Henlow nov 13

Villager

Issue 60 November 2013

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FREE

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Herts At War battlefield Tour Page 4 The Poppy’s Appeal Page 6 Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Page 54

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Contents Herts At War Battlefield Tour

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Herts At War Battlefield Tour ...................................4 The Poppy’s Appeal .................................................6 November’s Big Bang ..............................................8 The Magic of Fireworks..........................................10 Keep Warm This Winter - Top Tips ..........................13 How To Make An Extra £100 A Week From Home ..14 Essaouira, Morocco................................................17 Fun Quiz ................................................................19 The Heat Is On - Cool Gadgets to Keep You Warm ..20 How To Do Stylishly Casual At 60+ ........................23 All About Hair Extensions ......................................24 Wordsearch ...........................................................27 Editorial - Alex Brown, Susan Brookes-Morris, Solange Hando, Sarah Davey, Helen Taylor, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Pippa Greenwood, Louise Addison and Bruce Edwards Advertising Sales - Mary Williams - 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com Photography - peter Kirillov and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

Villager

Issue 60 November 2013

the

FREE

& Town Life

Herts At War Battlefield Tour Page 4 The Poppy’s Appeal Page 6 Win £25 in our Prize Crossword Page 54

Bringing local business to local people in Langford, Henlow, Shefford, Stanford, Hinxworth, Ickleford, Caldecote, Radwell, Shillington, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Gravenhurst, Holwell, Baldock, Stotfold, Arlesey, Hitchin & Letchworth every month

Chim-Chim-Cheree................................................29 Ground Cover ........................................................34 Give It Some Welly! ...............................................37 Are You Guilty Of Owning Unnecessary Stuff? .......38 Animal Stories - From Rags to Riches.... ................41 Seasonal Delights..................................................42 Children’s Page ......................................................45 Puzzle Page ...........................................................48 Winter Tyres ..........................................................52 The Villager Prize Crossword ..................................54 What’s On..............................................................58 Book Review .........................................................62 Classifieds .............................................................63

RSPCA Appeal

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

Local

HERTS AT WAR bATTlEFIElD TOuR

Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th December 2013 We are delighted to announce the first official Herts at War Battlefield Tour to run from Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th December 2013. The tour will signal the beginning of a series of tours conducted in partnership with renowned Battlefield Tour operator Battle Honours Ltd., which will follow the fortunes of the Hertfordshire Regiment throughout the Great War. The 1st Battalion of the Hertfordshire Regiment was the only fighting infantry unit from the county during WW1 and one of the very few ‘Territorial’ units to see action from 1914 until the Armistice in 1918, spending the entire war in action on the Western Front. The “Herts Guards” had only a single fighting Battalion in the Regiment, that unit being the 1st Battalion. They were present at every major event on the Western Front during the Great War, ranging from the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 to battles on ‘The Somme’ and at ‘Passchendaele’.

This tour, the first of a series, will follow the Herts from their arrival on the Western Front in November 1914 up to the end December 1914, with a specific focus on the ‘Christmas Truce’ that is so well known today. As part of the Herts at War Project, we hope to re-tell the forgotten stories that impacted on the county and the servicemen that called Hertfordshire home.

One of the many myths that surround the First World War is that on 25th December 1914 the whole western front laid down its arms and met in no-man’s-land for football matches and souvenir trading. This was not the case for the ‘Herts Guards’.

Not only was the Battalion engaged on Christmas Day but also had men killed - a story that deserves remembrance.

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The two day, one night tour will follow the Hertfords and cover a large area of southern Belgium and northern France. We will also visit the site of the famous battle at ‘Cuinchy Brickstacks’ where the Hertfordshire Regiment’s first Victoria Cross was won by Corporal Alfred Burt. An overnight stay in Ypres and the last post ceremony at the iconic Menin Gate will also feature.

Visiting the sites where men fought and died for their comrades, King and country is an incredibly moving experience, its emotive power impossible to fully appreciate without ‘walking the ground’.

Following the personal stories of individual soldiers whose experiences have been long since forgotten, we will bring their exploits back to life.

Battle Honours Ltd have kindly offered to make a contribution from each booking to the very first memorial outside of the UK to the Hertfordshire Regiment. The memorial will be placed on 31st July 2017 at the Belgian village of St Julien, 100 years to the day that the Herts made their famous and tragic attack as part of the opening battle of the ‘3rd Ypres’.

For further information on the Herts at War Project, our aims, and the December Battlefield Tour please visit http://www.hertsatwar.co.uk/christmas-trucetour Herts at War Tel: 07512364444 Twitter: herts_at_war Web: www.hertsatwar.co.uk Facebook: Herts at War

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Time of Year

THE POPPY’S APPEAl

By Alex Brown

How the poppy came to symbolise remembrance and raise millions to help war veterans.

