Henlow mar 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 64 - March 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Happy Mothers Day Make your Mother’s Day

How to get the best car insurance deal

Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

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

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Contents Happy Mother’s Day

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VILLAGER The

Issue 64 - March 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

Mothers Day

Make your Mother’s Day

How to get the best car insurance deal

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

A Touch of the Orient..............................................27 Ampthill and District Lions Club.............................28 Animal Know-How.................................................33 What’s On...............................................................34 Puzzle Page............................................................36 Prize Crossword......................................................42 Classifieds..............................................................47

How to get the Best Car Insurance Deal....................4 Make your Mother’s day...........................................6 Fire Safety Tips.........................................................8 Single? Want to Improve your Social Life?..............10 Fun Quiz.................................................................15 Hiatus Hernias........................................................19 The Pilates Pod.......................................................20 Biggleswade Talking Newspaper............................22

A Touch of the Orient

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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, Alex Albrighton, Louise Addison, Alison Runman, Pippa Greenwood, and RSPCA Beds North Branch Advertising Sales - Nigel Frost nigel@villagermag.com Photography - Igor Yaruta 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

How to Get the Best Car Insurance Deal

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

If you’re like me, you will find car insurance renewal time one of the most irritating experiences. With every passing year I get a little older, a little more mature, a little more experienced behind the wheel, I NEVER make a claim and yet my insurance company feel it’s perfectly acceptable to ask me to pay a little more. Why? Well they hope that most customers are too busy with their lives to quibble over an additional £30. They hope we’ll just put the letter to one side and allow it to renew automatically. Oh how they misjudge some of us!

The fact is if you haven’t made a claim or changed your circumstances, you should expect your insurance to go DOWN not UP at renewal time. Therefore it’s very important that the savvy consumer ensures this happens. Let me explain how I do it.

When I receive my renewal notice, I instantly go online and use some of the comparison websites (‘Go Compare’ and ‘Money supermarket’ being just two). I put in my details and see if I can beat the renewal price I’ve been offered by my existing insurance company. Please only compare with good, reputable insurance companies.

There are always some (that no-one’s ever heard of ) that come back with a price that’s very reasonable. Life is too short to have car insurance from a useless company though, so don’t make this mistake. I then get quotes from some of the companies that are NOT on price comparison websites, e.g. ‘Direct Line’ & ‘Privilege’.

Without fail, I always find an insurance company that wants my business and is prepared to offer a reduced price to the one I’ve been quoted already. The whole job takes about an hour, but it’s an hour well spent if you’ve saved yourself £50 or more. At this point, you also need to consider cashback sites like ‘Quidco’ to see if you can save further money by taking insurance out through them.

Armed with all the information, I then go back to my existing insurance company and let the negotiations begin.

I opt for the “if you’re thinking of leaving us” number on the automated phone system and explain that I’ve been a customer of theirs for some time and am rather disappointed that they are expecting me to pay more for my insurance. I tell them I’ve done some shopping around and have found another insurance company that will beat their price. I ask them to have a look at their system to see what’s the best price they can offer me (I never make the mistake of showing my hand at this point). 9 times out of 10 they come back with a price that’s even better than the best price you’ve found from the alternative company, but if not, you’ve then got that up your sleeve.

I have literally saved myself hundreds and hundreds of pounds by using this method every renewal time. The funny thing is, I’m still with the same insurance company I’ve been with for 12 years now. They just keep beating those prices. Funny that! The truth is though that if they didn’t, I would simply switch and save myself the money.

While I’m on the subject of car insurance, there are a couple of other pointers I would suggest: 1. Always add another responsible driver to your policy. Insurance companies consider you to be a lower risk if you’re married or in a partnership and can put your other half on the policy. If not, it’s worth trying to add a friend with a good driving history. You may just save yourself a few quid.

2. Consider protecting your no claims bonus. If you are unfortunate enough to have to make a claim, this will prevent the policy from soaring.

3. Take the motor legal protection cover. In a dispute situation it can be invaluable.

Probably the best £25 you’ll ever spend.

4. Try to accurately predict your annual mileage. There’s no point in you being insured for the risk of driving 20,000 miles a year if in fact you only drive 2,000.

5. Be honest with your insurance company. Lying may save you money initially, but if you get caught out (which you probably will), your insurance will be invalidated and you’ll face a MASSIVE bill!

