Henlow feb 14 by debi1977

VILLAGER The

Issue 63 - February 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

How to

choose a puppy

Banish

those winter blues

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Meppershall, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth

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Contents EAAA Gets Lift Off

Knowing When to go to Court!.........................................4 Banish Those Winter Blues...............................................6 All Change........................................................................8 South Africa - The Garden Route....................................10 Valentine’s All Year Round..............................................13 Arlesey Joins Nationwide Recycling Scheme..................15 Ouch - How to Remove a Splinter...................................16 EAAA Gets Lift Off...........................................................20 Know Anyone Blind or Visually Impaired?......................22 How to Choose a Puppy..................................................24 Former Apprentice in Hertfordshire................................27

VILLAGER The

Issue 63 - February 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

How to

choose a puppy

Banish

those winter blues

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

Herts at War Project.......................................................29 All Change at Chapman’s Old Butcher’s Shop..................32 A Pet Project...................................................................35 Animal Heroes................................................................41 Children’s Page...............................................................42 My Tequila Rediscovery..................................................44 Seasonal Delights...........................................................47 Puzzle Page....................................................................48 The Cinnamon Trust........................................................53 Prize Crossword..............................................................54 What’s On.......................................................................58 Book Review..................................................................62

All Change at Chapman’s Old Butcher’s Shop

9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editorial - Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Alison Runman, Jasmine Birtles, Solange Hando, Sarah Davey, Louise Addison, Susan Brookes-Morris, Pippa Greenwood, Nicholas Clare, Bruce Edwardsand RSPCA Beds North Branch Advertising Sales - Mary Williams - 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com Photography - Fullempty Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Three Counties Radio

Knowing when to go to court! By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Thankfully most consumer disputes can be settled through effective and firm dialogue. If not, there are programmes such as mine that offer additional assistance for people who are finding it difficult to resolve their consumer complaint. However, some cases just cannot be resolved, no matter how hard one or both parties try. It is for these cases that the small claims court can be very helpful. This month, I will outline how to use the small claims court system to obtain the best results. Firstly, DO NOT RUSH TO COURT. In my experience, judges often look unfavourably at customers who are seen to take a company to court too quickly. It makes the consumer look unreasonable which never bodes well. Therefore always try as hard as you can to resolve the complaint between yourselves first. Consider the small claims court your last resort and it is essential that you have kept a record of your conversations and correspondence. When you reach the conclusion that (within 6 years of the dispute and for amounts up to £10,000) the company or tradesman is not prepared to resolve the problem, you must write a letter of intention. Make it clear in the letter that you have tried hard to offer them opportunities to resolve the problem and that you would like to offer them one final opportunity. Allow them one month from receipt of the letter to respond, and make it clear that if you do not hear from them, you will lodge papers with the small claims court. Send the letter recorded delivery and ensure they have received it and signed for it. If they still show no interest in resolving the dispute, then you have an important decision to make. Will you go through with your threat of court action or not? If you decide on the former, you must go into it with your eyes open. You can always lose as well as win, however it may not cost you as much as you may think. The fee is dependent on how much you are suing for, but this will be outlined when you proceed with the action. If you are successful, the defendant will have to pay your costs as well as the amount you are claiming for. It is also worth noting that you do not need a lawyer to take someone to the small claims court. It’s relatively straight forward, and as long as you’ve been reasonable and sensible in your dealings with the company or tradesman, you stand a good chance of getting a favourable judgement. In many cases, mediation is offered as a way of agreeing a course of action. The result of this is not legally binding, and most often I would advise you to proceed with this where offered. It doesn’t prevent you progressing a case to a judge if unsuccessful. However, turning it down can made you look unreasonable. If things go your way, the judge will award in your favour and will request that the defendant pays you a sum of money (either the whole of the amount you’re seeking, or a proportion of it). They will be given instructions as to how to pay it, and if they fail to do so, you can instruct county court bailiffs to recover the money. You can also escalate the case to the high court for a further fee and instruct the high court enforcement officers to chase your money. Taking a company to court can be a daunting prospect, and I would always suggest obtaining advice from your local citizens advice bureau who will give you tailor-made advice on your specific case. Good luck!

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am. 4

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Health and Beauty

Banish those Winter Blues

By Alison Runman

Often, you can cope with the start of winter. It may be dark, cold and wet, but the early months are full of celebrations to lift your spirits until the New Year and its ‘fresh start’. A few weeks later, your resolutions are in tatters. The days are still dark, meaning you drag yourself out of bed and then feel like the day is over by dinner time. You may be just fed up, but you could be suffering from ‘Winter Blues’. So here’s how to survive the winter. Let There Be Light! Lack of sunlight can increase melatonin levels (making you sleepy and lethargic) and reduce serotonin levels (affecting mood and appetite). It’s also thought to influence your ‘body clock’ (your circadian rhythm that controls body functions). So spend time outside. When indoors, try to work or relax near a window. A sunrise clock may help you wake up; they aim to bring your body out of sleep gently, by gradually increasing the light they emit. Stay Warm If your body is fighting to keep you warm, you’ll feel sluggish and struggle to concentrate. Keep yourself as warm as possible; wear layers and heat your home adequately. What about spending time somewhere else warm and cosy - a pub or library? Eat and Drink Healthily Warm, stodgy food and extra tea and coffee seem tempting when we’re chilly and low, but resist – think hot but

healthy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables of different colours and choose low sugar, low fat alternatives to stodgy puddings. Healthy soups are a great winter warmer, as are fruit teas, orange juice with cinnamon, honey and lemon, or malted drinks made with skimmed milk or hot water (but beware versions loaded with fat and sugar). Socialise There’s scientific proof that the company of others, particularly if laughing and hugging is involved, is great for our wellbeing. So invite friends round, go visiting and attend sociable gatherings wherever possible. Exercise Exercise will warm you up, increase your immunity and alertness and make you feel good too. So bundle yourself up for a walk outdoors on brighter days, and find an indoor activity you enjoy – perhaps an exercise or dance DVD or video game. Whatever you do, your mind and body will feel better for it.

