Henlow April 2012 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 43 - April 2012

and Town Life

ÂŁ25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Stanford, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Pirton, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin and Letchworth

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www.westgateshopping.co.uk

Westgate Shopping Centre

Easter Fun Easter fun with the Big Bunny, Craft Workshops, Egg Hunt and competitions! Monday 9 to Saturday 14 April (Excl. Thursday)

Tuesday 3 April

Craft Workshops 11am-3pm

Make ‘n’ Take Easter Crafts. Young Cottontails can make Chocolate Egg Filled Bunny Bags and Pop Up Easter Cards.

Join us for

FREE family fun!

Petting Zoo 11am-4pm

Meet a selection of fluffy springtime animals at our daily Easter petting zoos for children.

Good Friday 6 April

Easter Egg Hunt 11am-3pm

Help our Big Bunny find eggs hidden in our shop windows. Soft toy animal gifts for the first 300 children* taking part and a Farmyard Friend Puppet for the winner of our Free Draw. *While stocks last.

Easter Opening Times Open Good Friday 6 April 9am-5.30pm | Open Saturday 7 April 9am-5.30pm Closed Easter Sunday 8 April | Open Easter Monday 9 April 10am-4pm The children’s entertainments are not supervised playschemes and parents are requested to stay with their children and join in the fun

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VILLAGER

Issue 43 - April 2012

The

and Town Life

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

ur Yo EE Rcopy

Editorial

Solange Hando, Arthur Kemp, Pippa Greenwood, James Baggott, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sue Blain and Pippa Greenwood

Advertising Sales Teresa Brooks teresa@villagermag.com Tel: 07401120021

Front Cover Image Nina Emms

Design and Artwork Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Publishers

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

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Happy Easter to all..! This month I am on the hunt but not for Easter Eggs! I would like to hear from anyone who is from the local area we cover and would like to write a regular contribution history piece or detail walks in the area. This is something I would like to feature regularly. It can even be a story of any kind about a particular place in the area, past & present. It has been also been great to have been able to use some photographs for the front cover from our local photographers. I would love to invite more of this so we can recognise the photographer and get some really good scenes from our local areas. If you are a keen photographer and have images that you would be happy to see in print and would like to contribute , that would be marvellous. So, if you think any of these could suit you, please do drop me an email I would love to hear from you! Enjoy your Easter and, at last, the beginning of Spring! Teresa E: Teresa@villagermag.com, T: 07401120021 Many Thanks to Nina Emms from Lower Stondon who has supplied this beautiful photograph of Stondon Church for our April front cover. This is a part of her City & Guilds Photography & Photo Imaging course at Samuel Whitbread College. In the issue... CPRE Herts Village of the Year...............................................................4 Easter - Time of Year............................................................................. 6 The Art of the Titanic............................................................................ 8 Travel - Swaziland................................................................................. 10 Turn Burglars into Bunglers................................................................. 13 Stotfold Mill.......................................................................................... 14 City Chorus............................................................................................ 16 Shefford Methodist Church Celebrates Centenary............................ 18 Secret Britain........................................................................................ 22 National Autism Month........................................................................24 Search for 900 Hikers...........................................................................26 Technology Review..............................................................................30 Franklins Art Exhibition........................................................................32 Slugs and Snails.................................................................................... 31 Children’s Page.....................................................................................39 Older Drivers Get a Bad Press.............................................................. 41 Seasonal Delights.................................................................................43 Puzzle Page......................................................................................... 48 Taxi........................................................................................................ 51 Prize Crossword...................................................................................54 The Pressing Issue................................................................................57 What’s On.............................................................................................58 Easter Elsewhere..................................................................................62

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CPRE HertS Village of the Year 2012

Could it be yours?

Hertfordshire’s Village of the Year competition is in its 13th year and organisers CPRE Hertfordshire hope it will be lucky for some as they celebrate and encourage village life. Entry packages go out at the beginning of February and the deadline for entry is Thursday 3 May. Each entering village completes a form and receives a visit from the judges, this year at the end of May. Sponsored by Hertfordshire Community Foundation in association with Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Life and the Hertfordshire Mercury, the competition offers cash prizes and trophies for the Hertfordshire Villages of the Year East, North and West, with a total of £500 going to the overall CPRE Hertfordshire Village of the Year. There are category prizes, too, for Environment and Community Life; and the judges give special awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to village life – the Peterkin Rosebowl for adults and the Dorothy Abel Smith Pewter Bowl for young people aged 11-18. There’s even a prize for an outstanding Small Village - The Hertfordshire Mercury Rosebowl. ‘With 186 Hertfordshire villages of all shapes, sizes - each with its own unique character – it’s a pity more don’t enter the competition’, says organiser Jo Simson. ‘The villages which do seem to get such a buzz out of it’. Take the CPRE Hertfordshire Village of the Year 2011, Hunsdon. Speaking in Hertfordshire Life’s September 2011 issue, David Gibbs, Chairman of

Hunsdon Parish Council said ‘I would recommend those villages which have never entered the CPRE Hertfordshire competition to seriously consider doing so. But . . . you have to start with a community which loves its village’. The 2011 Village of the Year North winner was Pirton. This was the first major award for the village which has been entering the competition since it began in 2000 to celebrate the Millennium. Organiser Dick Woodward says ‘The award is an acknowledgement of the time and energy contributed by many Pirton people who give of themselves for the benefit of the village. It’s a village of just 1300 residents, but over forty organisations - all run by village people - are listed in St. Mary’s Pirton Magazine. Entering the competition was a way of letting the world know what a wonderful village Pirton is.’ Standon & Puckeridge joined forces in 2011 to make their very first entry. Cllr Mark Acford was not keen, ‘I was against it on the grounds it was all flower tubs and hanging baskets - but nothing was done to make the village look different from what it is day to day.’ Nothing needed to be done. The joint entrants were delighted to receive the Environment category award and used the £150 prize money for a trophy cabinet for the villages! Hertfordshire Village of the Year 2012 – it could be yours. For more information on the competition/an entry package, visit www.cpreherts.org.uk or contact Jo Simson on 01438 717587.

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Easter

TIME OF YEAR It’s been a long road from the glory of Jesus Christ’s death resurrection – the central miracle of the Christian faith – to gorging on chocolate. And it’s a road that those of a philosophical bent might liken to the descent of Western civilisation into gluttonous consumerism. But leaving such considerations aside, how did it happen? Let’s start with the word itself, Easter. We have it on the word of the Venerable Bede, writing in the very early 8th century, that “Eostre” is derived from “Eostre-monath”, the month in which pagan Saxons celebrated the festival of the goddess Eostre. It’s a simple explanation, and one with which with which scholars of philology have had endless fun ever since – some even denying that there ever was a goddess Eostre and that Bede (uncharacteristically) made the whole thing up. But “eostre” is cognate with “öster”, the German for east, and is therefore associated with sunrise and hence spring, so Bede’s explanation at least has context on its side. Indeed the feast is only called “Easter” in Germanic countries: in France it’s called “Pâques”, a variation on the Jewish spring festival Pesach, and other Latin countries use names of the same derivation. Fascinating stuff, but it doesn’t get us much closer to the chocolate. And the answer is eggs. Eggs have been associated with spring since... well, since birds started laying them in spring. There are Persian wall-paintings of eggs being given as gifts from 2,500 years ago; the tradition survived the country’s conversion to Islam and persists to this day. In Egypt, another Islamic country, there is a seasonal tradition of egg decorating of unknown antiquity; in eastern Orthodox countries they paint eggs red (for Christ’s blood) and green (for returning spring); in England and North-Western Europe there is a tradition of rolling coloured eggs down hills at Eastertime, echoing the rolling away of the stone from the Holy Sepulchre; in America the White House puts on an annual display of decorated eggs from every state of the union, and favoured children (how are they selected?) are invited to a spot of egg-rolling on the White House lawn. Egg decoration seems to have evolved into making eggs out of solid chocolate in France or Germany in the early 19th century, and the first Easter egg in England came from Cadbury’s in 1842. These eggs can hardly have been for the mass market

