Bedslocal (web) by debi1977

Your town, your business, your stories

Prize Crossword Christmas special ÂŁ50 up for grabs Cheers! Christmas cocktails Bad winter weather Stay safe this winter

FREE COPY

Issue 9 December 2013 20,000 copies delivered tocall Bedford and or the surrounding villages To advertise please 01767 261122 email christa@villagermag.com

In this issue 6 8 10 14 16

Raspberry soufflét

Tamara Glanvill – Learning from other peoples mistakes

22 26 29 30

Jonathan Vernon-Smith – Purchase safely on the web

Christmas cheers! Average speed cameras Bad winter weather Alistair Burt – Ours is a funny business, politics

What’s on Volunteering opportunities Table tennis

32 35 37 39 40 44 48 52 57 58 60

Darker traditions of Christmas Bartlett Tree Experts – Biochar soil Fruit planting Prize crossword P & R Bathrooms Choosing a new camera Book review and sudoku Directory Bedford bus station Bethleham peace light Classifieds

Read us online at www.beds-local.co.uk Editorial

Corner 5, Nicholas Clare, Bedford Borough Council, BLLRF, Alistair Burt, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, June Davies, Simon Collier, Guy Bolton, Tamara Glanvill, Pippa Greenwood, Angela Parker and Peter Sutherst.

Front Cover Image thinkstock.com

Disclaimer

Editor

Sue Metcalf 01234 708941

Advertising Director

Christa Hallam Tel: 07868 369257 christa@villagermag.com

Design and Artwork

Doug Dawson www.dougdawson.co.uk

Publishing and Marketing Nigel Frost Local Media Publishing Ltd 24 Market Square Potton SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take and responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be Totheadvertise please ofcall 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 3 reproduced or stored without express permission the01767 publisher.

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

FOOD & DRINK

Raspberry

Straight from the kitchen of Corner 5 Restaurant is a recipe for one of the delicious desserts on our new Christmas menu. Created by Head Chef Sean Hazlett this is a light & fruity dessert perfect to finish a meal over the festive season.

Method

Fold a strip of greaseproof paper in half so that it is double thickness and wrap this around the soufflé dish so it comes up 5 to 7cm above the rim. Secure with sticky tape. Blend the raspberries and lemon juice until smooth, then sieve to remove the seeds. Whisk the egg yolks and 100g of caster sugar on a high speed until they have doubled in volume. The whisk should leave a ribbon trail in the mixture.

Ingredients

• 300g raspberries, plus a few to decorate • 2 lemons – juiced • 4 eggs – separated • 150g caster sugar • 5 level tsp powdered gelatine • 284ml double cream • 150ml whipping cream, for piping rosette • greaseproof paper and a 1½ litre soufflé dish

Dissolve the gelatin in 100ml cold water and leave until it turns spongy. Place the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and stir until the gelatin has melted and is clear. Remove from the heat and whisk into the egg yolk and sugar mixture along with the raspberry purée. Lightly whip the double cream and gently fold into the raspberry mixture. Whisk the egg whites until they are stiff, then gradually whisk in the remaining caster sugar, one spoonful at a time, until thick and glossy. Fold the egg whites into the raspberry mixture and pour into the prepared soufflé dish. Chill overnight. Remove the paper collar and pipe rosettes of whipped cream around the edge and decorate with the remaining raspberries.

Serve with shortbread biscuits or as we do with a warm stem ginger and clementine muffin. Corner 5 Restaurant, Box End Park, Kempston. MK43 8RQ www.boxendpark.com 01234 846223

FOOD & DRINK

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

cheers!

FOOD & DRINK

Christmas

So it’s that time of year again when the weather is cold, the fire is blazing and there are twinkling lights in every window, it’s CHRISTMAS!!

It’s the time of year when you are expected to go to that party, buy the presents, food, drink, have family round and visit that relative. You are also expected to cook a banquet, serve delicious drinks and do it all whilst looking like Nigella (or Nigel) gliding seductively and effortlessly across the kitchen in a ball gown. When in reality you are more likely to look like waynetta than nigella! Well I can help you with the last thing, no not nigella, the drinks! Here are two simple yet impressive recipes to tantalise your guest and make you the star mixologist of the village. The first cocktail is for all those people who love a glass of bubble on Christmas day but feel as its Christmas it should be extra special!

Poinsettia

½ a shot of Cointreau/ triple sec 1 shot of cranberry juice Top up with champagne Add the Cointreau and cranberry to a champagne flute or coupe and then top with champagne.

The second drink is … The Kings Ginger mulled wine!

The king’s ginger is a deliciously ginger, zesty liquor that dates back 1903 when it was formulated for King Edward the VII. 750ml red wine 250ml The King’s Ginger 50g caster sugar 2 lemons zested (plus flesh of 1 lemon) 1 orange zested 1 stick of cinnamon A dash of nutmeg 1 star anise Add all the ingredients to a pan and heat gently to infuse all the flavours for 1-3hrs or to taste and decant into red wine glasses or a mulled wine glass. If you would like to book a cocktail barman for an event or if you want to know more about cocktails please contact me. Nicholas Clare nick@mixedupbars.co.uk www.mixedupbars.co.uk

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com

MOTOR to travel along this stretch of road, which will allow an average speed to be calculated. If a vehicles average speed is above the 30mph speed limit then the offence is dealt with by Bedfordshire Police.