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. More than nine million soldiers were killed during the four-year conflict.

Much of the worst fighting took place in Flanders, the western part of Belgium. The whole area was completely devastated, with homes, farms, roads and trees all completely destroyed. The land became a bleak, muddy graveyard for the thousands of soldiers who fell there.

One plant, however, thrived in the disturbed soil and that, of course, was the poppy. Year after year, as the warm weather arrived, the poppies bloomed and turned the bare ground into a sea of red. Nowadays, we are all familiar with the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and a way to raise funds to support veterans. But how did the iconic flower make the journey from the fields to our lapels?

It all began with Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician who fought in Flanders. In May 1915, his friend, a fellow soldier, was killed in action. Looking at the poppies growing alongside his grave moved McCrae to write the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, which was later published in Punch magazine.

The idea to use the poppy as a symbol of remembrance came from an American professor

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and YWCA worker, Moina Michael, in 1918. She wrote a poem in reply to McCrae’s called ‘We Shall Keep the Faith’ and started to sell silk poppies. The idea was adopted by the American Legion in 1920 and she became known as ‘The Poppy Lady’.

In 1921, Anna E Guerin started making artificial poppies in France and gained the support of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, founder of the Royal British Legion.

The first poppy appeal was held on Armistice Day 1921. It was hugely popular and, despite a recommended selling price of threepence per poppy, single petals sold for £5. In all, the appeal raised £106,000 – that’s nearly £30 million in today’s terms!

Some people choose to wear a white poppy, either instead of or alongside a traditional red one. This symbolises pacifism and remembers the civilians killed in war, as well as the soldiers. The idea was initially put forward in 1926 by the No More War Movement, and the first white poppies were sold by the Cooperative Women’s Guild in 1933. They are now distributed by the Peace Pledge Union, a British pacifist non-governmental organisation that works for a world without war.

And finally, did you know that there is also a purple poppy? It commemorates the animals that have been victims of war and raises money for Animal Aid.

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Time of Year

NOVEMbER’S bIG bANG

Fireworks Night

This year’s Bonfire Night will see Britain’s population stocking up on pyrotechnics and hoping for a starry night into which they will launch their rockets and colourful array of exploding projectiles. Guy Fawkes’ commemoration by no means holds a monopoly on the format. An increasing number of dates outside the 5th of November fill Britain’s calendar with spectacular displays at many events. People from all backgrounds, old and young, come together to marvel at the displays and join in the chorus of ooohs and aaahs. It’s an age-old, simple pleasure that makes no distinction between culture, politics, or language. Quite simply, fireworks are just fun to watch.

Britain’s Pyrotechnic History As an English Catholic, Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot of 1605 was born of a desire to rid Parliament of Protestant King James I and replace him with third in line, Princess Elizabeth. Gunpowder was placed in a room (an ‘undercroft’) beneath the House of Lords as part of an audacious plan hatched by Fawkes and his fellow Catholic conspirators. News of the plan, however, was leaked to King James and Fawkes was captured and arrested. After some unsavoury interrogation and torture, Fawkes confessed to the crime and was banished to be hung, drawn and quartered.

Not keen on facing the gallows, he leapt from the supporting scaffolding and met his end by way of a broken neck.

Thus, the tale of conspiracy from 1605 became folklore in Britain and spawned generations who collected wood for bonfires and roamed from house-to-house seeking ‘a penny for the guy’, after which the effigy was placed on the blaze to meet its doom.

Some of these traditions remain, but the modern commemoration is a more commercial operation with safety and litigation as primary concerns, alongside enjoyment of the events.

Notwithstanding this gloomy state of affairs, surfing the Internet reveals some fascinating information on the subject of fireworks as well as the do’s and don’ts of safety. The website Bonfire Night Safety, for example, states that in a recent year there were 990 injuries caused by fireworks in October and November, and alarmingly, that 285 of them were eye injuries. There are also some

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interesting snippets on the site; prior to 1959, it was illegal not to celebrate bonfire night in the UK and apparently, some fireworks can travel up to speeds of 150 mph.

Despite the hazards of pyrotechnics, a few precautions will see you enjoying the action in safety. There is plenty of information online and from local authorities to make for a safe and enjoyable night, so be sure to seek it out before lighting the touch paper or joining an organised event.

The Business of Pyrotechnics The history of fireworks dates back to China in the 7th century where displays accompanied festivities, a trend that spread to many other cultures around the world. The popularity of these displays created a firework manufacturing industry and the much-respected profession of the pyrotechnician.

It seems, however, that the mainstay of the industry is harking back to its Chinese roots as the majority of fireworks are now made in China and imported. The squeeze on materials and labour costs, plus fierce competition in the business, has caused the UK’s industry to downsize and concentrate on specialist markets and displays, rather than manufacture.