Happy motoring!

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.

You’ll find a range of stylish designer bridal and honeymoon lingerie at competitive prices including corsets, strapless bras, suspender belts and garters.

Purchase our special wedding package and receive lingerie for your big day, a set for the honeymoon and receive a free swimwear outfit as our gift to you.

Je Te Veux stock a select number of luxury Lingerie brands with a European focus. These are at the top end of quality and luxury – such leading names as Lise Charmel, Empreinte, Sonata, Fleur of England, Huit, Kiss Me Deadly, Gossard, Wolford and Gerbe.

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.

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Time of Year

Make your Mother’s day

By Alex Albrighton

From the day you have a baby or adopt a child, your life changes forever. People tell you this when you’re pregnant, but it’s only when it happens that you really understand what they mean. Suddenly there’s someone who depends on you entirely. Every decision you make from now on will be based on their needs or desires.

Being a mother can be the best of jobs and the worst of jobs. For every heart-warming moment of pride and loveliness, there’s a blazing row or slammed door (but hopefully with a hug and a sorry afterwards).

Mums have to take on every role in the family – carer, teacher, agony aunt, sergeant major, personal assistant, taxi driver… And it doesn’t stop when the children leave home. Now approaching 40, I still rely on my mum for advice, friendship, help with childcare, emergency loans and the occasional kick up the backside to get things done.

It’s only as you get older, especially if you have children of your own, that you realise how your

parents felt as you grew up – why they made you do your homework, go to bed, stop fighting with your brother, eat properly, save money and above all, be careful!

Mother’s Day gives us the perfect opportunity to say thank you to our mums for everything they have done and still do for us.

The founder of Mother’s Day in the US, Anna Jarvis, eventually regretted campaigning to get the day recognised because it became so commercialised.

She hated the fact that people would buy a card with a printed message rather than writing a letter.

It’s lovely to buy or make a card and give flowers and chocolates. You can also do something special to show you care – maybe take on a job that she hates or treat her to a day of pampering.

But this year, why not go beyond the message in the card and write a few personal lines of your own to tell your mother how much you love her. Make sure she knows that she really is the best mum in the world (like mine).

Mother’s Day is celebrated all around the world, usually in March or in May. In the UK, it is a mixture of a Christian tradition, and the celebration of motherhood that began in the USA in the early 20th century. During the 16th century, people in service would return to their home or ‘mother’ church on the fourth Sunday in Lent – Mothering Sunday.

Mother’s Day as we know it became a regular event in the 1950s, largely thanks to businesses Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts 6 keen to exploit its commercial potential.

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Health & Safety

Fire Safety Tips

By Louise Addison

Be a careful cook - Nearly half of all home fires are cooking-related. Never leave cooking unattended and keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove-top.

Be space heater savvy - Space heaters can easily ignite nearby household items. Keep all space heaters at least three feet (1m) from curtains or furniture. Turn heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave pets or children unsupervised with a space heater; in addition to the risk of fire, heaters pose a danger of burns.

Check electrical cords - Faulty, cracked or deteriorating electrical cords can cause an electrical fire. Check all your electrical cords for fraying or other signs of wear, and replace or repair any damage. Don’t run extension cords across doorways or under carpeting, and don’t overload circuits. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into a socket at a time.

Go easy on the candles - Candlelight is romantic

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and beautiful, but can be dangerous. Use sturdy candleholders which won’t topple.

Never place candles near anything flammable, like curtains, and never leave them unattended. Consider using battery-operated candles, like LED versions. They flicker and sometimes even smell like the real thing!

Test your smoke detectors - Test smoke detectors and check batteries at least twice a year, when the clocks go forward or backward is a good time.

Install an alarm inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor in your house, including the basement if you have one.

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Local News

Single and want to improve your social life? www.branch-out.org.uk

Having total control over the television remote and central heating is wonderful, but eating out or going to the theatre alone is not such a joy.

Would you like the opportunity to socialise with a group of like-minded people?

Branchout is an independent, non-profit making, local social club for single people from 40 to 70+. Established in 1994 to help single people expand their social life. We are not a dating agency.

Membership is excellent value at ÂŁ24.00 per year, less than 50p per week.

Events range from the low cost to the more exotic. For example meeting up in a pub for a chat or walking through some beautiful countryside to cruising up the fjords and walking over the O2 building.