since the chocolate of the time was very expensive and also very bitter. Finer, less harsh, and less expensive chocolate was made possible by more sophisticated processing equipment in the later 19th century, and Cadbury’s produced its first hollow egg (filled with sweets) in 1875. The first milk chocolate Easter egg followed exactly 30 years later and... well, what more do we need to know? Except that Easter eggs sell for a far higher price per gram than the slab chocolate of which they’re made, and as they’ll keep almost indefinitely any left unsold can simply go into cold store until next year – at which time next year’s prices can be charged for last year’s stock. As I said, it’s all a very long way from the Mount of Olives! Which brings on to the troublesome question of the date. Easter is the only moveable feast left in the Western calendar, all the others having been fixed; and it’s a source of enormous irritation to many, especially those in the tourism and education trades. But it too is based on Pesach or Passover, which falls on the full moon on or immediately after the vernal equinox. The early Church fathers knew that the Last Supper was held on Passover, for the Gospels told them so; the same authority placed the Crucifixion on the following Friday, so ipso facto the resurrection was on the first Sunday after the full moon that followed the vernal equinox. This was officially promulgated at the Council of Nicaea in 325AD; but since then the eastern Orthodox churches have drifted apart from the western tradition, and the western calendar has changed from the Julian to the Gregorian, so if you want to celebrate Easter twice all you have to do is hop on a ferry from Italy to Greece.

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e bookings Early bird onlin May until the 31st

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The art of the Titanic

100 YEARS AGO

Before you go to bed on 14th April this year, set your alarm for 2.20am. Open all your windows; take the duvet off the bed; wear your thinnest nightie (or whatever you go to bed in). And when the alarm goes off you’ll be disoriented and freezing, just like the 2,200 souls aboard the Titanic as it slid beneath the icy calm of the north Atlantic 100 years ago to the minute. Unlike more than 1,500 of them, though, you’ll live. Just four days into her maiden voyage, the Titanic was the biggest ship in human history. She was 882 feet long, 92 feet wide, 175 feet tall from her keel to the top of her four funnels. She displaced over 52,000 tons. For her 883 first-class passengers she was a palace; for her 1,006 third-class passengers she was a hostel. But for all of them, her 1½-inch hull – made, as it turned out, of brittle steel – was no protection against the iceberg lying in wait. Despite a meeting speed of less than 30mph the impact was enough to rip open five of her watertight compartments – she was designed to lose only four of them. Impact was at 11.40pm. Two hours and 40 minutes later she broke in two and went down. The magnitude of the disaster, and the terror and the pity of it, was quickly seized upon by artists as a metaphor of enormous power. For the German painter Max Beckmann it summarised the chaos and uncertainty of human existence: his enormous (8’ x 10’) canvas, completed less than a year after the sinking and now in the St Louis Art Museum, shows hapless humanity suffering almost stoically amid nightmarish white-capped waves (actually the night was calm). For Thomas Hardy, whose poem Convergence of the Twain: Lines on the Loss of the Titanic was published in 1915, it symbolised man’s powerlessness in the face of nature: Hardy pictures the fishes swimming about the submerged

staterooms as an epitaph on the futility of human ambition. For the makers of the 1958 film A Night to Remember, it meant the opposite: they saw only human dignity and courage in the face of catastrophe. In 1979 the story was filmed again as SOS Titanic. This time the makers focused on a different aspect: class division. As well they might, for the richer you were the likelier you were to survive: 123 of the 883 first-class passengers died compared to 167 of 614 in second class, 528 of 1,006 in third class, and 693 of the 885 crew. Then there is the American figurative painter Ken Marschall who has been compulsively, almost obsessively, making paintings of the Titanic since 1969. His work is almost photographically lifelike and detailed and shows the great ship going about its business placidly as if nothing was wrong. And nothing is. It is only the viewer’s foreknowledge that makes the images so terrifying. Perhaps the greatest piece of art inspired by the disaster, though, came from the British indeterminist composer Gavin Bryars, whose The Sinking of the Titanic was written in 1969 and recorded by Brian Eno in 1975. In it, Bryars fantasises about the piece played by the eightpiece band as the ship sank – Nearer My God to Thee, supposedly – echoing forever around the wreck, the increasingly incoherent soundwaves trapped by the ocean as an eternal ghostly lament. Which brings us to 1997, and the James Cameron/ Leonardo diCaprio/Kate Winslett epic. Enough said. A commercial triumph; an artistic void. For a meditation on mortality occasioned by the centenary, go with Beckmann, Hardy, and above all Bryars. They really will make your heart go on...

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Swaziland - Festival of Reeds

By Solange Hando

Bordered by Mozambique and South Africa, Swaziland is merely a blot on the map but besides wildlife and exquisite craft, its colourful traditions are worth a detour. At the heart of it all is a nearabsolute monarchy headed by Mswati III and the Queen Mother. In Swazi polygamous tradition, the heir to the throne is not the oldest son but the son of ‘the Great Wife’, chosen for her good character and family stock, and they rule together. As the southern spring approaches in the Valley of Heaven, maidens gather from across the country for the week long Festival of Reeds to pay homage to the royal pair. They rest for a night near the royal village then march to the reeds beds, up to 20 miles away, where they cut down reeds over twice their height, tying them in bundles with plaited grass or plastic ribbons. The reeds are carried back like trophies to the Queen’s Palace and used by the girls to strengthen the royal enclosure. The youngsters always return after dark, bearing torches, to prove they ‘travelled a long way’. Then there’s a whole day to relax with friends, add the final touch to the ceremonial costumes and groom one’s hair before dancing for the king. The king attends on the seventh day when many a young girl wakes up that morning wondering if she may be the next royal bride. At 43, Mswati III has 14 wives, the first two appointed by councillors according to tradition, but after that, he is free to choose, marrying into different clans to encourage unity. It’s a hard life for any man but if you are a Swazi king, how do you decide when

20,000 pretty girls, scantily dressed, parade in front of you? Fortunately, adding another bride to the list is not compulsory. On that final day, crowds make their way along dusty lanes lined with food stalls, taxis and vans. Bunting flutters across the road, blue, yellow and red, as people of all ages pour into the stadium. In the royal stand, the king wears a leopard skin loin cloth and a headdress of red lourie feathers. The parade is led by royal princesses with feathers in their hair, followed by beautifully poised young women, excited teenagers and children, watched by anxious mothers. Tightly packed groups perform their acts simultaneously, glowing with pride as they shuffle barefoot around the grounds. There are tassels and beads, shields, daggers, anklets and bracelets, traditional shoulder wraps sporting the king’s portrait, mobile phones and swanky sunglasses. A troop of raucous warriors bursts unannounced into the arena, waving sticks. The crowds laugh but promptly return to their dreams, dazed by waves of blinding colour and the hypnotic rhythm of African folk songs. Somewhere in the commotion, a young dancer carries a red rose and soon, 20,000 girls, maybe minus one, will go home, carrying food to thank them for their efforts. Mswati III has long been criticized for his lavish lifestyle but as brides go, hand plucked at the Reeds Festival or elsewhere, he is unlikely to rival his father. Sobhuza II had 70 wives, 210 children and over 1000 grandchildren.

