Henlow july 15

VILLAGER The

Issue 80 - July 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Visit the

Villager Bookshop Luxury In Bath 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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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Contents

VILLAGER The

Issue 80 - July 2015

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Visit the

Villager Bookshop Luxury In Bath 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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

Biggleswade Ladies Circle Anniversary Celebrations......29 Animal Stories................................................................30 Keeping Healthy in the Sun............................................34 Tattoos...........................................................................36 Beer of the Month..........................................................38

The Birth of RAF Henlow

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Bats Need Friends..........................................................42 Jump Aboard with the Alabama Hayriders.....................45 Puzzle Page....................................................................48

The Birth of RAF Henlow..................................................4

Prize Crossword..............................................................54

When Can I Take it Back?..................................................8

What’s On.......................................................................58

The Villager Book Shop...................................................11 Win a Family Ticket for a Cruise on the John Bunyan......13

Win a Cruise on the John Bunyan

Celebrating a Centenary of Girlguiding..........................16

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Festival Frenzy...............................................................18 Luxury in Bath................................................................20 Sunscreens.....................................................................23 Walking Your Dog...........................................................25 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes.............................................26

Deadline for August Artwork is Wednesday 15th July

Deadline for September Artwork is Thursday 23rd July

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 - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Kate Duggan, Tim Saunders, Susan Brookes-Morris, Russell Grant, RSPCA, Pippa Greenwood, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Ted Bruning and Andy Mydellton Advertising Sales/Local Editorial Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com Photography Tunedin123 and Darren Harbar Photography 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.

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History

By Catherine Rose

The Birth of

RAF Henlow Henlow is first mentioned in the 11th century Domesday Book as Haneslau which loosely translated means ‘chicken or fowls hill’. It was one of the parishes within the Clifton Hundred that also included Arlesey, Campton, Chicksands, Clifton, Henlow, Holwell, Meppershall, Shillington, Stondon and Stotfold.

During the Middle Ages, there was a wide range of craft practised around the area such as sheep shearing, brickmaking and bowstring-making. But in 1603, the plague killed many of the villagers and it wasn’t until the 18th century that Henlow had regrown sufficiently to have its own millwright, woolcomber, rope and paper makers. In 1802, the Ivel Navigation (the old canal between Biggleswade and Shefford) began to serve the village.

Today Henlow is perhaps best known for its RAF base, now fast approaching its centenary. At the end of 1916, Brigadier General Tranchard, who was then commanding the Royal Flying Corps in France, convinced the Air Board to train more men in the rapid repair of aircraft and engines. The War Office subsequently set up regional training depots and Henlow was chosen for the eastern area. In 1917, 226 acres of farmland were bought, probably because the area was flat, free from water and relatively uninhabited with good communications.

One local resident, who was ten in 1917, recalled: “Large wheat fields were newly harvested when a sizeable civilian workforce of Irish labourers arrived.

Foundations were quickly constructed and buildings

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took shape, and from a sea of mud emerged Henlow Camp.”

Lieutenant Colonel Stapleton Cotton arrived with 40 airmen in May 1918 to start fitting out the workshops and in October 1918, around 100 American servicemen arrived.

However, with the end of the war, work was stopped and equipment was scrapped. One local resident recalled: “Aircraft were selling at 10 shillings for a small plane and double for a bomber….These fine machines, constructed by craftsmen, were dismantled and the high quality varnished wood used in building chicken houses and hay racks. Later, the aircraft left were burnt and buried.” The wood used for the aircraft was pickled in the giant ‘pickling factory’ on the site (now demolished) making it hard and weather resistant. Local farmers and gardeners therefore found the old airframes ideal for using as pig pens and plant trellises!

By 1920, a future policy for the RAF was emerging and as part of the general re-organisation, 161 further acres of Henlow land were purchased for aircraft flight testing. The unit’s name was changed to the Inland Area Aircraft Depot and the workshops re-organised. Production reached 15 engines and 10 aircraft per month.

One of the riggers working in the aircraft repair section remembered: “Aircraft would arrive at 186 shed having been flown in for a major overhaul.

There they would be stripped and the wooden airframe repaired and modified where necessary.

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The shell would then be pushed into 187 shed where engine fitters, blacksmiths and sheet metal workers would do their work. In 188 shed, the planes were fitted and rigging of the aircraft was completed after the final application of Irish linen and dope, prior to storage in shed 189 to await flight testing.”

The first recorded crash of a Henlow-based aircraft was on 3rd December 1921. A witness recalled: “The pilot was only slightly hurt when the aircraft, a Vickers Vimy, crashed on Henlow village. The fitter, Corporal Lawrence, who was flying as a passenger was killed.”

The work saw many types of plane come through Henlow’s sheds including Sopwith Snipes, Fairey Fawns, Gloster Grebes, Hawker Woodcocks, Flycatchers, Avro 504s, and Bristol Fighters amongst others. Many were modified and improved and turnaround was impressively quick.

One amusing anecdote tells the story of a Handley Page Hinaidi aircraft that had a public address system installed for broadcasts to ‘dissidents in the colonies’. During a flight test, Henlow residents were terrified by a voice from the clouds reciting the Ghost Scene from Macbeth.

In 1924, the first officers’ aeronautical engineering course at Henlow was inaugurated. Training was to continue for over 40 years. Following major changes in defence policy, two squadrons were based at Henlow, flying Sopwith 7F1 Snipes and later Gloster Gamecocks painted in black and white check.

Henlow was renamed the Home Aircraft Depot.

A Parachute Test Unit was also based there. Many of the experiments used dummies dropped from the underside of modified aircraft but live drops were also made, and there are impressive photographs of brave parachutists standing on a platform out on the wing and clinging to a strut during take-off or being yanked backwards through the air in close formation just after their jumps.

