Henlow aug 13 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 57 - August 2013

and Town

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth Now including Barton Le Clay, Ampthill, Flitwick and surrounding villages

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VILLAGER

Issue 57 - August 2013

The

and Town

In this Issue

Life

LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS

£25

Prize Crossword See Inside

Wrest Park Summer Concerts Competition

Bringing Local Business to Local People in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth Now including Barton Le Clay, Ampthill, Flitwick and surrounding villages

ur Yo EE Rcopy

Editorial

Solange Hando, Julia Faulks, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sarah Davey, Helen Taylor, Pippa Greenwood, Susan Brookes-Morris, Alex Brown, Louise Addison and Bruce Edwards

Advertising Sales

Bedfordshire Walking Festival

Prize Crossword £25 could be yours!

Mary Williams Tel: 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com

What Can I Do For Free This Summer.................................4

Front Cover Image

Beat the BBQ Bugs....................................................................8

Holiday Spending......................................................................6

Viorel Sima

Golden Temple of Amritsar................................................. 14

Design and Artwork

Electronic Cigarettes............................................................. 17

Design 9 - Tel 07762 969460

A Better Reception................................................................. 18 Summer Days Out.................................................................. 20

Publishers

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

Looking Good.......................................................................... 33 Avoiding the Empty Nest.................................................... 25 Cancer Hair Care Charity...................................................... 27 Spice Up Your Life................................................................... 28 Teens and Contact Lenses................................................... 30

VILLAGER The

and Town Life

Disclaimer

Hot Favourites......................................................................... 35 Reluctant Readers.................................................................. 37 Animal Know-How................................................................. 40 Seasonal Delights................................................................... 43

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.

Children’s Page........................................................................ 44 Puzzle Page............................................................................... 48 Fun Quiz..................................................................................... 52 What’s On.................................................................................. 58 Book Review............................................................................. 62

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What Can I Do For Free THIS SUMMER

By Susan Brookes-Morris When the summer holidays are long but funds are short what are the options? You could take a trip to your local museum. Many areas have Council run museums and art galleries with no entrance fee. Frequently in school holidays, themed activities are run to help engage visitors. In addition to these general history and local interest venues, there are also many specialist free museums in the UK. Some of the most famous are in London and include the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You might be surprised what you find as there are museums for all manner of things, including cheese making at Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, and Shoes at Street, Somerset. Or you could venture outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. Beaches offer a unique environment often with rock pools to explore and the opportunity to make sandcastles or play beach games. Even if the weather is less than favourable, if you wrap up warm you can still have lots of fun. You could organise a family game of rounders in your local park, take a picnic, sit and sketch the wildlife, trees or passers by, or maybe venture

to a larger park or nearby forest and explore new paths, wildlife trails and exciting play areas. You could take a bike ride along your local canal towpath, riverside or perhaps a disused railway track. There are now many special traffic free routes for cyclists. A trip to the local carnival or village fayre can also offer lots of fun. Many incorporate parades of colourful floats with occupants dressed up and have interesting displays from local clubs. These events can offer the opportunity to get a real sense of your community and many have been running for hundreds of years. They may incorporate traditions such as Morris dancing, well dressing, or the newer trend of Scarecrow trails. You may find yourself contributing to charity, buying some local produce or even an ice cream if the sun is shining, but there is generally no entrance fee as they take place on the streets. There are also many free festivals. These are often music based, but also include riverside festivals and a Watercress festival in Arlesford. Find more free festivals and ideas for cheap days out at: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com

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Holiday spending

making your money go further Affording a family holiday isn’t easy in these cashstrapped times. According to recent research by the Office for National Statistics, nearly a third of Britons don’t have the money to afford a weeklong break. So, if you’ve managed to stretch your finances and save up for a holiday this summer, you want to make sure your hard-earned cash goes as far as possible. After all, you want your money to be spent on creating memorable moments rather than paying out for avoidable charges: Think ahead Don’t buy your currency at the airport or you’ll be stung with poor rates and big commission fees. A Which? investigation looking at rates on changing £500 in 10 places across the country found a difference of 13 euros. That could easily buy you a lunchtime menu du jour or a couple of Tequila Sunrises. The best idea is to order your money online in advance. You usually have to exchange a minimum of £100 to avoid delivery fees, but that’s a lot less than you’d need on your family holiday anyway. ICE, Travelex, the Post Office and The Currency Club consistently have good rates and you can order and pick up at the airport. If you’re changing a small amount, the high street can still be a good option. Try the Post Office or M&S for 0% deals. Card or cash? If you’re just nipping out of the country for a long weekend, you might like to rely on hard cash alone but most people don’t want to carry wads of money around with them. That’s where plastic comes in. But it’s important to make sure you have the right card otherwise you could be hit with hefty withdrawal and transaction fees. Pre-paid cards can help you to budget more effectively as you load them with money before you go. There are various types available, so make sure you choose one that doesn’t charge you fees to load, spend or withdraw cash. ICE and My Travel Cash often have extra incentives like free Hi-Life diner cards or cashback on purchases too. If you’d rather take a debit or credit card, then check the charges with your bank before you travel. It might pay you to switch. Spend on most credit cards and you face an exchange or commission fee on transactions you make

abroad, usually around three per cent of your purchase. The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is widely recommended as it doesn’t charge for overseas use and you can withdraw up to £500 a day without incurring ATM charges. Remember that for debit cards, most banks charge a foreign exchange fee of around three per cent, just like credit cards. Then, add on withdrawal fees of around two per cent and extra charges every time you use your card and you could soon end up spending a small fortune. When in Rome… Do what the locals do and eat out at lunch time rather than going to a restaurant for dinner. You can usually enjoy a three-course meal, including local wine for a snip. Shop in the local markets, rather than supermarkets designed for tourists, and you’ll pick up fresh produce at bargain prices. And, if you’re planning any excursions during your trip, whether that’s a day out at a waterpark or a visit to the zoo, then search for web vouchers before you go. Once you arrive, pick up free leaflets and newspapers to find money-off coupons. With a bit of forward planning, you can make sure your euros, dollars or lira go the extra mile.

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Beat the BBQ bugs

by Julia Faulks

If reports are to be believed summer 2013 will not be quite the washout we experienced last year, which means it’s finally time to dust off our barbecues. Here’s how to make sure you don’t fall victim to food poisoning while dining al fresco… Once the person manning the BBQ has a bottle of beer in one hand and a fly swat in the other it can be all too easy to become complacent while trying to please hungry guests. When it comes to cooking outdoors and maintaining good food hygiene, it’s important to remember a few basic rules to keep those bugs away - and we’re not just talking about flies and midges. Warm weather is the perfect breeding ground for bugs such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter to grow, which can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and headaches. It’s even more important to be careful of food contamination if you’re pregnant, young, elderly, or have a chronic illness. If you’re worried about how well the food is cooking, then there’s nothing wrong with bringing your own meat to cook indoors first, to avoid it altogether, or stick to the safer food options instead. Cooking raw meat safely When we cook raw meat on a BBQ it can be hard to tell if it’s actually cooked properly - charred may be tasty, but that doesn’t mean it’s well done. There’s also a risk to your health if you spread germs from raw meat onto food that is ready to eat. It’s also worth remembering that just because chicken is hot on the outside, it doesn’t mean it’s safe, so make sure it’s not pink, the juices run clear and it’s steaming hot all the way through. BBQ fans also need to be careful when it comes to food bugs in side dishes. Coleslaw, mayonnaise and rice dishes are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and are just as much of a risk when it comes to causing food poisoning. Follow these top 10 BBQ safety rules: 1. Wash your hands before you start cooking or preparing food and thoroughly after handling raw meat. 2. Cook meat first in the oven then put it on the BBQ to add to the flavour. 3. Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.

