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Great Ashby

& Old Town Directory

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FREE copy

Aug 2015

Free Monthly Magazine Delivered to Homes and Businesses in the Stevenage Area

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Contents Memories of the Birth of Scouting

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Welcome..................................................................4 Memories of the Birth of Scouting...........................6 Are Extended Warranties Worth the Money?..........10 The Bounty Hunters...............................................13 Win Tickets to the Cruise Show, Birmingham.........15 Choosing a New Sofa..............................................17 Bhutan - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair..........................18 Belle of the Beach..................................................22 Seasonal Delights...................................................25 Are you Birding, Twitching or Watching..................27 Why Breast is Best..................................................28 Credit Cards for the Life Stages...............................31 Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Louise Addison, Susan Brookes-Morris, Ann Haldon, Alison Runham, Solange Hando, Kate Duggan, RSPCA, Kate McLelland, Pippa Greenwood, Andy Mydellton, Waye Gorrett, Tim Saunders, Russell Grant and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales - Victoria Tonkinson Tel: 01767 261122 E: vickie@villagermag.com Photography - Emma Porter and Darren Harber

Tropical Paradise....................................................32 Spiders from the Fork.............................................35 Animal Heroes........................................................36 Honda Civic Type R.................................................39 A Holiday in East Sussex.........................................40 Fuel Saving............................................................42 Fun Quiz.................................................................46 Puzzle Page............................................................48 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes.....................................51 Prize Crossword......................................................54 Wordsearch............................................................57 What’s On...............................................................58 Book Review..........................................................61

Spiders from the Fork

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

Design and Artwork - Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460 To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

Hello...

and welcome to the August edition of the ‘Great Ashby and Old Town Directory.

As I am sure you will agree we have a jam packed edition for you this month. As always mixed in with all the adverts and editorials we have a host of interesting articles and quizzes for you. Please note we have a fantastic crossword competition with a fantastic £25 prize! For more details on where to send it to and the closing date please see Page 54. In the last six months a lot of positive things have happened with the Directory, we now come under the trustworthy umbrella of the Villager and Town Life Publications who have been distributing magazines in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire for a number of years. If you should ever get caught short and don’t have a copy of the directory you can now access it online at www.villagermag.com and scroll through to find current and past editions of the ‘Great Ashby and Old Town Directory’ Lastly I would just like to mention a huge thank you to all the readers who have contacted us regarding the Directory; your feedback is always wonderful to

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hear. Many of you have been in touch to kindly say how much you are enjoying the new look Directory.

For those of you that don’t know in the last six months the distribution has increased to just over eight and a half thousand homes! We now not only cover Great Ashby and part of the Old Town but also Chells Manor, Weston, Walkern, Ardley, Aston, Aston End and a considerably larger area of Stevenage.

This brings me to a question we would like to ask you…Now that we deliver to a wider area would you like to see the Directory have a name change or stay the same? If you would like to see a change of name what would you like call it? Feel free to email me direct vickie@villagermag.com or call the office on 01767 261122 with your thoughts. So get your thinking caps on, and don’t forget to submit your crossword answers, the winner will be announced in the September edition!

Please do not forget to mention the Great Ashby and Old Town Directory when responding to an advert.

Bye for now, All of the team at the Villager x

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5 17/07/2015 16:34

History Gillian Clay at Baden-Powell Way

Memories of the

Birth of Scouting

The international Scout movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell hoped that Scouting would be “a tool of peace for the world” according to his granddaughter Gillian Ella St Clair Clay.

“He believed that if everyone had the same values, learned the same skills, played the same games, sang the same silly songs, and had the same attitude towards helping people, they wouldn’t want to fight each other” she says.

Gill, who was born in South Africa in June 1937 to the Baden-Powells’ daughter Betty and her husband Gervas Clay, came to Bedfordshire all the way from her home in Wales in June of this year to officially name the longest Baden-Powell road in Europe Baden-Powell Way on the new Kings Reach Estate in Biggleswade. She was accompanied by her great nephew and the great great grandson and granddaughter of Lord Robert, seven-year-old Cub Scout Oscar Clay and his six-year old sister Beaver Scout Anna, who unveiled a commemorative plaque that has a history of their famous ancestor.

Part of Bedfordshire’s Green Wheel Pathway, when it is open, Baden-Powell Way will be 2 km (1.2 miles)

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By Catherine Rose

long. It joins many roads named after Baden-Powell worldwide including the Baden-Powell Trail in California, the Lord Baden-Powell Drive in Australia’s Wagga Wagga, and the Baden Powell Drive along the coast from Cape Town, South Africa. It is linked to other streets on the King’s Reach Estate that have been named in honour of Biggleswade and District Scouts following their contribution to the community, including the planting of 100 trees on the Green Wheel Pathway during their centenary.

The groups were re-dubbed during the space race of the 1960s hence there is Planets Way, Jupiter Way, Neptune Drive, Mercury Lane, Gemini Lane and Erris Avenue.

Gill was raised with the first-hand knowledge that “Scouting is fun” from her grandmother Olave, Lord Robert’s wife and was a Brownie in England by the time she was eight and a half. Although she was put on her grandfather’s knee from a young age, it is her grandmother Olave who she remembers best and she very kindly shared her family album exclusively with The Villager in the photos published here.

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Gillian as a child with her mother and grandmother, Lady Baden-Powell Olave, 20 years his junior, met Robert Baden-Powell when they travelled together on the SS Arcadian to New York in 1912. He was already famous for his involvement in the newly-formed Scouting movement. Each Scout in England donated a penny to buy them the wedding gift of a car.

“My grandmother was great fun. We absolutely loved her” said Gill, recalling visits to Olave for treats.

“I remember her getting ready for some event, polishing her shoes and badge.”

When Gill led her own Brownie group, Olave inspected it, captured here in this rare photo. It becomes clear that both Gill and her mother had no choice when it came to their involvement with Scouting (nor would they have wanted to). Gill tells the story of how one of her brothers came home from Cubs and announced he had volunteered their mother to be the next Akela.

Betty, who died in 2004, was Colony Commissioner for northern Rhodesia. After retirement, she continued as Gill’s assistant Brownie leader. Today, at 78, Gill still works as an assistant Beaver Scout leader, having been a leader for a decade at Beavers and for 18 years at Cubs.

In 2007 for the first time, girls were officially allowed to join Cubs and Scouts. With a blurring of the traditional gender divide, the official line is that both movements have slightly different aims, with Guides having a ‘young women in society’ focus and Scouts being open to all. Gill hopes that Scouts remains “boyish” but admitted she is very glad girls can be in Scouts.

“My daughter would have loved to be in it” said Gill. “She always participated in everything but she couldn’t do badges.

“I think that which one you choose will depend on where your friends and family go. Activities vary with the leaders. Some leaders are very adventurous and others opt more for craft-based pursuits” but adds “They can both do everything”.

She adores Bear Grylls, the ‘survival’ celebrity who was appointed as Chief Scout and the public face of Scouting in 2009. “I think Bear Grylls is wonderful” she said. “He and Peter Duncan have completely transformed the attitude of the media towards

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Scouting. For a long time, it wasn’t cool to be in Scouts and Guides. Now it is cool!”

Whether cool or not, “millions of people have lived and are currently living in the Baden-Powell way” - something that Gill points out in her speech when naming the road not just after her famous grandfather, but after his vision too. The ‘BadenPowell Way’ stands for “helping others and finding fulfilment and happiness”.

On the day of the event, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis; the Town Mayor Hazel Ramsey; the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Lady Isabelle and local counsellors joined Gill with Biggleswade and District Scouts and Guides to celebrate. The day began with a traditional soap box derby.

Helen Nellis is also patron of Youth United which was launched in Bedfordshire in 2014. Its aim is to bring together young peoples’ community groups so that resources can be pooled. It also hopes to encourage more adult leaders to come forward.

Helen believes Scouts is invaluable in teaching the social and life skills not necessarily learned at school. “Through camping, outdoor activities and sociability, the Scouting movement teaches young people confidence, teamwork and high self esteem which are the things you need in life. Children learn early on about helping in their community” she said.

“It is rewarding and enjoyable for adults too. Once they dip their toe in the water, they usually stay for around 30 years!”

Four of those young people are Emilia de Luca, Dan Bownes, Maddy Letowska and Ben Febery-Watts from the 28th Bedfordshire and Anglia Scouts and Guides (known as the Clangers) who had been chosen to attend the 12-day 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Tokyo that took place last month.

Today, only four countries in the world do not have Scouts: North Korea, Laos, Andorra and the Chinese Republic and Gill believes her grandfather would not have foreseen the huge growth, popularity and longevity of the movement when he founded it over a hundred years ago.

“He was very disappointed when World War Two came, and sadly he died during the war so didn’t live to see the movement spread as far as it has” she said.