These men were all expert volunteers but sadly two of the most experienced, Corporal Arthur East, aged 25, and LAC Ernest ‘Brainy’ Dobbs, 26, were both killed - Arthur after his parachute failed to open and he crashed into high ground in a record-attempting

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jump at Biggin Hill and Brainy when he collided with 11,000 volt conductors carrying electricity from Willesden to Hendon while manning a balloon. It used to be said that Brainy’s ghost haunted 194 shed where he carried out his model parachute experiments, often tying his dog into a special harness and mini parachute to drop him from the roof.

Service life in the 1930s was tough. There was no hot water “except that fetched from the cookhouse in tin bowls” and the outside washrooms and toilets regularly froze in winter. In August 1932, Flying Officer Frank Whittle arrived for the Officers’ Engineering Course which he completed with flying colours, taking charge of the depot engine test bays.

He had first conceived the jet engine in 1928 and he used this time to develop his ideas, eventually moving to Cambridge University where his first jet engine was tested. He was later to praise the training he received at Henlow.

The pre-war years saw frantic expansion and reorganisation at Henlow as it became a training centre for airmen ahead of the hostilities. A Motor Transport Training School was also formed and by 1938, RAF Henlow had just under 5,500 personnel.

Twenty years after its birth, Henlow became a major player in winning the Second World War. A whole new chapter was to begin.

Acknowledgements: The History of Royal Air Force Henlow, first published by the Radio Engineering Unit, RAF Henlow, 1975; and Dave Thompson of the Signals Museum, RAF Henlow.

Photography: Darren Harbar Photography and Signals Museum, RAF Henlow

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Flying Proms at Shuttleworth

Saturday 15 August 2015 Enjoy the Shuttleworth Collection’s vintage aircraft displaying to a backdrop of classical music performed by the 50-piece National Symphony Orchestra. This year also features a trio of spitfires and a thrilling firework display finale.

www.shuttleworth.org/flyingproms Reg Charity No 307534 To Villager advertise TheFP.indd Villager Flyingin Proms 1 and Townlife please call 01767 261122

15/06/2015 12:34:327

Three Counties Radio

When can I

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

take it back?

So, you go to a clothes shop, buy a shirt, get it home and decide that actually you’re not that keen on it after all. Simple! You can return it, yes? NOT NECESSARILY! Indeed one subject often up for discussion on my radio show on BBC 3 Counties Radio concerns the successful returning of goods to a retailer.

Let me make it very clear. If goods are FAULTY then of course you have the right to return them and depending on the length of time you have had them (usually only a few weeks), you should be entitled to your money back in full. If you’ve had the item for longer, then you can ask the retailer to either repair the item (if possible) or replace it. As I’ve said in previous articles, this applies long after the 12 month period, so don’t be fobbed off by cheeky shop assistants! Remember your statutory rights – all goods purchased must be a) fit for purpose b) of reasonable quality (depending on the amount spent on them) and c) should last for a reasonable amount of time (again depending on how much you have paid for the item).

Where you don’t automatically have the right to return items is when you simply change your mind.

Whilst many retailers operate a ‘good will’ returns policy and will happily take items back as long as they are in perfect condition, the law does not guarantee this. Always check the returns policy of the individual company before you make a purchase if you’re not 100% confident you’ll keep the item. Failure to do this could cause a very embarrassing scene in the shop and a may end up leaving with your tail firmly between your legs.

There is an exception to all of this though, and this exception is even more important now than ever before considering how many purchases are made online. When buying a new product from an internet or mail order company, you are covered by ‘distance selling regulations’. These dictate that because you haven’t had the opportunity to see the item you’re buying in the flesh (as it were), you have 7 working days, from receipt of the goods, to return them for a full refund. Always confirm that you are returning the items by email to obtain a date stamp and please note there are exceptions to this including CDs, DVDs, perishable goods and underwear etc.

Always check the sellers’ returns postage policy as if they don’t state who is liable for the p&p, then they automatically are!

It’s also worth noting (using the shirt example I described earlier) that if you are not given the opportunity to try clothes on in the shop (i.e. they don’t have a changing room), then you are also entitled to return goods simply because they don’t fit or you don’t like the colour after all. The best approach is that if you don’t know the returns policy in the shop, then ask before you buy.

Finally, always keep your receipts and if you don’t, remember that a bank statement or credit card bill should act as proof of purchase instead.

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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The Unforgettable Close Up and Cabaret Magic of Steve Dean Immerse yourselves and guests in the close up magic of Steve Dean or enjoy a Cabaret Show that includes mentalism and much more. Have you ever witnessed unexplainable events or illusions so convincing that they leave you fascinated and completely spellbound? This is Cabaret, close up mix and mingle and table magic at it’s very best.

Steve is a master of his craft and a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. He has had many letters of thanks and testimonials from people from all walks of life. From a small dinner party to performing on a British Cruise Liner this sort of entertainment is second to none and will give your guests unusual and fantastic entertainment that they can get involved in and will talk about for months to come.

(Steve is a member of Equity with full public liability insurance).

Please phone or email for details 07719 261147 • 01767 260671 www.stevedeanmagic.co.uk email: stevedeanmagic@aol.com

Winner of Wedding Industr y Exper t Awards 2013-2014 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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The Villager Book Shop

Bringing local authors and readers together The Villager Book Shop is aimed at promoting the work of local authors and filling the gap left by the closure of so many small independent bookshops. We hope to be able to eventually bring you a selection of interesting local books that you may not previously have been aware of to buy from the comfort of your armchair.

Bedfordshire Through Time by Stephen Jeffrey-Poulter is published by Amberley Publishing and the latest in its successful ‘Through Time’ series, Stephen’s book contains delightful period photographs of the towns and villages in the county of Bedfordshire. The images have been sourced mainly from the Sandy Chrystal postcard collection held by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives Records Service and many are being published for the first time. Contrasting modern colour pictures provide an interesting insight into the many changes that have taken place over the decades.