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Weekly events are club nights, pub meets and walks.

Monthly events vary according to time of year and members requests.

A typical month could include a meal at a local pub/restaurant, tenpin bowling, darts night and a visit to the cinema.

We also arrange day trips to the coast/historic cities, plus holidays in the UK and abroad.

If all of that is not enough, we also have disco’s and dinner dances.

Why not come along on a Monday night 8.30pm Cromwell Bar Sun Hotel, Hitchin, SG5 1AF For more information check our web site or e-mail info@branch-out.org.uk

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Do you and your friends LOVE to be pampered?

Would you like FREE products and a luxurious spa facial using Tropic Skincare’s totally natural products?

Then why not Host a Tropic Pamper Experience?

As well as receiving a spa facial from one of our qualified Ambassadors, you will receive 15% of the evening’s sales to spend on any of our products!

If you prefer a one to one experience that’s fine.

Call 07946 547330 to book an appointment.

To view our products visit www.tropicskincare.com 14

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Fun Quiz - Mascots 1. Appearing on the bonnet of their cars and taking the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched behind her, the Spirit of Ecstasy is the mascot for which car manufacturer?

2. Does Pudsey Bear, the mascot for Children in Need, wear a bandage over his left eye or his right eye?

3. In which 1990s film does a detective go in search of Snowflake, the missing mascot of the American football team the Miami Dolphins?

4. Underneath his overalls, Ronald McDonald wears a striped shirt and striped socks of which two colours?

5. With a black suit and bowler hat, Fred the Flour Grader is the mascot for which food brand?

6. What type of animal was World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 World Cup? 7. Sonic the Hedgehog is the mascot of which video game developer?

8. What was the name of the robot mascot who would often appear in animations on the TV game show Catchphrase?

9. Which series of annual publications have a red cover with a mascot called Bibendum on them?

10. What product has three mascots, one of which wears a chef’s hat, one of which wears a stocking cap, and one of which wears a band leader’s hat?

1. Rolls-Royce 2. His right eye 3. Ace Ventura: Pet Detectiven 4. Red and white 5. Homepride 6. A lion 7. Sega 8. Mr Chips 9. The Michelin Guide (Bibendum is the name of the character commonly known as the Michelin Man) 10. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies (the mascots are Snap, Crackle and Pop)

Before

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After

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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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Health and Beauty

Hiatus Hernias

By Alison Runman A hernia occurs when part of the body bulges through a weakened or damaged wall of muscle or tissue. 1 in 10 people will suffer from a hiatus hernia, where the stomach is the culprit, bulging through the hiatus (a gap in the diaphragm that allows the oesophagus to pass through). If this area is weakened or damaged (herniated), the upper part of the stomach can sometimes bulge through and sit above the diaphragm, forming a hiatus hernia. But not all hiatus hernias are the same: Over 90% are sliding hiatus hernias - the upper stomach pushes up through the hiatus, under the oesophagus.

Paraoesophageal (rolling) hiatus hernia - the upper stomach pushes up through the hiatus beside the oesophagus. It usually requires surgery and causes more pain than a sliding hiatus hernia.

Mixed hiatus hernia - both sliding and rolling characteristics are present. Extremely rare.

Smokers, women, overweight people and over 50s are more prone to hiatus hernias and they’re more prevalent in the Western world, possibly due to unhealthy low fibre diets. There isn’t always an obvious cause, but common causes are: • Persistent / violent coughing or sneezing • Persistent / violent straining on

the toilet or vomiting • Heavy lifting • Pregnancy / delivery • Sudden bending or straining to reach something Hiatus hernias can be symptomless, but symptoms are: • pain in the left side of your chest or just under the ribs – this can be severe • acid reflux (heartburn) • physical sensation of your stomach pushing upwards • shortness of breath • sometimes nausea, belching, loss of appetite, discomfort when eating, difficulty passing stools Hiatus hernia symptoms can be mistaken for chest or heart problems and vice versa, and occasionally a hiatus hernia can become strangulated, requiring urgent attention. So if you have symptoms, always see a doctor – or visit A&E if you’re suddenly in great pain.

Unless your doctor suspects a strangulated hernia, they usually won’t refer you for surgery immediately (if at all).

