or debt advice The Jobs Hub is based at 15 Greyfriars, Bedford, MK40 1HJ. Opening times are 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, with no need to make an appointment.

For further information abut the Jobs Hub, contact 01234 223510, email thejobshub@bedford.gov.uk or visit www.bedfordjobshub.co.uk

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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

C h r i s t m a s B o o k i n gs No w B e i n g Ta k e n To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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Winter wardrobe blues

OCTOBER

Well, the last flickers of the Indian summer have finally faded, and bright October days can be chilly, so it’s time to put the shorts and sandals and old tour t-shirts away for a few months and dig out the winter clothes. Shouldn’t need to buy anything new: I have plenty of stuff left over from previous years. Which is handy as times are tight, and the more I waste on clothes means the less I can waste on beer. But anyway, who needs to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe every season?

Let’s start by testing that ancient proposition: the cat sat on the mat. No it didn’t. The cat sat on my hat, actually. In fact it’s nested in it. It’s now a dense rug of cat-hair and utterly irredeemable, so I shall start collating the season’s wardrobe by binning the beanie and putting a new one on the shopping list.

Next, gloves. I don’t wear gloves often these days. I only ever used them for snowballing, and at my advanced age I don’t have to do that anymore. Still, you need a pair against the unlikely eventuality of, say, having to dig the car out of a snowdrift. So it’s now that I discover that I have many gloves, but none of them match. So, add new gloves to the list.

Now obviously you need a nice woolly jumper for the winter, and as it happens I have one. I hate it. I hate all jumpers. They’re cumbersome things, make it impossible to move freely, and the moment you make the transition from freezing street to overheated department store or pub or library you start sweating like an overworked horse. So no new jumper this year. On the other

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hand, I don’t want to freeze every time I nip out for a paper. I know I haven’t worn a vest for, oh, 40 years. I gave them up when I was a teenager as an act of unobtrusive rebellion. But they do keep you warm. OK, some vests, then.

I shouldn’t need a new coat, though. I’ve had the same coat for years and years. It’s lovely and toastie and in excellent nick. Cost me a few bob, but it’s been worth it. Rather an odd assortment of buttons by now, mind, but nobody’s ever commented on it. Hang on, though: if I’m going to be wearing a vest from now on, my warm old coat might be a bit too warm. Lots of thin layers, that’s what they recommend nowadays. Better look for a slightly lighter one, then.

I’m definitely all right for dog-walking shoes, though, with a choice of hiking boots or wellies for seasonal snow, slush, or mud. Uh-oh... the boots are fine, but there’s a deficit in the sock department. I like my boots roomy, so I can wear nice thick socks to cuddle my toes. But looking at my rather sad assortment of thermals, I see they’ve all mysteriously developed holes. In olden days my mum would have darned these, but I haven’t seen a darning mushroom in years and even if I had, I wouldn’t know what to do with it. So it’s out with the old, and off to Edinburgh Woollen Mills for the new.

Hang on – that’s new beanie, gloves, vests, coat, and walking socks. This October’s clothes-shop is beginning to look expensive. Think I’ll stay indoors until the January sales...

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Bedford Junior Blues

EXCITING TIMES

These are very exciting times at Bedford Junior Blues!

You may have seen in the press recently the exciting developments that bring for the first time all three Bedford rugby clubs together. Bedford Blues, Bedford Junior Blues and Bedford Athletic now have close links that enable a flow of players between the clubs and their respective academies ensuring Bedford continues to thrive as a rugby community.

Plans are already in place and the Junior Blues is currently a growing, exciting rugby club to be involved with so please come along and have a go!

Details on training and contact details can be found at the junior blues website.

A key measurement of our success as a club is the strength of numbers we have turning up week in week out and I am delighted that we continue to attract record numbers of players across most of our age groups. These numbers are supported by a record number of qualified coaches that are qualified to coach players of all abilities, after all, rugby is a sport for all!.

Some key achievements this season.

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1. New Club Sponsor. Our grateful thanks goes to Chris Johnson and the team at Paragon who have kindly committed to supporting our club for at least two seasons.

