Henlow jan 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 62 - January 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Big Garden Bird Watch

25-26th January 2014

The Best Way to buy a car

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, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth

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Contents

VILLAGER The

Issue 62 - January 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Big Garden Bird Watch

25-26th January 2014

The Best Way

to buy a car

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, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Sowing Time..........................................................26 Animal Queries.......................................................31 What’s On...............................................................35 Puzzle Page............................................................36 Prize Crossword......................................................42 Classifieds..............................................................47

Sowing Time

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Big Garden Bird Watch

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The Best Way to Buy a Car........................................4 Big Garden Bird Watch.............................................6 A Pain in the Neck....................................................8 Exercise? Are you Kidding?.....................................10 Fun Quiz.................................................................14 Hypnotise Yourself to a Less Painful Labour............19 A Friendly and Flexible Way of Working..................23 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, Louise Addison, Back On track, Eastway Enterprise, Pippa Greenwood, and RSPCA Beds North Branch Advertising Sales - Mary Williams - 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com Photography - Nigel Dowsett Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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

The Best Way to Buy a Car

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Mobile phones, internet connections and cars are the three products I receive the most calls about on my consumer radio show. Today I’d like to help you avoid problems with the latter – cars! Buying a good, reliable car rather than a nightmare vehicle that will eat into your wallet is a good way to start.

The first important thing you must understand is that unless you buy a car from a proper retailer, you have no comeback if the car develops a fault. The minute you drive a new car away from a private seller, you’re on your own if it breaks down. I therefore always suggest buying cars from good, reputable garages, and if you can stretch to it, main dealers. They, generally (and I use that word with caution - some are awful!), offer the best after sales service.

Secondly, you must do your research. Use the internet to find the most suitable car for you. Look at reliability scores, running costs and insurance. Don’t rush into purchasing a car you know nothing about on the forecourt, just because you think you’ll look good in it. Find something that’s the right size, has a good reputation for reliability and isn’t going to cost the earth to run.

The third thing you must do is to buy LOCALLY. Please don’t make the mistake that so many people make these days. They go to a search website, enter the car of their dreams, find that the only independent garage that has one available in the colour they like is 300 miles away and travel up by train to buy it. If you have a problem with that vehicle it will be YOUR responsibility to get it back to them to repair. That’s going to be a very expensive journey on a recovery vehicle all the way to Manchester! Use the internet to research garages and the people that run them.

Fourthly, if you don’t know anything about cars, then for goodness sake, take someone with you who does! A friendly mechanic is best. If you don’t know anyone who is an expert, then I would strongly advise having an independent check on the vehicle by an organisation such as the RAC. It may cost a couple of hundred quid, but it’s worth every penny if it prevents you from buying a complete lemon. A car is normally the second most expensive thing you purchase after a house, I lose track of the number of people who spend £15,000+ on something they know and understand absolutely nothing about and then wonder why they have problems.

Please remember that when you find a car that you like, DO NOT PUT A DEPOSIT DOWN UNLESS YOU REALLY INTEND TO BUY IT. When you agree to pay a deposit, you normally enter into a legally binding contract to purchase the product. If you change your mind, you not only risk losing the deposit, you could be forced by the garage to take the car and pay the full amount owing on it. Salesmen and women often suggest the deposit in a relaxed manner. Don’t be fooled, when you change your mind, the relaxed manner will probably fly right out of the window.

Never pay the full amount requested for a vehicle. The garage will price a vehicle up with some room for negotiation. If you pay the price on the windscreen, you’re probably paying over the odds. Remember car salesmen and women are employed partly because of their ability to get as much money out of you as possible and make the company as much profit. Bear this in mind at all times when agreeing a price to pay. If you’re hopeless at doing a deal, then take someone with you who is good at it!

Finally, if you follow all of my advice and you STILL have a problem with it or the garage, then you can contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do my best to try and help you.

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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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 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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RSPB

Big Garden Bird Watch

25 and 26 January 2014

As the New Year gets underway, we inevitably start thinking about changing our habits and embarking upon new endeavours for the coming 12 months.