4. Keep plates or raw meat separate to cooked food. 5. Make sure the coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking – this means that they are hot enough to cook on. If they are still flickering then it’s not quite ready. 6. Don’t cook meat from frozen – make sure it’s properly thawed beforehand. 7. Turn the meat regularly and move it around the BBQ to make sure it cooks evenly. 8. Don’t add sauces or marinades to cooked food if it’s already been mixed with raw meat. 9. You can eat steaks and joints of beef or lamb (not cooked in the middle) as long as the outside has been properly cooked, but this does not include food made from minced meat, such as sausages and burgers. 10. Make sure that salads, dips, desserts, deli meats, sandwiches and cooked rice are not kept out of the fridge for any more than a couple of hours. Instead, keep them cool, covered, and out of the sun.

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COMPETITION • COMPETITION WREST PARK SUMMER CONCERTS! English Heritage is thrilled to announce they have appointed independent concert producers Portal Events Ltd to produce two Summer Concerts at Wrest Park in Silsoe, Bedfordshire over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2013. The festivities kick off on Saturday 24th August with legendary rock band, Status Quo, who will be performing some of their biggest hits from their catalogue of music which spans nearly 40 years with over 60 chart hits, more than any other rock group. This spectacular concert will certainly get everyone rockin’ all over Wrest Park! On Sunday 25th August the flags will be waving for ‘Britannia Rules’ where the first half of this concert will be the world premier of a new album, Orchestral Coldplay. The second half will be a traditional ‘last night of the proms’ style concert with special guest, Lesley Garrett CBE, Britain’s most popular soprano and concert performer. The whole evening will open with a display by The Grace Spitfire - there won’t be a dry eye in the house! English Heritage’s General Manager at Wrest Park Jenny Mayer said: ‘We are delighted that the concerts will be returning to Wrest Park after a 15 year absence. They have been really missed and we look forward to warm summer evenings with

some great music once again filling the air on the lawns of this beautiful property.’ A spokesman for Portal Events Ltd, who will promote and manage the concerts said: “When English Heritage asked us to re-launch Wrest Park as a concert venue, we were delighted, as we had been involved when they were last staged. We will be offering something for everyone, from Iconic Rock and Roll to an exclusive world premiere of the Orchestral Coldplay to the muchloved and iconic soprano. We’ve also got a few more surprises up our sleeve, which will be announced later on.” Ticket Prices are just £35 (£32 for English Heritage Members) on Saturday 24th August and £32 (£30 for English Heritage Members) on Sunday 25th August. For further information and to purchase your tickets please see the website www. wrestparkconcerts.com. Alternatively you can purchase tickets from See tickets on 0844 995 0995 or Ticketmaster 0844 844 0444 (booking fees apply). The Concerts will start at 7.30pm, but the arena will open at 5.30pm for concert-goers to enjoy Wrest Park and picnic. There will be ample food and drink stalls on site, as well as a bar and a concert shop.

WIN TICKETS We have 2 tickets for the Status Quo concert and 2 tickets for the Proms concert to give away. Just answer the following question to be in with a chance of winning.

How many years has it been since the concert was held at Wrest Park? Please send your answer to the address below by Friday 16th August 2013 Wrest Park Competition, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

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BEDFORDSHIRE

WALKING FESTIVAL The fifth Bedfordshire Walking Festival takes place from 7th to 15th September and promises to better than ever. The festival is going from strength to strength and attracts interest from near and far. Organised by Bedfordshire Ramblers and supported by The National Trust, RSPB, The Greensand Trust, Bedford Borough Parks and Countryside Teams, Central Bedfordshire Rights of Way Team Members, Bedford/Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, Bedford/ Bletchley Rail Users Association, Long Distance Walkers Association, Nordic walking, Bedford Creative Arts, Walks for Health and Sandy Town Council with its recently achieved “Walkers Are Welcome” status. The festival offers an ideal opportunity to explore and get to know Bedfordshire. From the rural “wolds” like countryside in the north to the wooded greensand ridge across the middle to the chalk hills in the south. Interesting villages, delightful views, and mostly easy walking on generally well maintained paths the nine day festival is an opportunity to get out into the countryside with a group and knowledgeable leaders or simply “Go on holiday in Bedfordshire”. Unless stated ALL WALKS ARE FREE just turn up. The full programme is available on the web-site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. What’s New for 2013 ? More walks for walkers.... Half day walks up to 7 miles and all day walks up to 22 miles. More Interest Walks......... Varying in length from 2 hours to half a day. These informative walks are led by knowledgeable and interesting leaders

and range from spotting wildlife to Two centuries of industrial history from Bricks to Robots. Visit a private Garden Railway. Take a ride on a Boat named John Bunyan or join us going Castle to Castle and if you dare participate in the Friday 13th walk. Special walks...... A dog walk... Yes dogs have to bring their owners. A Mum’s & Toddler walk where toddlers have to bring their Mum’s, Nani’s or Grandmum’s and or their male equivalents. You could try Nordic walking with taster sessions in Bedford and Ampthill followed by a short walk. Family Walks with Children in mind... Whether its looking and listening to Bats or spotting wildlife along the river, treasure hunting with a GPS, or a nature walk at Rushmere the festival has a number of walks specially for the family including self guided walks with street art or join a procession. More walks accessible by Public Transport.... Via London Midland, Marston Vale Line, First Capital Connect, Stagecoach and Grant Palmer. RU4 The Challenge.... May not be new but becoming increasingly popular is the 40 mile two day challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path taking place over the weekend of 14th &15th September. Booking is essential. As more and more people are doing the walk and raising money for charity could this be the challenge for you ? Programmes are available in hard copy from Tourist information Centres, Libraries and many other places. Programmes can be viewed and downloaded from the festival web site www. bedswalkfest.co.uk. or viewed on www.bedslocal.co.uk, For more information or to book RU4THE CHALLENGE Email: organiser@bedswalkfest.co.uk

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The Golden Temple of Amritsar