Instead they’ll suggest ways to improve symptoms and prevent aggravating the hernia.

Treatment • Lifestyle / Diet changes - lose excess weight and give up smoking. Avoid eating late in the evening or before lying down. Small, light meals are best. Certain foods are inclined

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to cause heartburn, so if affected avoid them: alcohol, caffeinated or fizzy drinks, peppermint, spicy / fatty foods, onions, garlic, citrus and tomatoes.

• Sleeping – avoid sleeping flat, preferably by raising the head of your bed; using lots of pillows may put more pressure on the abdomen.

• Painkillers – usually antiinflammatories e.g. ibuprofen, or opioids like co-codamol or co-dydramol, depending on your symptoms.

• Antacids and alginates – to soothe the stomach and reduce acidity.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors – e.g.

Omeprazole, to reduce the production of stomach acid.

• H2 receptor antagonists – e.g.

Ranitidine, to block histamine and so reduce stomach acid.

If these steps fail, or there are concerns about damage to your stomach or oesophagus, then surgery will be recommended usually by Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF). This is keyhole surgery carried out under general anaesthetic, which puts the stomach into the correct position and tightens the diaphragm around the oesophagus, using part of the upper stomach. It’s a common, low-risk operation – so don’t be put off. If you suspect you have a hiatus hernia, visit your doctor.

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Local News

The Pilates Pod www.thepilatespod.co.uk

Hitchin has a reputation as being the place to go for small, independent, boutique shops and businesses. The Pilates Pod, Hitchin’s dedicated Pilates studio, has earned its place among these since it opened its doors 2 years ago.

Based at 107 Bancroft, The Pilates Pod offers a packed, varied timetable of Pilates Classes and Personal Training 7 days a week. For the absolute beginner, there’s four-week intro courses which teach newbies everything they need to know to move onto regular classes which include pregnancy, post-natal, Barre and twin reformer machine classes.

Husband and wife duo Michelle and Ed Smith and their team have won several awards including a WOW Award from Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive of Knickerbox, 2nd Most Loved Pilates Studio in the UK, and 2nd Most Loved Business in Hitchin 2012 with thebestof.co.uk.

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“We’re really proud of our small classes”, says director Michelle. “It means we can focus our attention on each client and their needs and get to know them. We have loads of fun practicing with different types of Pilate’s sessions and the range of equipment we offer. We see everyone, from teens to seniors, builders to ballet dancers.”

The Pilates Pod count West End star Kerry Ellis, pro golfer Tara Dayer Smith, Stevenage FC footballers and renowned sports-journo Guillem Balague among their clients.

Why not pop along, and find out for yourself why everyone’s talking about The Pilates Pod. For more info and to see our video www. thepilatespod.co.uk www.facebook.com/thepilatespod www.twitter.com/thepilatespod

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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

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With March brings Spring, Mother’s Day, and hopefully some warmer weather!

Faye’s Beauty Hut is offering 10% off all treatments with this ad.

Neal’s Yard Facials, Waxing, Pedicures, Bio Sculpture Gels, Massages & lots more!

Why not use your discount on a voucher to treat the Mum in your life. Go on... Treat yourself... And your Mum. *one voucher per client *discount only valid in March with copy of ad.

Luxury Pedicures Dermalogica Facials Massage & Body treatments Waxing, Hollywood & Brazilian Eye Treatments

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Local News

Do you know anyone who is blind or visually impaired?

Local news for local listeners by local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations We all take reading a newspaper so much for granted in our daily lives. The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER is the one way that a blind or partially sighted person can independently access the local news items from The Biggleswade Chronicle for that week, plus features of general interest including community events, sport and so much more.

If you know of anyone whom you feel would like to have a “talking newspaper”, keeping them up to date with local news, please contact David Gentle 07840 504940 or visit our web site www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk our details can also be found bottom right hand corner of page 2 of The Biggleswade Chronicle.

We are a registered charity and established in 1981, as a service to the visually impaired in

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Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages.

A Memory Stick of local news items are sent out every week, and are free to anyone who is visually impaired.

If you don’t have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound files contained on the memory sticks, we can lend a player to you, and that is also free.

THE BIGGLESWDE TALKING NEWSPAPER Local news for Local listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations Call David Gentle 07840 504940 www. biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk Registered Charity Number 281316

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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

Need professional meeting space?

