Henlow feb 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 75 - February 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Celebrating

the County of Bedfordshire

Camp Peru 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 Dragonflies

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The End of the Line....................................................................4 Get Ripped Without Being Ripped Off........................................8 Celebrating the County of Bedfordshire....................................10 Gifts That Say ‘I Love You’..........................................................13 Jersey Delights.........................................................................14 Payment Protection Insurance.................................................16 Pilates - Part One.....................................................................19 It’s a Wonderful Life.................................................................20 Helen’s Helpful Hints................................................................23 Herts at War Battlefield Tour....................................................25 Understanding Bits and Bytes..................................................26 Fun Quiz...................................................................................26 Author Focus............................................................................29 Camp Peru................................................................................30

VILLAGER The

Issue 75 - February 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Celebrating

the County of Bedfordshire

Camp Peru 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

Preparing for Warmer Winter...................................................34 Dragonflies..............................................................................37 Win Tickets to the London Cruise Show....................................40 Ask Alan...................................................................................43 Children’s Page.........................................................................44 Puzzle Page..............................................................................48 Volunteers Required - Biggleswade Talking Newspaper...........50 Last Month’s Puzzle Solutions..................................................53 Prize Crossword........................................................................54 What’s On.................................................................................58

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Camp Peru

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)

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Tim Saunders, Trudy Cambridge, Nooshin Hassan, Helen Springer, Kam Patel, Christine A Hill, Pippa Greenwood and Andy Mydellton Advertising Sales Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 - nigel@villagermag.com Photography - BLARS, Catherine Rose and Paul Grecaud

Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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.

History

The End of the Line

By Catherine Rose The Oxford to Cambridge Varsity line closed nearly 50 years ago due to lack of use. Now, there are proposals to re-open it. In so doing, it will once again link Bedford to Cambridge via Sandy and Potton. Catherine Rose takes a look at some local railway history.

In 1862, twelve years after the opening of the Great Northern Railway (GNR), the Bedford and Cambridge Railway opened. It was the second part of what became known as the Varsity Line. The first section of this line, from Oxford to Bedford, had already been completed in 1845 by the Buckinghamshire Railway.

The inaugural Bedford to Cambridge train contained directors and shareholders of the company and departed from Bedford at 9.04am on 4th July 1862, arriving at Cambridge at 1.30pm.

Three days later the line was officially opened for freight and started taking passengers on 1st August. It finally linked the two university cities of Oxford and Cambridge which earned it its nickname.

The section that connected Bletchley to Bedford had actually been completed in 1846 but the extension provided an important cross country Ox-Cam link forming one of the few east-west routes that to be able to reach the east coast ports. Most of the train services ran from Oxford to Bletchley and from Bletchley to Cambridge.

Stations were built at Blunham, Potton and Gamlingay, as well as on the old North Road, and

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a bay was included for the Oxford and Bedford trains at the newly rebuilt Cambridge Station.

An additional station at Willington was added in 1906, and in 1938 a new halt at Girtford (between Blunham and Sandy) was opened although it closed in 1939.

The Bedford to Cambridge railway was built by engineers Liddell and Gordon and contractor Joseph Firbank. The line had a single track between Bedford and Sandy which crossed over the Great Northern Railway using a lattice bridge that curved down into the new Sandy station located alongside the Great Northern station. The track then followed Captain Peel’s Railway. This Sandy to Potton line ran for three miles between the two towns and had been built five years earlier to connect Peel’s private estate to the GNR. The new line then continued through Potton to Cambridge.

Orignally, Potton Station was situated in a field west of Biggleswade Road. It was very basic with no booking office or passenger waiting room.

There was simply a goods shed, a small staff office and a locomotive shed. Today this first station building is a private house.

Three years after its opening, the Bedford to Cambridge Railway was taken over by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) whose livery was dark grey and black for freight, and maroon and yellow for passenger trains. In 1917, LNWR and GNR were amalgamated. Subsequently, the railway

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Photography: courtesy of BLARS

Sandy Station

groups were restructured and the line taken over by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway.

Then in 1948, the railways were nationalised under British Rail.

In 1955 The Railway Modernisation Plan put forward improvements for the Varsity Line with the aim of updating links between the major mainline railways outside Greater London which had become very congested. In those days the bulk of the goods going out of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire into London were vegetables, flowers and fruit as the counties were predominantly market gardening regions. Coal and fertiliser would also be brought back from the capital.

Improvements would have allowed freight traffic to be transferred between three railway regions therefore easing pressure on the London marshalling yards. However, the plans for this upgrade never took place.

In 1963 Dr Richard Beeching famously undertook a survey of all railway lines producing his ‘The Reshaping of British Railways’ report. Although the Varsity Line was not specifically marked for being axed by Beeching, the introduction of fast passenger diesel trains between Oxford to London, and London to Cambridge meant that use of the Varsity Line was declining and the decision was made to include it in the shutdown.

There was particular local opposition to the closure of the link between Sandy and Potton. With the support of Sandy Urban District Council, The Sandy

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Former Potton Station

and Potton Steam Railway Society was formed to try and save it. Unfortunately it could not raise the sum asked for by British Rail to keep this section open. The Varsity Line was finally closed in 1967/8 with the exception of the track between Bletchley and Bedford.

But the story does not terminate here. A scheme to resurrect the Varsity Line won backing from the Government in 2013, the western section of which already has funding. Serviced by Network Rail, the line would link Bedford to Cambridge once more by upgrading existing trains and building new track along with an interchange station.

Caryl Jones, a spokesperson for the East West Rail Consortium has said: “By connecting centres of economic activity and growth, East West Rail will make the region more attractive as a place to do business, for employers and employees and for inward investment. It is expected to boost the regional gross domestic product by some £38m per annum and create 12,000 new jobs.”

Currently it is hoped that the new line may be in place between 2017 and 2019. However, the Bedford to Cambridge railway is also the most problematic, particularly between Bedford and Sandy where land has been substantially redeveloped since the 1960s. The Bedford bypass also severs the original route. These problems would need to be overcome before the new Varsity Line project can go full steam ahead.

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Three Counties Radio

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

How to Get Ripped

Without Being Ripped Off

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have completely overindulged during the festive period. In fact, I think I ate about 17 turkeys and drank my bodyweight in Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Sadly, the result of this gluttony is that the New Year requires a little vigorous exercise and healthier eating to get back in shape. Indeed, it’s generally this time of the year when many of us look in the mirror and race to the nearest gym, happy to sign ourselves up to expensive, long term contracts. But how do you protect yourself against getting ripped off in the process?