When you’re not just blue, but SAD Over 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a more severe form of Winter Blues. SAD is at its worst from December to February when days are shortest, and causes either depression, or mood swings between depression and hyper-energy. Sometimes stress or trauma such as bereavement or a new baby seems to be a trigger, and it’s most prevalent in 18-30 year olds. If you are a sufferer, you can help yourself by: Following the Winter Blues advice above Trying a light box Therapeutic light boxes, available to buy or rent, produce light that’s at least ten times as intense as normal daylight. Rent one first to see if it works for you. Seeing your GP They may suggest counselling or CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) or in some circumstances, antidepressants or a structured course of light therapy. For support and information, visit http://www.sada.org.uk/ (The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA)) or http:// www.sad.org.uk/

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Finance

All Change

By Jasmine Birtles, moneymagpie.com These days, many of us are unfaithful – to our service providers, at least; happily flitting between mobile service providers, internet providers, energy companies and insurers to get the best deal. Yet according to the Independent Commission on Banking, on average we only change bank accounts every 26 years. So why aren’t we all browsing comparison sites, checking out the best current accounts? Because we hate the hassle. How could we switch over all those outgoings and incomings? Say a direct debit gets ‘lost’ and we default on a bill? The Current Account Switch Guarantee Relax. Banks know it’s in their best interests to make it easy for you to swap your account to them; some even offer financial incentives. In September, seventeen banks joined the new Current Account Switch Guarantee scheme which should see your bank account transferred within seven days. It means once you’ve chosen a new bank, they take responsibility for the switch (including settling missed direct debits, incurred charges etc and informing everyone concerned). Just chose a switch date (allowing seven working days), then relax as your new bank transfers your incoming payments, outgoing payments and balance, and then closes your old account. Payments via your old account are automatically re-directed for 13 months to cover once-a-year payments. You don’t need to do a thing. www.simplerworld.co.uk has full details of the Switch Guarantee and the banks and building societies signed up so far. What it doesn’t have is information or comparisons on available accounts. So where can you find them? www.moneysupermarket.com/current-accounts/ Use their handy dropdown filter menu or sidebar categories to search for accounts including ones with interest, overdrafts, cashback, or rewards - or from banks signed up to the 7 day Switch Guarantee. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ banking/compare-best-bank-accounts This site has detailed discussions and comparisons of the best buys in a number of categories, including the best ethical banks. http://www.which.co.uk/money/bank-accounts/

reviews-ns/bank-accounts/ Which? also advises on best bank accounts if you’re always in credit or need overdrafts. Fee-charging accounts are listed separately, so it’s worth considering them alongside other options. Sometimes paying a fee can be the best option, so before you search always: Think long and hard about what you want from your current account There’s a bewildering array of account types these days. Some modern current accounts (often described as ‘Offset Mortgages’ rather than current accounts) work in tandem with your savings or mortgage, allowing you to shift money from one to the other – reducing interest payments on your mortgage in good times, and providing a cheap ‘loan’ to cover unexpected calamities like boiler breakdowns. Then there’s cashback, airmiles, points, rewards, special deals on savings and mortgages from the same provider, breakdown cover, travel insurance... so think about which deal saves you the most in real terms, and how you want to operate your account (online, post, branch or all three?). Some great deals can be found outside the Big Four (Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC), so keep an open mind. Clydesdale Bank and Nationwide both offer good interest rates if you pay in a minimum of £1000 per month. First Direct isn’t currently offering incredit interest, but does offer financial incentives for switching and a high interest linked savings account, plus a small free overdraft facility. It’s also won both Money Saving Expert and Which? customer service polls. So why not take a look? These deals probably won’t be around in 26 years...

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Travel

South Africa - The Garden Route By Solange Hando

Such a lovely name seems far too humble for the magnificent southern coast of the Western Cape. Stretching for some 200 km along the Indian Ocean, from Mossel Bay to the Tsitsikamma National Park, this is a largely untamed African Garden of rugged shores and virgin beaches, lagoons and lakes, mountains, gorges, flowers and forests of conifer and red and yellow wood. Heather and fynbos bloom purple and gold along the paths and myriads of birds weave their nests in lush greenery. Half way between the Cape and Port Elizabeth, ‘Route 62’ reaches George, the main town, where pride of place goes to the superb transport museum gleaming with steam engines and vintage trains, including the royal carriage of George VI. The last steam train recently ceased operations though Friends hope it may reopen. At the moment, a ‘powervan’, a bus running on rail, carries excited visitors on the same scenic line laced with tunnels, viaducts and bridges, and up the dramatic Outeniqua mountains, named after the honey bees once buzzing on flower-covered slopes. The range follows the coast, dropping steeply on the northern side where the arid lands of Little Karoo beckon with ostrich farms and a meagre shade. On this legendary Garden Route, luxuriant nature reserves flourish alongside a sprinkling of coastal resorts haunted by surf and sun seekers. Popular Plettenberg is a great place to watch dolphins and whales, especially in the southern winter, while at the heart of the National Lake Area, Knysna is famed for its festivals, oysters and colonies of seabirds. It’s an attractive place festooned in bottle brush and bougainvillea and down in the bay, honey-

coloured rocks are battered by the waves. Along the coast, Mossel Bay hugs a fine crescent of white sands where Bartolomeu Dias, the first navigator to sail around the tip of Africa, landed in 1488. This little gem also claims the oldest ‘post office’, a tree, still standing, they say, where sailors of yore left messages before returning to sea. Created in 2009, the Garden Route National Park covers an amazing range of eco-systems from the Knysna Lake Area to the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness national parks. Framed by mountains and forests, fringed by pristine beaches, lakes and waterways, Wilderness has wetlands of international importance, meadows bursting with spring flowers and nature trails where you might spot myriad kingfishers and vervet monkeys. On the eastern edge of the Garden Route, you reach Tsitsikamma, a true paradise for nature lovers, both on land and sea where you can snorkel along underwater trails and explore the reefs. Meanwhile in the forest, baboons forage around as a dappled light filters through the lofty cathedral-like canopy. Yellowwoods draped in lichen reach up to 50 metres, mosses and ferns carpet the valley floor and crystal clear streams babble in the undergrowth. The woody scent of fynbos lingers in the air and there are sparkling waterfalls and lots of trails stretching across cliffs and rivers to Nature’s Valley. Hikes range from a short walk to the mouth of the Storms River and its vertiginous suspension bridge, to the 42 km long Otter trail along the coast, with a chance to swim and ford a river or two. But most exciting of all is a sudden flash of olive green in a nearby tree as a beautiful Knysna Lourie, one of the most elusive birds in the park, takes off in the canopy.