AVERAGE

SPEED CAMERAS

INTRODUCED ON BARKERS LANE Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson’s commitment to improving the safety of roads in the borough has continued this month with the installation of average speed cameras along Barkers Lane. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson’s commitment to improving the safety of roads in the borough has continued this month with the installation of average speed cameras along Barkers Lane. This is the second location in the borough to receive average speed cameras following the installation of cameras on the A6 in Milton Ernest at the end of 2012. Since the cameras were installed here the average speed of vehicles travelling through the village has fallen from 38mph to 28mph and the number of motorists being prosecuted for breaking the speed limit has more than halved since enforcement began. Cameras have been installed along Barkers Lane and will record the time taken for vehicles 10

The installation of average speed cameras follows Mayor Dave Hodgson’s ongoing Speed Limit Review which has also seen speed limits across the borough lowered, especially in rural areas. The installation of the cameras in this location is in direct response to requests from local residents and the police to do more to combat dangerous drivers. Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “When I speak to local residents, in both rural and urban areas, speeding is one of the most common causes of complaint and concern. That is why I introduced the Speed Limit Review in 2012 which has led to lower speed limits and increased safety measures in more than 40 locations across the borough. “Since the average speed cameras were installed in Milton Ernest the average speed of vehicles passing through the village has fallen from a dangerous and illegal 38mph to 28mph and the number of motorists being prosecuted has more than halved since enforcement began in the summer. “Average speed camera systems will force drivers to slow down and obey the speed limit through this busy, residential area, instead of simply slowing down as they approach a speed camera. “Average speed cameras will also shortly be installed at Box End in Kempston and along The Embankment as we continue to take real action to make our roads safer for all. “Fines paid by motorists go directly to the Home Office. Bedford Borough Council does not receive any money from the fines paid by motorists.”

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 11

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 13

FEATURE

Prepare for

bad winter weather and win a free Home Emergency Kit What would you do if faced with natural disasters like a severe snowstorm or heavy rain? Or unnatural emergencies like a power cut or industrial accident? Helping you deal with major disasters locally is BLLRF (the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum) made up of the emergency services, local councils, hospitals and health agencies and a whole host of local voluntary groups working together. BLLRF co-ordinates everyone who tackle emergencies, planning for the unthinkable to ensure they are ready to react swiftly and effectively to protect you, your family and home. Local community organisations like the Royal Voluntary Service, Midshires Search and Rescue, the 4X4 owners club and Raynet, amateur radio enthusiasts, also get involved through the Bedfordshire and Luton Emergency Volunteers Executive Committee (BLEVEC). You could also volunteer. The Bedfordshire Chamber

of Commerce and the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses also help plan for emergencies and encourage local businesses to prepare for their own crisis like fire, theft or supply chain problems. See our Prepare your Business page for further information. BLLRF’s website – www.bllrf.org.uk– is packed with help and advice so you can prepare for being cut off in your home by bad weather, separated from your family by a major incident or left without power for an extended period. Visit now to find out what you can do to protect yourself before winter sets in.

WIN a Home Emergency Kit!

BLLRF is now giving you the chance to win a free Home Emergency Kit that contains some essential things you’ll need if there’s an emergency like a power cut or severe snowfall. To enter our FREE prize draw just follow @ what_would on Twitter, like us on facebook.com/ whatwouldyoudoif or enter using the website’s contact page on the website. Entry closes at midnight, 2 February 2014 . So visit www.bllrf.org.uk today to discover how to protect your home and family this winter. The Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF) brings together Police, Fire, Ambulance, local councils, health and government agencies, representatives of Bedfordshire businesses and risk and resilience consultants to prepare and plan for disasters and to help businesses think about the unthinkable before it happens. They offer advice and spokespeople on a range of potential disasters and emergencies. For more information and interviews contact Mark Hustwitt, BLLRF Communications Officer, 07532 007897 or email markhustwitt@hotmail.co.uk

Get Prepared For Winter

and win a free Home Emergency Kit

The Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF) is made up of the emergency services, local authorities, hospitals and health agencies, utility companies and a whole host of local voluntary groups working together to provide you with advice on how to prepare for emergencies. It co-ordinates local response to disasters to ensure the emergency services react swiftly and effectively to protect local people, their families, homes and local businesses..

What would you do if… • Heavy Snow Disrupted Transport? • Local Electricity Failed? • There Was Meltwater Flooding?

Prepare for winter now – • Visit: BLLRF.org.uk • Follow: @what_would • Like: facebook.com/whatwouldyoudoif

Enter our FREE prize draw to win a Home Emergency Kit by contacting us via our website, liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter (competition closes midnight 2 February 2014)

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 15

MP COLUMN Before I look forward to 2014, can I be permitted a sort look back? As many of you may be aware a stint of three and a HDTV years as a Foreign Office minister came to an end last month in a Government ‘reshuffle’. Many thanks to a number of you who wished me well. I have found the experience of representing you in the FCO at a time of momentous change in the Arab world quite extraordinary, and have truly enjoyed almost every minute. Highlights included signing the Arms Trade Treaty at the UN that I know interested many constituents and telling the Iranian Ambassador that I was ‘expelling him from the United Kingdom’! Well, they had burnt down our Embassy and our people escaped with the clothes they stood up in.

Lowlights included some distressing hostage situations in which our citizens lost their lives. But to serve in such a department is not a call made on all MPs and although disappointed to lose office I genuinely meant it when I said I was grateful to the PM for being appointed in the first place, and will always be proud of the role. But our system is brutal. If an executive loses a job in one company he or she can think about applying elsewhere to another! A former minister cannot usually take skills to another party! So we just get on with it, being highly fortunate to have that bit more time for the constituency work which we have had a bit squeezed in recent years. However I am sure to continue some interests in the region and work I have been so closely engaged with. And even MPs are now thinking of Christmas and 2014. Parliament gets to be quite a convivial place. A beautiful Christmas tree is lit up outside and the Salvation Army leads an all-party Carol Concert in historic Westminster Hall. So for a little while we put aside the issues of a new year – a recovering economy, Broadband, cost of living and Euro elections, and think of other things rather more eternal – the Christmas story and hope for the world. May your own Christmas be peaceful and your New Year all you wish for.