Stephen is a local author who has previously written other titles for Amberley Publishing including Hoddesdon and Broxbourne Through Time, Hertford Through Time, Ware Through Time and Hertfordshire Through Time.

To order your copy of Bedfordshire Through Time, please contact The Villager Bookshop on 01767 261122 or email booksales@villagermag.com. Or fill out and return the form below to The Villager Book Shop, 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP. The book is priced at £14.99 plus just £1.00 postage and packing.

I would like to order a copy of Bedfordshire Through Time

by Stephen Jeffrey-Poulter.

Name:



Publication: Paperback, 96 pages, September 2013 Price: £14.99 ISBN: 978-1-4456-1618-6 Size: 235 x 165mm Rights: World, all languages

Address:

 I enclose a cheque/cash for £15.99 made payable to Villager Publications Ltd To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Business gone slow?

Let us help!

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

17/06/2015

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N O I T I T E P M O C

Win a Family Ticket

for a Thursday or Sunday Cruise on the John Bunyan

Bedford’s Award Winning Community Boat Cruise on Bedford’s Great Ouse Get a different view of Bedford from the riverside. Take a cruise on the John Bunyan, Bedford’s Award Winning Community Boat.

There are options to suit all tastes from Thursday and Sunday Public Cruises, to Charter Hire cruises for your parties, special occasions, wedding cruises, group or work outings and school trips.

The John Bunyan Boat was launched in the summer of 2013 and by the start of the 2015 cruising season will have carried over 10,000 passengers along Bedford’s beautiful river.

The boat carries upto 50 passengers, or for school trips 60 children and 6 support staff. It is fully licensed and has catering and refreshments facilities.

There is also an access lift and a toilet suitable for people with disabilities.

Tables and chairs can be set out to meet your requirements.

For more information visit the website: www.johnbunyanboat.org or phone 0330 1239 511 or e-mail: charters@johnbunyanboat.org Follow on Twitter @JohnBunyanBoat or Facebook: JohnBunyanBoat.

The Villager and Town Life has one family ticket to give away for a cruise on the John Bunyan Boat. To enter, simply email editor@villagermag.com with the heading ‘John Bunyan Cruise’ and include your name, address and telephone number.

A winner will be picked at random.

Closing Date: 15th July 2015

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Local News

Celebrating a Centenary of Girlguiding This year, Bedfordshire Girlguides marks a hundred years of existence.

The Guide Movement took root and arrived in Bedfordshire in 1915 with the formation of the 1st Luton Company. As a result, celebrations took place this month at Cardinal Newman School in the town when nearly two thousand girls and leaders from across the whole of Bedfordshire enjoyed a fun packed day at “the best birthday party ever”.

Following the erection of a circus big top, the girls took part in a host of action-packed activities including roller skating, zorbing and fencing.

Welcoming Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Nazia Khanum OBE, Bedfordshire High Sheriff Lady Erroll and Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins MP to the commemorations, Bedfordshire Girlguiding County Commissioner Ann Crome described the celebrations as “an important milestone” and said that she was proud to be part of an organisation which has grown in numbers and flourished across

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Bedfordshire, “empowering girls from all backgrounds by giving them their own space and changing their lives”.

Part of the Scouting movement, Girlguiding UK is a charity and is always looking for volunteers, so if you feel you could get involved with any of the Bedfordshire groups, they would love to hear from you.

Please call 0800 169 5901 or visit www. bedsguiding.org.uk/index.php/contact-us

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Everyone deserves to be pampered with Lynley’s

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Health & Beauty

By Kate Duggan www.kateduggan.co.uk

Festival Frenzy Ah we do love a good festival. Whether you’re off to Leeds to watch Mumford & Sons, heading to Sundown for a spot of glamping, or taking the whole family to Camp Bestival, you can’t beat a festival for creating some long-lasting memories of summer. While you don’t need to pack your full make-up bag, there are still a few beauty essentials you’ll want to squash into your rucksack.

Trying to keep your cool on a sweltering summer’s day, surrounded by a few thousand people, is not an easy task. A re-usable water bottle and pocket fan are pretty much essential, but you may also want to add Green People Toning Hydrating Mist to your arsenal. A lot of toning mists are formulated with alcohol, so can actually dry your skin out even more, but this one is alcohol-free and contains aloe vera, orange blossom, rose water and marshmallow extracts to give your skin a real hydration boost. It’s wonderfully refreshing and also ideal for long-haul flights and taking the burn out of shaving. A bottle costs £13.95 from www.greenpeople.co.uk and should last you for most of the summer.

A good suntan lotion, that offers both UVA and UVB protection, is vital, but even if you are religious about avoiding sunburn, it’s still worth having a decent after-sun to hand. We like Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Cooling Aloe Gel, which (as you’ve probably guessed) contains aloe vera, along with a vitamin A & E complex. As well as soothing sunburn, it helps to prevent peeling, eases the itch of insect bites and hydrates your skin. It can feel a bit sticky, but it gets the job done. Pick it up for just £5 from www.FragranceDirect. co.uk

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If you’re planning to slum it in with the other campers, you might want to take a packet of baby wipes to freshen up between showers. Baby wipes can be a bit too harsh for your face though, so if you have space, pack some Pacifica Coconut Cleansing Wipes.

One of my own personal beauty essentials, these remove make-up gently, but effectively, and leave your skin feeling really plumped and hydrated. Order yours from www. lovelula.co.uk for £4.99, with free delivery.

Festivals can be a breeding ground for colds, flu and other viruses, and partying to the early hours doesn’t exactly help your body to fight them off. As well as stocking up on anti-bacterial hand gel, give your immune system a boost ahead of time with a decent nutritional supplement.

Unbeelievable Bee Prepared Daily Defence Immune Support is a good choice.