For many of us, that includes contemplating which new fangled diet we will embrace to lose those sneaky extra pounds that crept upon us over the festive period!

But why not give yourself a break this year and rather than considering your own food intake, take a look out into your gardens and think about the calorific needs of your garden visitors?

As the temperature continues to drop, and the countryside cupboards grow bare, our gardens and parks become a crucial source of food, water and shelter for our favourite garden wildlife. Unlike us, this is the perfect time of year for wildlife to be foraging for fat and stocking up on stodge.

There are some really simple things you can do to look out for your garden wildlife at this time of year, and the more you attract to you garden, the more you’ll be able to see during the RSPB’s national Big Garden Birdwatch taking place in January!

Special feeding tips for winter At this time of year, put out food and water on a regular basis. In severe weather, feed twice daily if you can: in the morning and in the early afternoon.

Birds require high energy (high fat) foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves to survive the frosty nights. Use only good quality food and scraps.

Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to accumulate around the feeders. Once you establish a feeding routine, try not to change it as the birds will

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become used to it and time their visits to your garden accordingly.

Gardeners have a vital role to play in supporting garden birds and wildlife. For advice on how to make a few simple changes to your garden, in order to attract a greater number of birds and wildlife, see the RSPB’s Give Nature a Home www.rspb. co.uk/homes.

Counting the birds that are counting on you RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 25 - 26 January 2014 On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January 2014, the nation takes part in the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch.

The activity is the biggest garden wildlife survey in the world and last year almost 600,000 people counted the birds in their garden.

Big Garden Birdwatch provides the RSPB with masses of information about changes in numbers of garden birds in winter, and helps to alert conservationists to significant declines in UK garden species like house sparrows and starlings.

And this year, for the first time, participants are being asked to log some of the other wildlife they see in their gardens too.

The RSPB wants to know whether people ever see deer, squirrels, badgers, hedgehogs frogs and toads in their gardens, to help build an overall picture of how important our gardens are for giving all types of wildlife a home.

The charity will gather useful information about these other species and share them with its conservation partners after the survey.

For more information and to take part visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

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Health & Beauty

A Pain in the Neck

By Louise Addison

Most of us have suffered neck pain at some point, generally after sleeping in an awkward position, or perhaps after a fall or a jolt.

A cricked neck is often a temporary state of affairs.

Rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, are usually sufficient to alleviate it. If the problem is muscular, a heat pad can help, though if you suffer with an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, heat may exacerbate any inflammation, so a cold-pack would be preferable.

If the cricked neck is a recurring issue, it’s useful to consult your GP in order to rule out underlying conditions such as arthritis or scoliosis.

An osteopath can be very helpful, as they are knowledgeable about musculo-skeletal problems and may be able to manipulate your bones and joints to realign them and alleviate the pain. They can also teach you some exercises to strengthen and stretch that area. Manipulating joints, especially in the neck region is not without risk, so

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be sure that your osteopath is registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Long-term, improve your posture, make sure you use a low, firm pillow when you sleep and take the time to stretch your neck gently during the day, especially if you sit at a computer for extended periods.

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Fitness

Exercise? Are you kidding?

Let us help you get Back on Track?

We all know that we should do more exercise, our Government, Media and GP’s tell us so why don’t we take notice? 80 percent of members of big gyms rarely, if ever use them! This may not prove much but it does suggest that most of us don’t enjoy exercising and find it boring. Some enjoy it but statistics tell us that they are a minority, although we understand that exercise is good for us we still don’t do enough.

What can Back on Track do that could persuade you that exercise can be fun, even when it hurts, and needn’t be boring? We are a small friendly gym, not full of sweaty people on rows of machines. We adopt a personal approach, whether in our one on one personal training sessions or small group classes offering a varied series of exercises including kettle bells, boxing, TRX, circuits, rowers etc. We don’t use

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any of the big machines usually found in gyms and our monthly membership fee, currently £33 per month can include any or all of these sessions. You pay monthly and can leave without penalty at any time. If you prefer a more private environment we offer personal training for one to four people. We understand that coming to us can be daunting so we introduce you to our facility with a personal training session and 7 day free trial that will give you a chance to try out all of our kit.