Flexible facilities from Eastway Enterprise Centre include: • Meeting rooms with wi-fi and air conditioning • Fully serviced office space • Call handling service • Convenient location (Hitchin town centre)

To celebrate the opening of our new building, save 25% when you book any services

Simply book by 31st March 2014 quoting GR350.

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Claim your 50% saving on your first * lawn treatment When you order your annual Lawnscience fertilisation and weed control program.

Here are a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy with Lawnscience...

A lush weed-free lawn for you and your family to enjoy Personal attentive service 100% Satisfaction Guarantee FREE detailed examination of your lawn FREE no obligation quotation FREE on-going lawn care advice FREE lawn care guide FREE root booster with first treatment

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We care for your lawn

Call today on 01462 435867 or text lawn to 07436 815920 to claim your FREE lawn survey

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We are so confident in our people and treatments that we will guarantee each and every treatment.

If you are not completely satisfied with the results of a treatment, we will re-treat your lawn free of charge.

Spring is the time to revive your tired lawn

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Before treatm

Improve the quality and look of your lawn with regular treatments from Lawnscience

W

eather conditions have been the worst on record for our lawns during the winter.

Many have suffered due to the heavy rain and severe frosts and are now looking tired. Moss thrives in these conditions and can rapidly spread across your lawn.

But do not worry, spring is a great time to remedy the situation and revive your lawn with Lawnscience’s 3-step repair program.

Scarification Over-seeding Top Dressing What is Scarification?

Scarification is an aggressive process that can only be achieved with a specialist machine. The aim is to remove thatch, decaying organic matter on the surface of your lawn, and to promote the healthy growth of grass plant improving the overall appearance of the lawn.

Scarification is an essential operation for maintaining a healthy lawn and can be combined with other operations such as top dressing and over-seeding.

When To Scarify?

Scarification must be done at a time when the grass still has the potential to grow and recover. If scarification is done when the growth rate is slow, ie in winter, then the

grass cannot recover and moss and weeds may thrive in the space that the scarification process has created.

After moss tre

atment

Over Seeding The process of over seeding is the application of new seed to your lawn. It benefits your lawn in the following ways: Thickens the surface, improving the appearance and helping to reduce moss attack

tion After scarifica

Improves resistance to future drought (all Lawnscience’s seeds are drought tolerant).

Improves shade tolerance, all our seeds are shade tolerant.

After hollow tin

e treatment

Top Dressing Over seeding can be followed by top dressing to encourage the new plant growth and protect the lawn from general wear and tear. It will improve drainage and discourage the reoccurrence of thatch and moss.

If this treatment program is followed carefully over the spring period, your lawn will become stronger and healthier.

It will have a resistance to drought and will be able to survive over the extreme hot, dry summer period.

If you would like further details or would like a lawn technician to review your lawn’s condition free of charge, please contact:

After re-seeding

16 weeks after seeding and green lawn es tablishing we ll

Tony 01462 435867 text “Lawn” to 07436 815920 www.lawnscience.co.uk

We care for your lawn

*Our spring introductory offer we are offering new customers their first treatment half price on any fertilising / weed control program

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Gardening a Pain?

Let us take the Strain!  Lawns cut and edged  Borders and beds weeded  Shrubs pruned and shaped  Paths and patios swept  Rubbish removed

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For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 896427 or email: david.sunshinegardensbaldock@mail.com 26

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Garden

A Touch of the Orient

By Pippa Greenwood

As the new gardening year is under way, is it time to embark on a new era in your garden? It can be really refreshing to have a change of style, not necessarily in your whole garden but perhaps you could create a different and contrasting feel in a small part of your plot to the rest of your wellloved garden?

The Japanese style is largely very simplistic and aims to create a relaxed, calm environment. In any garden you’re going to need walls, fences, pathways and so forth, and if you use natural materials such as wood or of course bamboo, they blend in better with the surroundings of an existing or a newly planned garden and instantly help to create that oriental feel. Provided the surface is made relatively slip-proof, a small bridge can be created quite easily using a simple plank of wood, allowing you to cross over an existing or new pond or other water feature. Stain the wood an interesting colour: perhaps even bright Japanese-style red if you’re feeling daring.