“There were 16 million Scouts in 160 countries when my son was in Cubs. He is 43 now and today there are nearly 40 million, including 10 million Guides.”

Lord Robert Baden-Powell believed you should “try and leave this world a little better than you found it”. Today, his granddaughter continues to spread his vision for young people everywhere.

New leaders are always needed for local groups. If you are interested, please visit: www.scouts.org.uk and search in your local area.

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9

Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Are Extended Warranties

Worth the Money?

It doesn’t seem to matter what product you’re buying, there’s now an extended warranty available for everything.

The question people often ask me on my radio show is whether it’s a good idea to pay the extra and take one out?

My answer is generally a big, fat NO! Under your statutory rights you are protected for a ‘reasonable’ amount of time if a manufacturing defect occurs with a product. Depending on the item and the initial cost, this is generally as long as an extended warranty would last anyway.

Remember when the retailer says that after 12 months there’s nothing they can do, they’re fobbing you off. The extended warranty is normally a way of charging you for something you really don’t need.

Sadly some consumers are so trusting of retailers that they believe the company’s advice to be sound. I went to a well known shop once and bought a radio for £15.99. The retailer tried very hard to sell me a 3 year extended warranty for £20. I explained that if the radio failed after a couple of years I would simply purchase a new one at another cost of £15.99. The shop assistant seemed amazed that I was so hostile to the idea. Sadly I would imagine many people go ahead and pay an additional £20 that’s totally pointless.

You should however remember that often when claiming under your statutory rights that a battle will probably ensue. A battle that will require you to hold your nerve.

For most things I would urge you to fight that battle (and call me if you need help), but for other essential products (stairlifts / electric wheelchairs etc) you may consider buying the extended warranty just to give you hassle free piece of mind, and you know what? I wouldn’t blame you.

The rule of thumb is always think long and hard before you hand over your money for something you probably don’t need.

It is also worth looking into the idea of purchasing insurance policies that cover all of your white goods for mechanical failure. For consumers looking for hassle free piece of mind at a lower cost these can be a good alternative to the ‘extended warranty. Please read the terms and conditions though beforehand and understand exactly what the policy will cover.

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.

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Hobbies

The Bounty Hunters

Modern day metal-detecting I have happy memories of my dad, wearing comical over-size headphones, wandering up and down various beaches with his metal detector, pausing periodically to dig up yet another ring pull or bottle top. We kids hoped for treasure; instead dad found foreign coins, old pennies, and once, an engraved wedding ring, which we handed in to the local police station.

Dad’s metal-detecting was a harmless and somewhat seasonal hobby, but recently I was surprised to learn that modern-day metal detecting is a subject which provokes controversy among archaeologists, the police and landowners.

Most metal detectors admit that becoming rich or finding something of immense value is about the same as winning the lottery. But it

does happen. In 2009 Terry Herbert, who had been metal-detecting for 18 years unearthed what has become known as The Saxon Hoard: the largest collection of Anglo Saxon gold and silver ever seen. Valued at £3 million it is still the most expensive treasure ever found on British soil. Terry did nothing wrong; he informed all the right people and behaved properly throughout his discovery, yet many archaeologists were very unhappy.

Archaeology is a deeply political profession and a very academic one. Archaeologists feel that the past belongs to everybody; that finds should be in a public collection on display and accessible for study on the internet or in books. They see those who use metal detectors as being very object-orientated while they, the academics, are educated to take a broader view.

Most metal detector enthusiasts do operate legitimately, but some work on the wrong side of the law. Archaeologists call these treasure hunters ‘nighthawks’, because they go out to archaeological sites under cover of darkness to raid them for artefacts, which they can then sell over the internet. They often cause considerable damage in the process.

So does that mean we shouldn’t go out metaldetecting? No, it’s a fun hobby and can be absorbing, exciting and educational. But there are some rules all enthusiasts should obey.

Do not trespass Adhere strictly to laws concerning protected sites.

Minimise ground disturbance when you dig.

Adhere to the country code (close gates, don’t litter etc.)

Report any finds to the relevant landowner.

Consider joining a metal detecting club – Not only is it fun and sociable, they will have current advice on the conservation and handling of artefacts, and often provide insurance too.

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N O I T I T E P M O C The CRUISE Show Birmingham 12-13 September 2015 www.cruisingshow.com Discover a whole world of voyages at The CRUISE Show in Birmingham...

As Europe’s leading cruise event, The CRUISE Show will host the largest collection of major cruise lines and specialist operators all under one roof for one weekend!

Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to a far-flung destination, a sumptuous ultra-luxury voyage, maybe a relaxing cultural river cruise or a tropical family cruiseholiday with lots to entertain all ages – The CRUISE Show at the NEC has it all.

Packed with information and inspiration visitors can enjoy exclusive money-saving show offers and upgrades, be inspired by the informative free talks, gain essential expert advice that you won’t find in the brochure, discover different ship styles and incredible destinations and hear directly from the cruise lines about what’s new for 2015/2016.

So, if you’re completely new to cruising and intrigued to discover what it’s all about, or you’re a seasoned cruiser wanting inspiration for your next adventure, then make sure you head to The CRUISE Show at Birmingham’s NEC on 12-13 September 2015.

For more show information please visit www.cruisingshow.com

We are giving 10 lucky people the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

Just answer this simple question below: Where is The CRUISE Show in Birmingham taking place? a) Olympia b) NEC c) Manchester Central Send your answer with your name, address and telephone number to: Cruise Show Birmingham Competition, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £4 (that’s saving £6 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘VILLAGER’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024.

(Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

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Home Interiors

Choosing a New Sofa Buying a new sofa is a significant financial purchase. Here are a few pointers to help with your decision: Think about what size is most suitable. Proportions are important. For example if you have high ceilings a high backed sofa may look better than a low backed style. A huge sofa in a small room can be overbearing and leave little room for other furniture. In some spaces two smaller sofas or a sofa and arm chair combination will be more aesthetically pleasing than one large one.

Consider your comfort when deciding on the overall size too. The height and depth of the seat can make a vast difference. I am relatively short and often find I have to perch near the edge of the seat on some designs in order for my feet to touch the ground. So do try them out.

When considering shape and style you need to decide whether you want to create a relaxed style or a more formal look. Solid backs and styles such as Chesterfields’ are neater and more traditional, whereas loose-backed and corner sofa arrangements are more contemporary. Corner sofas are also ideal for creating a relaxation space within a large open-plan living space and can save space in smaller rooms.

Other differences that can help you decide which style you prefer are arm shape: square, rolled, wide or narrow; the overall line of the sofa, straight or curved; and the design of the legs.

There are many options in terms of upholstery: fabric or leather, plain or patterned. Think about durability in terms of the fabric and the look you are trying to create. Even if you decide on leather you will probably still have a choice between natural look, a smoother more even finish, or faux leather instead. Fabrics may be cotton-based, velvet and chenille types or microfibre.

Most designers recommend a plain colour for the main sofa and the use of scatter cushions to add a splash of another colour or patterns. Cushions can be changed more easily if you decide the look needs updating in the future.

To aid longevity, choose a sturdy frame with good joinery and springs. You can often get a protective coating applied to your new sofa to help protect against spills too.

Finally many new sofas have extra features such as recliner options or built in audio. Or you may want a sofa bed. There’s a lot to consider, so don’t make a hasty decision as most of us keep our sofas for many years.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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17

Travel

By Solange Hando

Bhutan - Taktsang, the Tiger’s Lair Long ago, they say, a holy man named Guru Rinpoche flew from the East on the back of a tigress to bring Buddhism to Bhutan. He landed high above the Paro valley on a vertiginous ledge where hermits soon followed to meditate in the caves.

Taktsang, ‘the Tiger’s Lair’ is the most sacred place in this small Himalayan kingdom, claiming myriad shrines on the slopes and a monastery built on the very ledge where the Guru landed. Damaged by fire in the late 90s, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark was restored by the finest artists and welcomes visitors, pilgrims and monks who might choose to meditate for up to seven years in the most remote building.

Glinting in sunlight or draped in shifting mist, Taktsang defies imagination, seemingly inaccessible as it clings precariously to the cliff face, hanging some 800 metres above the valley floor.

Yet, it can be reached on a scenic three hour trek, starting in a riverside meadow garlanded in prayer flags. Soon the trail enters a forest of blue pines, rhododendrons and oak where wild primula and orchids line the path and lichen hangs from the trees like ghostly cobwebs. Sometimes you come across a makeshift stall with a colourful display of turquoise and coral beads, gleaming among human skulls polished for ritual offerings. A child beckons, a woman smiles but all is quiet except for bird song and the occasional tinkling of bells as ponies carry the less able to the half way point.

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Up there, by a log cabin framed in marigolds, Taktsang appears even more out of reach across a fathomless ravine, but there are great views of the valley with its golden paddies, meandering river and traditional houses festooned in auspicious signs and beautifully carved eaves. At nearly 3000 metres, the air is fresh and Buddhist flags flutter in the breeze to send prayers in all directions.