India

Sparkling gold leaf, glistening water, cloisters, domes and shrines, the Golden Temple is as stunning as the Taj Mahal but it is no mere mausoleum. Set in Amritsar, in north-west India, ‘Harmandir Sahib’ is a living place, beautifully mirrored in a sacred lake, a once in a lifetime pilgrimage for most Sikhs though everyone is welcome, regardless of creed. Step through the gate and the temple takes your breath away, rising at the far end of a marble pathway followed by myriads of pilgrims from dawn to dusk. Women in colourful saris, gurus in bright blue turbans, young men with orange headscarves symbolising the Sikh flag, barefoot visitors, it’s a hive of activity yet an oasis of peace at the heart of town, just a few miles from the Pakistan border. Some meditate at the water’s edge, others sprinkle rose petals around the holy trees, men take a ritual bath in the designated area, holding on to dangling chains for safety. Then all make their way along the causeway to the inner sanctum, quietly joining the queues clutching prayer books. Beyond the silver gates, the holy scriptures are read aloud throughout the day before being returned ceremoniously at night to the safety of the Akal Takhat. Holy men had gathered on this spot long before Guru Nanak founded Sikhism around 1499 but Amritsar, the ‘pool of nectar’ which gave the town its name, was later extended and a temple was built on land donated by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Centuries later, the upper floors were covered in gold leaf by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the ‘Lion of Punjab’ and founder of the

Sikh Empire. But despite a troubled past at times, Sikhism remains true to the gurus’ teachings, a way of life based on worship, equality between all human beings and volunteering in the service of others, three principles which shine in Amritsar as brightly as the dazzling layers of gold leaf. Here, in the world’s largest communal kitchen, up to 100,000 visitors a day receive free meals prepared by volunteers. Chopping, cooking, serving or cleaning, everyone can help, though there is no pressure, and in the dining hall, people of all castes, men, women and children, sit together to eat in silence. Beggar or Head of State, all are equal and even the great Akbar pushed aside the rich rugs laid out for him to sit on the floor like everyone else. Food is donated and volunteers may be visitors or locals happy to give a few hours of their time, the latter often on a daily basis. Outside, the midday sun blazes down on the steps, the shrines, the lake, a flock of parakeets screeches high up in the sky while half way along the path, volunteers hand out cold water to the never ending flow of pilgrims. Many come to celebrate a special occasion, birthday, wedding or the birth of a child, hoping for auspicious times, but festivals draw the largest crowds, be it a Guru’s birthday, Diwali or the anniversary of the Holy Book. There are prayers and prostrations, tinsel garlands and marigolds and when the sun sets, the Golden Temple comes into its own, garlanded in festive lights, resplendent in the moonlight.

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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. 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).

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Electronic Cigarettes

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti They taste, feel and in some cases look like the real thing, but that’s where the similarity ends. Electronic cigarettes don’t contain tobacco and tar which can turn conventional cigarettes into killers, and by the year end around 1 million UK smokers will have switched to e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative. So, what are they and how do they work? A typical cigarette is composed of three parts – a cartridge, an atomiser and a rechargeable battery. Liquid nicotine (which can come in a variety of flavours) is stored in the cartridge and converts into vapour as it passes through the atomiser when the user sucks. It is then absorbed through the mouth. Though it looks like smoke is being produced, what you see is largely water vapour. Electronic cigarettes produce no smoke, no smell and no ash. Although e-cigarettes are less toxic than conventional cigarettes, they are not totally innocuous. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug and can raise blood pressure and accelerate heart

disease. At present, there are no regulations on the purity or amount of nicotine contained in e-cigarettes, but it is generally accepted that the levels are lower than in conventional cigarettes. As yet there are no studies reporting on the safety of e-cigarettes, but some experts claim that if all smokers in Britain made the switch, 5 million deaths could be prevented in people alive today. If you’re a smoker and are concerned about your health, then maybe you should consider using electronic cigarettes. But if you are a non-smoker, do not be tempted into trying them thinking that they are a safe way to smoke. The only sure way to avoid the effects of smoking is to avoid it completely!

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A better reception

upgrades that can feed your high-tech TV TV’s been around for a long time and we’re all familiar with the standard roof aerial’s coaxial cable. But what happens when an old-style aerial isn’t enough? It might be because your Freeview reception isn’t up to scratch, or because you want to upgrade to Freesat - or it might be because you have a Smart TV that’s just begging to be connected to your broadband, or because you want to have TVs in multiple rooms. Freeview boxes can be particularly prone to reception problems, especially if they’re the fairly cheap ones you can buy in supermarkets. If the signal isn’t strong enough you’ll encounter picture freezes and the picture degrading into a series of large blocks. Upgrading your aerial to a better one can help address this: the better the signal going in, the better the experience you’re going to get from your TV. Remember too that aerials can benefit more than just your TV: you can also buy dedicated aerials for FM radio and DAB radio. If the signal’s good enough, you can run the aerial to multiple rooms and install extra points without having to install a new aerial. The process is fairly straightforward - your aerial has a box called a splitter, which provides multiple connections for the cables to your new points – but it’s important to use the right cable: cheap cables can suffer from interference and poor signal quality. If in doubt, ask a professional installer. Another popular option is Freesat, which offers all the benefits of satellite TV without the expensive monthly subscriptions. With over 150 channels including six free HD ones it’s a great service, but of course you’ll also need a satellite dish so you can receive it. You’ll need a dedicated Freesat SD or Freesat HD box, too, although if you’re an

ex-Sky customer you should be able to use your existing dish with your new Freesat box. Freesat isn’t the only satellite service you can access. Many European channels are broadcast by satellites, and while many are scrambled plenty aren’t; in most cases, accessing them requires a slightly different kind of satellite dish to the one you’d use for Sky. If you’ve bought a TV in the last few years there’s a very good chance it’s a smart TV with some kind of internet features: even relatively affordable sets such as Finlux’s £269 32F8030-T comes with internet services including BBC iPlayer, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. While some such TVs include wireless network connections, including the Finlux we’ve just mentioned, home wireless networks aren’t usually up to the job of streaming HD TV - especially if other family members are using the same network for their laptops, tablets or smartphones. For best results we’d recommend a wired broadband connection, which connects to your TV via an Ethernet cable - and we’d make the same recommendation for smart Blu-Ray players with internet features as well as games consoles such as PlayStations and Xboxes. The problem for many households is that the TV, games console or smart Blu-Ray player is nowhere near the internet router, and while you can run Ethernet cabling over door frames and around skirting boards to connect your device to the router the results can be rather unsightly. A professional installer can run the cabling and make it invisible, and we think it’s well worth doing: not only will you have the best possible speeds from your internet connection, but you won’t have to look at any unsightly cabling.