2. New Playing shirts for all. As well as our main club sponsor we have also received further support from several local businesses in supplying all our players with new shirts.

3. Social Events. We have held 3 super social event this year which go from strength to strength.

Our Christmas Chairman’s Drinks celebration is certainly the ticket to have. We hosted well over 350 people who all enjoyed a festive drink, some fab food and a good sing song with the Bedford Town Band. The highlight being the Coaches 12 Days of Christmas !! We also held our two ‘end of season ‘presentation events which again were very well attended For further information contact Colin Reed, 07798 503696 or visit our website www.pitchero.com/clubs/bedfordjuniorblues

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Appetizers Papadoms Starter Choice of Prawn Cocktail Vegetable Soup Salmon Cutlet

Maharajah of Sandy Ch Dayristmas M £19.9enu per p erso5 n

01767 689743/680475 Christmas Bookings now being taken

Main Choice of Traditional Roast Turkey Rib Eye Steak Traditional Kurzi Chicken Dessert and Coffee Christmas Pudding

OPEN 7 DAYS 5.30PM - 11.30PM 22 Market Square, Sandy SG19 1JA www.maharajahofsandy.co.uk

Activities include:

Dog’s Day Out – The Ultimate Doggy experience!

Wood Green Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet and Gift Shop Children’s play area Children’s ‘hands on’ events Open 7 days a week, 10.00am – 4.00pm FRee entry

Friday 2nd November, 10am-4.00pm, Godmanchester Centre, Activity prices: £1-£5 Join us for a fun-filled day and discover new activities that you can do with your dog. Have-a-go at agility, teach your dog new tricks and try to beat the clock and win prizes with our fun doggy games. Enter our enrichment room to find new ways to keep your dog happy at home, plus ‘ask the experts’ and free weight checks. All Dog’s Day Out participants can attend our Family Fun session for FREE! (Conditions apply.)

All activities are undercover.

Dog’s Day Out Family Fun Session Friday 2nd November, Godmanchester Centre, Learning Centre Join our Hands On team in the Leaning Centre for an action packed drop in day celebrating all things doggy! £4 per child or FREE if you participate in Dogs Day Out activities taking place in the main arena and annexe.

Drop in session so no need to book.

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or email: info@woodgreen.org.uk King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH Wood Green, The Animals Charity is the Registered Trademark of Wood Green Animal Shelters, Registered Charity No. 298348.

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Same Day Crowns Yes, you read that right & we know you probably don’t believe us.

Our satisfied clients have already told us no one believes them ....

It’s true!

With our amazing CEREC Cad-Cam technology we can design and complete the crown you need in typically under two hours & with more accurate fit than can be achieved by traditional lab methods. .... And what’s more,

with No Messy Moulds!

If your crowns don’t look as good as the one we made for this happy client.. give us a call.

Can you even tell which is the CEREC crown?

For confidential dental advice contact Victoria Place Dental Practice 01767 313896 info@victoriaplacedental.com 3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9RN Before www.victoriaplacedental.com After 12

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Bedford

WRITERS CIRCLE Perhaps you are a published writer and want to meet up with other published authors to discuss your work. Perhaps you are a writer with a collection of pieces awaiting a wider readership, or perhaps you have always wanted to write but don’t know quite how to get started.

Bedford Writers Circle caters for all these categories. Writing can be a lonely occupation and getting together on a monthly basis to present and discuss the process can be very rewarding.

We meet at 7:30pm until 10pm on the first Thursday of each month at St. Mark’s Church, Calder Rise (off of Avon Drive), Bedford, MK41 7UY . New members are always welcome.

Our Chairman can offer advise on publishing, proof reading and editing. Members are happy to review articles, poetry, short stories and excerpts from novels offering encouragement as well as useful criticism.

If you are interested in joining or require more information, please contact John Broadhouse on Telephone: 01525-404014. Mobile: 0750805-3219. Email: broadhousejohn@hotmail. com or Barrie Hyde on Telephone: 01234 825492.