Alistair Burt

OURS is a funny business, politics. 16

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 17

BUSINESS

Tamara Glanvill, Solicitor at Woolley & Co, Bedford www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

Learning from Other Peoples Mistakes When someone is splitting from a long-term partner or divorcing, there is so much to think about that it is easy to see how we can fall into making (further) big mistakes. That may seem ironic, I know. For instance, we routinely advise clients not to be adversarial and not get wound up by the things their ex says and does. Not easy, we know. When emotions are running high, staying calm in the face of extreme provocation requires a higher state of Buddhism than most people on this earth can hope to achieve. Other things should be relatively straight forward. However, if I have to pick the five most important divorce mistakes to avoid, they would be: Skipping a clean break order – if you do not get all of the agreed financial settlements enshrined in a properly drafted clean break order, you leave yourself open to future claims from an ex. This applies even if additional wealth is accumulated after you split, eg a Lottery win or inheritance. Using your children as pawns – the concerns and wellbeing of any children should be the top consideration for parents divorcing. However, while many will go to great lengths to make sure they are looked after, many still fall into the trap of sending messages to an ex via the kids or scoring points by making derogatory comments to them about an ex. It can have a long-term negative impact on the child’s relationship with both parents. 18

Not using a family law specialist – an increasing number of people represent themselves in a bid to save money but can fall foul of the system or simply not know enough to negotiate the best deal. Others simply engage the general solicitor at their local high street firm, who does a bit of everything but is not up to speed on the latest family law issues. Seek a dedicated family law specialist to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Many will offer a free half hour. Ignoring the pension pot – It can be the second biggest asset for some couples after the house, particularly for older couples. There are numerous ways it can be looked into. Not looking at this could be a costly mistake. Not being realistic – give the situation an honest evaluation and be realistic in the outcome you want to achieve from a divorce. Digging your heels in, fighting to get more than you can reasonably expect and refusing to consider proposed contact arrangements for your children can all add to the time and expense of finding a solution. As I said at the start, ultimately you may consider it was the getting married in the first place that was the biggest mistake – but avoiding these others issues as well will do you no harm. Tamara Glanvill, a family law Specialist at Woolley and Co will offer a free half hour consultation. Call her on 0845 6802136 or email tamara.glanvill@family-lawfirm.co.uk

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 19

Start 2014 by making the right choice for your business and promote yourself in

magazine We can deliver your message to an unrivalled 20,000 homes giving you the best possible chance to gain more business locally. To reserve your space in the January issue call Christa on 07868 369257 or email christa@villagermag.com Booking deadline Friday 13th December

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 21

CONSUMER

ter-Web

on the Win ly fe a s e s a h c r

How to pu

The internet has been with us since the mid 90s. Whilst it has of course brought some fantastic benefits to our lives, it has also created some absolute headaches as well. The fact the entire world is accessible in our homes is a wonderful thing, but it is worth noting that there are lots of internet companies out there, particularly those in other countries that can provide a less than desirable service. So how can you protect yourself against these companies, particularly when making purchases for Christmas? The most important thing you can do, is to of course avoid buying items from dodgy internet companies in the first place. It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed how many people still find some weird company online that nobody’s ever heard of and hand over hundreds of pounds. They are then amazed when they find themselves out of pocket without the goods they’ve ordered. Therefore, always make sure you research the internet company you are planning to buy from. Find out where they’re based, look for a UK telephone number, check reviews and complaints about them so you know exactly who you’re dealing with. Ensure that their delivery timeframe will ensure your gifts will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.

Make sure you’re paying a sensible price. If a company is selling an item at a ridiculously low price compared to all other companies, there’s usually a reason why. Often the items are fake. Over the years I’ve dealt with my fair share of customers who thought they were getting a great deal with ‘Ugg boots’ or ‘GHD hair straighteners’, only to find they’ve bought fakes from a company abroad. You should always pay for goods by credit card but particularly when buying over the internet. It is worth noting that you are not protected by the consumer credit act unless you’re paying over £100, but you’re still more likely to get your money back using a credit card rather than debit card, cheque or bank transfer. I would go so far as to say you should NEVER buy goods from a company that asks you to transfer money directly into their account. If you decide you’re going to buy Christmas presents from an online auction site like ebay, it is worth familiarising yourself with their safety advice. You generally have fewer rights when buying goods in this way, particularly if they are second hand. Paying by paypal and ensuring that you NEVER collect items in person will go some way to protecting yourself. Only buy from highly rated sellers, based in the UK. It is worth remembering that when you buy brand new items over the internet, you are protected by the distance selling regulations. Because you haven’t had the chance to see the item in the flesh, you have 7 days from delivery to change your mind and send it back for a full refund. Unless the company specifies their returns postage policy, then they are liable for the postage too. Make sure you order things online in plenty of time to allow for this, after all, you don’t want unhappy friends and relatives whose presents are NOT under the tree. Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 23

Bedford Allergy Support Group

We offer support to families and individuals who have allergies/sensitivities. BASG was formed in 1986 to enable people to share experiences and to look at the various treatments available. We have monthly meetings and telephone support. Our members use traditional medicine via GP and local hospital and allergy specialists. For further information please contact: Franca 01234 360941 or Cynthia on 01234 354499 See our website www.bedfordallergy.co.uk