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Summer Days Out

By Susan Brookes-Morris Here are a few ideas for some great days out this Summer Why not try something a bit daring at one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor adventure centres? Award winning Go Ape! Courses have sprung up all round Britain. They are high wire forest courses containing rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides up to 40 feet in the trees. Other outdoor pursuit centres offer the chance to try out water sports, abseiling, climbing, quad biking and many more activities. If you are looking for adrenaline of a different kind, you could visit a theme park. Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Thorpe Park are some of the largest and best known, but there are many others. Try to do some research before you go, to check that the park you are planning to go to has suitable rides for your party. Height restrictions often apply, and some focus on gentler rides for younger children, whilst others major on scary thrill rides. Some have other attractions in addition to the rides and have links with popular brands, such as Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park and Legoland offering rainy day guarantees. Or you could take a trip to one of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s castles. Some are presented in a very simple traditional manner, whilst others include animated wax

work displays and regular events involving jesters, jousting and an opportunity to try your hand at swordsmanship. A visit to a castle can provide the opportunity to learn about history, and many will enjoy the now popular audio guides that are often provided. Some like Alnwick Castle have more recent history to thank for increased popularity. This glorious medieval castle has been the setting for many great films, including Harry Potter. Perhaps some animal magic would make your day more enjoyable. Britain has lots of great zoos where you can see a huge variety of animals and get an insight into the importance of conservation. Longleat and The West Midlands Safari Park are also long established favourites and offer the opportunity to drive past animals in larger more natural settings. There are lots of farm attractions too where you can feed the animals, hold chicks and lambs, as well as learning about farming. Monkey Forest at Trentham is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newer animal attractions. Others which have a focus on one type of animal include falconry centres, the donkey sanctuary, sealife centres and butterfly farms. See: http://www.visitbritain.com for lots more ideas.

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WOOD GREEN... Pet activity days

Animal carer experience days

Friday 2 & 9 August, 9.30am – 3.30pm Godmanchester Centre £40 per child including goody bag & certificate

– unique presents for 11–14 year olds!

Join the Hands On team for a fun filled day and leave the grown ups at home! Suitable for 7 - 11 year olds, participants will spend the day getting hands on preparing feeds, visiting behind the scenes, meeting staff in different job roles and having a go at dog training. Booking essential.

Thursday 8 & Thursday 15 August, 9.30am – 1pm Heydon Centre £50 per child including free adult space, goody bag and certificate Join our Hands on team and become animal carers for the day. Get up close and personal with some of our animals whilst gaining insight into their care behind the scenes. Maximum group size of 4 and booking essential.

To book for all events call the Hands On team on 0844 248 8181 or email for further information handson@woodgreen.org.uk

Godmanchester Centre King’s Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH

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

Heydon Centre Highway Cottage, Chishill Road, Heydon Hertfordshire, SG8 8PN

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: info@woodgreen.org.uk Registered Charity No. 298348.

The Animals Charity

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Hot stone and Swedish massage Manicures & pedicures (Shellac gels available) Waxing Eye treatments Facials Indian Head Massage Affordably pricedâ&#x20AC;Ś all with the convenience and comfort of being in your own home Gift vouchers available For more information and to make an appointment please contact: Elizabeth Warfield (member of BABTAC) Tel: 07816 789071 Email: lizziewarfield@hotmail.co.uk

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Looking Good

How to look great in every photograph Let’s face it, we’ve all seen less-than-flattering pictures of ourselves turn-up on a friend’s Facebook page at some point and cringed. Nowadays it’s more important than ever to look good in your photos, because you don’t know who’ll be seeing them. So, to guarantee that you’ll always look gorgeous whenever there’s a camera pointed in your direction, follow our tips, tricks and make-up hints and never have to worry about a bad photo again. The Perfect Profile Pic Okay, so you want to impress your friends with a pretty profile picture that doesn’t look too ‘posy’ but which captures you looking your best. Firstly, you’ll need to take a lot of ‘test shots’ so that you can find the most flattering angle for your individual face shape. Generally it’s a good idea to focus your eyes onto the camera, move your face forward a bit, and tilt your chin downwards. Take inspiration from how celebrities and models pose, because they have looking gorgeous down to a fine art. Great hair and well applied make-up are essential for looking your best on camera. Choose a lightreflecting foundation, in a full coverage variety to even-out your skin tone and to create a flawless look. Sweep bronzer over your entire face and neck

to avoid looking washed-out. Sculpt your cheekbones by using a pinky blusher - make sure you apply it in the right place by leaving the width of two fingers either side of your nose. Define your eyes by using three shades of eyeshadow to contour your eyelids. Use the lightest shade on your brow bone and on the inner part of your eye, then sweep the medium colour on the natural crease, to add depth, before using the darkest shade on the outer part of the eye and extending it across your lash line to add definition. Using black eyeliner, line the eyes. Use a white eyeliner on the inner rim to create a wide-eyed look. Curl lashes and apply a coat of mascara. Apply a pair of ‘natural-looking’ false eyelashes and finish with another coat of mascara to blend them seamlessly with your natural lashes. You’ll be amazed at the difference the false eyelashes make to your photo - they immediately open-up your eyes and draw attention to them, whilst making you appear younger and more youthful. If you dye your hair, make sure that your eyebrows match your hair colour. Poorly defined eyebrows which are too light compared to your hair will make your facial features look unbalanced, but don’t be tempted to make them too dark either, as that can result in you looking bad-tempered. To make your teeth appear whiter, choose a lipstick shade which has a blue undertone to the colour - this could be a pink or red hue. A lot of cosmetic brands have lip products now on sale which have been designed with this in mind. Use lip liner to create a perfect cupid’s bow. Line your lips with a shade which matches the lipstick you’ll be using. Keep to feather-like strokes as you apply and gently ‘fill-in’ the lips with your pencil, so that there are no visible unnatural lines. Using a lip brush, coat your lips with your lipstick and finish by applying a dab of lip gloss to the centre of your lips for a fuller look. For a perfect smile, put your tongue behind your teeth - this relaxes the whole face and results in a completely natural smile being captured on camera. Most importantly, be confident and enjoy creating some fantastic photographs. By Helen Taylor

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Thinking of Selling? We invite you for a FREE market appraisal Letchworth 6 Station Parade, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3AR T: 01462 685 271 E: letchworth@connells.co.uk

Hitchin 19 High Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1HU T: 01462 437 666 E: hitchin@connells.co.uk

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Avoiding the Empty Nest

By Susan Brookes-Morris Many of us will drop our child off at university for the first time this year. Or maybe they’re moving to another part of the country...or world. Along with the justifiable pride and excitement we feel at their achievement a few negative emotions will undoubtedly creep in: sadness, loss, fear and anxiety. We’ll wonder how our baby grew up so quickly and worry about how they will cope with being away from home, and how we will cope with their absence. These feelings are sometimes called ‘Empty Nest Syndrome.’ Statistics show that some parents find this time so difficult that they become depressed, and marriages may even break down as a result of the change. You should share any concerns, ideally with your partner if you have one as they may also be experiencing mixed emotions. Or you could speak to a close friend, or seek support from a counselling service. Sometimes just hearing someone else say that your reaction is perfectly normal and talking things through really helps. When a child leaves home we may have more than half of our life left to live. It’s a perfect time to take stock and create a wish list of things to do or try. Focussing attention on these will help manage the transition to a new lifestyle more

easily and highlight the opportunities it brings. It can be good to put more energy into nurturing a relationship. Find new activities to share together; take time to sit and talk, or to do the things you used to love to do before children came along. Find a hobby or sport to fill the extra time. Perhaps something you’ve longed to do but felt family commitments prevented, be that yoga, fishing or painting. You could even follow your child’s lead and study something new. This could be taking language or woodwork lessons at the local college, or enrolling on an Open University course, taking a professional qualification or undertaking a degree yourself. If you’ve let your career stall whilst bringing up the children now may be the chance to re -ignite it. Or you could use your increased time and energies to start a new business, or volunteer. When we look for the positive in a situation it opens up a whole new range of opportunities which will help us shine as an individuals, build our confidence and increase our sense of wellbeing - exactly the same things in fact that we wish for our children embarking on their new life at university.