Over the years, I have dealt with many complaints about gym membership deals. Sometimes this is because gyms are unreasonable in their approach but sadly, more often than not, it’s down to pure naivety from consumers.

Gyms are businesses, not charities! They have sales advisors in most gyms whose sole responsibility it is to sign up new customers. They are generally paid by commission, and are highly trained to persuade you to sign yourself up for at least a years’ worth of keep fit expense. They seem so nice, so friendly, so understanding and so kind. However, don’t underestimate them. Without you agreeing to join the gym, they don’t get paid. That is their motivation.

Be aware that when you sign up to a gym membership, you are entering a legally binding contract. Unless there is a cancellation period outlined in the terms and conditions, you are legally obliged to pay your membership fees for the entire length of the contract. If you’re concerned that you’ll only bother to go for the first two months, then agreeing to a year long (many contracts are 18 months or two years) is a pretty stupid thing to do.

If you decide to cancel, you’ll probably be liable for hundreds of pounds worth of fees.

What about exceptional circumstances though? Often consumers will come to me saying “I took out gym membership and then lost my job the following week” or “I signed up to a gym but had a bad car accident and haven’t been able to use it for 6 months”. Of course exceptional circumstances can help your case when attempting to cancel, but unless it states that cancellation is allowed under exceptional circumstances in the terms, you’ll still be liable for the full membership costs.

So when CAN you cancel a gym membership? Obviously if the service you receive from the gym is poor (for example many of the machines don’t work) then you can make a good case for cancellation of the contract. Also if you can prove that some of the terms and conditions in your membership agreement are unfair you may stand a chance, but be prepared for a fight. In my experience gyms can be some of the most aggressive organisations to fight as a consumer. They often have legal departments that are very used to arguing with unhappy gym goers who want a quick way out.

If you are uncertain over your motivation to attend the gym, it is worth noting that many gym chains will offer special memberships that can be cancelled easily, or are on a pay as you go basis. It may be best to start with one of these until you’ve properly decided whether you like it or not.

You may conclude from this month’s article, that I’m an anti-gym person.

I’m not! Honestly! If you are motivated, they can be fantastic places to fight the flab, feel better about yourself and improve your health. Just approach gym membership with your eyes open and you’ll not come unstuck months down the line.

Happy Fat fighting!

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

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9

Local News

Celebrating the County of Bedfordshire The Friends of Bedfordshire Society is a new organization which has been set up to promote and celebrate the county. Since their success in September 2014 to get our county flag officially recognised with the flag institute they have moved on to find a county day for which all residents can rightly celebrate Bedfordshire.

The society has been asking the public for suggestions as to what date Bedfordshire Day should be. They have taken the best twelve ideas, all with historic interest and relevance, to the county and have since opened an online public vote for the date that will become Bedfordshire Day. Voting runs for three months until midnight on 28th February 2015. The dates for voting options are: 19th January This was when the Earldom of Bedford was created who would go on to be the Dukes of Bedford, 1550.

31th March The last day Bedfordshire County Council existed.

1st April The date Bedfordshire County Council came to be in 1889 and ceased to be in 2009.

12th April Bedfordshire County Council was officially granted a coat of arms, 1951.

20th June The start of the great siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.

13th August The Battle of Blenheim (1704) – the regimental anniversary of the Bedfordshire Regiment.

26th August The foundation of Bedford Bridge in 1811.

2nd September Birthday of prison reformer, John Howard, 1726.

14th October The first flight of R101 airship from Cardington hangers, 1929 6th November When the 1st and 2nd battalions met outside Ypres, 1914.

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15th November The date Bedfordshire got its own high sheriff in 1575.

25th November St. Catherine’s Day, patron saint of spinners, weavers and lacemakers.

28th November The birthday of preacher and writer John Bunyan, 1628 15th December Birthday of athlete, Harold Abrahams, 1899.

A spokesman for The Friends of Bedfordshire Society said: “Bedfordshire Day isn’t just a day for flying a flag, it should hopefully become a day for the celebration of the county and all that is good about it. It should be a day that helps promote the county and the pride people have in it.”

The society emphasises how important it is that people vote, pointing out that the more people that take part, the more validity the poll has as a county day. Some of the suggested dates are already county days for other parts of the UK and that while there is nothing wrong with sharing a date, people should be aware of this, these dates are marked on the voting form.

Voting is quick, and easy. You can vote for your favourite date online at: www.friendsofbedfordshire.org.uk/vote.php For further information, contact the Friends of Bedfordshire Society via Facebook (www.facebook.com/BedfordshireSociety) and Twitter (@FriendsofBeds).

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Time of Year

Gifts that say ‘I Love You’ What to buy the one you love on Valentine’s Day

The year was 1969 and they were hopelessly in love.

As two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and arguably the most famous couple in the world, Richard Burton decided to prove his undying passion for his wife Elizabeth Taylor by purchasing a huge 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond with a £1m price tag to match.

Though this extravagant act hit the headlines, it is by no means unique. In 1648 emperor Shah Juhan built the Taj Mahal, the “crown of palaces”, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. More recently, Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich gave his girlfriend a bronze sculpture worth $14m - one of

the most expensive gifts ever made.

At the other end of the spectrum, the less rich and famous have earned themselves a place on the Internet if not in the history books, by presenting their loved ones with less salubrious offerings. An empty suitcase, with not a hint of surprise tickets to a romantic destination, a deep fat fryer with left over Christmas chocolate hidden inside, and divorce papers delivered while dining out, are just a sample of these gift-giving gaffs.

With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, you may be wondering what to buy your loved one. Apart from the usual flowers, chocolates and jewellery, is there anything else out there a little more unusual that will keep you in their good books, whilst avoiding one of ‘those’ looks?

If togetherness is your thing, you can buy a pair of love gloves for around £20, but if you fancy something more thrilling, how about a lovers leap bungee jump at around £120? That will certainly add some excitement to a relationship!

If adrenalin rushes are your lover’s thing, why not consider indoor sky diving, flying lessons, dumper truck racing, and a super car thrill experience where you get to drive a real sports car? Cricket, snooker and other sports coaching lessons can also be purchased for around £150 a time.

If pampering is more palatable, how about a spa package, or a make-over followed by a photo shoot, or for around £25 a “design your own perfume” set?

If food is the way to a man’s heart, then chocolate is definitely the entry to a woman’s! For something different, why not get her a pizza made entirely of chocolate, or chocolate-shaped spoons that melt in hot milk making a deliciously smooth drink?