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Time of Year

Valentine’s All Year Round

By Sarah Davey

Valentine’s Day is all about being ‘in love’ isn’t it? But what does ‘being in love’ really mean? Is it just about the flowers, chocolate or perfume? To me, being in love is all about appreciating and noticing my partner. In the first throws of a romance it’s easy: you appreciate the way it feels when he takes your hand; the way she laughs or cries at daft films; the way he pokes his tongue out when he concentrates. You notice the little things and find them endearing. Over time sadly our focus shifts more to the things which irritate us, such as the way we have to ask him to take his muddy shoes off in the house at least three times before he does it, or the way she spends so much money on clothes and beauty products. When we focus on the negatives the positives get lost. Worse, we only appreciate our partner when they produce a big gift, or an extravagant display of affection, mainly because it’s something out of the ordinary so it shakes

us out of our apathy. Florists, jewellers and gift-card suppliers capitalise on this. I am not advocating a Valentine’s Day without cards and flowers, (mainly because I like receiving them), but this year make a list of all the little things you love about your husband, wife or partner as well. Then every day tell them one or two small things you really appreciate about them. Yes it takes effort, but it will help them feel loved every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. The poet Victor Hugo said that ‘The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.’ That surely has to be the best Valentine gift you can give anyone this year.

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KIDS

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Local News

Arlesey Joins

New Nationwide Public Drop-Off Recycling Scheme Arlesey has become one of the first locations in the country to take part in a new nationwide recycling fundraising initiative, set up by recycling experts TerraCycle, which allows local communities to come together and save various types of packaging waste from landfill for the first time. The Arlesey Resource Centre on Arlesey High Street is currently participating as a drop off location for any brand of coffee refill pack, coffee bean bag, plastic coffee jar lid, single serve coffee stick or sachet, baby food pouch, baby wipes pack, biscuit wrapper and Tassimo TDISC’s and outer flow wrap packaging. These recycling programmes make it possible for local communities to recycle waste packaging which is too difficult or costly for local councils to recycle and so otherwise ends in landfill. TerraCycle are now appealing for more people across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to follow Arlesey and find suitable locations within their communities that are willing to house a collection box and apply to be a public drop-off location. Drop off locations are being sought for the following TerraCycle programmes - the Coffee Packaging Brigade, Ella’s Kitchen Brigade, Johnson’s Baby Wipes Packaging Brigade, McVitie’s Biscuit Wrapper Brigade and the Tassimo Brigade. Once a communal collection point has been set up, as with the Arlesey Resource Centre, local people can contribute by dropping off their waste Tassimo TDISCS and any brand of used baby food pouches, baby wipes packaging, biscuit wrappers and waste coffee refill bags, coffee bean bags, single serving coffee sachets and coffee jar lids for recycling. The aim is for more local communities to work together to save as much packaging waste as possible from local landfill. Two TerraCycle points are also earned for the weight of each unit of waste collected, with each point redeemable for a one penny contribution to any school or charity as chosen by each collection location. Collected packaging waste sent to TerraCycle is then recycled into generic plastic products such as park benches and watering cans. Local people in the Arlesey area can now drop off the aforementioned types of waste packaging to the public access collection box located at the Arlesey Resource Centre on Arlesey High Street from 2.30pm-4.30pm on Mondays, 1.00pm-5.00pm on Tuesdays, 9.00am-12.30 pm on Wednesdays, 1.00pm-5.30pm on Thursdays, 9.00am-12.30pm on Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Fridays and 10.00am-1.00pm on Saturdays. Local resident Emily Rowlands, who arranged for a collection box to be located at the Arlesey Resource Centre and will administrate the collections, commented: “We are delighted the Arlesey Resource Centre will house a collection box, enabling the local community to be among the first in the UK to recycle their packaging waste. All funds raised will be donated to Arlesey Nursery School and Gothic Mede Academy. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only help the local environment, but also to support two local schools”. For further information and a maps showing all locations currently participating, or for those wishing to apply to be a drop off location within their local community, please visit www.terracycle.co.uk/enUK/brigades/coffee-packaging-brigade.html. Pictured below Dr Sam Ward from the Arlesley Resource Centre and Emily Rowlands with their collection box situated at the Arlesey Resource Centre on the High Street in Arlesey. The public are able to drop off their coffee refill packs, coffee bean bags, plastic coffee jar lids, single serve coffee sticks, biscuit wrappers, baby food pouches and baby wipes packs of any brand, plus Tassimo TDISC’s and outer flow wrap packaging to the collection box between the hours of 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Mondays, 1.00pm to 5.00pm on Tuesdays, 9.00am to 12.30 pm on Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 5.30pm on Thursdays, 9.00am to 12.30pm on Fridays and from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays.

1515

Health & Beauty

Ouch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; How to remove a splinter By Louise Addison

Splinters are painful and tricky to remove. I remember my mother digging around in the tender ball of my thumb with a darning needle one evening when I was ten. The splinter on that occasion had lodged itself firmly and resisted all attempts to prise it out while I resisted all attempts to have it prised out! Years later a friend training to be nurse taught me how to remove splinters safely and I pass on the knowledge here. First clean the area with soap and water. Inspect the splinter; use a magnifying glass if you have one. Look at the angle of entry and how deeply embedded the splinter is. If the splinter protrudes from the skin itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can be removed with tweezers. Sterilise the tweezers first using surgical spirit (neat Vodka also works) and if you need a magnifier get someone else to hold it; then grip the splinter gently and pull it out along the same angle it entered the skin.

Small, fine splinters can be trickier, especially if they are more deeply embedded. In this instance cover the affected the area with Magnesium Sulphate paste (cheap and available from all pharmacies) and then bandage it. Leave over night and in the morning the splinter will have surfaced. If it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, reapply and bandage again. The Magnesium sulphate is anhydrous and draws moisture out of the wound and with it the splinter. Once the end of the splinter pokes out you can use tweezers to remove it completely. Remember: If you use a needle to break the skin prior to applying the paste make sure the needle is sterile. Never try to squeeze a splinter out; you may drive it in further.