They both will be glad to chat with you and welcome you to a meeting.

You can find samples of our writing on the Bedford Writers Circle Website:http://bedford-writers.co.uk/

Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Open Days Saturday 13th October, 10am Friday 23rd November, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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Shuttleworth C O L L E C T I O N

COLD WAR

FAST–JET TRIBUTE AIR SHOW

Meet former East German MiG & Sukhoi pilots pilots

Sunday 7th October 2012

FEATURING THE RETURN TO THE SKIES OF THE RECORD BREAKING

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de Havilland DH88 Comet d

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Book Launch Hawker Hunter Vampire Gnat trio North American F-86 Sabre display

Tony Haig-Thomas welcome & valedictory speech & handover to Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison Ret’d (Hangar 5 members only)

Fast-Jet air and ground crews should register for the reunion on 01767 627924 Public admissions online: £20 adult (£25 at the gate) Accompanied Children FREE up to 16yrs) Admission includes FREE entry to the Bird of Prey Centre, Swiss Garden & Jubliee Play Centre Shuttleworth Collection Old Warden Aerodrome Nr Biggleswade ggleswad swade Bedfordshire SG18 9E 9EP P

01767 627927 www.shuttleworth.org g

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Absolutely ...

Positively ...

NO pressure to sell!

We give you FREE VALUATIONS ....

YOU DECIDE !

WE PAY

CASH Cambridge Coins and Jewellery Coins, Medals, Banknotes, Tokens, Postcards.

Anything GOLD any SILVER....even broken jewellery!

Buying and selling old Coins, Military Medals, Tokens, Banknotes and bullion ...as well as Jewellery.

52 High Street // Biggleswade // Beds // SG18 0LJ // (Opposite “The Codfather”) Open Wednesday to Saturday. 11am to 7pm

t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk

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COMPETITION • COMPETITION For over 50 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production. Today the record-breaking production will enter its 60th year in London’s West End, and on 25 November 2012 will celebrate the actual 60th Birthday with a gala in aid of Mousetrap Theatre Projects.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is unique. It sets a new world record every day for the number of performances. When The Mousetrap opened on 25th November 1952 with Richard Attenborough and his fellow film-star and beloved wife Sheila Sim in the leading roles, it was only seven years since Hitler died. Much essential food was still rationed, Mr Winston Churchill was Prime Minister, Harry Truman was President of the United States, and Stalin was ruler of Russia. There was fighting in Korea, and Princess Elizabeth began her long reign as Queen. The last tram ran in London, Television programmes ended at 10.30 p.m., and the entire TV listings only occupied three and a half lines.

Since The Mousetrap opened 390 actors and actresses have appeared in the play, there have been 221 understudies. 119 miles of shirts miles of shirts have been ironed. The play has been presented in 27 different languages in more than 50 countries.

It all started in 1947 when the late Queen Mary was approaching her 80th birthday on 26th May, the BBC wanted to do a special radio broadcast as a tribute. Remember in 1947 TV was virtually unknown, and made enquiries as to what she

would like. Opera, Shakespeare, anything she choose was hers for the asking. Back came the reply, an Agatha Christie play.

Agatha Christie wrote a 30 minute play for Queen Mary’s birthday called, Three Blind Mice. And so a legend was born, because Three Blind Mice was eventually enlarged into The Mousetrap.

The play opened at a Theatre so small that it had to be an immediate smash hit to survive. Well, it was and it did. Why has it run? No one can say. A family play, a good who donit, comedy and thrills, well constructed (perhaps better than people realise). But other plays have also qualified in these categories. After 18 months, star Richard Attenborough left, which would have been a death blow to most plays. But with no “names “ The Mousetrap strode triumphantly on, records came and went.

And there came a time - no one can say at what point - when The Mousetrap was an institution.

And still people laughed, admired and wondered.