100% natural, it contains bee propolis, black elderberry and other extracts that have been clinically proven to help support your immune system.

It’s available from Holland & Barrett and other health stores for £9.99.

If you’re planning to rock-chick-itup this summer, check out label.m Texturising Volume Spray, which gives you the texturising benefits of a dry shampoo, with the hold of a hairspray. It was one of London Fashion Week’s ‘official haircare products’ and is great for adding long-lasting volume and height, so perfect for back-combed styles.

The original version has been criticised as being too light for darker hair colours, so label.m have now introduced a version just for brunettes.

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Travel

Luxury in Bath

By Tim Saunders It was a significant birthday for my wife Caroline so when her parents kindly offered to look after our daughters for the night, I whisked her away.

Celebrities seeking a luxurious haven from the crowds go to The Queensberry: the award winning boutique hotel, originally a residential home for its namesake, the 8th Marquess of Queensberry.

As soon as we arrived, a valet took care of the car and luggage and from the moment we set foot in the restored Georgian property, we relaxed, attended to by the friendly staff.

Each room is individually designed and owners Laurence and Helen Beere have paid great attention to detail. Our sophisticated bedroom was in keeping with the period but there were also modern day features such as a flat screen television and Roberts DAB radio tuned in to Classic FM. With its acclaimed three AA rosette restaurant, The Olive Tree - recognised in the Good Hotel Guide - dining is an occasion. While savouring expertly crafted food, advice is on hand from staff on which wine compliments each dish. A crisp Jordanian white wine that I would not have considered was a perfect choice to accompany my crab lasagne.

Bath is the only city in the UK designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Renowned for its natural thermal waters, there are three hot springs in the city centre: the Cross Spring, Hetling Spring and King’s Spring, which supplies the Roman baths. We visited Thermae Bath Spa where you can swim in them – just a 10 minute stroll from the hotel and described as “the only hot water spa in Britain”.

Magnificent architectural symmetries are another major attraction. At No. 1 Royal Crescent,

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housekeeper Glenys Hale provided insight into how the city was created. Three men were responsible for making Bath: Richard Beau Nash, a socialite; Ralph Allen, who quarried Bath stone; and John Wood, architect, whose success came through rich Londoners buying properties. The grand Royal Crescent terrace, a backdrop to many period dramas, was built like a theatre set with purchasers employing their own builders to finish off the interior.

These owners, who spent about £1,700 on each house in 1767, threw lavish dinner parties and promoted their wealth by the number of expensive beeswax candles they displayed; how much sugar was provided; and whether there was an £80 pineapple on the table!

The magnificent residences fell out of favour in the 1960s and when Glenys arrived in 1967, the buildings were black. Ship owner Bernard Cayzer bought No.1 Royal Crescent in 1968 for £11,000 and it was opened as a museum in 1970. It is now owned by the Bath Preservation Trust.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, in the middle of this curve of Georgian terrace houses, is the only property in the row to boast a large garden. Its Dower House serves the ‘Duke of York Afternoon Tea’ accompanied

by Tattinger champagne - a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with a loved one.

Needless to say Caroline was very pleased with her birthday treat.

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TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE We take time to listen and find the best way forward Contact us to arrange your free initial 30 minute visit (We are happy to come to you for a small extra charge)

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Sunscreens

Health & Beauty

Do you know your factor 8’s from your factor

30’s and your UVA protection from your UVB? Browsing a display of sunscreens can certainly be confusing, so here’s a little help.

First to the basics: how do sunscreens work?

Sunscreens, also commonly referred to as sun block, sun tan lotion and sun cream, are products which contain a combination of ingredients which help to prevent the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin.

There are two types of radiation, UVA has longer wavelengths and can cause lasting skin damage, skin aging and skin cancer, because they are not absorbed by the ozone layer and so can penetrate skin deeply, potentially causing the most harm. UVB has shorter waves, is partially absorbed by the ozone layer but can still cause sunburn and also skin damage and skin cancer. Most products focus on protecting against UVB rays, but those that describe themselves as broad spectrum provide protection against UVA and UVB.

Sunscreens both absorb and reflect the sun’s harmful rays.

You will see the expression ‘sun protection factor (SPF)’ on products. This is a measure of the products ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. For example if your skin would usually start to redden in the sun after 10 minutes, using a sunscreen with a factor of 30 suggests that you will not redden until you have been in the sun for 30 times as long as that which is 300 minutes. You should remember that this is only a guide.

You will also find additional guidance about which factor to choose depending on how fair your skin is as the fairer you are the faster you will generally burn. The time of day you are out will also have an impact. For example protection won’t be as good if you are exposed to full strength mid day sun compared to early morning rays. You should also remember that you will need to reapply sunscreens regularly throughout the day.

There are a huge range of products to choose from. Sunscreens now come in lotions, creams, gels and oils. Many have additional ingredients to make them smell nicer, be water resistant, show up as a colour or be easy to rub in. There are also special varieties developed for the face and lips.

One final thing to remember is that certain health conditions and medications can make a person more sensitive to sun exposure, so you might need to use a higher SPF if on antibiotics or antihistamines for example. If you are on medication it is best to seek professional advice.

By Susan Brookes-Morris To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Pets

Walking Your Dog Enjoying long walks together should be one of the highlights of dog ownership, but it can so easily turn into a nightmare if you’re constantly battling against a strong dog. With the best will in the world, being pulled from pillar to post by an overexuberant dog is no fun, but there is one thing you can do that will limit this type of behaviour.

Non-pull dog harnesses are designed to help you retain control, and train your dog to walk well on the lead. It’s a gentle way to encourage good behaviour, which can be reinforced every day.

Reasons why harnesses work • Harnesses of this type generally clip on to a dog’s collar, and by attaching the leash in this position rather than on its back, pulling power is significantly reduced.