Thinking of water, why not create your own ‘deer chase’? All you need to set up is a source of water powered by a pump, then allow the water to pour out from a bamboo spout and then into another hollowed out piece of bamboo. As the weight of the water increases in the hollowed out bamboo it causes it to tip and to swivel around slightly.

Once filled up it then tilts downwards and pours its water into the basin or bowl beneath. When empty it clunks back into position. If you want something even simpler, then buy some wide diameter bamboo canes, hollow one out, cut the end at an angle and simply create a trickling water spout.

Provided you fix everything up with a pump, the water can then be recycled around from the bowl Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

or basin and back into the trickling pipe.

Gravelled areas raked into simple patterns resembling waves or entire circles also help to create a Japanese feel. These can take up the majority of the garden space, be a relatively small area or perhaps link your existing garden into the Japanese ‘room’ that you have created. Concentric rings of raked gravel or sand look particularly dramatic if you place a sizeable, interestingly shaped boulder, stone or specimen plant in the centre of the middle circle.

When it comes to plants there are several which instantly help to evoke that Japanese effect. The so-called Japanese maples with their intricately divided leaves epitomise Japanese gardens and many will turn brilliant shades in the autumn.

Japanese azaleas too can be used to great effect and can bring in some of those really bright colours which look so good for the relatively simple garden surrounding them. Pine trees may be too large for most gardens, but you can gradually bend the stems of a smaller one to create a bonsai effect. Of course, if you’re a collector of bonsai then most of these trees actually enjoy spending the summer outside in a garden and provided they are kept adequately maintained, will look great in your Japanese garden.

A trip down to your local garden centre is bound to supply you with a few oriental-themed containers. Plant one or two of these up with a small acer, camellia, miniature azalea or miniature bamboo and you will really help to complete that oriental touch.

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Local News

Ampthill and District Lions Club

By Tony Davies, Public Relations

What a great season we had with our Carol Float this year. Our thanks go to the teams who helped us. We were delighted to share the money raised on a 50/50 basis as this helps many clubs and societies in our local community. We are sorry for anyone who missed the Float but it is very difficult to say precisely where we will be visiting and times of visits.

As well as the Christmas Float our usual long list of parcels were packed and delivered to those less fortunate folk to help bring comfort and support over the Festive season.

Moving forward into 2014, the Lions have enjoyed their New Year’s dinner at The Jolly Coopers, Flitton where our President had pleasure in inducting 2 new members into Ampthill & District Lions Club.

Posters are now out for our Springtime Dance and Sing along which will be in Flitwick Village Hall on 25th March 2014 starting at 7.30pm. This is a Free Event for Senior Citizens and tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided.

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How quickly we forget the disaster that struck the Philippines. I am pleased to say that the Lions Clubs in that area are working hard to help the population re-build their lives. Lions Clubs International Fund has donated money towards the two basic human essentials, clean water and shelter. The help from Lions will be on going for as long as it is needed.

We continue with spectacle and hearing aid collection and you will find our collection bins in local health centres. Lions pass on thousands of used spectacles for use by people in the Third World.

Lions work within the community, would you like to get involved? Call 0845 8332 883 or visit our website www.ampthilllions.btck.com for more information. We also have a Facebook page linked through from our website.

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#benakedinyourgarden Need to upgrade your fencing?

“I have been very pleased with Radwell Fencing.

The work has been carried out to a high standard and everyone I dealt with was helpful, friendly and efficient�, Mr Richards, Letchworth.

Free no obligation quotations Decking Sheds Garden and Equine Fencing Animal proofing Repairs and maintenance References available on request

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RadwellFencing

Tel: 01462 486943 Web: radwellfencing.co.uk Email: info@radwellfencing.co.uk To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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

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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

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 KNOW-HOW

Bad weather doesn’t have to be bad news

The Nation’s weather has always been a popular topic of conversation. Now that the only predictable thing about our weather seems to be its unpredictability, it’s wise to plan ahead so that your animals remain safe and happy.

There have been recent media reports of cats being lifted into the air by the strong gusts of wind in some parts of the country, and others of dogs who have got swept away in floodwater during walks.

Pet owners are urged to keep an eye on the weather forecast in their area and plan ahead – and remain vigilant – to keep their animals safe.

It might be necessary to keep cats inside if the winds become very extreme. People should remember to make sure they have everything they need, especially places to hide (and a litter tray if they don’t usually have one).