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Under New Management

Stondon Local (formerly B & B Foodstores)

14 Brittains Rise, Lower Stondon, SG16 6JT Your local village shop Now open under new management For all your grocery needs at competitive prices. Extensive range of fine wines, beers and spirits. Freshly baked bread, rolls and snacks. We stock many newspapers and magazines. A wide selection of greeting cards and stationary. Coming soon Post Office (open 7 days a week) National Lottery including scratch cards. Monday to Saturday 7 am to 8 pm Sunday 8 am to 3 pm Tel: 01462 850 781

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Local News

East Anglian Air Ambulance Gets Lift Off with the Huntingdon Male Voice Choir On Saturday March 15th Huntingdon Male Voice Choir and guest artist will be holding a concert in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance at St Marys Church Eaton Socon. This promises to be a magical evening of fine voice and good company. Tickets are £10 and the doors open at 7.00pm with a 7.30pm start. There will be a raffle and refreshments. For tickets please contact: Barbara McGee 01763 262697 or barbara.mcgee@eaaa. org.uk , Ian Fuller 01480 819077, Hugh Muir 01480 810820 or tickets can be purchased from Eaton Socon Post Office. HUNTINGDON MALE VOICE CHOIR was founded by a group of friends in 1962. Now nearly 60 strong, it regularly sings in support of local charities. HMVC has successful competition

performances to its credit and regularly appears on TV and radio. www.hmvc.org.uk THE EAST ANGLIAN AIR AMBULANCE provides Helicopter Emergency Medical Services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Every day our highly trained specialist teams fly to the scenes of accidents or medical emergencies. The EAAA operates two helicopters from Norwich and Cambridge airport, running 365 days a year. It covers over 5,000 square miles and a population of approximately 3 million. Our helicopter can reach patients anywhere within 25 minutes. As a charity we need to raise £7.6 million a year. A donation of £2.50 per person a year would ensure the continuation of this invaluable service. www. eaaa.org.uk.

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Local News

Do you know anyone who is blind or visually impaired?

We all take reading a newspaper so much for granted in our daily lives. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is the one way that a blind or partially sighted person can independently access the local news items from The Biggleswade Chronicle for that week, plus features of general interest including community events, sport and so much more. If you know of anyone whom you feel would like to have a “talking newspaper”, keeping them up to date with local news, please contact David Gentle 07840 504940 or visit our web site www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk our details can also be found bottom right hand corner of page 2 of The Biggleswade Chronicle. We are a registered charity and established in 1981, as a service to the visually impaired in Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages.

A Memory Stick of local news items are sent out every week, and are free to anyone who is visually impaired. If you don’t have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound files contained on the memory sticks, we can lend a player to you, and that is also free. THE BIGGLESWDE TALKING NEWSPAPER Local news for Local listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations Call David Gentle 07840 504940 www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk Registered Charity Number 281316

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Pets

How to Choose a Puppy By Susan Brookes-Morris

Let’s face it, puppies are little bundles of gorgeousness and when choosing one it’s easy to get carried away, but don’t. It is important to think very carefully about whether that puppy (or indeed any puppy) is a good choice. But let’s assume for now that you’ve decided you really do have room in your life for a dog. The first step is to research which breed or type of mongrel suits your circumstances, and also the dog’s size and nature. Have you got room for a puppy that will grow into a large dog? How much time do you have to exercise a dog? Do you have children, or any other pets that it must be compatible with? In addition to the purchase cost, what ongoing costs must you consider e.g. food and vet bills; a large dog will eat much more than a small one, and some breeds are prone to medical problems which may be expensive to treat. Consider the dogs coat

if shedding hair might be an issue. Would a dog or a bitch be a better choice? Male dogs can be more dominant and headstrong; with females, you will need to consider how you will cope when she comes into season. Terriers are lively dogs that need lots of exercise for their size and can be tricky to train, but they are generally good with children. Toy dogs seem particularly prone to becoming snappy if they are anxious, which they may be around boisterous children. Hounds need lots of exercise, and breeds that have a working history need plenty of mental stimulation so that they don’t get in to mischief. Border Collies for instance, can become stressed if they are not active and given lots of attention. Gun dogs are easy to train and settle well into most houses. If you choose a pedigree dog, you will know exactly how large your pup will grow and what it will look like. You should buy from an experienced breeder who can give you lots of information and allow you to meet the parents. As I mentioned earlier, some breeds have potential ‘inherited diseases’ or known health issues in later life, so ask about this if you want to avoid hefty vet bills. Crossbreeds can be cheaper to buy; they can even be free, but if you can’t see both parents you may get a surprise when it grows much larger than you expected. There are currently some very fashionable cross breeds such as the Labradoodle - a Labrador / poodle cross, or a Cockerpoo – a cocker spaniel / poodle cross. These can combine the best features of each breed. Resist buying a puppy that is left on its own and appears withdrawn, as it may have or develop personality issues. You should choose a lively, alert puppy in good health. To give your puppy a good start in its new home, try not to have too many people around when it arrives. Be relaxed and allow your puppy to sniff around. Offer it food and water although you may find it refuses for a while. Try to establish a routine. Once settled in, you can look forward to your puppy being a loving companion for many years.

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February’s Treats Book a Neal’s Yard Anti-Ageing Facial this month and receive 25% off any other treatment this month. Book a pedicure and receive a upgrade to a gel pedicure. 10% off all waxing. Make yourself pretty this Valentines day... Go on... Treat yourself! Gift vouchers available to treat your Valentine Luxury Pedicures Dermalogica Facials Massage & Body treatments Waxing, Hollywood & Brazilian Eye Treatments

8 Cherry Trees, Lower Stondon, Beds, SG16 6DT e. faye@fayesbeautyhut.com www.fayesbeautyhut.com t. 07912 645310

Courses available are:Nail treatments, Wax depilation, Cosmetic Make-up and Beauty Consultancy, Facial Massage and Skin Care, Swedish Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy

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The Rooms defines the standard for lifestyle and beauty therapies. Our training academy prides itself on offering flexible learning programmes to suit everyone, taught in small groups and we do not work on a fixed schedule basis. We offer our courses over weekdays, evenings or weekends. Our unique training offers advanced therapy techniques taught by highly qualified approachable tutors with ongoing support. We provide Level 2 and Level 3 courses with no pre-entry qualifications needed. You will be working towards receiving a recognised industry qualification provided by VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust). Graduate therapists leave with the highest standards in customer care and practical techniques, giving them excellent career opportunities within the lifestyle and beauty industry.