Beyond the cabin, the path climbs relentlessly above the tree line, past holy rocks and glistening shrines, mysterious footprints, gurgling springs and rows of tiny urns containing ashes of the dead, placed here to ensure a peaceful after-life. Just like the altitude, the scenery takes your breath away, from the mountain tops drifting in and out of the mist to the forest tumbling down to the valley in every shade of green. One final bend and you are faced by hundreds of steps staggering down to a wooden bridge to cross a sacred waterfall, then it’s up on the other side to the entrance gate, at last.

Now, vertigo might strike at any moment for there is little room on the ledge where white walls and red and gold pagoda roofs jostle for space right against the rock, on the very edge of the precipice.

Narrow rickety bridges, steps and mini-terraces lead from one temple to the next, with yet more dizzying views of the Paro valley. Inside every temple are murals of gurus and gods, gilded statues and offerings of fruit, flowers and colourful butter sculptures. Pilgrims prostrate and peep into the Guru’s cave, open only once a year, and now and then the chanting of monks echoes in the semi-darkness, punctuated by cymbals and gongs.

Oil lamps flicker and the fragrance of incense rises all around. It’s eerie, inspiring and worth every challenging step along the way.

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21

Health & Beauty

Belle of the Beach Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Late nights, lazy days at the beach and endless mojitos… we do love summer holidays. Whether you’re heading off for a week in the Canaries, catching a cruise ship to the Caribbean, or just taking the kids camping to Cornwall, feast your eyes on our pick of the latest beauty releases.

If you like ‘buying British’ you’ll love the new British Botanical Shower Cream from Elemis, which uses UK-sourced ingredients such as chamomile, lavender, rosemary and oats. It smells divine and is incredibly nourishing. At £24 it is rather pricey, but definitely one to consider if you fancy treating yourself.

Looking for a sun cream that’s suitable for all the family? Try Green People’s Organic Children Scent Free Sun Lotion, £16.95. It’s non-greasy and rubs in more easily than a lot of the other natural sunscreens on the market. Offering both UVA and UVB protection, with a choice of SPF 25 or 30, it offers great all round protection. Plus it’s packed with fruit and seed oils, including avocado, olive and aloe vera, and is kind to sensitive skin. It is water-resistant, but won’t survive a long swim in the pool, so do make sure that you reapply it regularly.

If you prefer a lipstick to a gloss, but hate the drying effect that some lipsticks can have, you’ll want to get your hands on one of the new Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons. 100% natural, the crayons use shea butter, jojoba oil and kendi oil to soften and moisturise your lips. I could still feel the difference by the next day.

There are six shades available.

My personal favourite is Sedana Sands – a natural pink with just a hint of caramel, which

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is perfect for summer. Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons are priced at £8.99 and are available from Debenhams, Fenwick and www.burtsbees.co.uk.

We all know the risks, but when the sun is shining and we’re baring our pins on a golden beach, we can’t help but want a tan. Sometimes it’s OK to fake it, and tanning is one of those occasions.

Don’t let the visions of Oompa Loompa lookalikes put you off; fake tans have come a long way and you no longer have to choose between milk bottle white or tangerine orange. For best results, wax or shave the day before, exfoliate well, then follow with a body lotion. Wait until the lotion is fully absorbed before applying the tan. New to the UK market is Aussie tanning brand Black Magic.

Try the Black Magic Instant Tanning Mousse, £23, which is tinted, extremely easy to apply and comes with a mitt to keep your hands stain-free. www. blackmagictan.co.uk If late night cocktails have left your skin looking a bit lacklustre, or you just don’t fancy slapping on foundation in the heat, give Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, £23, a go. Designed to ‘wake up’ tired looking skin and leave it with a healthier looking glow, it’s no surprise that this has quickly become one of Origins’ ‘hero’ products.

A 75ml limited edition version was released this spring, featuring a funky coffee bean lid, but it was snapped up pretty quickly. Still, you may be lucky and find one lurking at the back of a shelf in Debenhams…

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BLADES BARBERS ReDUCeD WAiTing Times nOW With seven team members at BLADes BARBeRs

DUE TO THE SUCCESS of the salon, Brendan, with 28 years of barbering experience, has come a long way having opened the salon in early 2009 initially on his own, he now has seven team members to accommodate customer demand for high quality gent’s hairdressing at Great Ashby in Stevenage.

REDUCED WAITING TIMES. Since opening the salon, Brendan has increased the size of his waiting area to provide extra seats, taken on additional highly qualified barbers and is now training a junior team member to the same high standard that customers have come to expect.

Opening Times

monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday saturday sunday

9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 6pm 9am - 7pm 8am - 6pm 7.30am - 4pm Closed

BLADES BARBERS – is an upmarket salon charging local prices. It is situated in the perfect location at the Neighbourhood Centre in Great Ashby, with FREE AND PLENTIFUL PARKING making the whole experience easy and convenient.

price List no appointment necessary Wet Cut & Blow Dry

£8.50

Wash Cut & Blow dry

£12.50

Clipper Cuts

£6.50

senior Citizens

£6.00

Mon - Thurs 9am - 2pm, over 65 years

Children

£7.50

up to 11 years

Beard Trim Beard Trim

£3.00 £4.50

with cut throat shape up

Lines & patterns prices from

£1.00

Unit 1, st Francis House, Whitehorse Lane, great Ashby neighbourhood Centre, stevenage, sg1 6nH

Tel: 01438 317 482

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Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Coronation Chicken

Serves 6 Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling time This summer favourite is great for easy entertaining. For the best flavour buy a small free-range whole chicken and roast in advance. If you are short on time buy a ready roasted chicken from the hot deli counter at the supermarket.

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp mild curry paste 150ml carton natural yoghurt 6 tbsp mayonnaise Juice of 1/2 lime Salt and freshly ground black pepper 500g cold roast chicken, sliced or torn into strips 1 ripe mango, peeled, stone removed and flesh thinly sliced 2 tsp sunflower oil 75g unsalted cashew nuts Small handful fresh coriander leaves Mix the curry paste, yoghurt, mayonnaise and lime juice in a large bowl and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Add the sliced chicken and toss gently to coat in the curried sauce. Arrange on a serving platter and cover and chill for 2-3 hours (or overnight).

Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the cashew nuts. Fry over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

Leave to cool.

Just before serving, arrange the mango slices on top of the chicken and scatter over the fried cashew nuts and coriander leaves. Serve with a mixed green salad or as part of a summer buffet.

TIP • For an extra spicy flavour add a finely chopped red chilli pepper to the yoghurt and mayonnaise mixture.

• Instead of the cashews, garnish with some shredded spring onions or a handful of fresh peppery rocket leaves.

• For delicious open sandwiches, pile the Coronation chicken onto split and lightly toasted ciabatta rolls.

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G re a t A s h b y Podiatry Clinic

General Chiropody and Diabetic Footcare Computerised Gait Analysis and Orthotic Therapy Qualified in Local Analgesia and Nail Surgery Sports Injuries and Musculoskeletal Conditions Treated

Gary Webb MChS Podiatrist Tel: 01438 317738 45 Grasmere, Great Ashby

www.garywebbpodiatrist.co.uk www.podiatryandwellbeing.co.uk

Paulines Fitness Classes Cardio Blast & Legs, Bums & Tums Exercise to music & Legs, Bums & Tums Saturday Mornings are Coming to Paulines Fitness!

Contact me for more details on: 07908969029 or email paulinesfitness@outlook.com or like my Facebook page paulinesfitness 26

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Hobbies

Are you Birding, By Kate McLelland Twitching or Watching?

In the late 1980s the arrival of a tiny American songbird (blown off course during its annual migration) in Larkfield, Kent, led to a mass-mobilisation of the nation’s bird lovers. Over the course of several days 2500 “twitchers” crowded into the small Tesco car park that the goldenwinged warbler had chosen as its temporary home.

In the 1980s a twitcher (the term for someone who is willing to travel many miles in order to see a rare bird at first hand) would need to rely on radio or TV reports, or home phone calls from fellow enthusiasts, in order to learn about a rare bird’s visit. Now, thanks to mobile communication, the news can be spread within seconds of the first sighting. Just this year 500 people appeared on a Norfolk beach in a matter of hours after a rare citril finch - normally only found in alpine areas of Europe – was first observed.

Such devotion to searching out rare sightings means that twitchers often find themselves in the media spotlight, but not all bird hobbyists are twitchers.

Twitching is just one aspect of a pastime that’s surprisingly broad and diverse, with activities ranging from a single individual recording birds in their local area (usually defined as a “bird-watcher”) to members of well organised groups who come together to learn everything they can about bird species, including their nesting habits, environmental usage and migration patterns. These serious hobbyists are known as “birders” and some even travel the world, taking part in competitive events.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the UK’s leading bird charity and it has done much to protect endangered species and promote bird welfare. The society’s “Big Garden Birdwatch”, which started over 36 years ago, has become an important annual event across the country: encouraging householders to contribute to research so the RSPB can record changes in bird populations.