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Ryan’s Little Diggers & Construction Ltd. Free Quotation No Obligation

About Us

Our 0.8 tonne digger is ideal for work where access is an issue i.e. a back garden.

We offer a range of services which include: -

This is a family run business with over 40 years experience, free quotation, no obligation.

Polite and professional tradesman.

Extensions Landscaping Driveways / Patios Footings / Soak-aways Garden Clearance

Mobile - 07966138192 Email - Darrenryan1@live.co.uk

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Christmas Turkey still lurking around?

Time to get those tooth gaps fixed then!

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OFFERS EXPIRE FEBRYARY 28TH 2014. *Present this ad for a no obligation, FREE CONSULT with Dr Raj Ahlowalia.

Free consultations do not include comrehensive examinations nor any X-rays.

Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.victoriaplacedental.com for full details.

3 Victoria Place, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9RN victoriaplacedental.com 12

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

Katie’s Attic

Lots of Choice Immediate Availability

The Carpet Trade Centre

1 Bedford Road, Henlow Camp SG16 6DR 01462 339660 Second hand furniture and interesting items in stock.

Come in and take a look we may have just what you are looking for.

New stock weekly.

20% off anything over £20 in the shop with this advert

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

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

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Fun Quiz - Review Of The Year 1. In March 2013, who famously said “may God forgive you for what you have done”?

2. In 2013, who left his career in politics to become President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee in New York?

3. In April 2013, what became the first song with a running time of less than a minute to reach the top ten of the UK singles charts?

4. In August 2013, it was announced that actor Peter Capaldi will take over the leading role in which long running TV series?

5. UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom caused controversy in July 2013 when referring to countries that receive overseas aid from the UK by what name?

6. In which competition did Gaynor Hopkins finish in 15th position when representing the UK in 2013?

7. Mad About The Boy was the sub-title of a 2013 novel centred around which character?

8. With a main building that was affectionately known by staff as “the doughnut”, what officially closed on March 31st 2013?

9. What was the final score in the 2013 Ashes series?

10. Which two singers won two awards each at the 2013 BRIT Awards?

1. Pope Francis (speaking to his fellow cardinals on his election as Pope) 2. David Miliband 3. Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 4. Doctor Who 5. Bongo Bongo Land 6. The Eurovision Song Contest (Gaynor Hopkins is the real name of Bonnie Tyler) 7. Bridget Jones 8. BBC Television Centre 9. 3-0 to England 10. Emeli Sande and Ben Howard

Before

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After

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2014... Let’s start as we mean to go on...

Fancy a pamper?

New to Faye’s beauty hut, Anti-ageing facial using Neal’s Yard Organic products usually £40 just £30 in January!

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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

FEELING A BIT ‘EURGH’ AFTER CHRISTMAS? MAKE YOUR BODY SMILE AGAIN AT THE PILATES POD We’re the award winning dedicated Pilates studio in central Hitchin. Say hello to your core and bye bye to back pain and wobbly bits!

Start a 4 week Intro Course, and join our small, personal classes today. Find out more on our website: www.thepilatespod.co.uk

> Matwork, barre & pregnancy classes. > Twin reformer machine classes > 1:1 personal training

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15% OFF your first 1hr Personal Training Session with this ad! Use promo code: JANPT15 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

Villager-half-page.indd 1

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12/4/2013 9:10:12 PM

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...taking the birthing world by calm

HYPNOBIRTHING ANTENATAL CLASSES

BIGGLESWADE • BALDOCK • ROYSTON

1 hour Breathe and Relaxation Class for £25 with this Advertisement You will also receive £25 off a HypnoBirthing Course should you choose to book on

Special Tools and Techniques helping you to birth as nature intended- safely, calmly, quickly and easily AND with smiles!

Enjoy your birth and feel empowered with complete control and prepared should anything arise.

Babies are notably happy, chilled, alert, with high APGAR scores, better sleeping and feeding, increased bonding.