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Semi Permanent Eyelash Extensions, Sienna X Spray Tanning, Jessica Gels, Jessica Manicure and Pedicure, Nail Art & Wraps, Advanced Waxing, Bridal Make-up, Advanced Massage Techniques, Hot Stone Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Eye Treatments, Individual and strip lashes and Perm Day.

Course details: All beauty courses £399 + exam + kit fees + material charge All holistic courses £399 (or £499 inc A&P) + exam + kit fees + material charge All one day courses £100 To find out more information, or to book a place, please call Danielle on The Rooms Training line 01462 730297 or email danielle@therooms.co.uk.

Je Te Veux is a new, European influenced lingerie boutique that provides high quality lingerie in a wide array of sizes and styles with exceptional customer service. The intimate store is located in the thriving market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Je Te Veux is a French phrase meaning ‘I want you’. We chose a name that evokes an intimate yet playful feeling whilst blending classic Parisian chic with a sensuous and seductive appeal to women of all ages. Je Te Veux offer a wide range of styles and sizes that a women will not necessarily find elsewhere in Hertfordshire, other than having to travel into London to find them. The moderate to more expensive lines of lingerie offered by Je Te Veux are known for quality silks, hand finished laces and superior craftsmanship. Je Te Veux stock a select number of luxury Lingerie brands with a European focus. These are considered to be at the top end of quality and luxury – such leading names as Lise Charmel, Empreinte, Sonata, Fleur of England, Huit, Gerbe etc... Our mission is to give the discriminating lingerie shopper what she is looking for, whether it be fit, comfort or style, in an atmosphere that is comfortable, intimate, exciting and satisfying. We want to create a connection with a woman that evokes the feeling that Je Te Veux is ‘my lingerie store’. We are located in Sun Street (27a), just off the market square – open six days a week. Je Te Veux’s highly trained staff will get to know each customer’s individual needs, and offer personal bra fitting and other special services.

27a Sun Street, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1AH 01462 433211 www.jeteveux.co.uk 26

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Health & Beauty

Former Apprentice Finalist Brings her Beauty Business to Hertfordshire A beauty business owned by Lord Sugar and former Apprentice candidate Susan Ma will be showcasing in Hertfordshire next month. Susan Ma was just 21 when she made it to the 2011 final of the popular BBC TV series of The Apprentice. She didn’t win, beaten that year by inventor Tom Pellereau, but Lord Sugar liked her business plan so much that in 2012 he became a 50/50 partner in the company Tropic Pure Plant Beauty. Since launching nationally in May last year the Company has seen a turnover of over £2 million. The event in Hertfordshire hopes to attract about 100 guests to the Hertford Rugby Club in Ware on Wednesday 26th March. Susan Ma will be there showcasing the Tropic Pure Plant Beauty range. In addition, she will be offering the opportunity for local people to start their own business as self-employed “Ambassadors”. Caron Brooks, a Founding Manager in the

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area, is recruiting self-employed Ambassadors across the County and said “Ambassadors can be full-time, part-time or even to raise cash for a charity. It’s a flexible arrangement designed to suit the Ambassador’s needs and other personal commitments.” The Tropic products are a natural plant based range and chemical free. They are Vegan Society approved and not tested on animals. If you would like more information on the products or the business or would like an invitation to attend the event please email caron. brooks@btinternet.com or call on 07941 872955.

TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk 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

Tel: 07970 162753

Email: ami@amcofm.co.uk or sally@amcofm.co.uk North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN

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History

The Herts At War Project

By Jonty Wild (Roll of Honour Research Coordinator) This is a community project. It will not only commemorate all the men from Hertfordshire who died in the Great War, but will also put their sacrifice into perspective using information on those who survived, those left behind, life ‘at home’, conscientious objectors and much more. We will achieve this through research and a programme of interesting events. The former will provide an evolving legacy of information and the definitive reference source for the men of Hertfordshire who died. Those of us who are already involved in the project are really excited by what we have managed to achieve so far, but it is still a challenge; we need to research 20,000 names (inc. duplications), 750 memorials and 790 UK burials.

You can help by volunteering. You can choose which elements you would like to be involved in, where you research and how much you take on. Help can be site based – visiting locations to photograph memorials or confirm names etc. or home based, e g. computer based research or transcribing names from photographs or even helping at a future event. A promise was made: “Their Name Liveth For Evermore” and those who become involved can honestly say that we will have helped keep that promise. If you would like to know more visit www. hertsatwar.co.uk. To offer general help, contact via the website or to help with research or to provide any information, photographs or existing research, please contact jontywild@hertsatwar. co.uk. Help and advice is available.

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London Row

All Change

THE OLD BUTCHERS SHOP CHURCH STREET BALDOCK HERTS SG7 5AD

at Chapman’s Old Butcher’s Shop!

The well renowned and celebrity butchers, Chapman’s has relocated to the High Street in Baldock and their beautiful old Art Deco shop next to St. Marys Church has now had a makeover. This beautiful shop will now be housing a stunning collection of contemporary art and gift ideas from around the world. Welcome to London Row, a gallery that will be bringing a stylish difference and a refreshing range of original gift ideas to this charming town of Baldock, renowned for its music and cafe culture. Doors will be opening at the end of January. If you have been wondering where you can find something special for your home or loved one then lose yourself in one of the most sought after galleries in Hertfordshire. Indulge yourself with contemporary art, original glass ware, one off beautiful pieces of furniture, bespoke jewellery and a range of original gift ideas. No longer is there a requirement to travel

to London or Cambridge to be indulged in a variety of the finest and most talented artists, London Row now boasts some of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artist’s works available right here on your doorstep. For a taste of something different take a visit to London Row, situated next THE to The George GALLERY WITH A where you can find a bite to eat in a relaxed environment. A warm welcome awaits you.

dif f erence

NOW OPEN IN BALDOCK THIS STUNNING GALLERY HOUSES

The Gallery with a difference, Old. Ceramics Butcher . Glassware . Jewellery . Original gift ide Contemporary works of ArtThe Shop, Church Street, Baldock, Herts SG7 5AD LONDONROWFINEART.COM T: 01462 347032, info@londonrowfineart.com or 01462 347032 INFO@LONDONROWFINEART.COM www.londonrowfineart.com