Dog owners should plan walks so that the extreme weather can be avoided, and dogs should be accompanied at all times. Two or three shorter walks may be a better option to avoid being out in the wet weather for a long period of time.

Other tips are: • Dogs with thin or sparse coats may benefit from a coat when being exercised outdoors.

• Move outdoor pets – such as rabbits and guinea pigs – indoors to a garage or shed.

• Rabbit owners should make sure their hutches are waterproof, draught-proof and placed in a sheltered position. They may also appreciate some extra hay to burrow into to make them feel more secure.

• Put horses, ponies and donkeys into stables.

Most of it is common sense – but it is very easy to forget the obvious, especially since the bad weather has been going on so long we’ve become almost too used to it.

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ANIMAL KNOW-HOW 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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n O s ’ t Wha 1 March Garden Square Craft Market 8.30am-4.30pm Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City High quality, hand made goods. Offers local artisans and craft workers the opportunity to show case their work.

1 March Table Top Sale 10am-12 noon St. Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Stotfold Lots of bargains. Refreshments available.

1 March St Ippolyts Farmers and Craft Market 10am-1pm Parish Hall A selection of great local traders and crafters.

First Saturday of each month (excluding April).

1 March Rise, Release, Dance!

1-5pm Letchworth Arts Centre Community Arts event in connection with the One Billion Rising Campaign and fundraising in aid of Herts Women’s Services. Free taster Dance Workshops all afternoon.

Plus RISEUP! Evening Dance & Performance Theatre Show 7.30pm (venue tbc) Full details on https://www.facebook. com/events/246606532167855/?fref=ts Email: horizon@horizonhips.co.uk Web: www.horizonhips.co.uk 1 March Nearly New Sale and Vintage Tea Room 2-4.30pm Stondon Stompers, Stondon Village Hall, Hillside Road, Lower Stondon Admission £1, children free. All proceeds in aid of Stondon Stompers Preschool. Pre-booking of tables essential.

Tel: Catherine 07968 082620 to reserve your table Email: catherine.wakely@googlemail.com 5 March North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF (free parking) ‘Worm in the Woodchest? Pipe Organs of the National Trust’. Tel: Secretary 01462 815585 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nhertfordassoc 6 March Silent Faces - Bedford Town Centre Statues 7pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9TS An illustrated talk by Stuart Antrobus, a British Schools Museum Volunteer and a Bedford Town Guide. This talk is based around Stuart’s research of the public statues of Bedford.

Tickets on sale from the museum.

Web: www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk

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7 March Tai Chi Class7 2-3pm Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Upper Tilehouse Street, Hitchin Free admission.This class is specifically for people with dementia and their carers. Tel: Tracie Bond 01707 294605 7 March Stepping Out: Adult Tap Class 7.30pm Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrews Catholic Church, Nightingale Road, Hitchin If you are just a beginner or have had some experience in Tap before and you want to relearn that triple time stop, you will be taught the basics and more whilst having fun.

Tel: Rebecca 07791 873278 7 March Coull String Quartet 8pm Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin SG4 9RB Tickets £12, free admission for under 25s A programme of works by Haydn, Gorecki, Bloch and Borodin.Tel: 01462 459446 Email: info@benslowmusic.org Web: www.benslowmusic.org 8 March 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 13 March Baldock Floral Society AGM 7.30pm United Reformed Church, Whitehorse Street, Baldock Member’s demonstration afterwards and refreshments.

Visitors welcome. No entrance fee.

16 March Maggini String Quartet 8pm Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin SG4 9RB Tickets £12, free admission for under 25s A programme of works by Haydn, Britten and Brahms.

Tel: 01462 459446 Email: info@benslowmusic.org Web: www.benslowmusic.org 20 March Letchworth Arts & Leisure Group Open Day - 2-8pm Fairfield Park Comm. Hall, Kipling Crescent, Fairfield The Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group (LALG) is a community organisation with over 80 special interest groups across the local area. Whatever your interest: Arts & Crafts, Food and Drink, Excursions, Theatre, History, Languages, Exercise, Gardens, Walking, Bridge, Scrabble, Computers and more - the LALG is likely to have just the group for you.

Pop in to hear about our activities - find out how to join one of the many existing groups or how to setup new local groups. Free refreshments.