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Turn burglars into bunglers

By Helen Taylor

An Englishman’s home is his castle and today it is a castle under siege. The stark rise in crime and anti-social behaviour has homeowners - in rural and urban areas alike - running scared and ever more concerned with a problem that law and order fails to address. But despite this sad fact there is a fast-growing home security market that is equal to the problem; ready and able to empower the individual and preserve the sanctity of home. If the statistics are to be believed many of us will fall victim to crime, but thanks to an extensive range of affordable, simple and easy-to-use home security devices, protecting your property, possessions and family is becoming easier. This is a guide to some of the most popular products around at the moment. Fence Prikka Strip, £8.95 - A simple, cheap and effective way of protecting your property from intruders. Each anti-climb strip consists of a series of closely arranged cones that are formed from durable weatherproof PVC. Easy to trim to the size you require, the strips can be glued, screwed or nailed into place and are perfect for use on all perimeter fencing. Byron CS11D Dummy CCTV Camera Unit, £12.29 Flawlessly replicating a real CCTV unit, the dummy camera is extremely realistic. The accurate design and flashing red light gives the appearance of a genuine and operational camera. Driveway Monitor, £18.49 - Recognising intruders up to 100ft away, the Driveway Monitor offers cordless infra-red detection of heat or movement and alerts the homeowner via a radio signal that’s sent directly to the indoor receiver.

Frostfire Home Security Bar, £23.50 - Designed for use with both standard hinged doors and sliding patio doors, the Frostfire Home Security Bar can be wedged at any angle to prevent forced entry. Because it’s made from 20-gauge steel, the bar is incredibly strong and exceedingly robust, and so protects against forces of up to 150 kg. Fake TV Burglar Deterrent, £24 - Simulating the appearance of an active television set, the Fake TV helps to create the illusion that someone’s at home by using realistic LED lighting. An inbuilt sensor automatically triggers the system at dusk and thanks to its compact design, it’s perfect for use anywhere in the home. Security Wireless Camera, £29.50 - Suitable for use both inside or outside the property, the wireless camera makes for fast and easy positioning and transmits images both day and night - due to its night vision capabilities at 8-10 meters. Ex-Pro Complete 2.4GHz CCTV Camera, £94.97 - A robust weatherproof design makes this wireless system ideal for outdoor home security. With automatic activation of LEDs at night and good quality night-vision combined easy connectivity, it’s just the thing for all your home security needs. Yale Locks Alarm Wireless Home Starter Alarm Kit, £124.98 - Completely wireless and ideal for flats, garages or terraced and semi-detached homes, the alarm system is easy to install - causing no damage or disruption to home décor - and comes complete with a wireless remote control access pad that’s easy to operate. Not every device is necessary however, or easy to fit. So before you rush off to shop for gadgets, it would be well worth taking advice from a locksmith or security consultant and ensuring you have the right solution for your home.

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STOTFOLD MILL

STEAM FAIR AND COUNTRY SHOW On May 12th and 13th, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the now-famous Steam Fair and Country Show, there will be lots of new and special events taking place plus an evening of live rock music featuring two great bands on Friday, May 11th. There will be a variety of excellent arena attractions including Joseph Peace Fire Stunt Spectacular; The Essex Dog Display Team; the Vikings will be invading the mill for the weekend, as well as their full scale battles there will be a host of activities taking place in the Viking Village; Captain Neville’s Flying Circus will be bursting balloons, cutting ribbons and flour bombing whilst flying vintage planes. Once again the Saunders’ Steam Collection will be very much in evidence with over 25 traction engines on display. This year they will be providing lots of entertainment with a steam engine tug of war requiring lots of participation from visitors. For anyone who loves to fly, come and have a flight on a helicopter, viewing Stotfold from the air. Make sure you enter the free prize draw for a flight for four people.

Visitors over the weekend will also have the opportunity to ride on some of the finest vintage rides to include steam yachts, the skid, golden gallopers and big wheel. For those visitors who love to shop there is a marquee packed with traders selling all manner of crafts and gifts plus other traders dotted around the event fields. We challenge you to come and have a go at the traditional coconut shy and plate smashing! Throughout the weekend children of all ages can visit the Kids Zone where they will have the opportunity to play, free of charge, on a variety of inflatables and giant games. A new feature this year is a petting farm where children can get up close and pet a variety of farm animals. In the beer tent there will be a selection of real ales on tap and live music will entertain throughout the weekend. There is no need to go home hungry as a selection of foods, hot and cold drinks will be available. You can also try your hand at “have a go” archery and clay shoot which will be available throughout the weekend. Stotfold Watermill will be open to visitors, who can watch the mill’s quality stone-ground flour being produced, before buying unique crafts and jewellery in the Kingfisher Gift Shop or enjoying cream teas in the delightful, Randalls Tea Room. The show is open from 10.30am until 5pm each day. Check the website for information: www. stotfoldmill.com The two days provide a great value family day out. Admission costs remain at £6.00 per adult and £3.00 per senior citizen or child per day and includes free parking and a free programme. Advance discounted tickets are available via the website: www.stotfoldmill.com. Tickets, £5.00 per person, are also available online for the Friday evening gig. Make sure you find time to come to this wonderful family event in this very special year. It is the mill’s main fundraising event, without this vital cash injection the mill would not be able to stay open and operate.

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City Chorus ARE delighted

to donate £4,500 to Garden City Hospice There was a great deal of glee at Letchworth City Chorus recently as their Founder and Musical Director Tony Ridgway-Cole announced the total amount raised by City Chorus in 2011 for Garden House Hospice. Through show ticket sales, fundraising events and sales of their debut CD “The Journey”, City Chorus raised an impressive total of £4,500 for the Hospice. The donation was presented by Tony to Jenny Lupton, Garden House Hospice General Manager and Jo Wiffen, Community Fundraiser who said: “Garden House are extremely grateful to City Chorus for this fantastic donation of £4,500. This gift will enable us to keep the doors of the hospice open in the coming months for the members of our community who need our specialist care. We are very proud to be affiliated to a choir that does so much to support the community and makes wonderful music!” Presenting the cheque, Tony Ridgway-Cole

explained: “It was always my dream that City Chorus should support and enrich the community which we are proud to be a part of and I’m so thrilled that we can present this donation. Thank you to everyone who has come to see our shows, bought our CD or contributed in any other way to this donation, especially in these hard times.” Letchworth City Chorus’s summer concert will be on Saturday 23rd June, at St Mary’s Church, Hitchin. All proceeds will go to Garden House Hospice. For tickets or to purchase the City Chorus CD, please visit www.citychorus.org

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www.spitfiretravel.com The Shefford based Travel Agent. We offer: Tailor Made Holidays, Flights Only, Accommodation only, Weekend Breaks Cruise and Honeymoon Destinations and much more. Call our friendly team on