• Non-pull harnesses are gentle training tools which allow owners to reinforce good behaviour with treats and longer walks. Unlike choke

chains, which were popular in the 1980s, there’s no danger of the dog’s throat or neck being damaged. This can be a big problem, even with standard dog collars if the dog pulls too hard.

• Harnesses like these are designed with extra padding to cover areas where friction might occur, such as underneath the dog’s stomach and legs where the skin is delicate.

Dogs are extremely sensitive to the mood of their owners, so if you are happy and relaxed when out walking, the two of you will form a closer bond.

HERTS OVEN CLEAN Herts Oven Clean is a domestic oven cleaning specialist in Hertfordshire.

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25

Russell Grant’s

Horoscopes

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

Early July promises to be a very romantic time. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for embarking on a fitness routine. A friend’s sarcasm is too much to bear on the 19th. You need to be honest.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

The opening days of July are perfect for going on a shopping spree. Favourable publicity for a creative project arrives on or around the 8th.

An intellectually stimulating class will fill your time during the second half of July.

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

Fame, acclaim and rewards come your way in early July, thanks to a supportive Full Moon. Striking a healthy balance between home and work will be challenging mid-month.

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

Early July is ideal for finding beautiful artwork and furniture for your home. A former lover may make their way back into your life in late July. Revisiting old times will be fun, but beware of renewing your commitment.

The early days of July are ideal for settling debts and obligations. The New Moon on the 16th is ideal for finding a better job, getting a raise, or finding another source of income.

Your creative talent will be emphasised in the early days of July. The Full Moon on the 2nd marks an exciting turning point in a relationship.

Be wary of subverting your needs for the sake of your partner. The New Moon on the 16th is perfect for changing your look.

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Your warmth, generosity and charm draw legions of admirers in the beginning of July. You have a sexy glow that is impossible to resist. Beware of getting involved in secret deals at mid-month, or your professional relationships will suffer.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

Spending time on solitary pursuits will give July a wonderfully dreamy quality.

Take this time to catch up on your reading, commune with nature and connect with your spiritual side.

LIBRA After 24th - October 23rd September

Your social life sparkles throughout early July. If you’re out of work, the New Moon on the 16th is an ideal time to find a prestigious position.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

You’ll be given a reward for a job well done in early July; get ready for your close up. The New Moon on the 16th brings an exciting opportunity to travel, study, or write.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

A wonderful teaching or writing opportunity will fall in your lap at the beginning of July. The New Moon on the 16th is perfect for expanding your lovemaking repertoire. Ask your partner for suggestions.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

The early days of July promise to be a delight to the senses. If you have a romantic partner, spend as much time locked in each other’s arms as possible.

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Local News

Biggleswade Ladies Circle Anniversary Celebrations This year, Biggleswade Ladies Circle, which covers Biggleswade and the surrounding area and includes Langford and Henlow, is celebrating its 55th anniversary.

The Ladies Circle is a social group for women aged 18-45 which, through a varied programme of activities and events, offers friendship and fun at a local, national and international level.

The club normally meets twice a month and activities include visits to local attractions, pamper nights, archery, craft nights, weekends away, bingo, theatre trips, Safari suppers and much more! One of the benefits of being a member of circle is that you get to meet people from all walks of life and try things which you would probably never have done on your own. They also carry out fundraising, mainly for the Ladies Circle National President’s Charity of the Year, but also for local causes.

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, current members are hosting an afternoon tea in Biggleswade on September 19th.

They would like to invite as many past Chairs as possible to share memories of 55 years in the typical Circle way – over food and drink!

Were you, or anyone you know, the Chair of Biggleswade Ladies Circle? If so, the group would love to hear from you.

To get in touch, or if you are interested in joining Biggleswade Ladies Circle, email biggleswade. circle@gmail.com or call Alison on 01462 700016.

You can also like the Biggleswade Ladies Circle Facebook page where you will see details of all their forthcoming events.

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29

Pets

American actor Groucho Marx, with his trademark moustache, glasses and cigar

Animal Stories Little Groucho is shunned because of his “moustache” Can you help this unwanted kitten and give him a purr-fect home? The public seems to be discriminating against him because of his moustache.

Little Groucho had been repeatedly rejected by would-be adopters because of his “unfortunate” facial fur.

“We need to persuade the public that there is nothing wrong with cats with moustaches,” said the RSPCA’s Bedfordshire North branch manager, Caroline Williams.

“Facial hair is really trendy at the moment.

Everywhere you look we see men sporting great big beards. We think Groucho is bang on trend and can’t understand why nobody wants him.”

Groucho was one of a litter of kittens born to a stray cat who was recently taken into the care of the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch.

His foster carer, Sally Neal said: “He is an adorable kitten. He loves people and runs up eagerly to whoever comes to view him.

“But they take one look, make a comment about his markings and then choose one of his un-moustached siblings. You can see his little moustache droop with disappointment.”

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The branch sees similar discrimination almost daily with black cats and kittens.

Said Caroline: “We’re currently bottle feeding four tiny abandoned kittens that were handed into our Thurlow Street charity shop in a yellow plastic bucket.

“They’re all beautiful – but we know we will struggle to find them homes because they are black.”

RSPCA Beds volunteers are currently struggling to rehome many other cats and kittens.

Recently they removed 17 from one house, many of whom were sick or neglected.

We are appealing urgently for people to adopt, volunteer or donate – or all three. People can email adopt@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk, volunteer@bedsnorth.org.uk or donate@rspcabedsnorth.org.uk

ANIMAL STORIES 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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Garden

By Pippa Greenwood

Keeping healthy This part of the summer is lovely. The veg plot will be in overdrive and there are some delicious fruits cropping too. But sometimes your beloved flower beds and borders, pots and planters can have a distinct mid-summer-flop. How can you keep them looking on top form for as long as possible?