Finally, what could be more romantic than naming a star after your loved one, or giving them the chance to name one themselves? You can purchase this privilege for around £20.

If you haven’t found an idea here to suit your taste or your pocket, try searching some for yourself.

The following websites are a good place to start: thepresentfinder.co.uk prezzybox.com notonthehighstreet.com.

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Travel

Jersey Delights

By Tim Saunders

“Little bits of France dropped into the sea and picked up by Britain.”

This is how Victor Hugo, the French poet, referred to the Channel Islands. We discover this at Jersey’s Living Legend Village (www.jerseyslivinglegend. co.je) where a fascinating video featuring Tony Robinson, John Nettles and other celebrities provide an insight into Jersey’s past. From smuggling through to German occupation, this is a land rich in history.

There are only two ways to travel to Jersey: air or sea. We opted for Condor Ferries, sailing from Poole to St Helier which takes around four hours. In Club Class it feels as if we are in a cosy coffee shop with waitress service. The children’s video room is certainly much appreciated by our daughters as is Mr Colours, the resident balloon maker.

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During our long weekend we spend time in St Helier not least because we are staying at the four star Hotel de France. The wonderfully decorated hotel used to be a French chateau and has artwork from sculpture to figurative paintings. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly hotel staff who provide a mobile phone charger because we forgot ours.

They also source a dividing curtain to help our little daughters get to sleep at night… and us.

It is the hotel’s hearty breakfast that really scores highly: a choice of continental or full English, which does set you up for the day. And then we discover the softly lit luxurious swimming pool: well designed, warm and not too busy. Suffice to say it is difficult to get out of the hotel itself before midday.

Walking rather than driving helps introduce the visitor to the true feel of a place. There are a rich variety of accents and while a few islanders speak French it is difficult to actually pinpoint the true native patois. A great many Europeans are drawn to Jersey including the Spanish and Polish. For instance,

at the Seafish Café in Liberty Wharf where we enjoy crab cakes and posh fish and chips, we find our waiter emigrated to the island from Madeira 26 years ago. “There are so many more opportunities here,” he tells me.

The Channel Isles have the reputation of being a tax haven too and while we mooch along St Helier’s streets a new Lambourghini roars past us.

Sunday lunch at Sumas Restaurant overlooking fishing boats and the coastline provides the opportunity to savour the views around St Martin. Afterwards we drive to Jersey Lavender (www. jerseylavender.co.uk) where we see Maillette lavender imported from Provence and planted here in 1996. There are also other types from Norfolk and even their own home-grown variety, Elizabeth. I didn’t know that lavender had so many uses but it can always be relied on for a good night’s sleep.

We visit the attractions with The Jersey Pass, which can be bought in advance from £42 for two days and allows access to 11 attractions on the island www.jerseypass.com

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Finance

Payment Protection Insurance

Is It Still Worth Considering?

This still holds true today, but as with any financial product you need to carry out due diligence as to its suitability for your particular circumstances.

Decide whether it is any better for you than Statutory Sick Pay, and if the exclusions/terms and conditions are too stringent.

Payment Protection Insurance is intended to protect loan and credit card repayments should you be made redundant, have an accident or fall ill and can no longer work. On the face of it taking out such a policy seems like a good idea, but delve a little deeper and you’ll probably find endless exclusions and get-out clauses that severely limit the amounts paid out.

These policies have been seriously mis-sold in the past, with excessive charges being levied, buying pressure put on borrowers, and scant information provided at the time of sale. The irony is that these policies were unfit for purpose during a time of deep recession – a time when they were needed the most.

We take a look at the circumstances in which you might still choose a PPI policy, and help you decide whether they are even worth considering.

The Financial Ombudsman service has been inundated with PPI mis-selling cases. Around 200,000 claims have been made in recent years and to date, billions of pounds in repayments made to consumers.

In the wake of all this, is PPI still worth consideration?

The stress caused by being unable to work due to sickness or redundancy is all-consuming, and on the face of it, Payment Protection Insurance is a great concept. Why wouldn’t you want to protect large mortgage or loan repayments in this way?

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Carry out your own due diligence • Go over the small print in fine detail- particularly, eligibility for payouts and any exclusions. Check and double check anything ambiguous with a professional financial advisor that you trust, and don’t be pressured into buying it by anybody.

• Make sure there are no existing insurance policies in existence, or workplace benefits that would come into force in the event of being unable to work. Some life insurance policies have clauses that include this, and it’s easy to forget they are there.

• Don’t assume that the lender’s policy is the best one for you. It is in their interests to get you to sign up for a policy, but not necessarily in yours.

Carry out research on other providers who may offer a product more suited to your unique circumstances.

A PPI or similar policy can be full of exclusions - enough to make you wonder whether anyone actually receives any benefit. Common exclusions include self-employment, dismissal as opposed to redundancy, mental ill-health including stress, and being unable to work due to back pain.

As far as PPI is concerned, strict selling regulations now make it unlikely that you will be mis-sold in the same way, but you still need to focus on your actual need for this product in the first instance.

If you decide to go ahead, ask for a copy of the policy, read through it again and keep it safely filed away.

Fees and charges for PPI can add a considerable amount to the loan, especially if you pay them upfront, as interest will be charged on the total.

You should be offered the facility to pay monthly, which may be a cheaper alternative in the longrun, but make sure the lender cannot increase these premiums once the policy is underway.

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Pilates

Pilates – Part one

(Nothing to do with flying or thieves on ships!)

Like many people, you may have no idea what Pilates is all about. Maybe you think it has a vague connection with yoga. Or did you say pilots or was it pirates? I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight and explain what Pilates is and how you can benefit from this very gentle but effective exercise regime.

Pilates was originally developed by a man called Joseph Hutertus Pilates in Germany in 1880. Joseph was a very sickly child with rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. Determined to overcome his health problems he developed an exercise programme based on techniques used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Eventually he got better and become an accomplished body builder, diver, skier and gymnast. In 1912 at age 32 he moved to England, using his skills to teach self-defence to the police and became a professional boxer.

When WWI broke out he was interned by the British as a PoW. After the war he returned to Germany and was asked by the Government to train the army but he refused as he wanted to use his skills to heal not harm. In 1926 he sailed to New York and opened his own studio which became popular with dancers, gymnasts and athletes who realised the benefits of his programme of mental and physical conditioning.

Joseph Pilates died in 1967 but his wife and apprentices trained by him have developed the original Pilates principles which are now Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

practiced all over the world.