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SHEFFORD METHODIST CHURCH

CELEBRATES CENTENARY 2012 is a very special year for this church. 100 years ago on November 8th 1912 was the grand opening of the new church building. At 4pm. Mrs. Jane Inskip, a leading member of the church, received the gold key from Mr.C.Wright, representing the builders from Langford. The newly appointed Minister at Shefford, Rev.Minchin, then said a prayer dedicating the new building and, as the large crowd surged in, many were taken aback by the beauty and size of the new edifice. These days they would have just said “WOW”. The new building was built in the Gothic style, of cruciform shape, rather unusual for a nonconformist church at that time, with a high ceiling. Centrally placed is the chancel with seats each side for the choir, and beside it the pulpit, which was originally on the right hand side. The organ, a fine instrument, takes pride of place in the left hand corner. The church was built for large congregations, with a strong emphasis on the hearty singing of traditional Methodist hymns and long, powerful sermons. The new building replaced a much earlier one, which was very basic and too small to meet the needs of an expanding congregation. Visitors nowadays who have not been inside the church are in for a surprise, passing through a colourful front garden, and entering the church by a pair of internal glass doors to face an attractive building. The eye goes immediately to the recently restored stained glass memorial window in the chancel, and to numerous

colourful embroidered banners, some of which were embroidered by Mrs. Thelma Martin. As you walk round the church you will notice the name of Inskip appearing on several memorials. They were a well known local family and Thomas Inskip was looked upon as the founder of Methodism in Shefford. In the 1830s he started a Sunday School, with just two children in a room behind a shop in Shefford High Street. The Inskip family were very generous in largely financing the new church building but we must not forget all those other stalwarts of the church whose names are not recorded and yet who gave their gifts of time and talent. If you would like to come and see us, or join us in worship, you will be most welcome .To find us the usual directions apply; “ nearly opposite The Fish and Chip Shop, and a bit further up the Ampthill Road.” A highlight of our celebrations will be The Shefford Community Flower Festival on Saturday May 5th. 10am – 4.30pm, Sunday May 6th. 12 noon – 4.30pm, and Monday May 7th. 10am – 4.30pm. Come and enjoy stunning flower arrangements provided by the Clophill and District Flower Club and sponsored by local Shefford businesses and organisations. Entry is £3 per person or £5 per couple. Finally, a Souvenir Booklet entitled, “The History of Methodism in Shefford,” will be available soon. Adapted from an original article by Stuart Hodgson.

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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best. Not only enter the unbelievable world of close up professional magic that is second to none, you can now see a cabaret show that will leave you gasping, your guests enthralled and audience participation that is not only professional but will cause laughter throughout and will be something to remember for a very long time. This is ideal for any corporate or private event. Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come. (Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance). Please phone or email for details

07719 261147 â&#x20AC;˘ 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

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The Film Club shows quality movies in the friendly and informal atmosphere of Broadway Cinema on Eastcheap, Letchworth

• Replace springs • New loose covers • New foam cushions • Re-upholster • Re-style Visits to Loulou’s Stotfold workshop to view projects & fabrics welcome (by appointment) email: info@loveloulou.com tel: 07917 160246

The 2012 season continues at 7.45pm on April 22nd ‘Agora’ Spain, 2009 The end of the Roman Empire by the director of ‘The Others’ Starring Rachel Weisz Annual Membership £33, Concessions and LALG Members £28 Guests are welcome : £5 Concessions £4 www.letchworthfilmclub.com Subscribe to Letchworth Film Club info@letchworthfilmclub.com

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Secret Britain

A photographic journey through nature Hertfordshire, UK, 15 March 2012 – Better known for its annual Herts Open Studios event, Herts Visual Arts brings you a photographic tour on Tuesday 17th April, at The University of Hertfordshire, starting at 7.30pm. Wildlife photographer Andy Sands will take you on a photographic journey through the various and somewhat strange habitats of the British Isles. Focussing on the more elusive, rare and extremely small creatures that can be found amongst the British flora and fauna. The interesting talk gives insight into the elusive and often intricate lives of tiny insects, rarely seen nocturnal mammals, as well as rare and less often seen birds. The photographic images will be accompanied by an informative commentary given by Andy Sands, as well as occasional sounds bites from the natural world. Andy’s interest into Natural history is life-long, he has always been fascinated with insects, birds and mammals and the environment in which they live. After leaving school (some years ago!) he took a job in a camera shop and bought his first SLR camera. Naturally Andy started to photograph the things that interested him - wildlife. Over the years his then hobby, photography, has grown into much more serious passion. Not only does Andy now own and run his own photographic shop, but he is still an avid watcher of wildlife, and always with camera in hand. Andy has had several exhibitions of his work, and his pictures are now marketed via the Nature Picture Library you will find that his work is widely published. This lecture is open to all HVA members and is free to enjoy, for non-members there is a small fee of £3 payable on the door, this allows you to

enjoy an interesting and insightful lecture by one of the counties leading wildlife photographers. The evening also includes light refreshments – what better way could there be to enjoy a cultural evening? Don’t forget doors open 7pm sharp at The University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield – room A161 of the Lindop Building. For more details on this event and others run by the organisation visit www.hvaf.org.uk About HVAF The Hertfordshire Visual Arts was launched in 1990 as part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Arts Development Strategy for Hertfordshire. The aim was to give artists a voice within the county, highlight opportunities and encourage them to establish professional structures and contacts. Artists themselves ran HVA from the outset. Many founder members together with new, enthusiastic volunteers, laid the foundations for the increasingly effective, supportive and active organisation it is today. Our major achievements have resulted from members’ ideas and input. An early initiative was our annual Open Studios event. Starting with only 17 studios in 1991, it has become one of the county’s most popular late summer events. There are now approximately 250+ artists involved each year throughout Hertfordshire. Groups promoting a range of art forms are popular for networking among members. Some exciting ventures have been run by these groups. The sculptor’s group has taken part in the Puckeridge Open Gardens scheme, has shown its members’ work in Platform Art at Gloucester Road underground station, and participated in other county-wide exhibitions. Members have run Business of Art Seminars and been involved with county initiatives such as the Green Heart Project, aimed at improving facilities and awareness for the visual arts and Creative Herts, supporting creative professional people and firms in Hertfordshire. For further information please go to www.hvaf.org.uk

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APRIL IS...

National Autism Month April is National Autism Month. When hearing about autism, many people think of the film Rain Man, or of a child genius who can’t function at all socially. The reality for most people affected by autism is somewhat different. Autism is a developmental disorder which affects the way a person communicates and relates to the world. The causes are not known, and it is a lifelong condition. It is a spectrum, which means while all people with autism will share certain traits, the effect the condition has on them will be different. Some will be able to live independently, while others may need care for the rest of their lives. People with autism have difficulties with social interaction, communication and imagination. Common social mores like sarcasm and jokes are difficult to understand, and figurative speech tends to be taken literally, so the expression ‘cool’ may mean slightly cold to someone with autism, rather than slang for something good. They see the world differently and often feel they don’t fit in, but can’t figure out why. People with autism often have learning disabilities that mask the symptoms of autism. Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism that is not usually accompanied by severe learning disabilities, and people with it are often of higher than average intelligence, but sufferers may still struggle with social interactions and

may have milder learning difficulties such as dyspraxia and dyslexia. Around 1 in 100 people in the UK are on the autistic spectrum. As awareness of autism and Asperger syndrome grows, diagnosis for children is becoming more common, but for adults it can still be a struggle. The first step in getting a diagnosis would be to talk to a GP. It might help to ring the Autism Helpline to help prepare what to say. The GP will then make a referral to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment and formal diagnosis. They will ask questions about childhood history, day to day interactions and so on. There may be more than one appointment before a report is written and official diagnosis is made, but once it is done, further support and services can then be accessed. Organisations like The National Autism Society can be a great help. They can provide information about services to support autistic people, such as housing, befriending, employment and education. They also provide support for friends and family of autistic people too. The vast majority of people with autism can lead happy, independent lives, especially if the people around them have knowledge and understanding of the condition. Autism Helpline 0808 800 4104 National Autistic Society http://www.autism.org.uk/

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Hayley's Barbers Look Good feel Great!