Diminishes PND. Birthing partners love it too!

Jane Wallington HBCE, BA (Hons)

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breezebirthing@hotmail.co.uk www.breezebirthing.com See the birth stories on the website!

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Reg No. 12352

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Health and Beauty

HYPNOTISE YOURSELF

To a Less Painful Labour

With Kate Middleton reportedly using hypnobirthing to achieve a natural and less painful birth and many other women swearing by it for a more enjoyable labour, is this going to become the latest craze in childbirth? With her second child due imminently, Julia Faulks is certainly keen to give it a go…

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a form of self-hypnosis used during labour, in the lead-up to labour, or even during a caesarean as a way of coping with pain, anxiety, fear and tension. With self-hypnosis being used for centuries to ease pain, what woman wouldn’t want to try something to help her body release as many endorphins (happy hormones) as possible in order to help with pain management?

Just to be clear, hypnobirthing won’t take away all the pain, but it will help you remain calm and relaxed. It is said to work by easing the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome that can occur during labour where hormones are released that raise blood pressure and heart rate, meaning that labour can be less productive and more painful.

Letting go - With the birth of my first child, ignorance was, quite simply, bliss - there were nerves, but as I didn’t have any idea how it was going to feel, there was less focus on the actual birth than I’m feeling as a second time mum-to-be.

In other words, no, I didn’t quite forget the pain.

I now realise I need to accept that I actually don’t have any control over my birth and labour, but at the same time, I can have control over the pain by using the techniques I’ve learnt from reading books, taking regular yoga classes and listening to my hypnobirthing CD. So whether it’s for your first birth or a subsequent birth, you have nothing to lose by trying it out.

It’s also important to make sure that your birth partner is briefed on how you will be using the techniques you have learnt in order to remind you if you lose focus.

Choosing the right method for you You can start learning hypnobirthing at any time, but experts recommend that it’s most beneficial from 18 to 30 weeks. It’s also a good idea to step things up as Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

you reach your due date by attending a refresher class, listening to CDs or reading your notes on a daily basis.

The self-disciplined mum-to-be: If you have the time and can be organised, there’s nothing to say that you can’t teach yourself hypnobirthing skills in the comfort of your own home or by mixing things up with a regular yoga or hypnobirthing class. This is just what I am doing by downloading a hypnobirthing CD and attending a weekly yoga session where we do regular meditation and breathing exercises.

The busy mum-to-be: If you’re too busy to find the time to read, then an intensive course will probably be the best option for you. You can find a list of courses in your local area by visiting the hypnobirthing.co.uk website or by searching your local directory. You may also prefer a private lesson with one-on-one attention.

The sociable mum-to-be: Meet other mums and dads who want to learn this technique together and support each other as the big day approaches.

Weekly classes will give you focus and help keep you on track as well as make sure that everything you learn is fresh in your mind.

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Peace of Mind Counselling Service

I am a Counsellor working throughout Bedfordshire.

I work with a variety of issues and aim to help individuals understand their problems and work through them in a safe and comfortable environment.

I provide a relaxed atmosphere within sessions and each one is guided by you the client so that you work through your issues at a pace that is comfortable to you.

For further information call Nicky on 07909 530036 or email blakenicky7@gmail.com

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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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Eastway Enterprise

A Friendly and Flexible Way of Working....

Working alone – especially from home - is cost effective but can be distracting too.

Whether you need an office, a desk or someone to answer your phone when you’re busy, Eastway Enterprise Centre can help. Enjoy the freedom and professional image of a business address, receptionist and meeting facility; all within Hitchin town centre.

“We understand the demands of running a business” explains Mark Robinson, who runs Eastway with his father. “You can concentrate on running your business, leaving everything else to us as all space is fully serviced. We’re in the town centre, which is ideal for banks, the Post Office and restaurants.”

2014 is an exciting year for Eastway. A new building opens this month, with open days on 22nd and 23rd of January. Call 01462 429 700 to

arrange a viewing.