So now you know the history and where the name Pilates comes from, you might be wondering how it can help you keep fit in modern day life. One of the best things about Pilates is that anyone can do it, from eight to 80, and you don’t need any special equipment or clothing: just something stretchy and comfortable to wear, bare feet and an exercise mat or a large towel on the floor.

Most Pilates exercises are mat-based so they don’t put stress on your joints and are good for people with arthritis and other orthopaedic conditions.

Pilates can help improve body tone, flexibility, mobility, and posture. It can also increase muscle strength and help define body shape. It has been known to improve sleep and relaxation.

I am a fully qualified Level 3 Pilates Instructor (REPs certified) with my own business Personal Pilates in Buckden. Over the next six publications I am going to give you Pilates exercises to try and practice at home. Each month I will focus on one or two exercises with instructions and helpful imagery for achieving each one. I will include modifications for those who are new to Pilates or may be less active and progressions for those who have tried Pilates before or would like more of a challenge. If you can’t wait to get started there are some exercises on my Facebook page ‘Pilates with Trudy’.

By Trudy Cambridge

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Well Being

It’s a Wonderful Life!

By Nooshin Hassan

I recently had the pleasure of watching (for about the fifth time) the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life with my family. For those who haven’t seen it, the essence of it is that a man, George Bailey, who believes all those around him would be better off if he’d never been born is given the chance to see what life would be like if indeed he had never existed. This opportunity is provided to him by an angel named Clarence who is an equally good character as the protagonist, with his innocent charm and determination to help the disheartened George.

What I love about this film is the illustration of how one person’s life touches so many others in so many positive ways. In the film we see George as a child rescuing his brother Harry from the icy waters of a partially frozen pond.

Harry later goes on to be a vital part of the war effort, earning a Medal of Honour thanks to saving the lives of a number of men. In a world where George never existed, all those men died because Harry was not there to save them (as George was not there to save him from drowning as a child). It’s an amazing example of how the things we do naturally in our own life – perhaps very simple things at times – can have such a huge impact in the wider society.

It’s unlikely that we will ever have angels coming to explain how different everyone’s’ life would be without us, but I would guess that each individual plays a positive role in the life of a number of others. We might not realise that the things we say and do can have such an outcome, but I am sure that if we were aware of these effects then many of us would realise we have more wonderful lives than we might have imagined.

Wonderful lives can be created by simple actions. My dad regularly visits some elderly

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neighbours in the name of kindness, respect and humanity. He offers help but they never ask him for anything, he simply spends half an hour chatting with them over a cup of tea. He perhaps doesn’t consider this gesture to be much in the grand scheme of things, but having visited them myself I know what a great deal this brief call means to them. That small chat distracts them from any health ailments they might be experiencing and gives them a great lift. If my dad didn’t pop round to see them occasionally then they would miss it. It’s both gratifying and astonishing that simple actions can have such enriching effects.

If you haven’t seen the film then it’s worth a watch, even if black and white films are not really your preference. Realising that we can bring help or happiness to one person or a community, sometimes by quite easy gestures, is truly life-affirming.

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

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21

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching why not treat yourself or you loved one to a sexy lingerie set - make this enchanted evening of romance one to remember.

Visit us in the the shop or online and browse our beautiful lingerie, enjoy a glass of champagne and receive a single red rose with every purchase.

At Je Te Veux we stock stunning luxurious European lingerie with such names as Lise Charmel, Empreinte, Marie Jo, PrimaDonna, Fleur of England & Huit along with many others.

Our mission is to give the discerning lingerie shopper what she is looking for, whether it be fit, comfort or style in an atmosphere that is both comfortable and intimate.

We are located in Sun Street (27a), just off the market square. www.jeteveux.co.uk | 01462 433211 | jeteveuxboutique | responding @JeTeVeuxUK Please mention The Villager and Town Life when to adverts 22

Couples Counsellor

Helen’s Helpful Hints

No. 7 - Are you still reeling from family tensions at Christmas?

Christmas should be a happy joyous time for family and friends.

Unfortunately, for many it can be a very unhappy, stressful time.

I was fortunate enough to spend Christmas day with a very happy and cohesive family where the three children (aged between 20 and 27 years old) did all the cooking. The remarkable thing is that the parents have been divorced for about 18 years but jointly parented the children and they have always spent Christmas together. The children are loving, well balanced and on their way to successful careers.

If your relationship is under stress due to Christmas or for any other reason ‘fix it now, don’t wait until it is broke’.

Try setting aside an hour just to review the issues that concern you about your relationship and make a list. Go through each item and discuss

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how each of you might contribute to making some improvement.

Then put your plan into action.

If you need help do give me a call.

I am a couple counsellor who trained with Relate and have 28 years experience. Before you decide, you can have up to a half hour free counselling on the telephone or on Skype so that you can assess if counselling is right for you.

Call me, Helen Springer for an appointment.

I can fix a fee to suit your pocket.

Telephone 01462 713685.

Email sprinsib@globalnet.co.uk Located in Pirton Herts. www.counsellorsandcounselling.co.uk Or email helen@experiencedcounsellors.com website: www.experiencedcounsellors.com

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Let us help you get your business off to a flying start VILLAGER The

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

Life

VILLAGER The

Issue 58 - February 2014

CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT

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LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE

Inside this issue

The Ultimate

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LOCAL NEW

Inside this issue

£25 in our Prize Local People l Business to ster, Bringing Locaton, Cambourne, Godmanches every month Buckden, Bramp and all surrounding village The Hemingfords

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CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCT

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Christmas Survival Guide

L PRODUCTS ary 2014 ITIES • LOCA Issue 57 - Janu LOCAL CHAR SERVICES • LE • LOCAL S • LOCAL PEOP

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Our award winning magazines offer a unique local advertising platform. Printed on high quality paper we are still able to offer incredible prices along with a second-to-none service, professional advert design and a team just waiting to help you.

With over 9,500 copies being delivered door to door every month can your business wait any longer to be in The Villager?

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History

Herts at War Battlefield Tour The Herts at War Project has organised a series of battlefield tours that follow the fortunes of the Hertfordshire Regiment throughout the Great War. In collaboration with Herts-based Tour Company Battle Honours, from 24th to 26th April there will be a three day trip to trace the journey of the Hertfordshire Regiment on the Western Front during 1915.

Over the course of that year, the regiment spent most of the time in the often overlooked Givenchy and Cuinchy sectors where they took part in action with the 4th Guards Brigade at Cuinchy, Festbert, Givenchy and Loos, earning the affectionate nickname the Herts Guards.