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 25

EVENTS

2013 December

8 August-16 January 2014 8-9pm Natural Energy Healing Therapy Blunham Village Hall, High Street, Blunham Thursday evenings. Either 10 minute or 20 minute sessions available. We ask for a donation to help pay for hire of hall and to give to HPAI Charity. For further information and to book please ring Rita on 01767 641 674 or 07963 418 887

25 November-24 December Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm Christmas Cracker: Exhibition of work from all our members The Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford Open Day, Saturday 30 November and Private View after 5.30pm Open Sunday 22 December. Charity Sale of Christmas Tree decorations in aid Leukaemia Research. www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk Facebook: The Eagle Gallery 1 December 11am-3pm Tree Planting The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale Everyone’s welcome to plant some trees in the Forest of Marston Vale – it’s something that we should all do at least once! Just come to the Forest Centre any time between 10.45am and 2.15pm to catch a free bus to the planting site. (There’s no parking near the site). Plant as many trees as you like. Buses will run until 3pm. We’ll provide everything you need – trees, tools, tea and even a toilet – wrap up warm with waterproof footwear and bring lots of enthusiasm and good cheer! Tel: 01234 762607 for further information (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Email: guy.lambourne@ marstonvale.org Web: www.marstonvale.org 1 December 11am-4pm Gentle Touch Healing Open Day Gentle Touch Healing, Wrest Park Enterprise Centre, Wrest Park, Silsoe Free admission Celebrating out 16th Anniversary. Free healing and free therapy

advice will be available plus refreshments will be provided. www.gentletouchhealing.org.uk 1 December 1-3.30pm Christmas Fayre Scott Lower School, Bedford Adults 50p, Children free Scott Lower School PTA Christmas Fayre. 1 December 2-4pm Charity Fayre Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford £5 voluntary contribution appreciated Join us for yoga and martial arts to raise money for two charities – Unique Home for Girls and Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres). Unique Home for Girls is an orphanage that takes in girls, dumped on the streets of Punjab. The orphanage relies solely on donations from fundraising events like these. Doctors Without Borders is a charity from which doctors go around the world, no matter where, to provide medical care for those in urgent need. Free drinks and canapés. Email: anoopkhinder@hotmail.com 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 December 10.30am Petanque Great Barford Bowls Club, School Lane/Woodpecker Close, Great Barford Cost £2 per session Tel: 01767 448526 www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 4, 11 & 18 December 10.30am Health Walks The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale Free No need to book. Most walks start at Reception but some elsewhere – see notice board or telephone 01234 767037 to confirm. Web: www.marstonvale.org 4, 11 & 18 December 7.30pm Whist Club Great Barford Bowls Club, School Lane/Woodpecker Close, Great Barford

Cost £1.50 Every Wednesday. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01767 448526 www.greatbarfordbowlsclub.org.uk 7 December 9am-2pm Bedford Crafts, Produce & A Cuppa! Church Lane Community Centre, Church Lane, Bedford First Saturday of the month. 7 December 1.30-4pm Hazeldene Lower School Christmas Fayre Hazeldene Lower School, Stancliffe Road, Bedford, MK41 9AT Feel festive over a hog roast and mulled wine at the Hazeldene Lower School Christmas Fayre. Lots of games and activities for children plus the chance to get a few more Christmas pressies ticked off the list from a selection of gift and craft stalls. Web: www.hazeldeneschool.co.uk 7 December 6-8pm Book Launch Party Waitrose, Bedford Free admission Launch party for ‘Spectrum Shift’, a sci-fi/fantasy novel by children’s author Bèl Ravènnë. Most colourful costume competition plus magic show and balloon modelling. Supporting Keech Children’s Hospice. Bèl will also be signing books at Waterstones, Bedford on 14 December. 7 December 7.30pm Anticipating a Truly Traditional Christmas Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford Admission £5 A concert by Bedford Gallery Quire for the Zimbabwe Victims’ Support Fund. 7 & 8 December 10am-5pm Christmas Tree Festival The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale Free admission Gifts, fairground, festive plants, Christmas food, live music, Christmas trees for sale, hamper to be won, meet Santa and much

EVENTS more. Join us for our two-day Winter Wonderland and help us in the rebuilding of the Forest of Marston Vale! Web: www.marstonvale.org 7 & 8 December Sat 12 noon-6pm, Sun 2-5pm Christmas Tree Festival United Reformed Church, Harrold Churches Together in Harrold and Carlton. Beautiful display of trees, Christmas music and seasonal refreshments. 8 December 3pm Carols by Candlelight Little Barford Church The church looks quite magical with all the candles (in excess of 100) so it is well worth seeing and with other floral decorations looks very Christmassy. There is no heating so wrap up warm! 11 December 7.30pm Beneficial Insects Priory Park Visitors Centre, Barkers Lane, Bedford £2 suggested voluntary contribution Bedford Local Group of the Wildlife Trust. An illustrated talk by Brian Eversham on ‘Beneficial Insects’. All welcome. Tel: 01234 266057 Web: www.wildlifebcn.org. 11 December 7.30pm Bedford Architectural, Archaeological, & Local History Society Putnoe Heights Church & Community Centre, MK41 8EB Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk “Bedford & Its River – from workplace to pleasure ground” by Bob Ricketts. Visitors welcome. Tel: 01234 365095 Web: http://www.baalhs.org.uk/ 11 December 8-10.30pm Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Addison Centre, Kempston Members £4, Non-members £5 – pay at door Organ Concert with Daniel Watt. Tel: 01234 344423 Web: www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/ bedford2 13 December 7.30pm 24th Christmas Cracker Bedford Corn Exchange Adults £8, Concessions £6, Children £3 Bedford Hospital Choir under their conductor Janet Welsh and Bedford Brass conducted by David Twitchings, present their 24th Christmas Cracker Carol Concert. This year the concert is in aid