Under New Management from Dec 2011, Hayley welcomes all new & existing clients

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SEARCH FOR 900

TO TAKE A HIKE FOR ST JOHN’S HOSPICE Starlight Hikes offer the opportunity to see fundraising in a whole new light. Thousands of people across the region will get the chance to raise money for charity and experience the beautiful Shuttleworth Estate by the light of the stars this Autumn, with the launch of the Bedfordshire’s Sue Ryder Starlight Hike, a night time charity-walk with a difference. Each location has been chosen to provide an atmospheric backdrop and stunning surroundings for a 10k sponsored walk, under the stars, to raise money for the charity that supports people through lifechanging illness. This follows new research that shows despite the fact that 46% of people would approach a charity if they were in need, only 4% have actually taken part in a charity fundraising event in the last 12 months. The event in aid of St. John’s Hospice will take place on 29 September at The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, Biggleswade. The Starlight Hike will kick off at 11pm, after a group warm up and take participants through a beautifully lit route around the landmark grounds past The Shuttleworth collection hangers, beautiful college woodland, The Historic Mansion House and the stunning ornamental Swiss Gardens. At the end of the 10 kilometre walk, Hikers will be treated to a delicious breakfast. The team at Sue Ryder hope that 900 will sign up for the walks which raise crucial funds for the charity. Danielle Brandon, a regional fundraiser for Sue Ryder says: “We know that people often don’t

think about doing something for charity until they need its support. That is why, through the Starlight Hikes we hope to offer a special, different and fun way to raise money for Sue Ryder. We hope that the people of Bedfordshire will support us by signing up for the special event, which promises to show The Shuttleworth Collection in a whole new light.” For more information about the Starlight Hikes, or to sign up to a Starlight Hike event, please see www.starlighthike.org About Starlight Hikes Sue Ryder Starlight Hikes will take place in 11 beautiful locations across the UK; Haddo House in Aberdeen, Glamis Castle in Dundee, Clitheroe Castle in Clitheroe, Temple Newsam in Leeds, Sledmere House in Driffield, Howarth Park and Village in Haworth, The Shuttleworth Collection in Bedford, Rutland Water in Peterborough, Cheltenham Race Course in Cheltenham, Chantry Park in Ipswich and Green Park in Reading. Please see www.starlighthike.org for registration details and more information. About Sue Ryder Founded in 1953 by Lady Ryder, Sue Ryder is a national charity providing health and social care services in local communities. It provides compassionate and expert care to people with long-term and end of life needs in 7 hospices, 7 residential care centres and people’s homes. The charity also supports families, friends and carers.

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Afternoon Tea Delights A charity fundraising event for the Garden House Hospice

Sunday 20th May 2012 3.00pm - 6.00pm Venue: The Priory, Little Wymondley Herts SG4 7HD Come and enjoy: • The Priory’s fresh cakes & scones • Locally baked fresh bread sandwiches • Fortnum & Masons Teas & Coffee • A glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic fizz • Beautiful garden setting • Fine linen and fresh flowers • Live entertainment • Prize draw tickets and luxury prizes Tickets £25 Contact Sue Boys on info.ipccl@gmail.com or 01462 410351 E- tickets www.atd2012.eventbrite.com

IPCCL

Inner Peace Centre for Conscious Living A charitable organisation promoting Peace & Wellbeing

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Something in the air

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

We tend to take air for granted, but the air around us isn’t always on our side: it can contain airborne allergens that make our eyes red or our noses run, or it can be too hot, too cold, too dry or not dry enough - but technology can help. For many people hay fever is a particular pain at this time of year, and there are a number of gadgets that promise to reduce its effects or prevent it from affecting you altogether. Both the Lumie Haylight (£49.95) and the Lloyds Pharmacy Hayfever Reliever (£39.99) are careful to avoid making specific health claims but there’s certainly anecdotal evidence that light therapy devices such as these can make hay fever more bearable. It’s also a good idea to know in advance what the pollen count will be like and there are plenty of smartphone apps that can help. We particularly like Clarityn’s two apps: the Allergy Pollen Forecast tells you when hay fever is likely to strike, while the Clarityn Sneeze Alarm is an alarm clock app that uses different sneezing sounds to tell you what kind of day you’re likely to have. Another option for allergy sufferers of all kinds is an air purifier or ioniser. The former removes irritants - pollen, for example, or dust mites, or pet dander - from the air using ultraviolet light or a filter, while ionisers use electrical charges to attract and trap contaminants. Air purifiers can cost anything from £40 to several hundred pounds - but they can be very effective, although if your allergy is to your pets the combination of a decent vacuum cleaner and a device such as the Furminator pet groomer (£16) may be a cheaper option. Another way to change the air around you is to

use a humidifier or a dehumidifier. The former is designed to make your home more humid, which can help reduce the symptoms of dry coughs, dry skin and other irritations, and options range from steam humidifiers - devices that boil water to create steam - to ultrasonic humidifiers, which create a cool fog of water droplets. For many British homes, however, the problem isn’t that the air is too dry: it’s that it’s too wet. Overly humid houses can cause health problems and irritate existing ones. Dehumidifiers address this by filtering the water out of the air into a water tank or permanent pipe, and prices range from about £49 for a small device suitable for flats to £199 for a high capacity model such as DeLonghi’s DNC65. Even if your house doesn’t suffer from damp, a dehumidifier might be worth considering if you have to dry your clothes indoors: dehumidifiers can dry your washing much more quickly, and unlike tumble dryers they’re not hugely expensive to run and they don’t crease your clothes. Sometimes all you want is to move the air around a bit, and there are plenty of fan heaters and cooling fans to choose from. Among the most interesting - and most expensive - options are two devices from Britain’s favourite inventor James Dyson: the Dyson Air Multiplier (£299) blows air without the buffeting you get from traditional blade fans, while the Dyson Hot (£269) uses the same technology to beam hot air. If you like the idea but not the price tag, a halogen heater (from around £15) offers directional heating on a much smaller budget.

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Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking. • continental breakfast • large luxury en-suite rooms • free wifi internet access • sky tv/dvd player • fridge in room • private location • close to train station • major credit cards taken

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Franklins Art Gallery

Spring Exhibition 2011 (31st March - 6th April) Franklins Art Gallery re-opens its doors with an amazing array of Original Artwork on display and for sale at their Spring Exhibition. For those of you who did not get to the gallery last year, they have an amazing 3500 sq.ft. rustic barn that houses the original artwork by Artists around the Country. Franklins are into their 2nd year and are still amazed at the quality of artwork they receive for each exhibition. Karen Franklin, owner of the Gallery, commented â&#x20AC;&#x153;when we decided to open a gallery back in March last year, we had no idea of the response we would receive from artists, and how much of a gap there is in the market for artists to display and sell their work, hence, some travel hundreds of miles to be part of Franklins. Again this year the response has been overwhelming, and we are delighted to welcome new friends to the gallery to exhibit their work. We have every medium, style, size and price available, so something for everyone. There is nothing more rewarding than owning an original piece of artwork, and as some of our artists are new to the selling side of Art, you could find yourself investing in a new artist and following their

success story and watch the value of your purchase growâ&#x20AC;?. Franklins welcome some new friends to the gallery this year including 5 very talented Artists from Northampton Open Studios. Artist Network Bedford has taken 4 walls for their members exhibiting new and inspiring works. They also have wonderful photography on exhibit and for sale. All artwork can be bought off the walls, and their gift shop again is full of handmade porcelain, pottery, sculptures, cards and much more. There is a lovely seating area where you can enjoy a lovely Lavazza coffee or a good old fashioned cup of tea. Their Spring Exhibition starts on Saturday 31st March going through to 6th May opening for 6 weeks. They have dedicated Mon - Wed for School Excursions and private viewingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, if your school would be interested in visiting the gallery, and having a demonstration from one of the resident artists please do not hesitate to contact Karen Franklin, they are known for encouraging our younger generation to express themselves with art and talk to our artists that have made Art their career.