The trip has been designed to follow in their footsteps, utilising previously unseen diaries, military records, photographs and contemporary

documents to bring their story back to life, exactly 100 years to the day, in the exact locations that the events occurred.

Details of the tour can be found at: http://www.battle-honours.eu/herts-at-war-1915 Since the Herts at War exhibition opened in Letchworth last August, it has welcomed thousands of visitors, conducted outreach sessions at dozens of schools, catalogued and published hundreds of previously unseen documents and resources, and been supporting various county museums and organisations at events throughout Hertfordshire.

Herts at War would like to thank everyone for their support.

The exhibition is at 12/14 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 4ET and is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays each week from 10am until 4pm, Wednesdays by appointment.

Herts at War Team: Twitter: herts_at_war Website: www.hertsatwar.co.uk

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 Flexible position  Working from home  Hours to suit  All expenses covered  Commission only role with great earning potential If interested please send or email your current CV to: Nigel Frost, Villager Publications Ltd., 24 Market Square, Potton SG19 2SG Email: nigel@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

25

Technology

Understanding

Bits and Bytes

By Kam Patel

Over the years I have been asked how much information can be stored on a floppy disc, CD or DVD. How do you quantify the storage space on such media? The following explanation shows the values of bits and bytes and how much equivalent storage they give. A computer stores information using binary code, which is in 1s and 0s.

1 Bit (b) =

1 Byte (B) = 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1 Megabyte (MB) =

1 Gigabyte (GB) =

1 Terabyte (TB) =

1 Petabyte (PB) =

1 or 0 (on or off ) 8b 1024B 1024KB (approx. 870 pages of plain text) 1024MB (approx. 895,000 pages of plain text) 1024GB (approx. 916,260,000 pages of plain text) 1024TB (approx. 935,250,000,000 pages of plain text)

Currently with the varying different operating systems that are being used, the storage of a blank Word document would vary. For example, with Windows Vista using Word 2007, a file called 1.docx was 10KB, whereas in Windows 8 using Word 2010, the same file was 14KB. Both documents were totally blank.

So going back to the question of how much can be stored on media can vary depending on the operating system and software being used. The table above provides a rough guide.

I hope that this has been informative and that you now have some understanding about bits and bytes.

Fun Quiz - The Internet 1. Inspired by a Monty Python sketch, what term is used to refer to unsolicited email that is normally sent in bulk?

2. What colour is the letter “e” in the eBay logo?

3. In 2012, the music video for which song became the first YouTube video to achieve one billion views?

4. Named by removing the letter “v” from a word that means “a collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people”, what was the first ever internet search engine?

5. The 2010 film The Social Network is centred around which website?

6. What does “AFK” normally stand for when used in an internet chat room?

7. Who invented the world wide web and, in 2004, who was knighted “for services to the global development of the internet”?

8. What name is given to a file that a website sends to your computer to store information such as your user name, personalised settings or shopping cart contents, and that can be used when you return to that website to present you with custom content?

9. In 2013, Martha Lane Fox became the youngest female member of the House of Lords. Which website is she best known for founding in 1998?

10. Increasing difficult to find, what is a Googlewhack?

Before

After

1. Spam 2. Red 3. Gangnam Style 4. Archie (named after the word “archive”) 5. Facebook 6. Away from keyboard 7. Tim Berners-Lee 8. A cookie 9. Lastminute.com 10. A google search on two valid words that results in just one result

26

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Quintessential...

Homes of Distinction Letting & Managing the area’s Finest Property

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Offices in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire

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WORDWHEEL

Using only the letters in the Wordwheel, you have ten minutes to find as many words as possible, none of which may be plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. Each word must be of three letters or more, all must contain the central letter and letters can only be used once in every word. There is at least one word that uses all of the letters in the wheel.

TARGET Excellent: 60 or more words Good: 48 words Fair: 40 words

R E 28

I

T

D T S

O D

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Author Focus

Old Warden: Tales of Tenants and Squires at Home Tracing the history of the village of Old Warden, its inhabitants and their relationship with the Ongley and Shuttleworth landowning families, Old Warden: Tales of Tenants & Squires covers the period from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries and includes many amusing tales. Above all, it shows how community life was inextricably linked to the Old Warden estate and looks at the development of its well-known Regency-style Swiss Garden, which was designed by the obsessive visionary Lord Ongley.

To visit the picturesque village of Old Warden today is to step back in time. This book guides readers through its unique and intriguing features and explores its rich history.

Born and raised in Old Warden, author Christine Hill is proud to be descended from a long line of village “peasantry”. With a lifelong passion for the past in general and Old Warden in particular, early retirement from a career in the Civil Service at last

by Christine A Hill

provided the time for her to immerse herself in historical research. Her first venture into writing has been supported by the Heritage Lottery funding of the recent restoration of the Swiss Garden, Old Warden.

Launched in 2008, Amberley is a rapidly growing local and history specialist publisher. It has been featured in The Bookseller’s ‘Review of the Year’.

Old Warden: Tenants and Squires is published in paperback by Amberley Publishing price £14.95. Also available in Kindle, Kobo and i-book format.

ISBN: 978-1-4456-4058-7 www.amberley-books.com Twitter: @amberleybooks Tel: 01453 847823 Email: A.Sore@amberley-books.com

EBAY COLLECTIONS

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Local & Reliable

29

Local News

Camp Peru This summer a group of 17 students from Stratton Upper School along with three teachers and an expedition leader spent a month in Peru volunteering with three rural communities through an organisation called Camps International. Each of the communities had entirely different projects but they were all really rewarding. The students also went on a hiking expedition to and up Mount Machu Picchu. Here, one of the students who attended the trip has given her account.

‘Our first camp was based in the rural mountains in Cusco. We were there for three nights and did two and a half days project work. The camp was a school so we slept on mattresses in the classrooms.

Our project work was to build a wall around the school to make it safer for the children. To build the wall we had to make the cement (cemento), collect the rocks and work with local builders to actually build it.

On arrival to the camp we were greeted by the children singing their national anthem and other traditional Peruvian songs. However for the leaving ceremony local women sold items they had made and then we were dressed up and taught a Peruvian dance.

For our second week in Peru, we undertook a five day hike called the Salkantay Trail ending with a tour at Machu Picchu. We climbed from 2900m to 4650m and walked nearly 40 miles. We were led by three guides from a company named Llama Path.

The trek was tough but extremely rewarding.