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Absolutely ... Positively ... NO pressure to sell! We give you FREE VALUATIONS .... YOU DECIDE !

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

t: 01767 600 300 e: shop@cambridgecoins.co.uk 26

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CANCER HAIR CARE CHARITY

www.cancerhaircare.co.uk We are a specialist cancer charity offering free, expert advice and services on all aspects of hair loss before, during and after cancer treatments. Cancer presents people with a huge challenge. The emotional and life changing experience of hair loss can leave people feeling anxious, isolated and depressed and desperate. As a hairdresser by profession, Jasmin Julia Gupta wanted to help people through this experience and started the charity. At Caring Hair we offer three main services, “Cancer Hair Care” to help adults, “Gigs & Wigs” to support teenagers and “ Happy Heads” to comfort children. Patients tell us that Cancer Hair Care charity services help them to gain confidence and face their treatment. Hair loss, new hair growth, scalp care, wigs and headscarves can all be a mystery. With our support, caring yet practical advice and ideas for new looks, patients discover that looking good is not something they need to give up on. 100,000 women in the UK deal with hair loss following cancer treatment each year. Cancer Hair Care is the only charity solely dedicated to offering FREE

expert advice and support during all stages of cancer treatment. We are funded by generous individuals and groups who hold fundraising events, everything from tea parties to “wig walks”. If you would like to support us or fundraise we would love to hear from you. Please call The Caring Hair Studio on 01438 311322 or email caringhair@hotmail.co.uk Website www.cancerhaircare.co.uk Cancer Hair Care is a registered charity Caring Hair 1145258

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Spice up your life!

By Alex Brown

Spices have been around for thousands of years. They were first imported to Europe in the Middle Ages, selling for huge amounts of money and making the merchants who sold them very rich. They are used to colour, flavour and preserve food. Many are thought to have medicinal properties and some are used in traditional and religious ceremonies. There are hundreds of different kinds of spices and they can be seeds, roots, bark or vegetative substances. Most are bought as dried powders. Whole seeds will keep longer, but they need to be ground before use. Chilli peppers can be eaten fresh, or used dry as a powder or flakes. They are used to add heat to curries, chilli con carne, pasta dishes, dips and even chocolate desserts. Generally, the smaller the chilli, the hotter it is. The capsaicin found in chilli gives it its heat and has been said to relieve pain and prevent stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Ginger is another versatile spice. The fresh root is added to many Asian and Indian dishes, and the powder is used to flavour cakes, biscuits and desserts. The spice can decrease nausea and motion sickness, and ease digestive problems. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry powder and mustard their deep yellow colour. It is also used as a dye and food colouring. In India, it is highly

regarded and is used in wedding ceremonies. Turmeric is from the same family as ginger. Although normally used as a powder, fresh chunks can be used in pickles. Both ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatories and can help people suffering from arthritis and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. They are also high in antioxidants that can help protect against disease. Cinnamon is a warming, fragrant spice that is taken from the dried inner bark of a tropical tree. It is used in cakes and desserts and many savoury dishes. Research shows that it may lower blood sugar levels and so can be beneficial for sufferers of Type 2 diabetes. It is also thought to help with toothache and bad breath. Some studies have found that smelling cinnamon can increase alertness and brain function. And finally, the queen of spices. Saffron is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive spice. It was first cultivated in Greece and is derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus. It takes 250,000 stigmas to make just half a kilogram of the spice. Saffron gives food a beautiful yellow-orange colour. It is used in Middle Eastern cookery, rice dishes and also desserts and sweets, including marzipan. It has a long history in traditional medicine, and has been used to treat epilepsy, depression, menstrual disorders and fatigue.

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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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01462 231013 07765 935551 Jonwolsey@hotmail.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

Teens and Contact Lenses

By Louise Addison

As a child I wore thick spectacles. My eyesight was and is appalling. During PE I used to remove my specs for fear of breaking them, which meant I could see nothing beyond arm’s length and made me something of a liability on the hockey pitch, both to myself and others. One day my optometrist suggested I try contact lenses and my parents agreed. In those days contact lenses were hard and took a lot of getting used to, but I persevered and was soon wearing them all day. The difference it made was astonishing. I was never a hockey star, but at least I didn’t keep colliding with the other players. I developed a talent for netball and even made the county team, thanks mainly to the fact I could now see the goal posts! Contact lenses had other benefits too. My peripheral vision had been very restricted, due to a combination of my spectacle lenses and the frames which held them, so my spatial awareness increased, and I became more able and confident in all activities from dancing to bike riding. I also felt prettier. Now that’s quite a shallow response to contact lens wear and I know many teens who love their specs, but in all honesty as a teenage girl, that’s how I felt. So I was amazed when my optometrist told me that very few children and teens wear contact lenses, even though one in five children aged between five and fifteen, and one in three 16-19-year-olds need vision correction. That’s a lot of youngsters who would potentially benefit from contact lens wear. There’s no minimum age for contact lens wear. Many children, even the very young would benefit from the improved vision and freedomfrom-specs which contact lenses can provide. Age is much less important than how responsible they are. Your optometrist will make sure that you and your child are instructed properly in the safe insertion and removal of the lenses, how to look after them and what to do in an emergency e.g. if the eye becomes red or sore. Properly fitted and monitored contact lenses are a safe form of vision correction. Modern lens materials are very breathable so ensure the eye stays healthy. Contact lenses should be fitted by an optometrist experienced in fitting youngsters, and reviewed every three to six months,

depending on the age of the child. Hygiene is everything. Washing hands before handling the lenses and the eye area is very important. The eye is a moist, warm environment and is therefore a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Some lenses are replaced monthly, so need to be cleaned properly every night. Modern solutions make this very easy, though there can be an inclination to become a bit slap-dash, so parental supervision is recommended. Daily disposable lenses on the other hand are ideal for children and teens because they are thrown away each night and a fresh pair inserted the next day, so the risk of infection is minimal. Even astigmatism and quite complex prescriptions can be corrected with contact lenses nowadays. Make sure you choose a practitioner who is really knowledgeable about contact lenses and who keeps up to date with the latest developments in the field.

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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES

Local digital print, design and marketing services for businesses large and small What can we print?

What else do we do?

• Business cards & stationery • Flyers & leaflets • Brochures & folders • Mailers & newsletters • NCRs and order pads • Menus & tent cards • Manuals & catalogues • Posters & banners • Roller banners

• Graphic design • Logo design & branding • Photography • Photocopying • Promotional items • Direct mail • Print personalisation • Email newsletters • Marketing consultancy

Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.