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THE OLD BUTCHERS SHOP CHURCH STREET BALDOCK HERTS SG7 5AD

dif f erence

THE GALLERY WITH A

NOW OPEN IN BALDOCK THIS STUNNING GALLERY HOUSES

Contemporary works of Art . Glassware . Ceramics . Jewellery . Original gift ideas

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INFO@LONDONROWFINEART.COM

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Garden

A Pet Project By Pippa Greenwood

There’s always a lot to say about small pests such as greenfly, caterpillars, vine-weevil and so forth, but early in the year it’s some of the bigger ‘residents’ which can really drive you around the bend. I’m talking about cats and dogs. What can you do to ensure that you continue to garden happily, successfully and safely, despite the fact the garden is visited by cats and dogs… and without harming these lovely creatures either? You may need to consider actively fencing off one part of the garden for your dog, and trying to keep another area completely dog free. If you have problems with dogs coming in from next door, then it’s essential that you make repairs to fences. Now is a good time because there’s relatively little plant foliage to hide holes, gaps or loose panels in fencing. Remember that the dog is also likely to be able to squeeze underneath or around many types of fence, so you may need to use chicken netting or similar. Don’t forget that gates as well as fences need to be dog-proofed, and never left open for the dog to wander through. If you really have a serious problem that this won’t resolve then you can try a fox deterrent such as ‘Fox-Watch’. Sometimes a few strategically planted dense and prickly shrubs such as pyracantha may help to deter digging paws. Obviously you don’t want to cause the animal actual harm, but something sharp, prickly or simply very dense can act as a good deterrent. Next door’s cat or others in the street are trickier to deal with as unfortunately they do tend to try and do their ‘toileting’ along the edges of their own Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

territory, making your garden a prime target area. If your cat or a neighbour’s cat is a problem, bear in mind that the more bare soil there is, the more likely that a cat will start to use it as its loo. Ground cover planting is essential and you could always use temporary annual flowers to fill in gaps between longer term planting. If you find that these too are scuffed up shortly after you have planted them, then the best thing to do is cover newly planted areas of bedding with an arch of chicken mesh or with sticks with taut string tied between them. Obviously this will look a mess but can be removed promptly once the plants have rooted well and started to establish. I have found that the electronic cat deterrent ‘Cat-Watch’ works very well too. Mulching materials can sometimes cause problems and despite what the label says, many gardeners have told me that they found that the cocoa shell mulches seem to attract cats. Generally speaking soggy mulches like this or anything with a strong smell do tend to deter cats, as they hate digging in moist material. Take extreme care if dogs use the garden as cocoshell mulches can prove fatal to them. Mulches made of large pebbles or stones also tend to keep them at bay, but smaller diameter gravel or shingle seems to be quite attractive to some cats. Areas of freshly sown seed look very attractive to a cat or dog and again are best protected either by chicken mesh or sticks and string. Remember to keep the string taut at all times, as there’s a slight risk that birds could become entangled in it.

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THE LOG MAN Established 1972

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WOOD GREEN Behind the Animal carer scenes tours experience day Tuesday 18th February 2014 10am – 12pm & 1 – 3pm Godmanchester Centre £5 per person Join us and get hands on making fun pet toys and feed some of our animals tasty treats. Suitable for 5 year olds and over and booking essential.

– unique present for 7 – 12 year olds! Thursday 20th February 2014, 10am – 3pm Godmanchester Centre £75 per child + free adult space, £5 shop voucher and children’s lunch voucher Get Hands On with essential animal carer duties including cleaning out, health checking, feeding, making enrichment toys, getting creative in the dog kitchen and having a go at dog training! Receive a goody bag and certificate. Maximum group size of 4 and booking essential.

As of January 20th, in order to reduce the stress for our dogs we have restricted the public viewing of these dogs at our Godmanchester Centre to those people who are genuinely looking to rehome a canine companion. In addition, Wood Green will be closing all animal sections at all centres to the public on Mondays, excluding Bank Holidays, so that teams can spend additional time with the animals and undertake any necessary training. If you would like further information please see our website.

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

Animal rehoming Charity Shop Restaurant Pet & Gift Shop Children’s play area 10.00am – 4.00pm

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

Call: 0844 248 8181 Visit: www.woodgreen.org.uk Or Email: handson@woodgreen.org.uk

The Animals Charity Registered Charity No. 298348.

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15/1/14 20:28:45

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Pets

ANIMAL Heroes

RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch

Stories told by the heroes who adopt one of our animals. Rather than buying your pet from a pet shop, please consider re-homing an abandoned animal currently being cared for by a local animal charity. Be a hero – adopt a pet! Ava’s story Ava is of uncertain age, two years perhaps? A substantial, rather ungainly black and white female with lop ears. She’s friendly, placid and inordinately fond of food. In August last year, someone took her to a vet’s, claiming to have found her in their garden. Nobody claimed her. The vet passed her on to the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch and Ava was given to a volunteer, Maria, who had agreed to foster rabbits for the first time. Details of Ava were posted up on the local RSPCA website which is where we spotted her. We had bought our first rabbit, a female, Evie, back in June and in September had bought a little male, Benji, to be her companion with a view to introducing them once both had been neutered. That grand plan was destroyed one night in October when Evie escaped. The children were distraught and we were left with two hutches, a large homemade enclosure in the garden and one small, solitary, soon-to-be neutered Benji. Conscious winter was approaching, we wanted an adult rabbit who would cope outdoors and who Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

was already neutered. We turned to the RSPCA. A very nice volunteer came and inspected us and impressed us with her thoroughness and common sense advice. She had three females available: one that had been clearly mistreated and needed careful handling, a very small one and big, solid, placid Ava. Given the children, we plumped for Ava and duly collected her from Maria in November. Once Benji had recovered from his operation, we introduced them. I will be eternally grateful to the advice the original RSPCA volunteer gave us about the introduction process. I found the initial fights nerve-wracking and could hardly believe it, when, by the end of the day of the pair of them were peaceably sharing a hutch. Without that advice, I may well have given up after the first few unsuccessful encounters. Yet now, three months on, Benji and Ava are inseparable. They spend their days either belting round (Benji) or lolloping lazily round (Ava) their enclosure or else sitting together on the roof of the hutch, surveying the world, keeping a close eye on the kitchen door. And in the process they are giving huge pleasure to the whole family. It’s as if Ava has always been with us. ANIMAL HEROES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

Could you foster a child?