Mark is especially proud of the building’s green credentials: “We’ve introduced environmentally friendly options wherever possible, including LED lighting and the latest energy efficient systems.”

In fact, this family team has already won Green Business awards.

Eastway offers a friendly business community with first class customer service. Space is offered as a desk or various office sizes. Mail and call handling are available too, supporting you as your business grows.

To celebrate the opening of their new building, Eastway is offering our readers a special offer.

Book any services for three months – for half price! Call 01462 429 700 or visit www. eastwayenterprise.co.uk. Book by 31st January 2014 quoting GR350. You’ll save £75 and £750!

Need Some Space for Your Business?

Enjoy your own business space in Hitchin town centre with: • Professional Image • Convenient Location • Parking • Fully managed facilities Focus on your business; leave everything else to Eastway Enterprise Centre.

OPEN DAYS ON 22nd & 23rd JANUARY COME AND SEE US!

Book any service for three months for half price!

Save £75 - £750!

Simply book by 31st January 2014 quoting GR350.

Reserve your open day place now:

01462 429 700 • enquires@eastwayenterprise.co.uk

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

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Garden

Sowing Time

By Pippa Greenwood

Now that January is here it’s a perfect time to start sowing seeds in trays and pots. But how do you make sure that yours germinate and produce seedlings and then plants which thrive and grow well?

A shopping list for first time sowers should be: • Good quality seed and cuttings compost.

• Some seed half-trays, which are about 5” x 8”.

• A heated propagator, a clear propagator lid to go over the trays or a small unheated propagator.

• A dibber to make it easy to transplant the seedlings into a new home.

• Some small pots into which you can transplant the seedlings.

If you buy seed and cuttings compost it’s rarely necessary to sieve it as it has a very fine and even texture. However, if you’re using multi-purpose compost, you’ll need to either break up any lumps carefully with your hands or sieve it.

Depending on the types of seeds you have chosen, you will need to sow them at different depths.

Some seeds are tiny and are best scattered over the surface. Other seeds are best sown in drills.

Once they are in place, in most cases you need to cover them with compost to the required depth.

However others germinate best if allowed access to daylight and should be sown on the surface.

With these it’s advisable to cover the surface of the tray with cling film to stop it drying out too rapidly. I like to put the seeds in place and then moisten the compost. Place the seed trays in a sink or tray containing about 1cm of water and allow the compost to soak up the water. Once the

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compost is just moist you should stand the trays in a position where any excess water can drain off. Then, if necessary, put the trays in a heated propagator.

When it comes to watering the seeds, use mains water as water butts may harbour some of the disease-causing organisms which cause damping off, the fatal condition where the seedlings appear to suddenly flop and keel over.

Always watch the seed trays carefully and check them regularly to ensure that the compost is adequately moist. Once the majority of the seedlings have appeared, it’s usually not long before you need to prick them out. Generally this is carried out when the first true leaves appear.

When the seedling first comes above ground you will see the ‘seed leaves’ which are relatively sturdy looking and rounded in shape. Then above this come the first true leaves which are typical of that particular plant.

When pricking out, handle the seedlings very carefully, never by their stems or true leaves, but always by the seed leaves. Before you start to ease them out, make sure that the compost is adequately moist, so that the roots move readily without damage and that you have already prepared pots for transfer. To avoid rotting, always transplant seedlings so that they are at the same depth as they were in the seed tray.

If you find that your seedlings have become rather leggy and drawn, this is usually because they’re not receiving enough natural light; move the trays onto a south or west facing windowsill.

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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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01462 711 430 07860 411 378

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 Lawns cut and edged  Borders and beds weeded  Shrubs pruned and shaped  Paths and patios swept  Rubbish removed  Patios and decking  Hedges cut  Turfing  Fences

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Perfect Pet Care Solutions They can’t always go with you but they can still receive professional and loving care in their own home.