We spent seven nights based on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Our project work here was to plan, design and build bathrooms for the local people. This

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involved sketching out measurements and blueprints for the bathrooms, making mud bricks, and installing plumbing.

There were three groups who went to Peru this summer with the final aim being for all three groups to have four toilet blocks completely finished. We were the first group to arrive at the camp so we started from scratch while the other groups continued what we were building.

We were at our final camp (in Colca Canyon) for six nights. While there, we helped build a kitchen for the two local schools, installed dust prevention sheets onto the ceilings inside classrooms of the secondary school, and re-laid the playground surface in the primary school to prevent flooding.

While in Colca, during the afternoons we often joined in with the local community. For instance one afternoon we helped with ploughing and farming, and on another we joined the locals in their once yearly clean of the water channels.

The whole month was an entirely different experience emotionally and physically to anything else, living with a group of people I barely knew in a country halfway around the world. Originally I was nervous that I wouldn’t get along with anyone or fit in. But apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought that. In fact, everyone who went and all the people we met were amazing. At the end of the month I was extremely proud of the work we had achieved, and I hope that the communities there are now receiving the full benefits.

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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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33

Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

Preparing for warmer weather

The combination of the poor weather in February and the very fact that gardens tend to be at their least appealing this month, means the chances are yours is receiving nothing much more than a fair helping of neglect at the moment. But spring isn’t far away so get your gardening gloves on for a bit of preparation.

Start by clearing up any remaining fallen leaves, broken twigs. Twigs and woody debris are best binned or burned or perhaps even heaped up in the corner of the garden to act as a sheltering spot for wildlife, but fallen leaves, and the top growth of herbaceous perennials, can be added to the compost heap.

When it comes to tackling herbaceous or flower borders, don’t make things look too clean and tidy, as you may well cut down on the protection that faded top-growth can provide. I tend to leave most of the remains of herbaceous plants in place until spring, but the most ugly, straggly or unkempt bits could certainly be cleared up now. Keep a particular look out for slugs and snails and collect them up while they are snoozing!

It is too early in the year to cut your lawn and indeed you should try to keep off it as far as possible, but you can clear twigs and leaves and cut back any weeds which have grown faster than the grass itself.

You can use any pots or other containers which have been left around the garden to create spots of colour and interest by clearing them out, using fresh compost and then replanting them. If you choose temporary winter plantings such as winter flowering pansies or pompom winter daisies, then

34

these can simply be removed when it is time to replant with summer bedding. Scrubbing down the outer surfaces of pots and containers will also help to clean them up again, because by now they have invariably accumulated a good helping of algae and soil and can look quite a mess.

Check fruit trees for signs of any dead shrivelled fruit still on the branches and cut these out, as they often harbour brown rot disease and can cause a lot of problems in the future. However these definitely shouldn’t be composted - bin or burn any you find.

Use a stiff brush to clear off surface debris from your terrace or patio and then once it is clear, if it still looks in need of a bit of a facelift, use the stiff brush or yard broom to scrub it over thoroughly.

Provided freezing weather is not forecast, wash it over with a few buckets of water.

A trip to your local garden centre is bound to give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. Some of my favourites include the small trees or shrubs which have a delicious fragrance during the winter months. These include winter sweet, hamamelis (witch hazel) and sarcococca.

You can now buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground. Winter flowering heathers and winter flowering pansies can also be used to great effect right now.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ veg growing system , biological controls, fleece, copper tape and lots more besides.

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Wildlife

Dragonflies

Every year I see some of Britain’s larger dragonflies at Millstream Fork - rarer visitors to the garden than other smaller net winged insects. Apart from their beautiful and striking colours, one reason for their fascination is that dragonflies are the Earth’s oldest flying creatures and appeared millions of years before birds. This is evident in the fossil records of the Carboniferous Period, about 280 million years ago.

Life first emerged from the sea in the earlier Silurian Period and some creatures evolved into ground insects, crawling around the fern forests. They developed mouth parts for biting and chewing which all herbivores and decomposers need. After millions of years, some of them evolved to grow wings and take advantage of flying in the empty skies. This new ability gave early dragonflies unlimited mobility for three main reasons: • First, escape from their predators which could not follow them off the ground.

• Secondly, ability to hunt their land-based prey without hindrance and with greater speed.

By Andy Mydellton

• Thirdly, finding a mate more easily by flying over a number of territories in their quest.

Despite being hugely successful, all of the prehistoric species became extinct including salt-water dragonflies and one giant species which grew to a staggering 70cm. However similar species have replaced them, adapting to the Earth’s ever changing environmental conditions very effectively.

All modern day dragonflies are different sized invertebrates with long three-part slender bodies, three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings. Instead of speeding away from their predators, they avoid them by darting from side to side. In inclement weather, they hide and sometimes use the better places they find for hibernation.

One of the largest British flying insects is the Emperor Dragonfly, a member of the Hawker family, which grows up to 80mm and I have witnessed them inside the Millstream Fork. Another more common sighting is the Common Red or Ruddy Darter, sometimes easier to photograph than other larger dragonflies.

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Chasers are not seen as much because they are less common in Britain. However, they can be distinguished because they have shorter abdomens and seem squatter than the others.

Most dragonflies experience regular aerial skirmishes to gain or keep their territories. These hovering creatures may seem serene and elegant enough to us but in reality there is ongoing warfare to obtain areas which have the best prey and egg laying possibilities.

Because their eyes form a large proportion of their head, they process information so quickly that it is like seeing the world in slow motion which helps them catch their prey.

Dragonflies have a remarkably high hunting success ratio of about 95%. This is true with many large dragonfly species I have seen across the world in such diverse places as Nepal, Brazil and Portugal.

And when I see a larger dragonfly here I view it as a culmination of millions of natural history years as well as an animal searching for secrets hidden at Millstream Fork.

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Business gone slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

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THE LOG MAN Established 1972

Hardwood Logs • All Size Fires & Woodburners Catered For • Half & Full Loads Delivered Contact:

Phillip Jepps Your Local Log Man

T: M:

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Winter time is great to get your landscaping projects completed  Patios  Deckings  Turfing

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N O I T I T E P M O C The London CRUISE Show Olympia 14-15 February 2015 www.cruisingshow.com Discover a whole world of voyages at the 7th annual London CRUISE Show...

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

Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to a far-flung destination, a sumptuous ultra-luxury voyage, maybe a relaxing cultural river cruise or a tropical family cruise-holiday with lots to entertain all ages - the February show at Olympia will have it all.