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Slugs and Snails

By Pippa Greenwood This is the time of year when you’re likely to start to notice the presence of slugs and snails in your garden, greenhouse, coldframe, window box.... indeed just about everywhere. It never ceases to amaze me how much damage something as small as a slug can do and in such a short space of time. But then the truth of it is, there is never just one slug or one snail, you can always be sure that there will be hoards of them. I garden on clay and our soil is alkaline and so we have a plentiful supply of snails; if you garden on an acidic soil you will generally find that snails are not a problem as they need the calcium to make their shells. To say that they infuriate me would be an understatement, but the type I hate most are those small grey-black keeled slugs that do such a lot of damage to crops such as potatoes. I garden without chemicals so there is no question of using pellets, but I have tried pretty well every other trick in the book. I use the biological control nematode Phasmarhabdites hermaphrodita. Although quite expensive it works brilliantly against slugs and poses no environmental problems. If you time the applications so that the crops, flowers or other plants are protected while they are at their most vulnerable, then it shouldn’t be too much of an outlay. Slug and snail traps also work well, whether you buy your own ‘Slug Pubs’ or make them by plunging plastic beakers into the soil close to susceptible plants and then part filling them with beer. I once did a mini trial on Gardeners’ Question Time to see which beers slugs and snails liked best, and Guinness came out tops.... with alcohol-free lager proving least popular! I also find that stale milk works well and if you add a small quantity of grain or porridge oats to the liquid, the pests come in at an amazing rate. Make sure that you leave a centimetre or so of the rim of the beaker protruding above the soil level so that beneficial creatures such as ground beetles don’t fall in. If you create barriers around plants this can help, but I find it less reliable. My preferred materials are coco-shell, pine needles and crushed shells. But whatever you use do remember to put a complete circle around the base of the plant,

not just a ring or the slugs may simply come up inside the ring and of course check it regularly, replenishing the material as necessary. So before they start to really get a hold, show them who is boss, and take action straight away: Encourage wildlife such as ground beetles, birds and hedgehogs Create barriers around particularly susceptible plants. Buy or make slug traps. If growing potatoes concentrate on earlies and lift these as soon as possible, and grow varieties that show some resistance to attack. Use the biological control as a soil drench to control slugs (not snails) Attach copper strip around the circumference of pots containing slug susceptible plants. Go on night-time slug and snail hunts. In late autumn collect up snails from their hibernating places. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and make Veg Growing Easy. Just select the vegetables you’d like to grow and you’ll receive garden ready veg plants PLUS every week Pippa emails you hints, tips and advice about your chosen veg. From just £39 for up to 66 gardenready plants, 6 packets of seed and the weekly emails. Pippa’s website now also offers a great selection of growing frames, cloches, raised bed kits and biological controls.

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SPECIALISTS IN TREE SURGERY AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING

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Inspire Tuition Service Experienced and enthusiastic primary school teacher has vacancies for KS1 and KS2 pupils SATS, 11+, Literacy and Numeracy I offer a fun, professional, child centred approach to learning, regular reports, Behaviour Management packages Full information pack available Phone or email Linda Watson: 01462 819169 or 07739 381497 linda.watson41@yahoo.com Prices from ÂŁ15 per 50 min. session

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Safety Groups Say Older Drivers

Get A ‘Bad Press’

Road safety organisations have said forcing elderly drivers to retake their test when they reach a certain age is not the best way to improve road safety. There has been a recent spate of accidents involving older drivers who police have claimed were not fit to hold a licence. One accident saw a 16-year-old girl killed by an 87-year-old driver who swerved onto the pavement in Colchester, Essex crushing the girl against a wall. Police had asked the driver to give up his licence three days before the fatal crash after he was involved in a separate crash, an inquest heard. However, road safety groups have told us that they think incidents involving elderly drivers are more widely reported in the press – heightening the public’s negative perception of older drivers. “Older drivers do of course make mistakes as do all older people, said Adrian Walsh, director of charity RoadSafe. “There is evidence to show that risk increases as drivers get older, but the type of error is quite different from young drivers – most of them are to do with errors of judgement rather than breaches of the law and most are ‘lapses’. One thing is quite clear – older drivers take less risks.” Andrew Howard, head of road safety at The AA, agreed, adding: “It is very difficult to base

decisions about older drivers on the more outrageous accidents that they have. After all we don’t base our rules on all young drivers around those who pinch cars, speed or drive stupidly to impress their friends. “By and large, most older drivers are safe drivers. Risk curves fall from teenage to late 40s and only really begin to turn up again by late 60s/early 70s and sharply by 80s. Even then they struggle to have a risk level challenging the youngest (and fittest) drivers.” Howard added that stopping older people driving would have immense costs too – both personally and to the economy as other forms of transport would have to be funded. The Institute of Advanced Motorists said they think older drivers get an “unfair press”. “In terms of the number of crashes they have they are one of the safest groups on the road and far safer than young drivers between the ages of 17-24,” said the IAM’s Neil Greig. “When an older driver knocks down a pedestrian or drives the wrong way up a dual carriageway they get banner headlines and calls for tough retests. The vast majority of older drivers are responsible adults who know their weaknesses and change their driving to cope with them.” The IAM wants to see voluntary assessments made widely available, such as its DriveCheck55, where drivers can refresh their skills, discuss the high risk factors and get an independent assessment without fear of losing their licence. Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said there is no evidence older drivers have more accidents. “In fact their safety record is better than that of many young drivers - but their frailty means that when they are involved in collisions they are more likely to be killed or seriously injured,” he explained. “Rather than introducing compulsory retesting for older drivers, we would like to see the greater promotion of voluntary refresher courses. Insurance policies which offer discounts to older drivers who do not drive at the riskiest times – such as at night – and on the most dangerous roads would also help.” By James Baggott, editor of Car Dealer Magazine (CarDealerMag.co.uk)

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

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SEASONAL DELIGHTS

Easter Chocolate Mousse Cake Perfect for a special Easter Sunday meal this indulgent dessert has a chocolate sponge base, creamy white chocolate mousse filling and a rich and dark chocolate glaze. It can be prepared the day before or made a couple of weeks in advance and frozen.