of Sue Ryder St Johns Hospice, Moggerhanger. The evening will include traditional community carols, concert renditions of Christmas music both old and new, and the ever popular festive singalong. An evening guaranteed to put you into the Christmas spirit. www.bedfordcornexchange.co.uk 14 December 2.30-4pm Children’s Christmas Party The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale £10 including kid’s lunchbox and drink Disco, party games, meet Santa and get a present. Booking essential. Tel: 01234 762613 Web: www.marstonvale.org 14 December 7.30pm Annual Christmas Concert Kempston East Methodist Church Admission £6 Kempston Musical Society presents their annual Christmas Concert. Do come along and bring a friend for what promises to be a most enjoyable evening. Tel: 01234 781010 for further details 14 December 7.30pm Alma Singers All Saints Church, Great Barford Tickets £5.00 Come and get in a festive mood with their ’Musical Christmas’ plus refreshments and raffle. Tel: 01234 870333 Email: f.southallandson@ btconnect.com 14 December 7.30 pm A Truly Traditional Christmas All Saints Church, Kempston Church End MK43 8LU Tickets £6 including festive refreshments Bedford Gallery Quire present ‘A Truly Traditional Christmas’ – Carols, Christmas Songs & Celebrations; a really old fashioned start to the Christmas Season. Tel: 01234 852447 Web: www.allsaintskempston and www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk 15 December 10am-4.15pm (approx.) Conservation Task – Scrub Clearing The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Forest of Marston Vale Join our volunteers to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch if you want to stay all day. We provide tea and

biscuits. Meet at the Forest Centre. Places are limited so please let us know if you wish to attend. Tel: 01234 762614 for further details Email: stephen.gascoyne@ marstonvale.org Web: www.marstonvale.org 19 December 7.30pm Bedford RSPB Local Group meeting A.R.A. Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Chris Ward presents ‘Birding in Costa Rica (The Rich Coast)’. All very welcome. Tel: 01234 822035 www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford 22 December Open Sunday The Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, MK40 3QP, Bedford Web: www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk Facebook: The Eagle Gallery 11 January 10am-12 noon Annual Seed Sale in Keysoe Keysoe Village Hall There will be the usual seed catalogues for you to browse and order your seeds from while you enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of like-minded gardeners. We place a large order and deliver to you thereby saving you postage costs. The commission paid by the seed firms helps to finance The Village Show. 14 January 10.30am The World of the Documentary Film The Labour Hall, Crab Lane, Biggleswade Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course – 10 sessions of 1½ hours. Tutor Laurence Staig presents ‘An introduction to the world of the documentary film maker’. Tel: Clive Bandy 01462 730147 Email: biggleswade.wea@ virginmedia.com 16 January 10am Evolution: The story of the last four billion years St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course – 10 sessions of 1½ hours. Tutor Keith Triton presents ‘Evolution: The story of the last four billion years’. The story of the Earth and the life that inhabits it, and how the two have evolved together through nearly four billion years. Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 27

Volunteering Opportunities in Bedfordshire with

POhWER and Advocacy for Older People are working in partnership providing independent advocacy services to adults throughout Bedfordshire. Advocacy for Older People works with older people (aged sixty and over) and POhWER is available to support all other adults in the community and provides statutory advocacy.

Volunteer Advocates help people resolve problems and get the advice, information and services they need. Advocacy also ensures that people are listened to, have control of their lives and can retain their independence. If you have spare time in the week you can be part of our teams of Volunteers and help people in your own community who may be in need or disadvantaged in some way. We can offer you genuinely valuable and rewarding voluntary work and you will receive full training, all expenses paid and on-going management and support. Training courses are run by both services throughout the year. For a Volunteer Pack and information please contact June Davies on Telephone: 0300 456 2362 (local rate charge) or email: juned.aop@pohwer.net Address: 21-23 Mill Street, Bedford. MK40 3EU Opening hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 29

SPORT

Wiff Waff, Ping Pong or Table Tennis call it what you will but the sport of Table Tennis is the world’s second most popular sport with 300 million people participating on a regular basis. Developed from a parlour game in the early 1880’s Table Tennis is now going through a refreshing revival. Bars, clubs and dedicated restaurants like London’s PING, with permanently installed tables, are being frequented by celebrities such as Susan Sarandon, Robin Van Persie, Kevin Spacey, Kate Middleton and Lady Gaga. Originally played with a pair of cigar boxes, rounded champagne corks, on a dining room table, the game has evolved somewhat into the fiercely competitive Olympic sport that we now watch and play. The game has seen many changes over the last 100 years. The table size, ball size, bat manufacture, scoring system and attire have all changed. Balls are bigger, bats are technologically advanced and highly tuned and fortunately we have moved away from long trousers and a starched collar to less restrictive more suitable clothing. Table Tennis these days is a fast attacking sport where the Asian countries are dominant. The Chinese are world leaders at the moment with the European countries following some way behind with Germany and France the front runners. The sport is increasingly attracting commercial sponsors targeting the new wealth in China where, for instance, 40 million people tuned in to watch the women’s singles final at this year’s World Championships held in Paris, the second highest TV audience of the year for 30