Pet Sitting Dog Walking • Day and Overnight Care • Obedience and Behaviourist Training • Live in House Sitting • •

For more details about our services or to arrange a free, no obligation meet and greet please call 07909 530036 or email blakenicky7@gmail.com

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Pets

ANIMAL QUERIES

RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch Dear RSPCA vet, My lovely little kitten has, over the last few months, transformed into a ‘hooligan’ and seems to be terrorizing the cats in our neighbourhood. He is also always getting into fights and seems less keen to spend time with me at home. A friend has suggested that I should get him neutered, but will this make any difference?

Mr Coomes, Sandy

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

Dear Mr Coomes, Neutering would have a number of positive effects for him. He would be 80 percent less likely to get into fights with other cats, reducing the number of injuries he receives, and lowering the risk of picking up Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). He would also be less likely to stray. Partly as a result of these factors, neutered male cats live for longer than unneutered males. While neutering, in itself, will not make him more docile or friendlier to humans, he will spend more time around one home base, and so he should become more familiar with the people feeding him.

So, if you neuter your cat your neighbourhood will become a calmer place and your cat will be more relaxed and happier to spend time with you.

Another huge benefit is that neutering prevents unwanted kittens being born. Animal charities, such as the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch, struggle to cope with the unmanageable number of kittens being abandoned and neglected in Bedfordshire each year. Neutering your cat will make you part of a solution, not part of the problem – so thank you!

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

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1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

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

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

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

Top Bathrooms " We take care of everything "

Choose a suite or shower from our extensive range of top names in the comfort of your own home. We will then design the bathroom to your requirements.

• Plumbing • Tiling • Plastering • Electrics • Flooring • Decorating • Carpentry • All work fully Guaranteed • Old suites disposed of • Competitive prices

From design and supply - to all aspects of installation - we look after everything

tel:

01525 403829

email: topbathrooms@hotmail.co.uk

Professional & Highly Recommended - Covering Beds, Bucks & Herts Visit us at: www.top-bathrooms.com 32

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Lambourn MOT and Service Centre Ltd Your LOCAL MoT, tyre and service centre in Shefford

01462 811333 Pay us a visit – we’re near Morrisons!

Lambourn MoT & Service Centre Unit 10, Old Bridge Way, Shefford, SG17 5HQ

Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk

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Member of BESCA

Safe Contractor approved/accredited

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

For all your Air Conditioning & Solar solutions

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

01462 815756

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

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n O s ’ t Wha 1 January New Year’s Resolution Walk 11am-12.30pm Dunstable Downs, Chilterns Gateway Centre, Whipsnade Road, Dunstable £2 per person, Car parking £2 Was your New Year’s resolution to get outdoors more? Exercise more? Get fitter? Take the time to enjoy nature? Then join us for a breath of fresh air on this one and a half hour walk led by one of our rangers. Walking route will be picked on the day depending on the weather.

Meet at the Chiltern Gateway Centre. Dress for the weather and wrap up warm. Booking essential.

Tel: Bookings 01582 500920 Email: dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunstabledowns 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 January 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 4 January 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 January Tedesca Quartet 8pm Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin SG4 9RB Tickets £12, free for full time students and young people Programme includes Beethoven, Prokofiev and Brahms.

Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Email: info@benslowmusic.org Web: www.benslowmusic.org To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

11 January 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

14 January The World of the Documentary Film 10.30am The Labour Hall, Crab Lane, Biggleswade Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course - 10 sessions of 1½ hours. Tutor Laurence Staig presents ‘An introduction to the world of the documentary film maker’.

Tel: Clive Bandy 01462 730147 Email: biggleswade.wea@virginmedia.com 16 January Evolution: The story of the last four billion years 10am St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Course fee £55, concessions available The Workers Education Association course - 10 sessions of 1½ hours. Tutor Keith Triton presents ‘Evolution: The story of the last four billion years’. The story of the Earth and the life that inhabits it, and how the two have evolved together through nearly four billion years.

Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306 25 January Table Top Sale/Indoor Car Boot Sale 10am St. Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Stotfold Tables £4.50 Hot and Cold refreshments.

Raffle.