Serves 4 Ready in 1 ¼ hours plus 3 - 4 hours chilling

Ingredients

BASE • 3 eggs • 70g caster sugar • 50g plain flour • 2 tbsp cocoa powder MOUSSE • 2 x 150g bars good quality white chocolate, broken into pieces • 3 tbsp milk • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 300ml double cream • 3 large egg whites • 2 tsp powdered gelatine GLAZE • 85g plain chocolate • 20g unsalted butter • 4 tbsp double cream • Melted white chocolate and small candy coated chocolate eggs, to decorate

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease and line the base of a 20 cm round spring-form tin. To make the base, whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water until very thick and pale – the whisk should leave a trail in the mixture when lifted. 2. Sift over the flour and cocoa and fold in gently. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 12-15 minutes until just springy to the touch. Turn out and leave to cool completely. Clean the tin and lightly grease and re-line the base. Place the cold sponge in the base of the tin. 3. To make the mousse, place the white chocolate, milk and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth then stir in 4 tbsp of the cream. 4. Dissolve the gelatine in 2 tbsp hot water. Cool for a few minutes then stir into the chocolate mixture. Softly whip the rest of the cream and fold into the chocolate mixture. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold in. Spoon the mousse over the sponge base and chill for 3-4 hours until set. 5. For the chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat, stir until smooth then stir in the cream. Leave until cool and thick enough to spread, stirring occasionally. Remove the mousse cake from the tin and gently spread the chocolate glaze over the top. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate with the eggs.

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Lots of Choice Immediate Availability

The Carpet Trade Centre • • • •

Over 10,000sq ft of warehouse to choose from 100’s of designs, stock always changing Vinyl/cushion floor stock Large choice of rugs

Delivery and fitting service in days rather than weeks Low, low prices, high quality stock

Tel: 01462 851637 Units 5A-6, Henlow Industrial Estate Henlow SG16 6DS

T. Jordan Carpentry & Joinery Made to Measure Quality Timber Products Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, Cabinets & Mouldings

Please call Tim on 01462 850363 22 Station Road, Lower Stondon, Henlow SG16 6JP

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ok o L w e N Curtains Suite covers Business Suits Ball gowns Table Cloths Bedding New Zips Shortening

EST 1985

Dry Cleaning (Same Day) Laundry Tailoring Repairs & Alterations Curtains & Upholstery Covers Duvets & Bedding Ironing Shirt Service Shoe Repairs Wedding Dresses Leather, Suede & Wax In Home Carpet Cleaning

Special Offer

20% off

Curtain & Upholstery

4 Sun Street

Collection & Delivery

SG7 6QA

www.newlookdrycleaners.co.uk

BALDOCK

Dry Cleaners

01462 895501

OPEN Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00 Saturday 8:30-5:00

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CODEWORD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

9 X 9 PUZZLE

How to play Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple! Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

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Fully qualiFied â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 25 years experienCe

PlumbinG & heatinG ltd

gas

Gas installer Boiler installation with 5 year warranty Boiler breakdown & power flushing Frozen condense pipe rectified Boiler service and landlord certification

water PlumbinG and heatinG

Full heating & bathroom installation Under floor heating Mains pressure upgrades General plumbing work & maintenance

solar solar

Solar thermal for hot water Solar PV installation by MCS approved installers Solar cylinder upgrades & breakdowns

Call: 01462 292247 / 07566 118 247 218627

14 Pear Tree Close, Lower Stondon, Bedfordshire SG16 6ND Email: dave@dhplumb.co.uk Website: www.dhplumb.co.uk

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Garden and Property Maintenance internal and external repairs Fencing and timber structures Environmental retaining walls Decking and paving Decorating and internal repairs Routing cables and networking Satellite fault finding and repairing Shed repairs including new felt or roof

From start to finish we offer a professional and friendly service so that all our customers are delighted to see the dramatic improvements to their property. Base preparation

Main build

The final result!

Chapman Property Maintenance 50 Plum Tree Road, Lower Stondon, Henlow Bedfordshire. SG16 6NE Tel: 01462 813164 or 07767 442904 Email: chapmanGL2000@aol.com

Chapman Property Maintenance

Please feel free to call Steve for general advice and an estimate

01462 813164 or 07767 442904

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Taxi!

BY Debbie Singh-Bhatti After a night out it might be tempting to jump into the first mini cab you see, but you could be putting yourself in danger if you do. A mini cab, or private hire vehicle, is only licensed to pick up fares that have been pre-booked through a licensed operator. No booking means no record of your journey or your driver, and no insurance should an accident occur. If you want to flag down a ride, use a licensed Hackney Carriage which can pick up fares without a prior booking. Black cabs (taxis) can actually come in all colours, display an orange light and have white registration plates. PHVs carry yellow plates and are generally saloons. DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T use a cab if the driver is not wearing a badge showing his license number; appears to be under the influence of alcohol; does not seem to know the local area; if the vehicle seems to be too old; or is in a state of disrepair. DO make a note of the number plate and driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

licence number and text them to someone; take a picture of the vehicle; always sit in the back; carry your mobile phone in your hand for easy access Travelling by taxi or mini cab is generally safe, but follow the above guidelines and help to keep it that way!

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Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc. Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

M&M

Painting & Decorating Domestic Specialist Over 15 years experience Interior & Exterior Decorating Free No Obligation Estimates Fair Prices Reliable Quality Work Call Martin on T: 01438 354486 M: 07775 645717 Please mention the Villager when you call - special rates apply

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Business to Business Associates Ltd

VIP CLUB

www.b-b-a.com sponsors of

THE VILLAGER PRIZE CROSSWORD

1st Prize £25 Name:

Complete the crossword on the following page, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th April 2012 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

2nd Prize £15

Tel:

Address:

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Fill in your details on the previous page and send your completed entry for a chance to win a cash prize.

Notes:

Across

Down

1 Not private (6)

1 Mailed (6)

4 One belonging to a club (6)

2 Destroyed by fire (5)

9 Endure (7)

3 Copy (7)

10 Book of maps (5)

5 Precise (5)

11 Surplus (5)

6 Accept as true (7)

12 Design (7)

7 Climbing up (6)

13 Discontinued (11)

8 Frantically (11)

18 Withdraw (7)

14 Interconnected system (7)

20 Living (5)

15 Clearly (7)

22 Concerning (5)

16 Chicken meat (6)

23 Outside light (7)

17 Racket game (6)

24 Removing (6)

19 Consumed (5)

25 Two wheeled vehicles (6)

21 Perfect (5)

Congratulations to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crossword winners: 1st Prize - Miss C Porter from Gamlingay 2nd Prize - Mr P Brown from Cambourne 54 54

Please Please mention mention The The Villager Villager and and Town Town Life Life when when responding responding to to adverts adverts

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The Carpet Man Your LOCAL carpet and upholstery cleaning service... Providing a ‘hassle free’ service from our professional and friendly cleaners. Call for a free, no obligation quote on

07999 909982 / 01525 862744 or email

thecarpetman1@btinternet.com

J W A Building & Maintenance

• Extensions • Carpentry • Kitchens • Plastering • Brickwork • Domestic

• Patios • Plumbing • Decking • Painting • Tiling • Commercial

• Driveways • Electrics • Roofing • Decorating • Bathrooms • Refurbishments

Tel: 01462 735565 Mob: 07866 528411 info@jwa-building and maintenance.co.uk jwa-buildingandmaintenance.co.uk 14 Glebe Avenue, Arlesey, Bedfordshire SG15 6UP 56