You can sign up for the Big Garden Birdwatch by going to the RSPB website (www.rspb.org. uk). Alternatively you may prefer to join one of the society’s local groups (enter a search for “Local Groups” on their website to find an A-Z list). Run by volunteers, these groups provide an opportunity for members to learn more about birds and wildlife and take part in talks, walks and fundraising events.

Birding UK (www.birding.uk.com) also provides information on a range of groups you can join, including “Birding Buddies”, “Bird

Photographers”, “Bird Artists” and even “Birding Bikers”.

If you’re just getting started as a bird-watcher you’ll find a range of mobile phone apps to help you identify birds and record sightings. Ranging in price from .69p to £12.99, some even provide examples of birdsong to help with identification but care should be taken when playing recorded birdsong in the natural environment, particularly at times when birds are nesting.

Whether you’re a simple “birdwatcher” or a dedicated “birder” or “twitcher” you can be confident that you’ve chosen a hobby that will always offer interest, excitement and fresh challenges.

As climate change continues to affect the natural environment altering breeding and migration patterns - it’s good to know that keen observers are continually monitoring the nation’s birds, recording and passing on vital information that will help preserve these precious populations well into the future.

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Health & Beauty

Why Breast is still Best August is World Breastfeeding Month, so let’s bust some myths and look at breastfeeding benefits.

Breastfeeding Myths I can’t breastfeed because: • I need medication for depression. Sometimes the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding outweigh potential risks (very low with some antidepressants).

• I have flat/ inverted nipples. Breastfeeding is often possible and can even fix this – as can a simple operation.

• I’m unsure about breastfeeding; I’m going back to work, anyway. Even if you feed your baby just a few times, they’ll receive colostrum (initial breastmilk full of your antibodies). Started bottlefeedng? Usually you can still breastfeed later, although it’s harder as time passes. You can breastfeed at first, then swap to expressed breastmilk, formula or mixed feeding when you return to work; you have a legal right to express milk at work and ask for a change in your working pattern.

• I can’t make enough milk: Despite what many mums are told, it’s extremely rare to be physically incapable of producing enough milk.

The process can be hampered after a caesarean, or if you or your baby is poorly. Usually you just need time and correct technique, but if your baby’s suffering or you need to leave them, you can give formula... ...But mixed feeding will ruin my milk supply: If your baby needs the odd bottle of formula, don’t panic. Ideally, though, wait 6 weeks to try regular mixed feeding, as the ideal production rate is stimulated by demand and takes time to establish. Often, regular mixed feeding early on quickly leads to full formula feeding, the NCT warns, but it’s usually successful after breastfeeding is established.

Breastfed babies wake more at night: Research suggests parents of breastfed babies get more sleep, and there’s no night time bottle preparation.

I can’t breastfeed in public: The Equality Act 2010 says you CAN.

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Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk Breastfeeding Benefits • Much healthier babies: breastmilk is custommade for your baby, adapting to their needs.

It aids development, increases intelligence and reduces the risk of chest, stomach, ear and urine infections, asthma, diabetes, obesity, leukaemia, meningitis, celiac disease, Sudden Infant Death syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, some lymphomas and cancers, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease, eczema, allergies, breast and ovarian cancer in girls and necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious bowel condition) in premature babies.

• Healthier mums: Breastfeeding uses 200-500kcal daily, contracts your uterus to normal size, conserves your iron, and reduces your risk of postpartum haemorrhage, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

• Convenient, economical and green: Feed your baby anywhere for free, saving £550 a year on formula and reducing waste.

Decisions, Decisions A mini-survey of friends echoed national findings: the main culprits responsible for making breastfeeding difficult or unappealing are poor advice and support (personal and professional).

“I was banished to upstairs in my in-laws house!” said one friend, while Liz intended to breastfeed until her midwife advised her bottlefeeding would be easier after her caesarean. Older ‘militant’ breastfeeding advice just caused guilt: “My LaLeche League book was SO awful about bottle feeding that when I finally offered my daughter formula, I felt I was poisoning her,” said Katie.

The NCT found 90% of women whose friends breastfeed, have a plan to breastfeed themselves, compared to 51% of women without breastfeeding friends. So ensuring mums are wellinformed and supported, wherever and however they feed their baby, is vital.

NCT (National Childbirth Trust): www.nct.org. uk/ Helpline: 0300 330 0700

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LOOKING FOR AN ACCOUNTANT AND A PROFESSIONAL ONE TO ONE SERVICE ?

We specialise in Small to Medium size Businesses, Sole Traders & Partnerships • Accounts • Tax Returns • Payroll • Vat For a free quotation and initial meeting call Chris Hughes 01438 362959 Email: chrishugheshb@btconnect.com

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Finance

By Ann Haldon

Credit Cards For the Life Stages With so many different credit cards to choose from, knowing which one is right for you often depends on the current stage of your life. Whether you’re a young adult just starting work, coping with the financial demands of a young family, or are approaching retirement, here are some of the features and benefits to watch out for.

Students and graduates Most student account ‘packages’ include a credit card for those who qualify, and generally offer an average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of around 19%. Credit limits are unlikely to be more than £500, but this is often all that is needed to provide a financial cushion.

HSBC student credit card Offered alongside their student current account, you can make payments and view your balance online. Their representative variable APR is 18.9% - average for this type of card, with no annual fee payable.

Graduate cards work in much the same way, often linked to a ‘graduate’ account, and with a similar credit limit and APR. A slight difference is that some banks offer the facility to transfer an existing balance over to your new graduate card at 0% interest for a limited time.

Lloyds Bank graduate card Lloyds offer a limit of up to £500 on credit cards if you are a graduate current account holder.

A selection of cards is available depending on your income as a new graduate, with some cards offering 0% interest on balance transfers.

Young family Rewards cards Parents of young children may prefer to receive rewards and incentives from a credit card. These could include free travel insurance, commissionfree foreign currency, free days out and money-off vouchers for meals at child-friendly restaurants.

Tesco Clubcard credit card Currently the Tesco Clubcard credit card offers five Clubcard points for every £4 spent with Tesco, including your spend on petrol.

You can also earn one point for every £4 spent using the card at other outlets.

Cash back cards Cash back credit cards come in handy if you can pay back the total balance each month. You need to read the small print carefully, however, as higher penalties often apply for missed or late payments.

Santander 123 credit card Santander is currently offering 1% cash back in the major supermarkets when you use their credit card, 2% in major department stores, and 3% on petrol and transport.

Retirees A reduced income in retirement often means a narrower choice of credit cards. Banks and other financial institutions prefer to see a regular wage coming in, and some have a policy of refusing anyone over a certain age, regardless of how much money they have saved. Even if your savings are with the bank you are applying to, banks have been quite rigid on this policy of late.

Saga Platinum credit card A variable representative APR of 11.9 % makes this credit card from Saga a middle-of-the-road option in terms of interest rate. Not the lowest, but not the highest, the perks of this card currently include an introductory 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first nine months, and 0% foreign currency fees on transactions worldwide.

The best general advice from money experts is to shop around for the best credit card. Don’t be blinded by rewards and offers – simply find a good all-round card with a low interest rate, and let the added extras be just that – extra to the main features.

www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/credit-cards/student-credit-card www.lloydsbank.com/current-accounts/graduate-account.asp www.lloydsbank.com/credit-cards.asp www.santander.co.uk/uk/credit-cards/123-credit-card www.tescobank.com/credit-cards/compare.html www.saga.co.uk/money/saga-credit-card.aspx

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Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

Tropical Paradise As the summer’s end is not too far away, many of us will be wishing for that exotic holiday we never quite had. But you can recreate that Typically Tropical Feel in your own garden instead. The temperatures may not be quite what they might be on a real exotic holiday, but it’ll certainly help to make your garden feel warmer and more appealing, and you can be sure that it’ll last a lot longer than the classic two week long trip.

A tropical oasis might be particularly well suited to an urban garden, where temperatures are often warmer and conditions more sheltered and protected, but even if your garden gets its fair share of frosts you can still make an impact using a mixture of tender and hardy plants all of which have that exotic feel to them. Plant closely or fill ‘gaps’ with temporary plantings of the less hardy tropical look plants and you will create that dense, lush looks which spells tropical paradise.

Lush, large leaves will always help to create a rainforest or exotic atmosphere and you could even grow a miniature banana called Musa ‘Basjoo’, which shows a good degree of hardiness. Indian shot plants, also known as the cannas are great and fast growing too. For very bold, colourfully striped foliage and screaming orange flowers try Canna ‘Tropicana’, or for a larger than life effect try the banana Ensetes ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ which grows very fast and has wonderfully rich purplegreen leaves.