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AMPTHILL PRINT CENTRE 01525 300001 Drop in between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday - Friday at Unit 24 Station Rd Ind Est, Ampthill, Beds, MK45 2QY (Off the A507). Card payments accepted. ®

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e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.

HOME INSURANCE THAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP Having a local office means we are accessible, whether you need to make changes to your policy or make a claim. Call 01462 442739 for a quote or pop in NFU Mutual Office, 101 Bancroft, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1NB NFU Mutual is The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

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ACE BUILDING & LANDSCAPES Quality, Reliability and Great Value Driveways, Garden Patios, Domestic and Commercial Fencing, Brick walls, General Landscaping, Turfing, Concreting Services, Shed Bases, Garage Conversions FREE site surveys and quotes.

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HOT FAVOURITES

By PIPPA GREENWOOD Our summer weather isn’t usually unbearably warm; in fact it is often pretty cool and a little bit of extra heat would be very welcome. With a little bit of planning and some careful planting, you could turn your garden into the hottest site out, regardless of the real weather. You can plant to create a mass of hot colours. All you have to do is plant beds, borders or containers full of hot reds, screaming yellows and glowing oranges. True, most of the planting is best done in the autumn, but a visit to a garden centre at this time of year will reveal a fabulous display of plants which can be put to good use in your garden now. For real energy and vibrancy, choose plenty of yellows and golds, including some of the golden rods (Solidago), which should be flowering well into September. I am a great fan of coreopsis, including the various forms of Coreopsis verticillata, which flowers well into the autumn and is unlikely to need staking. If you like to see flat looking flower heads in your garden then take a closer peep at some of the achilleas, including ‘Coronation Gold’. No late summer border is complete without the cone flowers or rudbekias with their deliciously bright, daisy-like flowers - these should last you through October. For some screaming scarlets and other shades of red, consider growing the dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Lychnis chalcedonica. In damper areas you could use Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ or many of the other moisture-loving types of lobelia which produce huge spires of red flowers, so different from those tiny blue, pink and white bedding lobelias which are more widely grown. To make sure that your summer time plantings do well, take heed of the following tips: • If it’s a hot day, try to plant in early evening or at least late afternoon when the main heat of the sun has died down. • Always make sure that plants are really well watered before you put them in the ground. • Soak the compost thoroughly and make sure that it’s wetted right to the base before you begin. • Incorporate plenty of bulky organic matter, such as garden compost, well-rotted manure or

some proprietary compost from your garden centre, as this will help to retain moisture. • Once the plants are in position, water them in thoroughly - the water needs to go right down to where the plant needs it, at its roots. • Once the soil is moist, apply a good, deep mulch of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm), all around the soil surface. This will help to keep moisture in, protect the plant roots from the heat of the sun and at the same time keep weeds at bay. Don’t forget to tend to your hot border again in the autumn, when you will find small versions of many of these plants readily available in garden centres, often at only a couple of pounds per pot and when you will also be able to plant some more warming oranges and reds using bulbs and corms. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com for her ‘Winter thru’ Spring’ vegetable collection, great plants for September planting and regular advice emails from Pippa. Buy a great range of gardening products including Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh and Envirofleece.

Lychnis chalcedonica

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Reluctant Readers

By Sarah Davey

A study published a while back and reported in The Teaching Times claimed that 42% of children have lost interest in reading by the age of 11. If that’s true it’s incredibly sad. Blame is apportioned to politicians, teachers, the TV and internet, but blame doesn’t achieve anything. Instead, as parents what can we do to encourage our children to engage with literature? Try these great tips to engage reluctant readers. Let them see you reading! It sounds obvious but it works. Read some funny bits from your own book aloud to them, or try an interesting newspaper article. Try to schedule a small part of the day for reading. It doesn’t even have to be them reading. My ten-year-old son still loves me to read to him… especially when I put on accents and voices to suit the characters. Lose your inhibitions and have fun with reading and your children will follow suit. Try a joke book or nonsense poetry books. Kids love jokes and rhymes, the sillier the better. They

won’t even realise they are reading as they regale you with their new-found anecdotes and ditties. Use the power of movies. My ten-year-old really engaged with reading when he saw the first Harry Potter movie. He read the book straight afterwards and realised how much richer in detail it was compared with the film. From then on he was hooked.

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Tel: 01462 433433 Mob: 07984 173434 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

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ANIMAL KNOW HOW

ANIMAL QUERIES

Dear RSPCA vet, My Labrador is 7 months old and is still nipping and nibbling my hand when I arrive home. This was sweet when he was a tiny puppy but it’s beginning to become a real problem, as he gets bigger. I’m worried he will really hurt a visitor one day. What should I do? Isaac, Stevington Dear Isaac, All puppies should be taught to be careful where they put their teeth. Mouthing, nibbling or taking a human hand, handbag or skirt hem, should not be tolerated, because it has the potential to be harmful. As soon as your puppy’s teeth touch any part of your body, pretend that it hurts and say: “Ow!” Then praise the dog when he draws back. You can also use treats as a reward when he behaves well. Most Labs are very food orientated! Use the same method to teach your young dog not to grab skirts, shoelaces and so on. Putting something in their mouth is what Labradors are bred to do, because gun dogs have a need to carry. So use this as a positive behaviour to encourage. If you have a rope, a soft toy or even a small piece of soft cloth then your puppy can “give” it to you when you come downstairs in

the morning, or come home in the evening. Praise him when he does this. With a bit of patience, and a lot of consistency, you can turn this situation around. If you have access to the Internet have a look at some puppy training videos for further ideas. Make training fun and your puppy will be a fast learner. Good luck! ANIMAL QUERIES 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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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job! Why do it yourself? We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home. Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc)........................£35 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc).....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc)......£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens....................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean).............£12 Hob..................................................................£12 . . .

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

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Peach Melba Shortcakes

SAGE AND PANCETTA ROAST CHICKEN These shortcakes are perfect for a speedy summer dessert. They take just minutes to make and bake and can be filled with whatever seasonal fruit you have to hand. Here they are filled with a rich and sweet mascarpone cream with juicy peaches and fresh raspberries but a simple dollop of extra thick cream and some sliced strawberries will be just as impressive. INGREDIENTS 175g self-raising flour Â˝ tsp baking powder 75g butter, chilled and diced 55g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling 1 large egg, beaten 1 tbsp milk FOR THE FILLING 125g mascarpone cheese 2 tbsp icing sugar 6 tbsp single cream 175g fresh raspberries 2 ripe peaches, stoned and sliced Serves: 8 Ready in: 35 minutes, plus cooling 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

2 Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the diced butter and rub into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar then add the beaten egg and milk and mix to a soft dough. 3 Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface and roll out to a 1cm thickness. Using an 8cm round cookie cutter stamp out 8 rounds, gently re-rolling the trimmings as necessary. Place on the prepared baking sheet, prick the top of each round lightly with a fork then sprinkle with a little caster sugar. 4 Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until risen and pale golden. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely. 5 To make the filling, beat the mascarpone cheese with the icing sugar and cream until smooth. Push half the raspberries through a fine-holed sieve to make a puree. 6 Slice each shortcake in half horizontally and top the bottom halves with the cream mixture, peach slices and remaining raspberries. Drizzle over the raspberry puree and top with remaining shortcake halves. Tip - The shortcakes can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Fill with the cream and fruit 1-2 hours before serving.