Tel: Table bookings Chris Webster 01462 834108

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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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Quality PVC-U Windows & Doors MANUFACTURERS & INSTALLERS Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Bi-Folding Doors & Composite Doors

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC • Vertical Sliding Sash Windows • Casement Windows • Residential & French Doors • Patio Doors • Discount for Pensioners • FENSA Certification • 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Potton Windows is the only local company to be awarded the Secure By Design accreditation, to all products manufactured at its Potton Factory, this is a Police Preferred specification for greater security.

Unit 2-6 Shannon Place, Potton, Sandy, Beds SG19 2SP

T. 01767 260 626 E. sales@pottonwindows.co.uk www.pottonwindows.co.uk

Potton Windows Limited was established in 1987 Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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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

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

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

KPC Property Services • • • • • •

Kitchens & Bathrooms Plumbing & Heating Painting & Decorating Carpentry Tiling & Flooring General Maintenance

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

Kieron Chapple 07900 887156 kpcmaintenance@googlemail.com 40

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We are an experienced company offering solutions to all aspects of electrical work, domestic and commercial.

We are fully insured and all work is guaranteed.

We are registered with Napit through the Part P scheme and also registered with Trustmark for peace of mind.

Land Lord Test Certificates Extra sockets to full re-wires

security lighting Fault Finding and trouble shooting

Underfloor Heating Consumer unit upgrades

24 hour call out These are just a small range of the works we carry out.

Please call for a free quotation, no job too small.

0800 511 8985 / 07956 467 411 www.mjtelectricalservices.co.uk enquiries@mjtelectricalservices.co.uk

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

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Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 King’s title (7) 5 Herb (5) 8 Sprays water (9) 9 Curved line (3) 10 Sword (5) 12 Remote military camp (7) 13 Incendiary guns (13) 15 Highest noble rank (7) 17 Tests (5) 19 Concerned with the environment (3) 20 Raised area (9) 22 Give up (5) 23 Wandered (7)

17th January 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:



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

Down 1 Disguises (5) 2 Glass container (3) 3 Genuine, honest (7) 4 Colourful small birds (13) 5 Hat (5) 6 E.g. EastEnders (4,5) 7 Finds (7) 11 Region in space (5,4) 13 Nervous (7) 14 Outside (4-3) 16 Fear (5) 18 Church council (5) 21 Climbing plant (3)

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs P Moore from Bedford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 42

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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James Cullip

A TOUCH OF GLASS

Painting & Decorating

Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

• interior/exterior - all aspects

ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN

• wallpaper hanging • coving

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

• general household maintenance

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT

• plastering services available

SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

• 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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For free advice call Dave or Nick today

01462 619651

Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

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DAVID CHAPMAN RESTORATION Brickwork Plastering (including lime plaster) Fireplaces built and restored Chimneys built and repaired Repointing Patios 25 years experience Free quotations

01525 717725 07984 035863

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

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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Julian Biggs Chimney Advert:Layout 1 17/05/2013 14:

Chimney Sweep

Alan George

Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

Painter & Decorator

JULIAN BIGGS/PHILIP BULLEN

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist

www.julianbiggschimneysweep.co.uk located in Northill, Beds

• All types of chimneys swept • Brush & vacuum • Chimney Safety Certificate issued

City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256

Fully qualified and insured Clean & tidy service Competitive rates Local, professional & reliable

or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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Classifieds Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES

Property Maintenance R. CHAPMAN

Home & Garden Services

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

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Clock Repair Brian R Bulley

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

01462 850575 or 07950 311881

Removals and Storage removals, storage, archive and shipping

C.M.B.H.I Horologist

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

Repairing: Antique & Modern Clocks

All clocks are collected & examined in my workshop and then you are contacted with cost for repair. On agreement the clock will be repaired, Tested & Delivered.

If you decide not to go ahead with repair the clock will still be delivered free of charge.

• Over 50 years Experience •

Call for a no obligation quotation

Tel: 07521 442 050 • Email: brian@brianbulley.co.uk

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

01582 572967

Van Hire

Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1

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

Business gone slow?

Let us help!

Advertising in The Villager is easy. To find out more call Mary on 01767 261122/ 07453 990655 or email mary@villagermag.com To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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