If you want more than just foliage, the bulbous Eucomis bicolour has out-of-this world greenish yellow flowerheads which give it the common name of ‘pineapple plant’. Another favourite of mine is the Angel’s trumpet. These gorgeous looking plants may be very poisonous but the flowers of Brugmansia (previously known as

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Datura) as angel’s trumpet is also known, take some beating – choose white, yellow or cream and enjoy their perfume and elegant good looks.

Although not hardy if you grow it in a pot it can be kept in the garden during all but the worst weather and then brought out again once it has started to warm up the following spring.

Don’t forget the vertical surfaces such as trellis, walls and fences as they too can be given a floral and foliage makeover. These may look boring now, but will look great when covered with passion flowers, ornamental vines or the pretty Cobea scandens commonly known as the cup and saucer plant.

Then add to the ‘action’ using a few dramatic features – perhaps a Trachycarpus fortunei palm in open ground or a pot, or in the form of a sculpture or statue. If you go to the garden centre, many statues and garden ornaments are much more affordable than you might think. Partially hidden with some lush foliage they help to add to the jungle-like atmosphere.

There are plenty of tropical-effect plants to choose from including: tree ferns, phoenix palms, yuccas, cordylines, Rodgersia pinnata, Gunnera manicata, Rheum palmatum, cycads, citrus (including lemons, calamondin orange and other fruiting varieties) and bamboos.

So, you see, the potential is there to create a holiday paradise without having to leave home, brave delays at the airport, find a house or petsitter…..all you need now is a deck chair and a cocktail or two, delivered on a tray!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for Nemaslug & other biocontrols, Speed Hoes, Speed Weeders SoftTie, pop-up crop covers, copper tape and lots more besides.

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Wildlife

Spiders from the Fork

By Andy Mydellton

Clearing up my workshop, I found myself within inches of a large coal-black spider. I jumped then gave myself a wry smile that this peaceful creature had startled me without any effort whatsoever.

Spiders take refuge in buildings for warmth, comfort and safety from other predators. During the worst months, only the hardiest and most successful hunters survive to pass on their genes in the spring.

This spider must have been one of those survivors.

The spiders that inhabit this particular corner of the world are only a small representation of the 30,000 or so species alive today. Many are cannibalistic, while others hunt insects and invertebrates. Various species spin different quality silks for their web. Their safety lines are able to bridge many yards of open space.

I did not have time to identify the workshop’s spider but it would have been one of the many that usually inhabit the garden including orb, money and house spiders.

One unusual type can be found in garden ponds.

Water spiders have a very different lifestyle to those found spinning webs in hedgerows and are fascinating to watch. To search for food, they create a bell-shaped bubble which they use to breathe underwater. It allows them to remain submerged for hunting forays into the deep.

Ted Hughes’ Tales from Ovid, the ‘Metamorphoses’ tells the story of Arachne, a humbly-born woman who challenged Minerva, Goddess of Weavers to a spinning contest. When Arachne won, angry Minerva transformed her and her descendants into spiders, doomed to spin forever and spiders became known as arachnids.

The true definition of an arachnid is that they have two distinct body segments with four pairs of jointed legs. Other members of the arachnid family include mites, ticks, horseshoe crabs and scorpions! Arachnids are different to insects that have three body parts and six legs.

For years pioneering scientists have been trying

to replicate spiders’ silk for its strength, durability and richness. Incredibly, it is five times harder than steel of the same thickness. Companies plan to use it for high grade items of clothing, personal protective equipment and engineering. It shows how much society values the spider’s natural fibre.

Part of the reason why scientists have found this substance impossible to replicate is because it is made of protein. When I catch a spider weaving its intricate web, I am amazed thinking about how such a small body can reconstitute its own natural liquid into an acid that it spins out as a hardened solid.

The initial stickiness of the web tethers invertebrates that have stumbled into it, long enough for the spider to race to its doomed prey. It then kills its victim and spins the corpse into a silken coffin to return and devour its meal at leisure. Over time, the web’s deathly silk gradually loses its glue-like qualities. So the spider simply recycles this protein-rich fibre by eating it and respinning.

Considering all this, we can see spiders not as household or workshop pests, but as truly magical animals instead.

Photography: Emma Porter

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Pets

Animal Heroes Being a cat foster carer Do you love cats? But, perhaps you feel too old to commit to owning another cat; you might be moving to a new house in the next year; or you’re worried that your job is a bit insecure? If, such reasons have stopped you – then you’re just the type of responsible cat lover that would make a great cat foster carer!

The RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch is a local charity experiencing a crisis in the number of animals that are coming into their care. The amount of animals abandoned, and neglected, has increased by 65% over the last 5 years – and in Bedfordshire, this terrible figure is predominantly made up of cats.

Cats come into our care for a number of reasons.

They may have been neglected by their owners and may need medical attention, they may simply have been abandoned when a person moves house or they may be handed in when their owner feels that they are no longer able to keep them.

The cats may be young and timid, elderly, injured or they may be newborn kittens that need handrearing. They may require fostering for two days, or several months, before they can be re-homed.

The most cost-effective way of temporarily caring for these cats is through a network of volunteer cat foster carers ¬– but we need many more volunteers to help the sheer number of cats requiring our help.

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Could you satisfy your love of cats by becoming a cat foster carer? Angie is just one of our special volunteers. Here is her story: “I’ve been a foster carer for the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch for a few years now and it’s a very rewarding role. There are always a variety of different animals that need a temporary, loving and caring home. All have their own different personalities and quirks and it’s so nice getting to know them – and know that you’re doing something worthwhile. Kitten season is always exciting, but comes with it’s own problems as there’s always numerous animals that get dumped at this time – from new-born and abandoned kittens that sometimes need hand-rearing, to pregnant cats.

Although it’s always sad to see them go, the best part is getting to see them re-homed – to hopefully move on and have a better and more promising life”.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, please contact us for a chat on 01234 266965 or www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk. We need carers for cats and rabbits in particular, but also dogs and other animals. So, come on – be an animal hero and please give us a call!

ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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It’s a D g’s Life Professional Dog Grooming Fully Insured. City and Guilds qualified.

Grooming Services: Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning Bath and Blow Dry Full Groom Hand Stripping 1st Puppy Bath Free (up to 4 months) Health Check I have a variety of shampoos to suit individual needs.

A quick spray of cologne and your pet will come home smelling wonderful.

Other Services: Are there times when you need help with your pet?

Have you got an unusually long day away from home? Are you out all day?

I can help....dog walking or home visits to allow a toilet break or to give food.

Please call to discuss your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you.

Call Christina Valentine on 07717 077502

223 Cleveland Way, Great Ashby, Stevenage Herts SG1 6BX

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n d i hby e s s Ba at A e Gr

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Motoring

Honda Civic Type R

By Wayne Gorrett

If you’re going to spend five years in the wilderness sans any performance models, you’d better have one almighty bang in your back pocket when you return to the fray.

Following a lengthy hiatus, Honda has launched the most eagerly-awaited performance car so far this year. Faithful disciples of Honda’s iconic Red Badge models, number in their hundreds of thousands around the world - 400 of whom have already placed advance orders, largely sight unseen.

The Style Factory The new Civic Type R looks exactly like a Type R should look.

It is gloriously shouty, has a big mouth, brandishes a Kardashianlike rear and an XXL rear wing tuned for maximum downforce.

Other aesthetics include double dual exhausts either side of a massive rear splitter, a big front splitter, flared wheel arches and the vents that adorn them.

The Inside Story The front furniture is fabulous - probably the best road car seats I’ve sat in for a while, with really tall side bolsters offering excellent support. Other tactile elements are great too – an aluminium gear lever, shapely leather steering wheel and welljudged pedal weights.

There’s plenty of headroom front and rear and the boot is huge, too.

Engines and Transmissions The new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Earth Dreams i-VTEC turbo unit produces 228 kW at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from a lowly 2,500 rpm. It still uses the VTEC variable valve timing system, however.

All of that brutal power is received by the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox only and a helical limited-slip differential. Honda claims 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds and 269kph flat out.

The front suspension now uses a strut arrangement with a bespoke ‘dual-axis’ design to reduce centre offset, reducing torque steer by an incredible 55 per cent.

The Type R brakes are nononsense Brembo units and both performed exceptionally well on road and track.

To the left of the grippy steering wheel is a button marked +R. This sports setting immediately changes all the dials in the car to fiery red. The result is a change in engine mapping for sharper performance and steering, stability assist to maximise grip, while adaptive damping is increased by a spine-shrinking 30 per cent.

The Drive On public roads, throwing the Type-R into sweeping corners inspires confidence as every judder of grip is fed back into the wheel. Those adaptive dampers ensure that smaller bumps are shrugged off with an ease that defies the very low-profile tyres, although potholes and crusty surfaces still crash through the structure. Start to use the performance and the engine adopts a monotonous, booming drone that is neither pleasant nor inspiring.