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SCJ

Painting & Decorating

Simon Johnston 36 Vicarage Close Langford, Beds SG18 9QS

Tel: 07778 861115 simon.johnston57@ntlworld.com

Alan George Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

FULLY INSURED! Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation. Steamed Up Glass Faulty Window or Door Locks & Hinges Draughty Windows and Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

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James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

Painting & Decorating www.simplydriven.co.uk New Stotfold based pre-book taxi service 24hr / 7 days taxi service for all surrounding villages Local runs / airports / see website for prices No after midnight charges

07 50 49 48 47 7 Email: simplydriven1@hotmail.co.uk for enquires

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

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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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Hitchin

01462 759819

01582 639811

01462 759819

01462 730769

Baldock

Stevenage

Letchworth

01462 759819 50

Luton

Hinxworth

01438 771738

0800 056 5711

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Member of BESCA

Safe Contractor approved/accredited

providing Competent Person and Energy Assessor Certification Schemes for the building services industry

For all your Air Conditioning & Solar solutions

Reduce your carbon emissions with our high efficiency systems Small enough to care, big enough to cope

01462 815756

www.mjd-air-conditioning.co.uk www.mjd-solarsolutions.co.uk www.epc-assessments.com

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Fun Quiz - Title Characters 1. What word from the NATO phonetic alphabet is also the first name of the title character from the novel Frankenstein? 2. Which title characters “danced by the light of the moon” at the end of a famous poem? 3. The title character in which 2004 film at one point asks for a White Russian with no vodka, no ice and no Kahlúa? 4. Who provided the voice of the title character in the Disney film Dumbo? 5. First published in a book by the Brothers Grimm, in which fairy tale does a queen have to guess the name of the title character within three days to be allowed to keep her child? 6. The local Reverend in the TV show The Simpsons has the same surname as the title character from a BBC TV show that ran from 1986 to 1994. What is it? 7. In Shakespeare’s famous play, what was the name of The Merchant Of Venice? 8. In which 1970s TV series did the title characters travel in a twodoor Ford Torino that was nicknamed the “striped tomato”? 9. In the Beatrix Potter novel The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, what type of animal was the title character? 10. In which 1960s film does the title character fly to a fictional European region called Vulgaria? 1. Victor 2. The Owl and the Pussycat 3. Catwoman (taking out these ingredients, she is left with a glass of milk) 4. No-one (Dumbo doesn’t speak) 5. Rumpelstiltskin 6. Lovejoy 7. Antonio 8. Starsky and Hutch 9. A hedgehog 10. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Before

After

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A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catflaps, draughty windows

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

For free advice call Dave or Nick today

01462 619651

Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

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

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Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261 122

The Villager Prize Crossword Prize

£25

Name:

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 16th August 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mr Peter Williams from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 7 Take away (6) 8 Irish lochs (6) 9 Couch (4) 10 Wraps around (8) 11 Disregarded (7) 13 Hard, strong alloy (5) 15 Hints (5) 17 Supply (7) 20 Easy going (8) 21 Ashen (4) 23 Heavy mass (6) 24 Woken up (6) Down 1 Nothing (4) 2 Vegetable (6) 3 Umpire (7) 4 Drudge (5) 5 Type of fish (6) 6 Tends sheep (8) 12 Ran very fast (8) 14 Authors (7) 16 Power, stamina (6) 18 Gas (6) 19 Prickly plants (5) 22 Untruths (4)

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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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what’S ON?

IN AUGUST

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August Sapphire Social & Singles Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin Club for those 45+ and unattached. Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 2 August Summer’s Evening at Hitchin Lavender 7pm Hitchin Lavender, nr Ickleford, SG5 3UA £20 per person Welcome drink, Tour of the Lavender Fields, sit-down supper and coffee. Live music and Raffle. Table bookings taken. Tel: Camilla Hamilton 01462 482799 Web: www.listerneonatalunitfamiliesgroup.org 2-4 August Playing at Leisure Benslow Music, Hitchin Resident: £185 Non-resident: £135 Code: 13/PAL A special weekend where groups large or small or individuals and couples who want a short break with the possibility - but not the obligation - of taking advantage of some of our musical facilities are able to come to Benslow Music for a favourable rate. There’s no timetable apart from meal and tea/coffee times, and no tutoring. Guests simply meet each other informally in the bar or dining rooms and decide there and then what they would like to do, whether it’s reading through a Mozart Piano Quintet or a Schubert song with colleagues or new-found friends, reading quietly in our lovely gardens, browsing the contents of our library or taking a sight-seeing trip to Hitchin’s attractive town centre. Tel: Bookings 01462 459446 3 August Garden Square Craft Market 8.30am-4.30pm Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City The market specialises in the sale of genuine, high quality, hand made goods and offers local artisans and craft workers the opportunity to show case their work. 3 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 permit from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 5 August St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton The Story of Star Name by Mark Hurn. This will be a fun informative meeting with visual displays. Everyone welcome. We are a very friendly small club and new members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you. Tel: David Roberts 01480 212960 Email: david@snaa.co.uk Tel: Nick Maudlin 01767 315678 Email: nick@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk 6 August Music on Summer Tuesdays - The Virtuoso Flute 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Philippa Davies (Flute) and Jan Willem Nilleke (Piano). Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 6 August-26 November Exhibition: A, B, C: The art and history of the Alphabet Tuesdays 10am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm, Sundays 2pm5pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults £4.50, Children £2, Family ticket £12, Under 5’s free As simple as A, B, C we say, but is it really? Learn about the fascinating history of the alphabet; how it has changed and the beautiful ways in which it has been depicted. Find out about a host of different alphabets and enjoy our wordplay games and activities. You can even win a prize in our daily ‘hidden word’ competition. Additional opening hours during school holidays. Check the website for details. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 7 September The Soul Man Arlesey Town Football Club Tickets £5 Tickets available from Lesley at the Club. Don’t miss out – get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tel: Lesley on 07717462393 for more information.