the country. As an example of the increasing media interest, sports promoter Barry Hearn held the first World Championship of Ping Pong at Alexandra Palace last year with $100,000 of prize money which was televised on Sky Sports and will be repeated again this January. This competition takes table tennis back to its roots in the twenties where hard sandpaper bats were used instead of the modern sponge based bats. Bedford & District Table Tennis League which was founded in 1932 has a thriving Table Tennis community with clubs spread from Stevington to the North, St Neots to the East, Southill to the South and Marston to the West with many other clubs in between. League players range from 11 to 80 years of age and there are a variety of age related sessions for juniors, seniors, over 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Both Bedford Borough Council and TeamBeds&Luton are strong supporters of table tennis and offer opportunities to “get back into” table tennis at various locations across the county. Table Tennis in Bedford is a welcoming community whether you are a young junior with aspirations to become an Olympic champion, someone looking for a bit of light exercise to ease yourself back into fitness or perhaps just looking to re-ignite your talent from yester-year there is a place in and around Bedford for you to play. Please take the time to visit the league website www.bedfordttleague.co.uk to find the ideal session for you or alternatively contact Simon Collier, Development Officer, at simon.collier33@gmail.com or telephone 01234 830987.

Aquatics

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 31

FEATURE

The Darker

Traditions of Christmas As we approach the festive season, and become immersed in the traditions of Christmas, have you ever asked yourself why? Where are these traditions and customs from? The gifts? The roast? The holly and Mistletoe? Somewhere in the mists of time, there are sinister undertones to many customs that history has allowed us to forget…

As well as sacrificing the tree, there was a tradition for farmers to gather and sacrifice livestock to the Sun God. Whether this ever involved sacrificing people is anybodies guess, but they would certainly bring enough living meat for the festivities. The temple and assembled protagonists would be splashed with animal blood. This would be poured over twigs to decorate the temple, and the blessed meats would be roasted for the feasts. Now we have an oven-ready Turkey and let the butchers do the dirty work, whilst we kiss under mistletoe.

Firstly, why December 25th? It was a later Roman emperor who claimed this was the birthdate of Christ and people should attend Christ-Mass but it was already close to the Winter Solstice and the ancient Roman festival of ‘Saturnalia’ – so people were already celebrating. The Solstice is the shortest day between sunrise and sunset, usually December 21st. To pagans this represented the turn towards spring. They celebrated the Sun God defeating the darkness. In much of northern Europe, the Winter Solstice is known as Yule, from where we get Yule Logs.

Mistletoe grows on willow and apple trees. Hanging it in the house goes back to the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers, bringing luck to the household. It was also a sign of love in Norse mythology where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from. Originally, a berry was picked from the Mistletoe before kissing and when the berries had gone, no more kisses! It comes from two Anglo-Saxon words ‘Mistel’ (dung) and ‘tan’ (twig). So you could translate Mistletoe as ‘poo stick’. Not very romantic…

Next we need a tree. This comes from our Celtic and Viking ancestors, as the Solstice represented the iul, or ‘wheel’ of the turning year, and to help the Sun beat the darkness, the biggest tree in the forest was brought into town, cut and shared amongst the households, and burned over the 12 days following the solstice, given as energy to the Sun for its ascendency towards springtime, and the growing season. We still bring home a tree and celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, although with central heating and clean walls, we have lost the desire to burn trees, and choose to decorate it. Choose? Not really… 32

As for Holly, it’s spikes are believed to repel unwanted spirits. Babies were sprinkled with ‘holly water’, in which holly had been soaked overnight under a full moon. Sacred to Holle, the German goddess, it symbolizes long and healthy life. Its red berries represent feminine blood. Mistletoe (male) and holly (female) represent the Sacred Marriage and the re-birth of the Sun/Son. Lets go Carol singing instead! Carols were first sung thousands of years ago, but not as Christmas Carols. They were sung at the Solstice as people danced round stone circles, or burning fires. (The word carol originally meant to

FEATURE dance). Carols were sung during all four seasons, but only the tradition at Christmas has survived. So to the cheerful chap! The story of St. Nicholas tells how the custom of hanging up stockings began: There was a poor man with three daughters. He did not have money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn’t marry. (A dowry is money paid to the bridegroom by the brides parents) One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney (So the oldest daughter could marry). The bag fell into a stocking, drying by the fire. This was repeated with the second daughter. Curious, the father hid every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping the bag gold. Nicholas begged him to not tell, because he did not want the attention. But the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought to be from Nicholas. St. Nicholas putting gold into stockings is probably

where the custom of having a satsuma in your Christmas stocking came from. Golden fruit was a good replacement – and until the last 50 years these were still quite exotic. There are tales based around the God Odin leading the Wild Hunt across the skies (possibly inspired by the Northern Lights). This frightening stampede rode in chariots pulled by horses ridden by Valkyrie, great blonde women who chose the battlefield dead to feast in Valhalla, and wore horned helmets. Children were expected to sleep or Odin would have them fetched to assist the hunt, chasing the Sun to bring the new year. Sometimes they would leave a little food to placate the gods. Now if you leave a mince pie out and go to sleep, Santa will bring his gifts down the chimney, and the horns of the Valkyrie are now on reindeer, pulling Santa’s sleigh. Finally we have Boxing Day on December 26th, which started in the UK about 800 years ago. It was when the collection boxes for the poor were opened and the contents distributed. Some were made of rough earthenware shaped like pigs, from where we get ‘Piggy Banks’ It was traditional that servants got Boxing Day off to celebrate Christmas with their families. It was common for working people (such as milkmen and butchers) to travel their rounds and collect their Christmas box or tip. So there you have it. Whilst you enjoy the Christmas season, remember that you are carrying traditions spanning centuries, intended to bring together families and communities to eat, drink and be merry in deep Mid-Winter. Merry Christmas folks!