If you’re given an opportunity to take one of these onto the track – grasp it with both hands. You’ll discover a car that’s exceptionally racy but also very manageable and fairly forgiving. Steering is weighty but precise, with none of the expected twitchiness.

Two versions are available – a standard model at £29,995 and a GT with additional equipment at £32,295. By way of comparison, the Golf R costs £30,820.

SUMMARY The new Honda Civic Type R is an extreme car and has been well worth the wait. Its target buyer will be someone who doesn’t welcome compromise – and who sports deep enough pockets to live with that decision.

While unquestionably pricey, it is an utterly brilliant piece of automotive engineering.

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Travel

A Holiday in

By Tim Saunders

East Sussex

Of the 100 or so castles in England, more than 30 are in the South East - historically this region has always been most vulnerable to attack from foreign shores.

When we stay at Castle Cottage in East Sussex, there are views towards the delightful Wadhurst Castle - complete and unusually, still lived in. “Does Rapunzel live there?” asks Harriett (4). Not quite, but it has been in the same family for over 50 years and is certainly the stuff of childhood dreams.

Castle Cottage shares its Regency architectural style.

Large sash windows let copious amounts of light in. From the bedrooms, there are not only views towards the castle but also the walled garden where those seeking an exclusive venue are married. These views towards the beautiful East Sussex countryside beyond are magical.

The cottage will accommodate six guests on a selfcatering basis. All mod cons including a dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer are included: extremely useful when travelling with little ones.

We all love this spacious, characterful house, which is finished to a high standard with elegant furnishings tastefully complementing the architecture. I am drawn to the bookcase where there are various leather-bound works by the greats.

It is easy to walk to the village of Wadhurst from the 140-acre working estate. It quickly becomes clear that not only is this part of the world extremely affluent but that it is pleasingly home to a high proportion of independent traders. You have to look hard to find a well-known supermarket chain and yet it is only an hour away from London.

Many guests visit the National Trust properties and there are a variety to choose from in this area including Sissinghurst Castle which comes highly recommended.

Only about half an hour away over the Kent border, the castle itself has a varied history including use as a prison in the 1700s. We all enjoy climbing the Elizabethan tower with its splendid views across the 450-acre estate, the magnificent gardens transformed by writer Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat author husband, Harold Nicolson, in the 1930s.

At Michelham Priory, we learn the important role it played in WW2 as a home to evacuees, British and Canadian forces as well as being a farm worked by land girls. There’s also a rope museum and a forge

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Harriet and Heidi run towards the Elizabethan Tower at Sissignhurt Castle which is still in use today. The priory has 800 years of history and includes England’s longest water-filled moat dating back to 1229.

Owned by Sussex Past, it is a great day out with lovely gardens, archery at weekends and art exhibitions throughout the year in conjunction with Creative Coverage. A display of plants used for medieval purposes in the physic garden is very interesting.

En route to Brighton, we stop off at the National Trust’s Sheffield Park and Gardens with historic park and woodland influenced by Capability Brown.

We have only just touched the surface of the wonders of East Sussex.

Tim Saunders is our regular travel writer. Visit his website at www.travelwriter.biz

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Stevenage airport taxiS

Stevenage Airport Taxis offer the most reliable and professional airport transfer service in and around the Stevenage area. We have several licensed vehicles that can cater for up to 8 passengers. We also provide a transport service for weddings, long distance journeys and any occasion day or night leisure trips.

Advertising in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory is easy.

To find out more call Victoria on

Please visit our website for any bookings or quotations

www.stevenageairporttaxis.co.uk or call

01767 261122

01438 420420

or email vickie@villagermag.com

Online Bookings • Credit Cards Accepted

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Servicing & Repairs • MOTs & Preparation Work • Diagnostics • Cambelts • Clutches All Makes & Models Welcome

01438 220010 Book your service at: www.autotechcarservices.co.uk

Unit 22 Enterprise Centre, Orchard Road, SG1 3HH To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

41

Motoring

Fuel Saving Rising fuel prices make the news all too often and while we can’t escape rising fuel costs, we are not entirely defenceless. Here are some simple fuelsaving tips we can adopt for every journey: There are only three major rules we all should follow: drive smoothly, accelerate gently, read the road ahead.

Keep to the designated speed limits. Driving at 70mph can use up to 11 per cent more fuel than at 65mph.

If you have cruise control, use it. As a motoring journalist, I drive many thousands of miles every year and I’ve proven the fuel-saving benefits of cruise-control many times over.

Check your tyre pressures regularly and follow the recommended pressures set by the car’s manufacturer. Under-inflated tyres cause resistance meaning your engine has to work harder to maintain the desired momentum.

Nearly all cars sold these days have engine stop/

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By Wayne Gorrett

start eco systems fitted as standard, But, if yours doesn’t, turn off the engine if you think you’ll be stationary for a while.

Change up through the gears as early as possible, but without making the engine labour. Diesels can change up a gear when revs reach around 1,500rpm. Changing up at around 2,300 for petrol engines should make a difference.

On a down slope, don’t be tempted to put the car in neutral as it won’t save fuel. In neutral, the engine is at idle so is still using fuel. In gear - but not under power – modern electronic fuel systems cut off fuel to the engine.

De-clutter and shed excess weight such as roof racks. The lighter your car the less fuel it needs to burn to maintain the desired momentum.

Please mention The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory when responding to adverts

UNIT 5A, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE, WHITEHORSE LANE, STEVENAGE SG1 6NH TEL: 01438 368024 EMAIL: greatashbydrycleaners@gmail.com

• High Quality Dry Cleaning • Latest State-Of-The-Art Machinery and Equipment • Highly Trained and Qualified Operators • Fully Compliant With European Environmental Legislation Dry Cleaning Two Piece Suits - from £9.50 Trousers - from £4.40 Jackets - from £5.95 Shirts - from £2.95 Knitwear - from £4.50 Dress (Plain) - from £6.00 Skirts - from £4.95

Price List

Alteration Shorten Trousers - from £9.00 Waist Take In/Out - from £11.00 Trouser Zip - from £9.50 Duvets Single (Polyester Filling) - from £12.50 Double (Polyester Filling) - from £15.00 King Size (Polyester Filling) - from £18.00

Professional Painter and Decorator Experienced in residential and commercial properties Interior and exterior All aspects of decorating including wallpapering and coving

BARRYhazelton

0777 331 4433

Contact me for a free quotation No job too small

thepainttinltd@gmail.com

To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

The Paint Tin Ltd 43

Premier

Dot Electrical

Painters and Decorators

Premier Painters and Decorators are a professional, punctual and hard working company delivering outstanding quality of work to our clients in and around Stevenage From wallpaper hanging, feature walls, coving and cornice work. We even clean facias, soffits and guttering. (PVC or Wood) If you would like to take advantage of our services, require a quote or advise please do not hesitate to contact us. Be assured when Premier quote a job there are NO HIDDEN EXTRAS. Private and commercial, exterior and interior painting services.

For a free quotation please contact Gary on Tel: 01438 230943 Mob: 07733 227961 Email: info@premierpd.co.uk

www.premierpd.co.uk

Fast, Reliable, Fully Qualified Electricians 24 hour service, 7 days a week We offer a range of electrical services covering both domestic and industrial: Rewires, New installations, Garden lighting and power, Intruder alarms, CCTV, Security lighting, Fuse box upgrades Recessed lighting, Central heating systems Electric showers, Fault finding, Solar energy

Tel: 07854738740 / 07516 256241 Email: dot-electrical@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.dotelectrical.co.uk

Building, Roofing Maintenance

• General building • Roofing and roof repairs • Roof windows supplied and fitted • Carpentry • Repairs and Maintenance • Brickwork • Renovations • Flat roofing • Block paving • Kitchens and Bathrooms

• • • • • • • • • •

Concreting Site clearance Patios Fencing Guttering Decking Cabins and Sheds Tiling Fascias and Soffits Flooring supplied and fitted • Garden sleeper walls

Free non obligatory Call Russell on Tel 01462 625690/07960 967937 quotes Email: homeworxbuild@outlook.com Homeworx.indd 44

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07/04/2015 15:39 Please mention The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory when responding to adverts

n i t l h F e o J Plasterersam

Female Plasterer specialising in: Plastering, Plasterboarding Rendering, Making Good, Painting

A FRIENDLY FAMILY FIRM. FREE QUOTATIONS

Tel. 07951 362335 / 07836 768670 Email: joeflinthamplasterers@googlemail.com

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Fun Quiz - Knights and Princesses 1. What was the name of King Arthur’s knight with whom Guinevere had an affair?

2. How is Princess Aurora better known in the title of a Walt Disney film?

3. Who lived alone in a hotel room for a month in preparation for playing the role of the Joker in the 2008 film The Dark Knight?