11 August EID Festival 12 noon-6pm Free admission. Car parking £2 Chilterns Gateway Centre, Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable Join us for the Eid festival at Dunstable Downs, everyone is welcome. A fun filled day for people of all ages, with 4 August a host of activities to enjoy. Enjoy the Bedfordshire Monthly Charity Quiz countryside and activities such as nature trails, face 8pm The Five Bells, Henlow painting, bouncy castle, children’s entertainers and henna £2 per person artists. Join in craft and music workshops and the many In aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association. Cash prizes other arts & crafts activities. Don’t forget to browse the and other spot prizes. Teams of up to 8. Raffle. many interesting stalls as well. Some outdoor activities are 631045 for further information the weather. clothing is advised. Please mention The Villager and Town dependent Life whenupon responding toOutdoor adverts 58 Tel: John 07511

what’S ON? IN AUGUST

13 August Music on Summer Tuesdays – Celebrating Britten in Song 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Sarah Leonard (Soprano) and Stephen Gutman (Piano). Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 14 August Be a Victorian Child for the Day 10.30am-2.30pm (last entry 1.30pm) British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Children £4, Adults free to accompany children Discover what life was like for Victorian children. Children must be accompanied. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk

30 August The Mikado Gates open6.30pm, performance 7.30pm Fowlmere Village Hall. Adults £15, Child (5-16) £5 Outdoor Theatre performance of by Illyria Theatre Company of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera The Mikado. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on. Tickets available from Illyria website (booking fee applies) or by telephone. Tel: 01763 208516 Web: www.illyria.uk.com 5 September Baldock Floral Society 7.30pm Community Centre, Baldock Visitors £5 Demonstration by Teresa Rodrigues “From Root to Bloom”. All welcome. Tel: 01462 642336

14 August Operation Market Garden 7pm Admission £2 including refreshments John Dale LLB (Hons) will be entertaining us with a talk on the famous WW2 Operation Market Garden which took place between 17 and 25 September 1944. It is guaranteed to be an entertaining and interesting evening. Organised by The Shillington Men’s Club. Tickets available from Tom Rainey, 69 Hillfoot Road, Shillington or on the door. Tel: 01462 712562

7 September Musical Evening 7.30-11pm Barkway Village Hall Tickets £1 5 Drinks Reception, Supper Party. Live Music, Individual Karaoke (optional!), Sing along Disco and Raffle. Bar with draught beer - Hopback Brewery “Summer Lightning”, wine and soft drinks. Proceeds to Save the Children. Tickets Tel: John 01763 848870, Liz 01763 838172, Sue 01763 848379 or Lucie 01223 264355

20 August Music on Summer Tuesdays – A Bach Evening 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Julian Perkins (Harpsicord) and Stephen Preston (Baroque Flute). Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org

7 September Music Concert 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Concert with David Campbell (Clarinet) and friends. Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org

24-26 August Rural Festival 11am-5pm daily All Saints’, Shillington Admission £2.00 Over 40 displays including Lace Making, Saddlery, Rural Implements, Local Art and Clay Pigeon Shooting. There will be cakes, sandwiches, tea, coffee, squash and cider to purchase and a Raffle. Tel: Ann 01462 713789 or Margaret 01462 711635 for further information 25 August Come Dancing at Spirella 7.30-10.30pm Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth, SG6 4ET A warm, but air-conditioned, welcome awaits all Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence dancers at the Sunday Dance Club. Tel: 01234 300179

13 September Fitzwilliam Quartet 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 19 September Planets and Moons 10am St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Fee: £55 - Concessions are available Langford Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Branch course. Ten 1½ hour sessions. A fully illustrated course, looking closely at the planets of our solar system and their many moons. Tutor: Tony Woodhouse. Free parking. Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306

Our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

We are an experienced company offering solutions to all aspects of electrical work, domestic and commercial. We are fully insured and all work is guaranteed. We are registered with Napit through the Part P scheme and also registered with Trustmark for peace of mind.

Land Lord Test Certificates Extra sockets to full re-wires security lighting Fault Finding and trouble shooting Underfloor Heating Consumer unit upgrades 24 hour call out These are just a small range of the works we carry out. Please call for a free quotation, no job too small. 0800 511 8985 / 07956 467 411 www.mjtelectricalservices.co.uk enquiries@mjtelectricalservices.co.uk

Lots of Choice Immediate Availability

The Carpet Trade Centre All types of roofing work undertaken. Friendly, reliable and professional service.

Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121 www.baroofing.co.uk 60

• • • •

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

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BOOK REVIEW

BY Bruce Edwards Already Dead Author: Stephen Booth Published by: Sphere H/B £17.99 ISBN: 978-0-7515-5171-6 Published on June 20th There might be a few ‘Villager’ readers who take recreational breaks in the Peak District; after all, it is only a hundred miles or three hours from Bedfordshire, has much to recommend it in the way of scenery, places to visit and has plenty of character, even ‘atmosphere’. Stephen Booth, this month’s author, has a special affinity for the area and it shows. In ‘Already Dead’, the atmosphere grabs one from the start - it’s raining, it’s dark, there’s lots of water on the road - appropriate for the discovery of a body blocking a drainage channel. Booth’s strength is in both character and accurate place description, together with an intense, taut storyline. The police team are personalities with human foibles that surface as in any realistic drama. We know the scenario; emotional conflict at every level interposed between a gradual unravelling of ‘why’ and ‘how’. There’s excessive and damaging rain; an unforgivable fraud, an out-ofcontrol car and the inevitable spurned wife who wasn’t surprised. We might not be surprised either, at the actions of the essential ‘copper on sick leave’ or one of his - female - colleagues, but within reach of a weekend away? Bedfordshire doesn’t have too many steep hills or abandoned quarries, and though we may have heavy rain and despondent policemen, we may not have an author like Booth with the same eye for the local country. Go to Wirksworth when next in Derbyshire and try to unravel the story . . .

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Classifieds

Aerials and Satellites

Gardening Services

AERIALS & SATELLITES

FORK & SPADE

T/A Broadband Communications Established 1993

Find Gardening hard to do? Let Jeff do your garden for you. All garden and household maintenance. Charge £10 per hour. Over 30 years experience

Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Contact Jeff 07429 703774 or 01462 432591

Book Keeping Services

Property Maintenance

R. CHAPMAN

BOOK KEEPING SERVICES

Home & Garden Services

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

Sage Line 50 – Management Accounts VAT Returns – Credit Control

Tel: Sue Gibson 01582 523409 / 07961 043488

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Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Removals & Storage

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removals, storage, archive and shipping

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

• House and office moves • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals • Containerised storage • Extremely high quality customer service

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1 Cycle Services

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Van Hire

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Chris’ Man & Van

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For hire

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Classifieds

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Bedfordshire

Steam & Country Fayre 13th, 14th & 15th September 2013 Old Warden Park, nr Biggleswade (SAT NAV SG18 9DX)

MANY GREAT ATTRACTIONS Steam, Tractors & Heavy Horses Working Demonstrations Steam Ploughing Miniature Steam Fairground Organs Flying Displays Working Crafts

Trade & Market Stalls Craft & Food Halls Working Dog Demonstrations Vintage Vehicles Old Time Fairground Morris Dancing Licensed Bar and Refreshments

Included FREE ADMISSION to The Shuttleworth Collection, Bird of Prey Centre and Swiss Garden Sat & Sun Adult

£12.00

Sat & Sun Children (5-16 years) Fri All ages

£5.00 £10.00

Coach Parties Welcome - please contact us

FREE CAR PARKING Gates Open 9am

Bedford Steam Engine Preservation Society www.bseps.org.uk

Admission Prices

Caravan & Camping Area

Chartity no 291744

Contact for Booking Form

3 DAY EVENT

All Enquiries & Advanced Bookings to: Paul Worbey, Park Farm, Henlow, Beds. SG16 6DF Tel/Fax: 01462 851711 Mobile: 07850 195622 Email: show@bseps.org.uk