Regular feeding is essential, particularly for anything growing in a container. Often crammed into a fairly small space and with compost whose fertiliser content is pretty well used up after a few weeks, by July plants in pots can be close to starving if you’ve not fed them regularly. I would still feed herbaceous perennials and annuals growing in open ground too, but don’t feed shrubs as these could be encouraged to put on new growth which will not be toughened up enough by the time winter comes. A tomato feed with a high potash level works well for anything that you grow primarily for the flowers.

Deadhead regularly, both the faded flowers and if necessary remove the flower stem too. A pair of sharp scissors makes for the quickest and neatest job. Do this as soon as the flower starts to deteriorate so that no energy whatsoever is used to form seed heads. Give perennials a trim using scissors or shears as soon as their flowering period is over. Follow it with a good feed and you can often encourage a second, later flush of flowers.

If plants have become a little too tall or there has been a lot of rainfall they can flop over, clogging up the lawn on borders next to the grass, and generally looking a real mess. Check that stakes and other supports are still doing their job and re-position them if necessary. You may even find that you need to add a bit of extra support or tie

34

in the sun

in a few of the taller or more wayward stems – the foam-covered wire works really well for this.

At this time of year many flowers succumb to common diseases. This is how to deal with them: Powdery mildew: keep the plant well watered at the base but avoid wetting the leaves and spray with a fungicide Aphids: remove with a strong jet of water, introduce ladybirds or spray with an insecticide Leaf spots: just pick off the worst affected leaves Rusts: pick off the worst affected leaves, try to keep the foliage dry and spray with a suitable insecticide Caterpillars: pick off by hand or spray with a biological or chemical control Weeds compete for water, food and even light.

Pulling them out or hoeing them off when they are still fairly small is a much easier and more efficient way to deal with them than trying to pull out a massive, long-rooted triffid that has already done a lot of damage.

If the weather is dry, regular watering is essential.

To minimise water wastage and the risk of those delicate petals becoming scorched, only water in the evening or, if this is not possible, very early in the morning. A less frequent but thorough drenching is a lot more beneficial than very frequent but light waterings.

So, with a little extra TLC everything in the garden can still look gorgeous for a long while yet!

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com ladybirds & other biocontrols, Nemaslug, SoftTie, weeders, pop-up crop covers, copper tape and lots more besides.

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Trends

Tattoos

Tattoos are on the increase. The number of studios has doubled in the last ten years and 29% of Brits aged 16-44 now boast an inking. So with over 1,500 studios to choose from, how do you decide?

First thing to do is choose an artist whose artistic style and ability match your expectations. Be sure to look through their portfolio and check on the quality and consistency of their work. Do you like their designs? Are the lines steady, the shading smooth and the colours solid? According to a 2003 study, 75% of people who get tattoos go on to regret it, so it’s important to do some serious homework before making that all important decision. After all, tattoos are very difficult, painful and expensive to remove!

Safety comes next. Make sure the studio and the tattoo artist are both registered with the local council. This is a legal requirement and they should have certificates proving their status. Certification assures certain basic&standards of cleanliness and A&N Home Garden Services 1-2 page_ppl.pdf

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

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Food & Drink

Beer of the Month

By Ted Bruning

started brewing it again and his version, too, took off.

Hoegaarden at 4.9% abv is a pale lemon colour and cloudy to the point of opacity. When Celis brewed it he added orange peel and coriander; now it belongs to the multinational brewer AmBev there’s little trace of them either on nose or palate. Instead it’s grassy and light-bodied, and with its low CO2 content and lack of hop bitterness it’s eminently quaffable.

Erdinger from Bavaria at 5% is equally pale and cloudy, somewhat spicier and with an almost salty dryness. Again, hop character and carbonation are low, and there’s a hint of bubblegum in the finish.

As mass-produced international brands both are short on wheat character; but either would make a splendid accompaniment to a summer barbecue.

In the 16th century, the Bavarians passed a purity law which decreed that only malted barley, hops, and yeast could be used in brewing. It was likely an attempt to keep wheat in the bakery rather than the brewery, but it didn’t work.

Wheat beer – brewed with a mixture of wheat and malted barley – remained popular in Bavaria and northern Europe until the post-war period, when it started falling out of favour. It was seen as an old man’s beer and the fact that it was naturally cloudy didn’t help.

By the late 1970s it seemed that German wheat beer styles were in irreversible decline. Then a miracle happened. Students rediscovered it. It had retro chic, it was cheap and suddenly it was popular again.

In the Belgian town of Hoegaarden, which had once had several wheat beer breweries but by the 1960s had none, a young revivalist called Pierre Celis

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Wildlife

By Andy Mydellton

Bats Need Friends When I was a child, my mother told me about a shocking experience she had with a school friend one dusky evening in the 1920s.

They were playing out in the fields when bats emerged to feed. Somehow, one of them got caught in her friend’s long hair. The two horrified schoolgirls eventually overcame the task of freeing the entangled but harmless little bat. It must have been a rare event, and one that became etched in their young, impressionable minds.

Despite this, it is not true stories but the occult, witchcraft and superstition that have amalgamated to create the awful reputation for these enduring little creatures. Because I have an independent mind, my admiration is based on bats’ natural attributes.

Firstly, they are the world’s biggest group of flying mammals. Secondly, like most cetaceans (such as whales and dolphins) bats use echolocation to detect their prey. These mammals have evolved this natural ability because they are unable to see and locate their miniature prey with eyesight.

Bats use sonar in the same way that humans see things at night by using a torch. Producing sonic sounds from their nasal systems, they send out a blanket of sound waves into their intended flight path. When they locate something, they emit further signals to specify the object’s size and what type of prey it could be. The ‘echoing’ data is converted into pictures in the bats’ brain.

For over two and a half decades I have attracted many bat species into the wildlife garden, making bat roosting boxes from disused pallets sited securely under the eaves. As soon as they emerge

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from their roost, bats are immediately at their usual flying height of about 12 to 20 feet.