Publicity was self perpetuating, helped by mammoth celebration parties which the stars generously supported. The fact that Agatha Christie herself rarely gave interviews made her occasional ones enormous news. In its first 50 years The Mousetrap had more than 324 different actors and actresses in its cast of 8, 162 understudies and 20 different directors. During its 60 years the scenery and all the furnishings have been replaced except for one armchair and a clock. www.the-mousetrap.co.uk

Villager Magazine has three champagne packages each worth £131.50 to giveaway, each packages consists of a pair of tickets, a Bottle of Champagne, a Brochure and a Souvenir Programme.

The prize is only applicable Mon-Thurs and not on a Bank Holiday and should be used within 3 months.

Please send your name and address to enter the prize draw to Mousetrap Prize Draw, The Villager, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP.

COMPETITION • COMPETITION 16

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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

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

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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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Storm & Wind Damage to Trees Following high winds it is important to have you trees checked for potential defects that could lead to your trees failure. Large trees in prominent location need to be inspected on annual basis. Tree owners have a “Duty of Care” to ensure their trees are safe which will also help should a tree fail and an insurance claim is made.

Prevention of damage is always favourable but trees should also be checked following high winds.

What to look for Key indicators of tree damage and failure are: • Cracks and splits in structural sections of the tree.

• Roots lifting at the base of the stem • Broken limbs in the canopy Structural damage can be limited with regular pruning, structural supports and preventative maintenance.

The loss of a tree can cause serious Health & Safety issues as well as the potential loss of a beautiful tree from the landscape.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01234 354 673 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK

Bartlett Tree Experts A Complete and Comprehensive Tree Careand Service since 1907 A Complete Comprehensive Tree Care Service Since 1907 For over 100 years, Bartlett Tree Experts has led both the science and services that make your landscape thrive. No matter the size or scope of your needs, our arborists bring a rare mix of groundbreaking research, global resources and a local service approach to every task at hand. Trees add so much value to our lives; Bartlett adds even more value to your trees.

Tree & Shrub Pruning | Planting | Tree Removal Hedge Cutting | Stump Grinding Woodland Management | Disease & Inseact Control For a free quote please contact your local arborist Tim Brown

01234 354 673 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com 20

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Bromham Windows & Home Improvements UPVC Windows & Doors, Conservatories, Fascia, Soffit & Guttering All double glazing repairs including:Broken & misty sealed units, hinges, faulty doors and locks, handles and much more.

For a free no obligation quotation call:-

01234 306662 or 07960 109429

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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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Odell & Son Plumbing and Heating

•Local family run business •Same day service •No job to small •O.A.P rates Gas leaks boiler breakdowns, installations & servicing.

Power flushing, cookers & fires fitted & fixed, bathroom installations, toilets, ball valves, water mains, burst pipes, showers, new radiators & outside taps.

Gas safe registered Special offer: Fixed price Tel: Boiler service

01234 855 007 Mob: 07795 821 595

37 Ridge Rd, Kempston MK43 9BS

only

£60

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

Contact James on: 01767 260188 or Mobile: 07812 666081 email: ovenmen@live.co.uk You can also book at www.ovenmen.com

parent company est. 1998

KPC Property Services • • • • • •

Kitchens & Bathrooms Plumbing & Heating Painting & Decorating Carpentry Tiling & Flooring General Maintenance

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 887156 kpcmaintenance@googlemail.com 26

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SPECIALIST See our website for a comprehensive list of our services www.allbandaerials.co.uk

CALL FREE 0800 7317988 To discuss your requirements or to make an appointment

ALLBAND AERIALS

22 Bedford Road Lower Stondon, Beds SG16 6EA

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS AUTUMN PUDDING

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour (plus overnight chilling)

Try this variation on summer pudding making the most of the early Autumn fruits, such as plums, blackberries and delicious English apples. Serve with softly whipped double cream flavoured with a splash of Calvados for a really indulgent dessert.

INGREDIENTS 175g caster sugar 3 small English eating apples, peeled, cored and sliced 4 red plums, halved, stones removed and sliced 100g raspberries 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced 100g blackcurrants or blueberries 100g blackberries 10 slices thick-sliced white bread Extra fruit, to decorate 1 Place the sugar and 200ml of cold water in a large pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sliced apples and simmer for 5-10 minutes until just tender. Add the rest of the

fruit and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes. Leave to cool.