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A Pressing Issue

Get the best from your iron Ironing is one of those tasks that we’re never really taught, we’re just expected to pick up an iron and get on with it. But there’s actually a skill to getting it right so I embarked on a spot of research to help get the best results from our exertions. There are some ironing basics that most experts agree on. First, it’s easier to iron most items if they are still damp. Second, some darkcoloured, synthetic or wool garments should be ironed inside out to avoid creating ‘shine’ marks. Third, always check the label to select the best temperature for the fabric and iron items that require a cooler setting first. When ironing a shirt, begin with the collar, followed by the yoke, then the cuffs, sleeves and finally the front and back. Iron between the buttons rather than over them, and use the seam as a guide on the sleeves to ensure a nice crisp finish. With trousers, iron the inside of the pockets flat before laying out the trousers with both legs on top of each other and all four seams lined up. Iron one leg at a time starting from the pockets by flipping the top leg back and ironing the inside of the bottom leg in small circular motions to avoid stretching the fabric. Then fold the top leg down and iron it on the outside. Next, turn the trousers over and repeat. To create a crease, spray the trousers through a

thin cloth with a solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts, then press until the cloth is dry. For best results on wool trousers, always use a damp cloth to avoid shine marks. A workman is only as good as his tools, and ironing is no exception. It’s easier to achieve great results with the best equipment. When choosing an iron, one with a good quality sole plate made of Durilium, sapphire or Anodilium, will glide better over clothes than cheaper versions made of aluminium or stainless steel, which have a tendency to scratch. Consider also the steam-flow rate, which is measured in grams per minute. Steam generators offer the most powerful, and produce professional results by eliminating creases more efficiently. These irons are great for large households but tend to be more bulky and therefore harder to store. Other features to consider in an iron are the size of the water tank, heating times and whether or not the iron has a vertical steaming function. If the thought of tackling your own ironing pile fills you with dread, even with the best technology on offer, there are companies around that will actually do it for you! Oh the joy…for a small fee someone will iron out your laundry problems when you’re feeling hardpressed to do it yourself (all puns intended)! Now where did I put their number?

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what’S ON?

IN APRIL

3, 10, 17 & 24 April Tuesday Morning Walkers 9.30-11.30am RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Adults £3, RSPB Members free. Weekly walks around the reserve with a leader, looking for birds, wildlife and enjoying the site. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 6-9 April Easter Hunt Trail 10am-4pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Trail sheet £2. Follow the Easter trail and spot all of the pictures hidden in the woodland with a creme egg to collect when you finish! Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 13 April The first Cuckoo of Spring? 10am-12 noon RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Adults £4, RSPB members £3, Children £3, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2. The Lodge is a great place to see and hear the increasingly scarce messenger of Spring, the Cuckoo. We’ll take a walk to see if these intriguing birds have found their way back to The Lodge from their wintering grounds in Africa. Booking essential. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 19 April Fuchsias 7.45pm Central Methodist Church Hall, Pixmore Avenue, LGC Members £1, Non-members £2 Letchworth District Gardeners Ass. talk by Cecil Rhodes on Fuchsias. Tel: Jo Schurch 07913 774504 Web: www.ldga.org.uk 21 April Birds 4 Beginners 10am-12 noon RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Adults £5, RSPB members £4, Children £3, Discovering how to identify the birds that you see on your walks and in your gardens. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 21 April Holwell Bowls Club Open Day All day from 10.30am Free tea and biscuits or buy a refreshing drink from our bar. If you want to try Bowls or just enjoy our facilities please feel free to join us. Tel: Anna Gilbert (Secretary) on 01462 622548 or 07876220754 for further information

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 21 April Derwent Lower School Craft Fayre 1-4pm Derwent Lower School, Hitchin Road, Henlow Raffle, refreshments, face painting, bouncy castle, inflatable football shootout and craft activities for children. Help support the local PTA by donating raffle prizes. Please drop them off at the school office or email derwentpta@live.co.uk. 22 April Spring Herbalist’s Walk 2.00pm-4.00pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Cost: Adults £5, RSPB members £4, Children £3, Discover the many medicinal uses of plants. Medicinal herbalist Julie Dore returns with her very popular walk, showing us how leaves, roots and berries can be used to treat anything from headaches and stress to colds and constipation! Booking essential. Tel: 01767 680541 Web: www.rspb.org.uk/thelodge 5-7 May The Shefford Community Flower Festival 5 May 10am-4.30pm, 6 May 12 noon-4.30pm, 7 May 10am-4.30pm Shefford Methodist Church Entry £3 per person Highlight of the Shefford Methodist Church Centenary year. Come and enjoy stunning flower arrangements with the theme “Countries of the World” provided by the Clophill and District Flower Club and sponsored by local Shefford businesses and organisations. Refreshments available daily. A Souvenir Booklet entitled, “The History of Methodism in Shefford,” will be available soon. 19 May Soul Man Arlesey Football Club Tickets £5 Tickets: Lesley in the Arlesey FC Members bar or 07717 462393 The Bedfordshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is calling for entries for projects which improve the county’s appearance, preserve its character and promote sustainability. The three categories for entries are Landscape Improvement, Historic and New Buildings and Sustainable Living. Deadline 21 May. Web: www.cprebeds.plus.com/lcawards.pdf Email: ann.cw@cprebeds.org.uk

Hitchin

Luton

01462 759819

01582 639811

01462 759819

01462 730769

Baldock

Stevenage

Letchworth

01462 759819

Hinxworth

01438 771738

0800 056 5711

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Michael Brett Electrical Over 40 years experience Part P & NICEIC Registered

Lighting & Rewiring, Fuse Boards Extra Sockets, Garden Lighting, Extensions Testing & Certificates FREE ESTIMATES Phone Colin on 07973 432759 or 01462 743824

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Easter Elsewhere!

some traditions from across Europe Fed up with chocolate and bunnies? Check out these cool Easter traditions from our European neighbours. In Finland children blacken their faces and go begging in the streets, rather like our Halloween. On Easter Monday the villagers of Haux, in France, cook up a giant omelette using over 4500 eggs. The omelette feeds over 1000 people and is served in the village square for lunch. In some parts of Germany people save their Christmas trees and burn them in a ceremonial bonfire, which symbolises the victory of spring over the dark days of winter. Latvian children hold egg fights, using decorated eggs. The fights are similar to our conker fights and the egg which cracks first loses. Possibly the strangest tradition comes from Hungary, The Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Here women are spanked on Easter Monday. It is said that spanking ensures a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty will be preserved during the following year! Me? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sticking to the chocolate!

All types of roofing work undertaken. Friendly, reliable and professional service.

Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121 www.baroofing.co.uk 62

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Classifieds Carpentry

Plastering

R.G.Carpentry

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small

All aspects of carpentry undertaken City & Guilds qualified 25 years experience Reliable, friendly, high quality service Mob: 07803 711121 Tel: 01462 851159 Email: r.howitt@talktalk.net

Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01767 317161 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Property Maintenance

R. CHAPMAN

01462 732632

Home & Garden Services

sales@steam2clean.co.uk www.steam2clean.co.uk

Patio’s Driveways Fencing Brickwork Painting & Decorating Tiling 20 Years Experience - No Job Too Small!

C A r p E T A N D u p h O l s T E rY C l E A N I N g Drying time kept to a minimum Flea & Dustmite control available 24 Years’ Experience Fully Insured

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

NO VAT for a limited period

S2C_ADD.indd

Domestic Cleaner

09/12/2010

Domestic Repairs

16:41

Sewing Services

Upholstery

D.H. MEDLOCK & SON Domestic Appliances

Established 1967

Sales - Service - Spares 2 Station Chambers, Station Road, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 8AH

Telephone: 01767 313384 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122