By monitoring bats over the years, we have found different species share boxes at the same time, the most common being the pipistrelle. Gnats and other nocturnal delicacies congregate where the millstream forks from the river, and well into the summer nights, bats swoop down near me while I sit on the patio.

The pipistrelle is one of Britain’s smallest, most gregarious bats, measuring about one and a half inches long with a wingspan of eight and a half inches. Hibernating from October to March, throughout the summer months, they feed to prepare for mating, producing a single offspring after a gestation of 35 to 44 days.

While I can differentiate between bats such as pipistrelles and daubentons, I need help for more specific identification. An electronic bat detector listens to the bats’ sonar - inaudible to the human ear - and transforms it into a series of clicks that we can hear, like tuning into a radio station. To make identification of Britain’s 13 species, we must analyse the clicks as a sequence that some people liken to Morse code.

In the past, many people in the western world have been biased against bats. Today we are more educated and better informed but how many of us go out of our way to appreciate, find and enjoy such amazing creatures?

Andy Mydellton is CEO of the Foundation for Endangered Species (FES) & Wildlife Zone.

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Jump aboard

Local News

with the Alabama Hayriders

Don’t miss the legendary swing band of the 60s and 70s, the Alabama Hayriders, who were featured in May’s magazine. With up and coming gigs all around the locality, they will be playing at a venue near you over the coming months.

The five-piece band recently reformed after 36 years apart so if you missed them the first time round when they were in their ‘hay day’, there is now a fresh opportunity to see some seasoned professional musicians at work while having a great time in the process. With their performance of some well-loved classic Nashville tunes, the band’s appeal is for all ages.

The Alabama Hayriders remains the same line up as in 1976 with John Lindsay on rhythm and vocals, Mick MacKay on lead guitar, Bryn Sharpe on base and vocals, John Davis on the pedal steel guitar and Terry Vials on drums. All ‘local lads’, John Lindsay hails from Hitchin, Mick from Dunstable,

Bryn from Hemel Hempstead, and both John Davis and Terry originally come from St Neots.

Catch them at the Langford fete which opens at 1pm on 4th July (Independence Day) and the following month at the Wrestlingworth Goodwill Day to raise money for local causes which takes place on 5th September where they will be performing at The Chequers, Wrestlingworth.

The group is always available for charity performances. Please enquire.

Telephone John Lindsay on 01462 701779 for further details of forthcoming appearances and ticket information.

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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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June’s Crossword, Codeword and Suduko Solutions Last Month’s Crossword Winner Mrs Woodward from Alconbury

Easy

Hard

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 Automatons (6) 4 Racket sport (6) 9 Female grandparent (7) 10 Two times (5) 11 Recorded sound (5) 12 Defrosting (7) 13 Not needed (11) 18 Spun by spiders (7) 20 Afterwards (5) 22 Monarch (5) 23 Copy (7) 24 Long for (6) 25 Concurred (6) Down 2 Insipid (5) 3 Immature frog (7) 5 Additional (5) 6 Louder (7)

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

17th July 2015 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP



1 Disorganised (6)

7 Toboggan (6) 8 Alliance (11) 14 Takes small bites (7) 15 Working out (7) 16 Frightened (6) 17 Buddy (6) 19 Mistake (5) 21 Torment (5)

Name: Tel: Address:

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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

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 Windows, Door Locks or Hinges Draughty Windows or Doors Leaking Conservatory Roofs Fascias and Gutters New Conservatory Roofs We also supply and fit NEW Windows, Doors and Conservatories

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

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

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

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

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows

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

www.cromwellstoves.co.uk

25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

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n O s ’ t Wha In July 6 May-30 September Luton Hoo Walled Garden 11am-3pm Luton Hoo, LU1 4LF Entry £5 including guided tour Open every Wednesday. Guided tour times: 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Purchase produce from the Garden Stall. Enjoy a light lunch in beautiful surroundings of homemade cakes, snacks and savouries. Please pre-book dedicated tours for more than 15 people.

Tel: 01582 721443 Web: www.lutonhooestate.co.uk 1 July The Battle of Loos by Colin Ellender 7pm for 7.30pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk

by Colin Ellender. Non WFA members most welcome. A small donation is encouraged at the door to pay for the running of the branch.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 July 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 or Ian 07900 890583 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 4 July 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 ticket from the Guardroom.

Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk

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4 July The Alabama Hayriders Opening at 1pm Langford Fete Come and listen to the reunited legendary swing band of the 60s and 70s.

Tel: 01462 701779 6, 13, 20 & 27 July Branch Out Social Club for Single People 8.30-11pm Cromwell Bar, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin Branch Out is a medium-sized social club for single people and meets every Monday night.

It was formed in 1995 to bring together single, divorced, widowed and separated people, aged 40 upwards, from the Herts, Beds and Bucks area, to socialise and enjoy one another’s company. The club organises regular events, such as dinners, discos, meals, parties, Sunday walks, theatre and concert visits, day and weekend trips and holidays.

Web: www.branch-out.org.uk 8 July Henlow Branch R N A 7.30pm Community Centre, The Gardens, Henlow The Henlow Branch of The Royal Naval Association meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 9 July Where the Working Boats Went 7.30 for 8pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Tickets £8 Where the Working Boats Went - the Story of Britain’s Industrial Waterways in drama and song presented by “Life & Times”. Licensed Bar. Tel: Tickets Hitchin Festival Box Office 01462 453335 or British Schools Museum: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk

11 July Arlesey Family Fun Day 12 noon til 5pm Arlesey Recreation Ground Stalls, arena displays, Dog show, games, refreshments and more. Fun for all the Family.

12 July Caldecote Church Events 12 noon-5pm Free admission Caldecote Church, SG7 5LE (near Newnham, Ashwell and Baldock) Exhibition of Quilts by Icknield Quilters inside the church from 12 noon-5pm.