Guy Bolton

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 33

GARDENING

Biochar Soil Amendment What is Biochar?

Biochar is a purified form of charcoal that is specifically produced for soil application to improve plant growth and health. Biochar differs from “cooking” charcoal because its components are specially formulated and optimally balanced to improve soil structure and drainage. Current interest in Biochar has been inspired by the historical use of charcoal to amend “terra preta” and “terra mulata” soils in the Amazon Basin. These soils were high in crop productivity in an otherwise unproductive soil type, and were the result of the use of charred materials by the area’s inhabitants.

How does Biochar benefit soils?

Many benefits to soil characteristics have been demonstrated by the incorporation of Biochar. Increases in water retention, microbial activity and plant yields have been documented, in addition to reduced nutrient leaching and fertilizer inputs.

How does Biochar benefit plants? Studies show improved plant/root growth and soil fertility increases when soil quality is improved by Biochar. Numbers of lantenhancing microorganisms, such as Trichoderma, are boosted in soils amended with Biochar.

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts (Bedford) on 01234 354 673 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts – Bedford UK To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 35

GARDENING

Fruit planting The garden may be quieter than usual at this time of year, and certainly not likely to be yielding vast quantities of crops, but this near dormant time is perfect for planting fruit. You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, training them to espaliers (so that they have several sets of horizontal arms), cordons (as single main stems grown at an angle), fans (with their branches trained in to a fan shape) or as step-overs, (trained so that they make a neat edging for a bed or border about 45cm or so above ground level). You could also use a fruit tree to create a decorative and later a wonderfully productive arch. At this time of year fruit trees are great value because they are sold ‘bare root’, lifted from a field and not container grown. I find these establish particularly well and because you usually obtain them from a specialist supplier or nursery, the range of varieties available is second to none. You can either buy one year old ‘maidens’ and train these yourself, or if you want to save time, you can often buy trained or part trained forms.

get fruit) and on the basis of the taste and texture of the fruit and how well it stores and so forth. If you have space, it is good to grow apples for cooking as well as eating, or look out for those described as ‘dual purpose’, meaning they make very passable cookers as well as dessert apples. As well as tree fruits such as apples, pears and maybe even a medlar or a plum or gorgeous gage, you could also consider some delicious bush fruits. The great thing about these is that they take up even less space and again can often be trained into wacky shapes such as fan-trained or standard bushes, making them all the more ornamental and easier to fit into the smaller garden. Then there are raspberries – on my rather heavy and very alkaline soil I tend to stick to the autumn fruiting varieties such as Autumn Bliss and Joan J, but on freer draining and acidic soils you can try some of the more numerous summer fruiters too. Bare root fruit trees, bushes and canes are generally available from about November through until early March, depending on the weather, so don’t delay, start ordering or better still, planting, today. www.pippagreenwood.com

When you are choosing fruit trees it’s essential to get them on the right rootstock as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. Apples are particularly complicated, but as a rule, for step-overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing but somewhat tricky M27 – but beware weak varieties or any tree grown on this rootstock in a poor soil as it may well fail. For bush, cordon, espaliers and half-standard try the easier to look after dwarfing rootstock M26 and for a cordon or espalier on a poor soil, for arches and for bush trees try the semidwarfing MM106. You will need to choose the varieties you grow so that they can pollinate each other (if there is no suitable pollinator in the vicinity you will not To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 37

r e g a l l i d V r o e h w s T s o r c Prize

ÂŁ50

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 15th December 2013. Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name: Tel: Address:

Last months winner was Mrs P Myers from St Neots Across 1 Harbour (4) 3 Precious stones (8) 9 Implement (7) 10 Concur (5) 11 Produced (12) 14 Short sleep (3) 16 Coarse (5) 17 Pronoun (3) 18 Despite (12) 21 Modify (5) 22 Design (7) 23 Daily (8) 24 Musical instrument (4) Down 1 Imagining (8) 2 Wash (5) 4 Frozen water (3) 5 Sizes (12) 6 CrĂŠche (7) 7 Vomit (4) 8 Adequately (12) 12 Enumerate (5) 13 Pest (8) 15 Make ready (7) 19 All (5) 20 Imitation (4) 22 Vegetable (3)

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 39

HOME

P & R BATHRROMS Second To None Service

There is a dizzying array of options open to anyone considering a new bathroom. Followers of popular home fashions and the latest styles featured in home design magazines will be familiar with some of the choices available, but to access the experience and guidance I felt I needed, I went along to visit P and R Bathrooms.

is invisible, no pipework is on display whatsoever. The cupboards are ranged across the back wall and are deliciously sleek with real oak doors and plenty of drawers for easy-access to toiletries and towels. There is a fully coordinated worktop for a really clean look and a sink which I am told can be recessed into the surface for a solid surface finish or I can choose one which is fitted onto the counter top and has a more traditional look.

‘The main concern for many people these days is bathroom furniture and storage. There are two big choices’ explain Paul, the ‘P’ of P and R. ‘The fully fitted bathroom or the free-standing, modular bathroom.’

‘The alternative is to choose a free-standing or modular bathroom.’ I am guided towards a shining example as Paul continues. ‘Even though there is no counter-top or fitted furnishings in here the pipework can still be hidden because it is recessed into the wall. The storage – whatever you choose, cupboards, drawers, or a combination, can be wall mounted and tiled around so that it still has that very finished, sleek look but there need

‘Many people favour the fully fitted bathroom because it has that modern edge. It features The P and R Bathrooms showroom on Lurke clean, long lines and with the right amount of Street in Bedford is a huge and impressive area storage space it is easy to maintain that sleek, with many, many display bathrooms cleverly tidy look that works so well. It is brilliant for smaller laid out to make it easy to see individual styles bathrooms and can actually make them appear and familiarize oneself with every option. With larger. Clever lighting can work wonders in smaller expert help it was much easier to discover the spaces too and it is easy to incorporate that into latest bathroom looks suitable for my home and a a fitted bathroom and make the most of that very variety of tastes and budgets. finished, polished look.’