2 Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Use a round cookie cutter to stamp out a circle from one slice of bread to fit the base of a 1.2 litre pudding basin. Cut the remaining slices of bread in half.

3 Carefully strain half of the fruit syrup from the cooled fruit into a shallow dish. Lightly dip most of the slices of bread into the syrup and arrange around the side of the pudding basin, overlapping them slightly to completely line the basin. Dip the bread circle into the syrup and press into the bottom of the basin.

4 Spoon the fruit into the lined basin, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon. Use the remaining slices of bread to cover the fruit filling completely and spoon over any remaining syrup.

5 Place a saucer on top of the basin and weigh it down with 2-3 food cans. Chill in the fridge overnight. To serve, carefully turn the pudding out onto a plate and decorate with extra sliced fruit.

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Last Month’s Crossword Winners Congratulations to: 1st Jean Hunt from Biggleswade 2nd Paul Larkins from Alconbury For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com

sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 19th October 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

Across 1 Fog (4) 3 Travellers (8) 9 Table support (7) 10 Entrance (5) 11 Clarifications (12) 14 Epoch (3) 16 Sphere (5) 17 To drink (3) 18 Uses camera (12) 21 Large sea (5) 22 Lawn game (7) 23 Mixing (8) 24 Steak (4) Down 1 Mumbled (8) 2 Snooze (5) 4 Poem (3) 5 Ice-box (12) 6 Proverbs (7) 7 Painful (4) 8 Untangled (12) 12 Amid (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Accomplish (7) 19 Dwelling (5) 20 Grave (4) 22 Tin (3)

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Pensioners - Do You Qualify

for Help with Heating Bills this Winter?

This coming winter, Energy Suppliers will pay a rebate of £130 on fuel bills to: • Pensioners aged under 80 who receive only the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (but not Savings Credit) • Pensioners aged 80 or over who are receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, (even if you get Savings Credit as well) Your name, or your partner’s name, must be on your electricity bill, and you must get your electricity from one of the energy suppliers participating in this scheme: Atlantic, British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Equipower, Equigas, Manweb, M&S Energy, npower, Sainsbury’s Energy, Scottish Gas, Scottish Hydro, ScottishPower, Southern Electric, SSE, Swalec and Utility Warehouse.

If you meet the conditions above you do not need to do anything now to get your discount in 2012/2013.

Energy suppliers may also give a £130 discount to

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some other customers in vulnerable groups. Each electricity supplier has different eligibility criteria they will use to decide who may get the discount, so you will need to check with your supplier.

Last winter, energy companies paid a rebate of £120 to pensioners who received the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit. This should have been paid automatically. If you believe you should have been eligible, but did not receive the rebate you should contact your energy supplier.

If you would like support with the above, and you live in a village in the Borough of Bedford, call your Just Ask! Village Agent on 0800 039 1234.

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Fun Quiz - Monsters 1. Which fictional monster lived on Skull Island?

2. On the TV show Sesame Street, what colour is the Cookie Monster’s fur?

3. In the Shakespeare play Othello, what is referred to as “the green eyed monster”?

4. What is the more common name for a lycanthrope?

5. Lending its name to a roller coaster at Seaworld in Orlando, Florida, what is the name of the legendary sea monster that is said to have been seen off the coasts of Norway and Iceland?

6. “Monsters Unleashed” is the sub-title to a 2004 sequel to which 2002 film?

7. Which comedienne called herself “the Sea Monster” when she first began doing stand-up comedy?

8. Also used as a motor racing track, which site hosted the Monsters Of Rock festivals between 1980 and 1996?

9. Who played the title role in the 1994 film Frankenstein?

10. In which Stephen King novel does a monster take the form of a clown called Pennywise?

1. King Kong 2. Blue 3. Jealousy 4. A werewolf 5. Kraken 6. Scooby Doo 7. Jo Brand 8. Donington Park 9. Kenneth Brannagh (note: Robert de Niro is incorrect as he played the monster) 10. It

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