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

So, if you’re completely new to cruising and intrigued to discover what it’s all about, or you’re a seasoned cruiser wanting inspiration for your next adventure, then make sure you head to The London CRUISE Show at Olympia on 14-15 February.

For more show information, talk timetables and a full exhibitors list please visit www.cruisingshow.com.

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

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

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

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BRANCHING OUT FA M

5

years

SS

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Tree Surgery/Felling Tree Pruning/reductions Hedge trimming Tree stump removal Grass cutting & strimming Rotavating and turfing Fencing Patio & driveway cleaning Scarification Garden clearance

Free quotation, no obligation, no job to small, try us!

01462 811991 or 07970 480370

Seasoned logs for sale

Visit us at www.branchingoutservices.co.uk

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Ask Alan Frank asks: My dog has arthritis but the pain tablets make her sick. She is very stiff and sore. Is there anything else I can do for her?

Dear Frank Arthritic pain is common in older pets and is often treated with chondroprotectives and antiinflammatories, as you have mentioned. There are also drug free treatments like the K-Laser and hydrotherapy.

The K-Laser (a class 4 therapeutic laser) is a safe, effective, drug free way to reduce pain and inflammation. We have had amazing results using the K-Laser, and in some cases, have completely stopped using anti-inflammatories!

The treatments last a few minutes each and are generally enjoyed by the pets as they produce soothing warmth in the sore tissues. The laser works by improving circulation, which removes waste products and allows increased energy production in cells that promotes healing. It also modulates pain

Pets

and reduces inflammation.

In chronic pain, an initial course of 6 treatments over 3 weeks is required with top up treatments every 4 to 8 weeks.

Arthritic pain is manageable but not curable. While effective treatments for pain are essential, keeping the joints moving with regular, low impact exercise and reducing your dog’s weight will also help to improve their quality of life.

Best wishes,

Alan

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email them to villager@pottonvets.co.uk For more information visit

www.pottonvets.co.uk or pop into the clinic in Potton Market Square.

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Try our two week Free Trial and see what your child can achieve with the Kumon Maths and English Study Programmes.

Free Trial

Contact your local Kumon centre for more details:

Shefford Study Centre 01462 701487 Free Trial available throughout February*

kumon.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

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Lambourn MOT and Service Centre Ltd

• Wood Burning Stoves • Multi Fuel Stoves • Chimney Lining • Twin Wall Flue Systems • Installation and Supply • Fireplace Renovations • Stove Accessories • Trade Sales

Your LOCAL MoT, tyre and service centre in Shefford

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SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Friday, Saturday & Monday – 10am—5pm

Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk

Other Days/Out of hours by prior arrangement

Unit 2 Home Farm Court, The Street, Diddington, St Neots, PE19 5XT info@cromwellstoves.co.uk 01480 812281 | 07786 854946

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Electrician

James Cullip

Cromwell stoves 1/4 page.indd 1

20/01/2015 11:10

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Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging

Do you find it difficult to get someone to come and do a small job?

• 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

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Fault finding/repairs Extra lights and sockets New fuse boards Rewires P.A.T testing Landlord inspections Qualified electrician  Fully insured Reliable service  Tidy work Free quote  Satisfaction guaranteed

Call Nigel on: 01767 221088 / 07941295883

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SEMI RETIRED

BRICK LAYER For those smaller jobs 40 years in the trade Small patios Garden Walls Brickwork repairs Re-pointing General maintenance Fully insured

Call Richard on 01462 734233 or 07733890490 Answer-phone on both numbers and will return all calls.

RB advert.indd 1

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04/09/2014 15:0

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Codeword 1

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Easy Suduko

Hard Suduko

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

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WINDOW REPAIRS

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

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

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Local News

Volunteers Required

Biggleswade Talking Newspaper The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER produces a FREE weekly MP3 Memory Stick version of that weeks Biggleswade Chronicle for the Blind and Visually Impaired Listeners, in Biggleswade, Arlesey, Shefford, Stotfold, Sandy, Potton, and surrounding villages in East Bedfordshire.

Training is available for all posts.

The Editors role entails approximately three hours hours work per month on a Friday during the day, and the Sorter an hour per month on a Friday night.

More information can be found on our web site and by phoning 07840 504940

Every Friday since January 1981 one of our five teams of eight volunteers have met to record, stories, articles, etc. of that day’s paper at our studio in Biggleswade.

The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER Local news, for Local Listeners by Local Volunteers, supported and funded by Local organisations

Currently we have the following vacancies for volunteers to join our existing teams.

We require an EDITOR and a SORTER.

www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk We are a registered charity No 281316 established in 1981

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 today

01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk 50

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Painting & Decorating Property Maintenance Quality Workmanship Papering, Coving etc.

Interior and Exterior Work Free Quotations Call W Firkins & Partners Ltd 01462 814117 or 07939 267083 Est 1981 20 Clifton Road, Shefford, Beds

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Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

January’s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mike Keating from Alconbury

Easy

Hard

Visit our beautiful

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

01438 725309

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

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 7 Not occupied (6) 8 Musical dramas (6) 9 Vehicle for hire (4) 10 Opposite (8) 11 Not as dark (7) 13 Old coin (5) 15 Regularly (5) 17 Culinary herb (7) 20 Very cold (8) 21 Relax (4) 23 Large fight (6) 24 Hinder (6)

1 Mother (4) 2 Disappear (6) 3 Piled up (7) 4 Connects (5)

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

18th February 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



Down

5 Closer to (6) 6 Railway coach (8) 12 Casual (8) 14 Haggle (7) 16 Votes for (6) 18 Scratch (6) 19 Repairs (5) 22 Fizzy drink (4)

Name: Tel: Address:

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

55

Fully qualiFied — 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

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

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Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

57

n O s ’ t a Wh

In February

30 & 31 January and 1, 6 & 7 February Cinders – The True Story 30 Jan 7.30pm, 31 Jan 2pm & 7.30pm, 1 Feb 2pm, 6 Feb 7.30pm, 7 Feb 2pm & 7.30pm Henlow Theatre, Henlow Camp Tickets £8, Concessions £6 and family rates on request Cinders - The true story by David Tristram is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Doors open 45 minutes before performance starts. By kind permission of the Station Commander.

Box Office 01462 700785 or 07876 353677 Web: www.henlowtheatre.co.uk for online bookings 1 February Charity Fun Quiz 8pm Five Bells, Henlow Village Charity Fun Quiz in aid of St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger. Cash prizes and spot prizes. Raffle Tel: John 01767 680974 4 February North Herts Association of National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch Bedford Road Hitchin Non-members £2 The next meeting is “The vineyard on your doorstep”. Not a member of NT - no problem - come along and enjoy the evening.