Web: www.lalg.org.uk

22 March Post Impressionism and Music - 2.15-4pm Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Hitchin SG4 9RB Tickets £15, free admission for under 25s A talk by Roderick Swanston.

Tel: 01462 459446 Email: info@benslowmusic.org Web: www.benslowmusic.org 22 & 23 March Mimram Quilters 11th Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm Admission £3.50, children free Welwyn Civic Centre, Prospect Place, Old Welwyn, Herts AL6 9ER Exhibition of quilts and wall hangings, Open competition ‘Journal’ quilt - theme of ‘War’ I, Sales table, Traders, Raffles, Teas, coffees and cakes.

Tel: Michèle Clarke 01462 790577 for more information Email: mikindex@btinternet.com 23 March A Guided Tour of Historic Hitchin 11am Tickets: £4 in advance Local historian Terry Knight leads a walking tour of the town centre relating information and anecdotes of the buildings and events of historic importance.

Tickets: Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, 27 Churchyard, Hitchin Tel: 01462 453335.

29 March Famous Ashwell Flea Market 9.30am-1pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Now in its 13th year. All sorts of weird and wonderful items for sale. Come and browse and pick up some bargains at knock-down prices! Tea and coffee available.

30 March Dancing with the Sunday Dance Club 7.30-10.30pm Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth Come dance away the winter blues at the Spirella Ballroom. Our music providers play a range of Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence dances. Ample free parking, sprung floor and licensed bar. We look forward to giving you a great dancing experience. Tel: David 01234 300179 2 April North Herts Association of the National Trust 7.30pm Christchurch, Bedford Road, Hitchin, SG5 1HF (free parking) ‘Through the year in a Nature Photographer’s Prizewinning Wildlife Garden’. Tel: Secretary 01462 815585 Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nhertfordassoc WANTED! The Arlesey Resource Centre is looking for donations of craft materials to be used for craft sessions with children in the village during school holidays. The craft sessions are run by volunteers and to keep costs down they would especially appreciate donations of buttons, knitting wool and ribbons for two sessions they have planned (button pictures and weaving). The Centre tries to offer as many different crafts as possible for the children to learn but also to enjoy and take home what they have made. Collection of donations possible – please call to arrange. Thank you!

Tel: Brenda or Jim 01462 731477

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Member of BESCA

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

Safe Contractor approved/accredited

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

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

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

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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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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 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

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To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

39

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 40

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IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery All aspects of carpentry work undertaken Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows 25 years experience Free estimates Please call 01462 851695 or 07967162448 E-mail ij_simpson@hotmail.com

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

Alan George Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com 41

Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 Money (4) 3 Used in board game (5,3) 9 Scold severely (7) 10 Electronic post (5) 11 Young cabbage plants (6,6) 14 To allow (3) 16 Type of drum (5) 17 Joint (3) 18 Seen in a rink (6-6) 21 Violent disturbances (5) 22 Stabbing weapon (7) 23 Supporting column (8) 24 Popular sport (4)

and send to the address below before

18th March 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Name:

Tel:

Address:

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



Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this page

Down 1 Advises (8) 2 Serious (5) 4 Stowed away (3) 5 Lock picks (8,4) 6 Loyal (7) 7 Story (4) 8 Eats its own kind (12) 12 Doomed (5) 13 Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15 Twice as much (7) 19 South American dance (5) 20 Hold tightly (4) 22 Type of snake (3)

To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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James Cullip

DAVID CHAPMAN RESTORATION

• interior/exterior - all aspects

Brickwork Plastering (including lime plaster) Fireplaces built and restored Chimneys built and repaired Repointing Patios

Painting & Decorating

• wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

25 years experience Free quotations

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

01525 717725 07984 035863

A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

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

EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT

For free advice call Dave or Nick today

01462 619651

Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

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

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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

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Classifieds Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES

Home Tuition

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 C.M.B.H.I Horologist

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 •

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

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

01582 572967

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

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

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F E BE& R E BE FRIDAY H C R A M T 21S

G EBRATIN E’RE CEL W , LY R N E E !

NIGHT O EF AND B E B FOR ONE F O R E

ND THE WO

6PM – 9PM

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No interruptions, just three mouth-watering courses paired with six carefully selected craft beers.

Roast fillet of Tempsford beef for main course. Full menu available at www.coachhousepotton.co.uk £44 per person – booking & £10 deposit required PS Sorry vegetarians…