4. Which actress played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy?

5. Dance Of The Knights from the ballet Romeo And Juliet is used as the theme song for which BBC TV show?

6. In April 2010, which princess became the first ever royal to complete the London Marathon?

7. Which former chief executive officer of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group had his knighthood annulled due to the near collapse of the bank in 2008?

8. Who provides the voice of Princess Fiona in the Shrek films?

9. Which British fashion house has a knight on a horse on its logo and is famous for its trademarked tartan pattern?

10. What was Princess Diana’s maiden name?

Before

After

1. Lancelot 2. Sleeping Beauty 3. Heath Ledger 4. Carrie Fisher 5. The Apprentice 6. Princess Beatrice 7. Fred Goodwin 8. Cameron Diaz 9. Burberry 10. Spencer

gas safe registered

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To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles.

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49

Visit our beautiful

Bathroom Showroom ...With more than 50 displays of bathrooms, furniture & fittings Free in-house 3D design service Quality products from leading manufacturers Experienced staff offering impartial advice Free delivery within a 20 mile radius of our showroom

01438 725309

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS

HERTFORD TV SERVICE Tel: 01992 552955 www.hertfordtvservice.co.uk

• • • • • • • • •

MEMBER

DIGITAL FREEVIEW AERIAL INSTALLATIONS EXTRA TV POINTS & SKY PLAYBACK AERIAL REPAIRS & STORM DAMAGE DAB/FM AERIALS & COMMUNAL TV SYSTEMS FREESAT HD, SKYHD & SKY+ HIDDEN DISH SPECIALISTS & FOREIGN SATELLITE PLASMA/LCD/LED TV, AUDIO & DVD REPAIRS TV WALL INSTALLATIONS & HIDDEN CABLES GOT SLOW BROADBAND? WE INSTALL TOOWAY SATELLITE BROADBAND WITH DOWNLOAD SPEEDS OF UP TO 20MBPS • CCTV INSTALLATIONS IN HD – WATCH ON YOUR IPAD/PHONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD • WIFI ACCESS POINTS & DATA NETWORK DISTRIBUTION • SONOS HOME AUDIO SPECIALISTS

UNIT 1B, FOXHOLES AVENUE, HERTFORD SG13 7JG

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 35 YEARS • ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

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Russell Grant’s

Horoscopes

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th Responsibilities at work increase in early August. You actually enjoy presiding over a big project. This would be a wonderful time to go back to education and get an advanced degree.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th The second half of August proves very productive, when you’re able to team up with a creative colleague. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to attend to needs that aren’t being met by a partner.

ARIES March 21st - April 20th Resist the urge to rush an intimate relationship in the opening days of August. The Full Moon on the 29th will bring a shocking secret to light.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st It will be easier to get help from your best friend, lover, or business partner in the early days of August. The New Moon on the 14th could prompt you to make changes to your domestic routine.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st Travelling with a group will be lots of fun in the beginning of August. The second half of August is perfect for expanding your home or finding a bigger place to live.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Your self-esteem will be low in the opening days of August. Don’t be surprised if you get a raise or are awarded a lucrative job.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd Resist the urge to talk about your private life with family in the beginning of August. Focus on living beneath your means.

The money you save will sustain you through lean times.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd An intimate relationship will give you tremendous pleasure in early August. If you’re not in a relationship, this is the perfect time to find romance. Be sure to negotiate a raise in the second half of August, when your powers of persuasion will be at an all-time high.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd A festive party gives early August a glamorous feel. The New Moon on the 14th is perfect for joining a humanitarian organisation.

The Full Moon on the 29th brings a health problem to light.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd Prepare to face off with an overambitious authority figure on the 3rd. The second half of August proves quite sociable.

Be sure to attend as many parties as possible.

Spending time with friends helps put your life in a healthier perspective.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st Don’t question your abilities in early August. Your leadership ability will be applauded on the 23rd, when you’re put in charge of an important project. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to spend more time on domestic pursuits.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th Friends will help with heavy responsibilities at the beginning of August.

Opportunities to travel, write and study will arise on or around the 11th. If you get a chance to expand your horizons, seize it.

Please To advertise mention in The TheGreat Villager Ashby andand Town Old Life Town when Directory responding please to call adverts 01767 261122

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Feel Healthy...FeelClean Professional Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

0800 043 1296

01438 316 530 07899 90 22 20

Carpet Cleaning • Leather Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning Rug Cleaning • Stain Removals • Anti-Stain Treatments ...a clean car pet is a healthy car pet.

For more information go to our website

Call Phil today for your free no-obligation survey 100% NO Risk - NCCA Members and Fully Insured Professional cleaning at Clients are saying: affordable prices “Phil has recently been to professionally clean my carpets for the second time. He is an honest and professional gentleman and I have no hesitation in No VAT recommending him and his company to anyone and will definitely be using Money Back Guarantee his services again” M.S...., Gt. Ashby Credit and debit cards accepted

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Find us on Facebook

www.feel-clean.co.uk

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July’s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Pauline Mullarkey from Cambourne

Easy

Hard

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

Non-caustic, fume-free solution individually prepared for each customer.

Ovens, Hobs, Grills, Extractors, Agas, Microwaves and Gas Barbeques.

Call Richard on 01438 813492 Bring a sparkle to your kitchen today.

To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Make a choice (6) 4 Railings (6) 9 Enlarged (7) 10 Headgear (5) 11 Home planet (5) 12 Citrus fruits (7) 13 Rural area (11) 18 Leaving (7) 20 Answer (5) 22 Devoured (5) 23 Closest (7) 24 Withstand (6) 25 Narrow river (6) Down 2 Singing group (5) 3 Sea mammal (7) 5 Surplus (5) 6 Altered (7)

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page and send to the address below before

14th August 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



1 Remove doubt (6)

7 Scarce (6) 8 Supporting (11) 14 Not included (7) 15 Butler or maid (7) 16 Remove (6) 17 Scheme (6) 19 Not outer (5) 21 Portion (5)

Name: Tel: Address:

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“Quality is not expensive, it’s priceless”

Extensions, Refurbishments, Loft and Garage Conversions, Landscaping and General Building Internal and external work with many local references View our testimonials at www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk

Loft Conversions

Extensions Open Plan Living

Garage Conversions

Garden Rooms & Landscaping

Refurbishments

Architect drawings and planning applications catered for Estimates and ideas FREE

www.hertfordshirebuilders.co.uk Call Richard on 07818 061505 To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

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SHIRON

Domestic Appliances Repairs of

Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Electric Ovens Electric Cookers Microwaves Vacuum Cleaners and all domestic appliances.

VAT Registered.

Specialist in Hotpoint, Indesit, Ariston, Creda and Whirlpool appliances.

Contact RONNIE Tel: 01438 720 304 Mobile: 07739 922493

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To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

57

n O s ’ t Wha In August 6 May-30 September Luton Hoo Walled Garden 11am-3pm Luton Hoo, LU1 4LF Entry £5 including guided tour Open every Wednesday. Guided tour times: 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Purchase produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy a light lunch in beautiful surroundings of homemade cakes, snacks and savouries. Please pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15 people.

Tel: 01582 721443 Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 22 July-24 November 100 Years of Learning With Ladybird Exhibition British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Whether you are learning your A, B, Cs today, teaching your own children or seeking a nostalgic journey back to your own childhood, the museum’s extensive collection of Ladybird books will delight and entertain. Come and celebrate the centenary of these much-loved and iconic books at the museum where learning comes to life. See website for opening days and times.

Tel: 01462 420144 www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

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1 August The Signals Museum 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry ticket from the Guardroom. See website for full information.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 3, 10, 17 24, & 31 August Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out is a medium-sized social club for single people and meets every Monday night. It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Web: www.branch-out.org.uk

5 August Educating Teddy 11.10am-3pm, last admission 2pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £3.50 for children 4 and above, Adult admission free Children’s Discovery Day. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please note the museum is not open for regular museum visits on this date.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum. org.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 August Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm The Orange Tree, Hitchin We are a small, friendly social group that caters for the unattached. Our members tend to be around 50+ but we have no age bar. Varied events are organized throughout the month. No joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 or Ian 07900 890583 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub. co.uk

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n O s ’ t Wha In August 10 August Icknield Quilters 7.15pm for 7.45pm start Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock Visitors £3 Sewing evening with a focus on Red Work and fabrics on sale from Willian Village Stores. Visitors welcome.

Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk 12 August Crafty Capers 11.10am-3pm, last admission 2pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £3.50 for children 4 and above, Adult admission free Children’s Discovery Day. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please note the museum is not open for regular museum visits on this date.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum. org.uk 12 August Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month.

Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 for further information

15 August The V J Day Commemorative Celebrations 7.45pm Meppershall Village Hall Tickets including supper: Members £7, Non-members £10 Meppershall Social club presents the Meppershall Players in “The V J Day Commemorative Celebrations”. Join us for an evening of song and laughter as we relive the festivities at the end of the Second World War. Tickets available in advance only - in person at the social club bar, by phone or email. Tickets must be paid for and collected by 8 August at the latest Tel: 01462 817359 Email: sharon1805@hotmail.co.uk 15-23 August Dr Who Exhibition 10am-2pm - last 1.30pm, Sunday 2-5pm – last admission 4.30pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Admission £2 for all - toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents For nine days life size models of Dr Who characters such as The Ood, Dalek, Zygon, Sontaran and more will be on show in the Lancasterian Schoolroom.

Have a bit of fun and have your photo taken with a Doctor or be “upgraded” to a Cyberman. Sorry no parking on site.

The rest of the Museum will not be open during this time.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum. org.uk

26 August Be Creative with Science 11.10am-3pm, last admission 2pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £3.50 for children 4 and above, Adult admission free Children’s Discovery Day. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please note the museum is not open for regular museum visits on this date.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum. org.uk 30 August Letchworth to Cambridge Cycle Meet 9.15am, cycle starts 10am, ends approx. 3.15pm Registration £20 per person In aid of Action for Children. A round route of 45 miles taking you from the first built Garden City in England to the beautiful historic town of Cambridge. All cyclists receive a medal at the finish line.

Minimum £30 sponsorship to be raised for Action for Children.

Tel: 0203 745 5514 for more information Web: www.challengecentral.co.uk to register

30 August The Sunday Dance Club 7.30-10.30pm The Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Dance to our special ‘Guest Music Deadline for What’s On Provider’. Ballroom, Latin and Popular entries is the 12th of the Sequence. Ample free parking, sprung floor and licensed bar. previous month.

Tel: David 01234 300179 To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122 59

Premier

Property Maintenance Premier Property Maintenance is a multiple trade company operating in and around Hertfordshire and north London.

We are a well organized management team with a professional approach to Client Liaison, Supervision and Health and Safety.

We operate with a versatile in-house work force with various specialist trades, which results in our ability to provide our Client’s with an ‘all-trades’ service.

We pride ourselves on delivering a competitive quality service to new and existing Clients.

I D Decorating Painting & Decorating Services Painting – Interior & Exterior Decorating

Premier Property Maintenance offers a comprehensive range of services including;  Fully managed bathroom and kitchen installation  Electrical and plumbing certificates for landlords  All aspects of electrical work covered by NIC installers  Plumbing and heating engineer  All aspects of carpentry work covered  Wall and floor tiling  Plastering and cornice work

 Painting and decorating including wallpaper  Roofing - slate and tiled  Brickwork  Laying of laminate and wooden flooring  Conservatory project manage and installation  Fully project managed garden landscaping  Window and conservatory cleaning

www.premierpm.co.uk info@premierpm.co.uk 01438 230943 / 07531 229067

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Coving No Job Too Big Or Too Small Fully Insured & Free Estimates Telephone: Ian Dunklin 0790 508 3799

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Books

CM ROOFING Book Review

By Bruce Edwards

Missing Reels

Farran Smith Nehme

Pub: Duckworth h/b £16.99 ISBN: 978-0-7156-4990-9 It’s far too easy to stay wrapped up in frothy ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ quick reads taken off the cheapy piles in your nearest chain-store book shop or downloaded at next-to- no cost from one of the ever present e-book providers. So here is something entirely different. Quoted as ‘screwball comedy wedded to a gothic novel’ this has to be taken with the pinch of salt - perhaps so unbelievably impossible and way-out it could only be set against an American backdrop.

Ceinwen - such a nice Welsh name - takes an hour and a half to get ready for an evening out in 1980’s Manhattan, and at the same time becomes involved with Matthew who’s very British.

She goes to the movies, as one does. It’s a life changing act - and to find one missing piece of an ancient reel starts her on a very involved search.

Conversationally rich, descriptive on a frame-byframe basis, it’ll keep you chuckling from end to end, and tell you more about that era than you ever thought possible. As there’s something about proper film that inspires romance, how could she possibly like something that falls into the category of ‘cgi’ - computer generated imagery, i.e. a digitalised production? Early cellulose can be a very difficult film stock to handle - but our expert author does it very well. Worth searching for.

Family run business Est. 20 yrs • • • • • • • • • • •

Repairs & Re-roof Lead Specialists Slating & Tiling Guttering and Drainage Gutter Clearing Fascias & Soffits UPVC Wall Cladding Moss Removal Flat Roofing Single Ply/3 Layer Felt Liquid Plastics

We will beat any written quotation For more information & free estimate

01438 517166 / 07432 624335 chrismead.roofing@yahoo.co.uk www.cm-roofing.co.uk

Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.”

To advertise in The Great Ashby and Old Town Directory please call 01767 261122

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WINDOW REPAIRS

Serving all of Herts - Based in Stevenage Specialising in replacing misted units

BEFORE AFTER email: info@jmlwindows.co.uk website: www.jmlwindows.co.uk 07977 911 926 / 01438 906300 • Misted/broken double glazed units • Sticking doors or windows adjusted • Broken/loose handles • Leaded or Georgian units replaced • Hinges for gapping windows • Leaks fixed • All types of locks replaced • Energy saving Planitherm glass • Cat/dog flaps in glass or panels • Door re-alignments Visit our website for over 30 customer reviews 62

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your directory...

Accounting, Mortgages and Financial Services HB Accounting Services..................................................... 30 Adoption & Fostering Services Adoption & Fostering.............................................................9 Animals and Pets Dogzbody Grooming.......................................................... 34 It’s a Dog’s Life....................................................................... 37 Roebuck Veterinary............................................................ 37 Builders Abbey Building Services.................................................... 55 Conserv-A-Tech..................................................................... 12 Joe Flintham Plasterer........................................................ 45 C M Roofing............................................................................ 61 Catering / Deli / Restaurant Surma Bangladesh Takeaway..............................................1 The Crown............................................................................... 64 Child Care Stevenage FC Football Academy.................................... 19 Cleaning Feel Clean................................................................................ 52 Great Ashby Dry Cleaners................................................. 43 Herts Oven Clean.................................................................. 53 Computer Services IT Solutions............................................................................. 30 Decorators and Handymen CB Decorators........................................................................ 47 Ian Dunklin............................................................................. 60 Joe Flintham Plasterer........................................................ 45 Paint FX.................................................................................... 56 Premier Paint.......................................................................... 60 Domestic Appliance Repair Shiron Domestic Appliances............................................ 56 Electrician Dot Electrical.......................................................................... 44 Garages, Motor Vehicles Autotech Car Services......................................................... 41 Mercedes-Benz of Stevenage.............................................5 Specialist Cars Stevenage.................................................. 38 Gardening Services Ad Gardens Rooms.............................................................. 33 Branching Out Tree and Garden Services.................... 34

Health Beauty and Wellbeing Active 4 Less Stevenage........................................................2 Blades Barbers....................................................................... 23 Great Ashby Podiatry.......................................................... 26 In Essence Complimentary............................................... 24 Pauline Fitness Classes....................................................... 26 Salon42.................................................................................... 24 Stevenage Mobile Foot Health........................................ 26 The Unit Gym............................................................................7 You Little Beauty................................................................... 21 Home Furnishing A1 Carpet and Flooring...................................................... 16 Oakland Blinds.........................................................................4 Wymondley Flooring.......................................................... 14 Home Maintenance / Improvement Artisan Loft Ladders............................................................ 60 Barry Bolton Windows........................................................ 49 C M Roofing............................................................................ 61 Homeworks............................................................................ 44 JML Window Repair............................................................. 62 Locksmith Services.............................................................. 47 Premier Paint.......................................................................... 60 The Paint Tin Ltd................................................................... 43 Pest Control Shires Pest Control............................................................... 34 Plumbers, Bathroom & kitchen Installations 1st 4 Plumbing Ltd............................................................... 61 Hoopers Plumbing & Heating.......................................... 45 Kitchen Ergonomics............................................................ 11 Mark Hopkinson Gas........................................................... 57 Mark Kempster...................................................................... 60 Mr James Plumbing............................................................. 42 Pete The Plumber................................................................. 56 Steve Grainger Plumbing................................................. 46 Stevenage Plumbing Centre............................................ 50 Photography Claudia Griffin Photography............................................. 29 Taxi Stevenage Airport Taxis..................................................... 41 Television, Aerial and Satellite Installation Cinescreen-AV Ltd................................................................ 52 Hertford TV Service ltd....................................................... 50 Venues / Local Businesses / Clubs/ Take away Gemini Events........................................................................ 21 Multra Life............................................................................... 29 Surma Bangladesh Takeaway..............................................1 The Crown............................................................................... 64 Water Softener Acoline Softeners................................................................. 20

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