Tel: Colin Roberts 01462 456869 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nhertfordassoc

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

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5, 12, 19 & 26 February Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin This social club caters for the unattached aged 50+ with varied events during the month. No joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub. co.uk 6 February Bedfordshire Family History Society Doors open 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall, Wentworth Drive, Bedford, MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk is “Records of the Great Courts”. Library and bookstall. Next meeting Friday 6 March. www.bfhs.org.uk

7 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.

7 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 full information.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

9 February Icknield Quilters 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock SG7 6DH Cost £4. Our speaker, Jill Thompson, will be talking about the Lighthouse Quilt which hangs in St Paul’s Church, Letchworth. www.icknieldquilters.co.uk 11 February Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association 7.30pm Aragon Housing Association Hall, The Gardens, Henlow, SG16 6DG The Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Ex services or not all are welcome.

Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 14-22 February Children’s Woodpecker Trail RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy £1 per trail sheet plus non-RSPB members entry and car park fee Pick up a trail sheet and head out to search for the woodpecker pictures hidden around the reserve. Look out for the real woodies as well and listen out for their noisy drumming as you walk around!

15 February Biggleswade Antiques Fair 9.30am-4pm The Weatherley Centre, Eagle Farm Road, Biggleswade Entrance £1.50 This antiques fair offers a diverse range of antiques and collectables so whether you are a professional dealer, an avid collector or just looking for something special, this monthly fair is the place to visit. Café serving breakfast, lunches and afternoon tea.

Tel: 01480 382432 or 07906 647346 Web: www.madisonevents.co.uk

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17 February-7 July Jill Grey - Life & Legacy Exhibition See website for opening times British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 2TS Collector, Curator, Code Breaker, Correspondent and Campaigner, Jill’s story, told mainly in her own words, will amaze and inspire you. A truly remarkable life - A truly remarkable legacy.

Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 18 February Dancing for Fun 10am-12 noon British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, SG4 2TS £3 per child including light refreshments, Adults free admission Come and enjoy Maypole Dancing and English Country Dancing for children 6+ and Singing Games for younger ones. All children must be accompanied. Numbers are limited so please book in advance.

Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk

19 February Magic Lantern Show 2.30pm Howgills Friends Meeting House, South View Letchworth, SG63JJ North Herts Association of National Trust.

Colin Roberts 01462 45686 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ nhertfordassoc.

20 February Give Nature a Home. Make a nest box in National Nest Box week 11am-12.30pm RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy £8 per nest box Birds will soon be searching for places to make a home to nest in. We can help them do this in our own gardens by making and putting up a safe and cosy nest box. We supply the nest kit and tools and have information available on where to best site your box to encourage birds to bring up their young. See if you can guess the creature’s homes in our Natures Homes quiz. Booking essential - limited nest box kits.

Tel: 01767 680541

21 February A Table Top Sale 10am-1pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Stotfold Tables £5 Proceeds to Friends of St Mary’s for church restoration.

For availability of tables please contact Chris Webster 01462 834108.

7 March The London Welsh Male Voice Choir 7pm St. Paul’s Church, Bedford Tickets £15 The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle presents The London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Soloist: Matthew Jones.

Conductor: Edward-Rhys Harry.

Accompanist: Annabel Thwaite. The Concert is to raise funds for Road Victims Trust and Bedford Day Care Hospice.

Tel: Bedford Tourist Office 01234 718112, Rotarian Richard Owen 07711 293913, Road Victims Trust 01234 843345 or Bedford Day Care Hospice 01234 352015 for tickets

Deadline for What’s On entries is the 12th of the previous month.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

59

ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INSTALLED

BY THE PROFESSIONALS

PVC-U soffits, fascia, guttering and cladding in flat and woodgrain effects and a choice of colour

10 year guarantee Very low maintenance Quality approved zinc-free plastics to eliminate rusting Seamless colour-matched products across the entire range For a free quotation please call Langford Windows

01462 701828

www.langfordwindows.com langfordwindows@hotmail.co.uk Langford Windows advert.indd 1

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24/01/2014 14:19

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Bathroom & Kitchen Specialist The Complete Service Installation • Plumbing • Tiling • Plastering • Flooring • Painting • Decorating • Property maintenance •

TAYLOR MADE INTERIORS

The personal touch Please call Jeremy Taylor on 07890 872472 / 01462 700215 www.taylor-made-interiors.co.uk

Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Find me on Facebook

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1st Glass Window Repairs

Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES

30

years experience

T/A Broadband Communications Established 1993

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

FULLY INSURED! Local company who can fix all types of problems with your double glazing, call us now for a free quotation.

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Steamed Up Glass Faulty Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs

Bakery & Coffee Shop

Garden City

Bakery & Coffee Shop

We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Hand made in Letchworth

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Breads and cakes daily Open daily on Leys Avenue Letchworth Garden City T. 01462 671354

07511 906161

Cleaning Services Now in our 2nd decade of loyal service *** for ALL domestic cleaning *** weekly or fortnightly clean *** one-off ‘Deep Clean’ service

All Building Services Provided

call Michelle for a free estimate tel: 01582 431386 mobile: 07763 427134

Fully Qualified & Insured Free Local Estimates No Job Too Big Or Small Call James 7 days a week on:

07595 752 466 01462 231 734

JamesBonfieldCarpentry@yahoo.co.uk Shefford, Bedfordshire

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Business gone a bit slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com

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Classifieds Plastering Services

Electricians

Lawes Plastering

Experienced local plasterer based in Gravenhurst.

Quality workmanship, clean and tidy

Contact • Plastering Paul on • Coving 07731 649628 • Artex

Hairdressers

Property Maintenance

Lawes Plastering.indd 1

resser obile haird

M

nail g Shellac also offerin

service.

Telephone Alison on: 07584 090057

Pet Services

02/11/2014 10:3

R. CHAPMAN

Home & Garden Services

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

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Removals and Storage

Alison Adcroft.indd 1

14/01/2015 14:50

removals, storage, archive and shipping • House and office moves • Large and small vehicles • Local/long distance and overseas removals • Containerised storage • Extremely high quality customer service Call for a no obligation quotation

01582 572967

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

Plastering Services

Van Hire

Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

3/12/12 11:44:54

Chris’ Man & Van

For hire

Collections, Deliveries, Light Haulage...anything considered.

Cheap rates Please call for further details

07747 828259 / 01525 754218

To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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