2-5pm Chiltern West Gallery Quire will be outside the church performing the hymns, anthems and carols that were sung in English country churches in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Usual legendary refreshments. Ample parking. All proceeds to the restoration fund. Please note there are no toilet facilities.

Tel: 01462 742440 for further information Email: peter@peterrobbins.eclipse.co.uk Web: www.caldecotechurchfriends.org.uk 13 July Icknield Quilters 7.30pm for 7.45pm start Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock SG7 6DH Cost £3 Sewing evening with strawberries and cream!

Bring your own portable sewing projects.

Visitors welcome.

Web: www.icknieldquilters.co.uk

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

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n O s ’ t Wha In July 18 July Toys & Games 10am-1pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Normal admission applies July’s drop-in activity session is Toys & Games.

This is the first Saturday of the holidays for most people so what better excuse to get out our replica games and toys. Find out how children played in the past, how you can make moving toys without electricity and, above all, have fun. Ideal for younger visitors and their adults but all are welcome.

Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 18 July Venetian Masquerade 7 for 7.30pm £20 per person The Venetian theme will carry through the planned entertainment and supper. There are fabulous raffle prizes including a diamond handmade pendant by local Ashwell jeweller Keith Gordon and a flight for two in a Dragon Rapide over Cambridge, Newmarket and Ely courtesy of Classic Wings, Duxford and much more! So look out your posh frock or bow tie (gents), find a fetching mask and join in this very worthy cause! Organised by Ashwell’s Fight Against Cancer supporting research and clinical excellence and care in the field of the more underfunded cancers at Addenbrooke’s hospital, Cambridge. Tickets available from Rhubarb & Mustard, High Street, Ashwell.

Email: christinescholfield@hotmail.com.

22 July-24 November 100 Years of Learning With Ladybird Exhibition. British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Whether you are learning your A, B, Cs today, teaching your own children or seeking a nostalgic journey back to your own childhood, the museum’s extensive collection of Ladybird books will delight and entertain. Come and celebrate the centenary of these much-loved and iconic books at the museum where learning comes to life. Tel: 01462 420144 Website: www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk 24-26 July Time for Tea Herts Air Ambulance is calling on the tea and cake loving folk of Hitchin to hold their very own fundraising tea party in aid of their local Air Ambulance. Simply get your friends and family together over the weekend for Afternoon Tea. You can hold it at home, work, school or even at your local club; just ask each of your guests to make a donation to Herts Air Ambulance. Hosts can hold anything from a cream tea with scones and jam to a Ritz style High Tea with cucumber sandwiches!

You can buy cakes or bake your own its up to you! For some refreshing ideas visit HertsAirAmbulance.uk.com. Don’t miss out on the Tea Party of the year! Register now to receive your Afternoon Tea Host Pack and free gifts! Email AfternoonTea@EHAAT.uk.com or call 0345 2417 690.

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

26 July The Sunday Dance Club 7.30-10.30pm The Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Dance to our special ‘Guest Music Provider’.

Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence.

Ample free parking, sprung floor and licensed bar. Tel: David 01234 300179 30 July Lashings World XI Gates open 12.30pm, match 3pm Eversholt Cricket Club Entry by programme only £5 Eversholt Cricket Club welcomes back Lashings World XI for the fifth time. Previous matches have attracted over 2,000 spectators to our beautiful ground in Bedfordshire, raising thousands of pounds for Willen Hospice and Save the Children. In 2015, 10% of profits from the day will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK. Free parking is available.

Web: www.eversholtcricketclub.co.uk 5 September The Alabama Hayriders 12pm The Chequers, Wrestlingworth Wrestlingworth Goodwill Day to raise money for local causes. Come and listen to the reunited legendary swing band of the 60s and 70s.

Tel: 01462 701779 for further details

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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 60

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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

CM ROOFING Family run business Est. 20 yrs • • • • • • • • • • •

Repairs & Re-roof Lead Specialists Slating & Tiling Guttering and Drainage Gutter Clearing Fascias & Soffits UPVC Wall Cladding Moss Removal Flat Roofing Single Ply/3 Layer Felt Liquid Plastics

We will beat any written quotation For more information & free estimate

01438 517166 / 07432 624335 chrismead.roofing@yahoo.co.uk www.cm-roofing.co.uk

LOCAL

CALL NOW ON:

07847 849202 Mas terCard

Maes tro

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61

Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES 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

Carpentry and Joinery

Tim Jordon

Carpentry and Joinery Made to measure quality timber products supply and fit.

Doors, Windows, Stairs, Gates, Kitchen Worktops, Wood staining, painting and varnishing Station Road, Lower Stondon, Beds.

Tel: 01462 850363 or 07544 790071

Cleaning Services

All Building Services Provided 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 Electricians

Property Maintenance 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

Pet Services

MUSCLE & MOTOR Jumbo van with up to 3 men.

Helpful, efficient and friendly service for all your moving, carrying, and domestic disposal needs, including house and garage clearance.

Call Richard on: 01767 317387 or 07968 787496 Email: muscleandmotor@gmail.com www.muscleandmotor.co.uk

Plastering Services

Removals and Storage

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

• 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

Stephens Dinky ad_02.indd 1

Plastering Services Lawes Plastering

removals, storage, archive and shipping

Van Hire

Experienced local plasterer based in Gravenhurst.

Quality workmanship, clean and tidy

Contact • Plastering Paul on • Coving 07731 649628 • Artex

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

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63

Bedfordshire’s Premier Kitchen

& Bedroom Showroom Since 1974 We would like to welcome you to our new showroom at:

The Old White Horse, 1 High Street, Biggleswade SG18 0JE

Tel: 01767 314344 Email: dave@lolineinteriors.co.uk Web: lolineinteriors.co.uk