The most important ingredient in fostering is YOU You can apply to be a foster carer regardless of your marital or residential status. What you will need is a spare room and the time and energy to invest in a child or young person. To find out more come along to one of our Foster Care Open Evenings: Wednesday 12th February 7pm - 8pm with presentation at 7.15pm at the Park Inn, Southern Way, M11 Jct 7, Harlow, Essex CM18 7BA Wednesday 26th February 7pm - 8pm with presentation at 7.15pm at the Hatfield Ramada, St Albans Rd W, Hatfield AL10 9RH Wednesday 5th March 7pm - 8pm with presentation at 7.15pm at the Novotel, Knebworth Park, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AX Or contact us:

Visit:

www.nfa.co.uk Call:

0845 200 4040 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

Food and Drink

My Tequila Rediscovery By Nicholas Clare

Like most people my encounter with tequila was that of youth and misuse, and after one too many NEVER AGAINS, I swore off of it for good! That was until I was on honeymoon in Mexico and I tasted tequila how it was meant to be tasted! I took my first sip of tequila with nerves and trepidation but.......... it was a revelation, it was smooth and zesty and really felt like something special and unexpected. I wanted more! Since then I have acquired, tried and tasted all the tequila I can get my hands on. Here are some of the tequilas I have tasted and love; Patron silver, Patron anejo, Calle 23 reposado, Herradura plata and Centenla blanco. There are some really great premium artisan tequilas available in the UK if you know what you are looking for, here are a few rules of thumb. • Look for 100% agave tequila as this is the good stuff. Tequila is made from the Agave Blue webber plant and 100% agave is the real deal. • Tequila is also aged like whiskies and rums so if it says silver/blanco or plato- its un aged. • Reposado-aged minimum 2 months • Anejo- aged minimum of one year As the tequila ages it moves from fruity and citrus through to caramel and oak and many more flavours besides. Tequila is great just sipped chilled, however tequila and cocktails make great bedfellows so here are a couple of recipes.

Patron and Gusto’s Rat Ingredients: 30mls patron reposado 20mls of Cointreau 25mls of fresh lime juice 10mls of agave nectar 50mls of Gusto’s orangeade (this is a really nice botanical organic orangeade with a hint of chili) Method: Add all the ingredients except the orangeade to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and top up with the orangeade. The Herradura Mexican Butterfly Ingredients: 50ml Herradura Plata 25ml Lime Juice 15ml Elderflower Cordial 2tsp Agave Nectar 6 Mint Leaves Method: Shake all ingredients with ice then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint leaf. For more information on tequila or the ingredients used go to my blog via my site www.mixedupbars. co.uk or to hire a barman for an event contact nick@mixedupbars.co.uk

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reassurance when you need it mostâ&#x20AC;? Serving the people of Bedfordshire since 1875

Neville Funeral Service

(inc George Squire & Sons) since 1976 24 Clifton Road Shefford SG17 5AE 01462 813258 shefford@nevillefuneralservice.com

www.nevillefuneralservice.com

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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) .......................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£50 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)............£15 Hob .................................................................£15 Bulbs ............................................................£2.50 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly V.A.T free

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

parent company

est. 1998 Seasons 1/2 page landscape advert.qxp_Layout 1 21/01/2014 15:29 Page 1

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Food and Drink

Seasonal Delights Sausages and Puy Lentils

Serves 4 Ready in 40 minutes If you fancy a change from the usual sausage and mash why not go Continental? Tasty Toulouse sausages wrapped in pancetta and served on a bed of flavoursome puy lentils make the perfect mid-week meal. INGREDIENTS 225g puy lentils 225g shallots, peeled and halved 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp brown sugar 150ml vegetable stock 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 8 Toulouse or chunky pork sausages 8 rashers pancetta or smoked streaky bacon, stretched with the back of a knife 2 tsp clear honey 3 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley 1 Place the lentils in a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep frying pan and fry the shallots for 5 minutes, stirring

occasionally, until just starting to soften. Sprinkle over the brown sugar and cook for a further 8-10 minutes until the shallots are golden and caramelised. 3 Drain the lentils and add to the frying pan with the stock, vinegar and 2 tsp of the mustard. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the lentils are just tender. Stir occasionally and add a little more stock, if necessary. 4 While the lentils are cooking, wrap each sausage with a pancetta rasher. Cook under a medium-hot grill for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until the sausages are almost cooked through. Mix together the rest of the mustard with the honey and brush over the sausages. Cook for a further 3-4 minutes until the pancetta is crisp and browned. 5 Stir half the parsley into the lentils and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the lentils and sausages on warmed plates garnished with the remaining parsley. Tip - If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find Toulouse sausages, Lincolnshire, Cumberland or pork and leek varieties will work just as well.

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Codeword 1

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition. Use your logic to solve the puzzles. 48

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James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

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Local News

The Cinnamon Trust

Working with the elderly and terminally ill and their pets The Cinnamon Trust operates throughout the whole of the UK and we do operate in your area. We are the only specialist national charity that works with the elderly and terminally ill people and their pets to protect the treasured relationship between them and try to keep them together for as long as possible. We do this by tasking a network of approximately 15,000 volunteers nationwide to assist with the practical day to day care of pets, for example by walking dogs, helping with transport, feeding, grooming, medication etc. The trust also provides short term foster care for pets whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owners face a spell in hospital, and offers peace of mind by giving people the opportunity to make prior arrangements for the care of beloved companions should they outlive their owners. There is also advice available for people going into residential care, and the trust produces a guide to Pet Friendly Care Homes.

We offer a lifeline that enables pet owners to continue to benefit from the special relationship they enjoy with their beloved companions, the pets themselves receive the care and attention that they need. Anyone wishing to talk to the trust about how we could support them should contact our headquarters in Hayle, Cornwall, by calling 01736 757900. Anyone wishing to volunteer will need to register with the Trust and they can do this either by going to the Cinnamon Trust Website www.cinnamon. org.uk and downloading the volunteer registration form, or by phoning headquarters on 01736 758705 or emailing volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk There is a map on the website highlighting areas where we are currently running appeals.