I give him a confused frown and with no further ado I am being gently ushered towards an impressive looking show bathroom. The cistern 40

HOME

not be so much of it so again, this can work well in smaller bathrooms . The cupboards or drawers that you do choose have true space – non of it is in use for hiding pipework and so the storage is not compromised in any way. There are all sorts of furniture options so that you can still have that long-line look and as everything is wall mounted there is nothing underneath which can make cleaning easier and lend a more open feel to the room.’ After spending time in the P and R showroom I am absolutely sure of the style I would like in our new bathroom. Our house is older and styled more traditionally and so I am glad to have the option of a free standing bathroom with all the modern convenience of recessed pipework and furniture that can accommodate the storage that our family needs. P and R Bathrooms have been in the bathroom business for a long time. ‘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.’ 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 contemplating a new look for your littlest room, I would not hesitate to recommend a trip to P and R Bathrooms. Being able to make the choice by spending time in such a huge variety of bathrooms, benefitting from expert advice followed by a design service and installation that you can trust ensures that P and R Bathrooms are second to none. 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:ooam4:00pm Saturday

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 41

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 43

TECHNOLOGY

How to choose a cool new camera More megapixels don’t always mean it’s worth more money Stand-alone cameras have taken something of a battering in recent years, with smartphone manufacturers cramming ever more megapixels into their models. But even cutting-edge phones such as the iPhone 5s are limited in what they can do: there’s only so much room for a lens and sensor in a case that’s already packed with electronics – and of course they’re expensive too. Many stand-alone cameras can take much better pictures and shoot much better video, often for considerably less cash than even the cheapest camera-toting smartphones. There are five types of cameras to consider: compacts, which are pocket- and budgetfriendly models that cost from less than £100 to around £200; superzooms, which have a clever lens capable of really impressive zoom levels and cost £250 to £350; compact system cameras, which have swappable lenses but which aren’t as big as digital SLR cameras and which start at around £400; and digital SLRs, which tend to be the biggest and most powerful models around and can cost anything from £300 to several thousand pounds. The fifth category is stand-alone video cameras, which range from £100ish to over £1,000: many digital cameras do video too, but it isn’t their primary focus. No pun intended. No matter what kind of camera you’re looking at, you’ll see the same numbers again and again: the camera’s megapixels, the lens size, and the lens aperture range. You might think that the camera with the most megapixels is going to be the best, but that isn’t always the case: once you go beyond around 6 megapixels 44

you won’t notice the difference on a TV screen or in a photo print, although the more megapixels you have the bigger the resulting images will be and the more hard disk space you’ll need to store them. The figure isn’t meaningless, but it isn’t the most important consideration. Aperture, which is expressed like this - “f/1.8” – matters more. The aperture tells you how much light the lens lets in, and the lower it is the better the camera will be in lower light such as when you’re taking shots in the evening or indoors. Some cameras can also compensate for low light problems with clever computer processing, such as Sony’s BIONZ system. As you might expect, the Zoom numbers tell you how well the zoom lens works. On compact cameras that’s usually expressed as a multiple, such as 2x or 10x; a 10x zoom will be five times more powerful than a 2x one. Pay no attention to any “digital zoom” figures, because they’re rubbish: a digital zoom tries to copy an optical zoom lens by guessing what the image would look like, and the results can be pretty poor. On compact system cameras and digital SLRs the zoom is more likely to be expressed in millimetres, so for example an 18-55mm lens will do nice wide angle shots but can’t zoom in too far, whereas an 18-105mm lens will zoom much further (and cost a lot more). Video cameras add another set of numbers to think about: the resolution and the frame rate. If you want to record true, future-proof high definition video for playback on UK TVs you’ll need a camera that records at 1080p in the European PAL format, which has a frame rate of 24 frames per second. And remember to check that the camera’s chosen video recording format – such as MP4, AVCHD – is supported by your computer’s video editing software.

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 45

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 47

RELAX

The Brickhill Book Bug reviews… Letters from Father Christmas written and illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien Father Christmas began writing to J.R.R. Tolkien’s eldest child, John, in 1920. From then on he wrote to Tolkien’s four children several times a year, often in reply to letters they wrote to him. He described his life at the North Pole with his friend, the North Polar Bear, who often gets into terrible mischief, setting off the Northern Light all at once and even breaking the North Pole! Later on we are introduced to North Polar Bear’s nephews, Paksu and Valkotukka, and hear about huge battles with goblins when they try to steal the presents stored at the North Pole. Each letter was beautifully hand written and illustrated by their father and Tolkien continued to write the letters for them until 1943 when Priscilla, the youngest, had stopped writing to Father Christmas, something her father was clearly quite sad about. But, as Father Christmas says,

Sudoku EASY

“We always keep the old numbers of our old friends, and their letters; and later on we hope to come back when they are grown up and have houses of their own and children.” This is a wonderful read for anyone who wants to remember what it was like to believe in Father Christmas. For more information about books and reading, visit the Virtual Library at www.bedford.gov.uk/ libraries. The Book Bug has worked for the library service in Bedfordshire for over 20 years. She lives in Brickhill with far too many books!

HARD

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 49

To advertise please call 01767 261122 or email christa@villagermag.com 51