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Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 European country (7) 5 Scour (5) 8 Inflamed (7) 9 Precise (5) 10 Strict (5) 11 Operating room (7) 12 Painter (6) 14 Lethal (6) 17 Non professional (7) 19 Likeness (5) 22 Edgy, anxious (5) 23 Revised (7) 24 Father (5) 25 Harnessed to ride (7)

and send to the address below before

15th February 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:

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Down 1 Types of transport (5) 2 Not tight (5) 3 E.g. Crete, Rhodes (7) 4 Tiny (6) 5 Stage set (5) 6 Oven cooked (7) 7 Torch power cell (7) 12 Made suitable (7) 13 Coached (7) 15 Once lived (7) 16 Destroys (6) 18 Including all (5) 20 Fourth month (5) 21 Finished (5)

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Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs J M Matheson from Lower Stondon, Henlow For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 54

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Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Diggers & Construction Ltd. Free Quotation No Obligation

About Us This is a family run business with over 40 years experience, free quotation, no obligation. Polite and professional tradesman.

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 February 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. 1 February 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 information. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 2 February Charity Quiz 8pm Five Bells, Henlow Village £2 per person In aid of St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. Teams of up to 8 people. Cash and spot prizes. Raffle. Tel: John 07511 631045 5 February North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF (free parking) North Herts members free, Visitors £2 ‘The Changing Wildlife of the Chilterns’. Tel: Secretary 01462 815585 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nhertfordassoc

6-8 February Geronimo – A Western Pantomime Evenings 7.30pm and Saturday 2pm Henlow Parish Hall Matinee £7 and Concessions £5, Friday & Saturday Evenings £8, Thursday buy one get one free The panto is an amalgam of all the Westerns you have ever seen, from High Noon to Calamity Jane and rootin tootin fun, with Annie Oaktree and Black Bart’s gang at loggerheads. Tel: Tickets Norman Price 01462 812337 Email: patnor@henlow323.fsnet.co.uk 6, 13, 20 & 27 February 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 8 February Comedy Club Doors open 7.30pm, shows start 8.30pm Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City Tickets £10, Comedy Club members £8 Monthly comedy night. As always, Paul B Edwards keeps things under control - maybe. Licensed bar. Web: www.letchwortharts.org

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13 February Mid Beds Flower Club 7.45pm Flitwick Village Hall Visitors £5. Demonstration by Janet Stacey whose title is “Stage Struck”. Visitors welcome. Tel: Marion Tucker 01234 742396 19 February Dancing for Fun 10am to 12 noon £3 per child to include light refreshments British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Come and enjoy Maypole Dancing and English Country Dancing for children 6+ and Singing Games for younger ones. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults free admission. Numbers are limited so please book in advance. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 20 February Be Creative with Science! 10.30am-1.00pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin £4 per child including materials, Adults free admission Science-based half-term family activity day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities suitable for ages 5 & upwards. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 20 February North Herts Association of the National Trust 2.30pm Howgills, Friends Meeting House, South View, Letchworth, SG63JJ North Herts members free, Visitors £2 ‘My Life with Roses’ - Harkness Roses. Tel: Secretary 01462 815585 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nhertfordassoc 20 February ‘Nirvana Lost? An introduction to the history a nd culture of Tibet’ 7pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £5 including tea/coffee and biscuits An illustrated talk by Andy Gibbs. Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

22 February Ska Band “The Two Tones” 7.30pm til midnight Arlesey Town Football Club Tickets £7 Featuring songs by Madness, The Specials, Selector, Bad Manners and many more. Tickets available from the Football Club. Tel: Lesley 07717 462393 for more info 1 March Rise, Release, Dance! 1-5pm Letchworth Arts Centre Community Arts event in connection with the One Billion Rising Campaign and fundraising in aid of Herts Women’s Services. Free taster Dance Workshops all afternoon - Bellydance, Cancan, Stiletto Workout and more! Shop till you drop from our selection of small businesses run by women. Plus RISEUP! Evening Dance & Performance Theatre Show 7.30pm (venue tbc) Full details on https://www.facebook.com/ events/246606532167855/?fref=ts Email: horizon@horizonhips.co.uk Web: www.horizonhips.co.uk

St Andrew’s Church, Langford, seek an ORGANIST to play weekly for Sunday morning services.

There is a manual organ with full pedal board, a small RSCM affiliated adult choir and sizable congregation. There is also scope to establish an ancillary community choir which would augment the regular choir at festival services. Expenses will be paid and a stipend is negotiable, contact the Revd Sue Groom on 01462 700248 or email ddo@stalbans.anglican.org

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Books

Lambourn

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards

MOT and Service Centre Ltd

Siegfried Sassoon - Soldier, Poet, Lover, Friend. Jean Moorcroft Wilson Duckworth Overlook, HB £25 After the frivolity of Christmas tide we’re into more serious mode. This is the year of reflection, a consideration of how, one hundred years ago - yes, a hundred - this country launched into a disastrous conflict that radically altered our way of life. So, perhaps opportunely, we can look at a significant man of the day. Here is a massive tome - ‘a life in one volume’ from an acknowledged expert on this remarkable literary figure. If one needs to discover what drove this man to be warrior and pacifist, poet and novelist and also to explore opposing aspects of sexuality, then look no further. A complex character, Sassoon had a good education at Marlborough and Clare College, left university to become a ‘gentleman’ and for seven years idled his time away in country pursuits and literary matters. Diving headlong into a cavalry regiment when the country was gripped with military jingoism must have been an answer to prayers, providing an income and an official occupation, but in due course the reality of trench warfare struck home. Writing poetry became a refuge from the horrors of war, but his well-scripted evocative and poetical accounts of mud, blood and death didn’t sit well with the public of the day. This very readable account delves deeply into his raison d’etre. As an insight into a poet’s life, it doesn’t come any better, as well as setting the scene for all that we will experience in this year of commemoration.

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Ta-dah! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working hard behind the scenes to individually redecorate our bedrooms and now they are finished. Have a look through the images on our website or pop in if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like a quick tour. You can book online at www.coachhousepotton.co.uk Market square, Potton, 01767 260221