Our love affair with the spectacle continues. And for Britain, Guy Fawkes Night provides enough history and national enthusiasm to step out into the cold November air to indulge just one more time.

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THE MAGIC OF FIREWORKS

By Susan Brookes-Morris

Fireworks date back to the 7th century and are thought to have been invented in China. The first fireworks in England were displayed at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486. Now, as well as being an integral part of Bonfire Night celebrations, fireworks can often be seen at New Year, Birthday and Wedding celebrations and frequently form the finale for major events.

Fireworks come in many shapes and sizes and new types are being created all the time. Some of the many varieties are: sparklers, cakes, firecrackers, cherry bombs, rockets, jumping jacks and Catherine wheels.

A rocket can reach speeds of 150mph and its shell can reach as high as 200 metres. A sparkler burns at a temperature over 15 times the boiling point of water.

The different effects created by fireworks have names such as ring, spider, peony, palm and horsetail. The variety of colours and noises also thrill many of us. There are now a rainbow of colours and sounds that include bangs, crackles, humming and whistles.

So what happens within a firework to cause us such excitement?

Each firework is a precisely formed assembly of chemicals and fuel, carefully calibrated to produce a particular effect.

Fireworks consist of stars, small clay or dough-like lumps or cubes 3 to 4 cm in diameter, packed into

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cardboard compartments within the firework shell.

Stars contain a blend of oxidizing agent, reducing agent, metal salt colouring agent and binders.

When ignited, the stars produce both sound and light effects.

The power needed to lift each firework into the air is provided by the highly exothermic combustion of black powder. The key to firework success is to trap the heat and gas in the bottom of the shell, which is positioned in a launch tube or mortar, until the trapped gas pressure builds to such a force that when it escapes, it hurls the firework high into the air.

A firework is ignited by lighting the main fuse. This simultaneously starts both the fast action fuse, and the time delay fuse.

The flight of the firework is powered by a fast burning wick. Where the wick ends, it meets the high explosive components of the firework. In this second stage, there is an instantaneous detonation producing both a loud explosion and a bright flash of colour.

The black powder lift-charge is calculated to exhaust itself precisely when the slow-burning, time-delay fuse reaches the first compartment packed with light-producing stars and black powder.

The tremendous booms heard are the result of the rapid release of energy into the air, causing the air to expand faster than the speed of sound which produces a shock wave - a sonic boom.

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Time of Year

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER - TOP TIPS

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

A drop in body temperature can lower the body’s resistance to germs, so if you are elderly or otherwise susceptible to cold-related illnesses, it is essential that you stay warm during winter.

First, keep your home warm. Consider creating a ‘warm room’ where you spend most of your time, and turn down the thermostat in other areas of the home.

Next, eliminate draughts. Place plastic sheeting over windows and fit foam seals and weather strips to doors. Use draught excluders and if you can’t successfully stop a draught rearrange the furniture so that you are not sitting in it.

Close the curtains at night to reduce heat loss and make sure that radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.

Wear several layers of thin clothing to insulate your body, keep feet warm in fleece slippers and use lightweight throws or fleece blankets to cover feet and shoulders.

Make sure you eat well as food creates energy which in turn creates heat. Hot meals and drinks can warm the body both inside and out.

Finally, stay active! Doing a little light cleaning or some other simple activity will increase your circulation and generate some heat.

Follow these simple guidelines and hopefully you will not only stay warm this winter, but you will also remain illness free!

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Finance

HOW TO MAKE AN ExTRA £100

A Week From Home

Stuck at home and need to make some extra cash?

There are lots of ways you can do it. Here are just a few of them.

Be a Virtual Assistant A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who works as a secretary outside the office from their computer at home. It can involve a wide range of tasks, however the more specialised your skills are, the more you’ll be able to charge.

To be a successful VA, you’ll definitely need to be computer-savvy and have experience of admin work already.

Agencies like VA4U.com charge up to £150 per client per day, but typically you would charge between £15 – £25 per hour for routine admin work done by phone or email.

Giving your opinions Make £50-100 a time in cash for giving your opinions in focus groups. Companies like Sarosresearch.com need people of all ages and in various parts of the country to join a focus group every now and then to give opinions on anything from shampoo to high-end cars.

If you have the time and don’t mind answering questions you could do online surveys. The work is fairly sporadic but it requires minimal effort and you have nothing to lose, not to mention the fact that it’s all done from the comfort of your own home.

You can earn up to £50 a month. Websites such as www.opinionoutpost.co.uk, www.uk.mysurvey. co.uk and www.valuedopinions.co.uk offer free paid surveys (N.B. you should never pay to join up or hand over your credit card details).

Then there are online competitions. For example, Freepostcodelottery.com is free to enter and gives away £20 every day at noon to one of the postcodes on their list. There’s no catch, but you will have to check each day to see if your number has come up. Check our competitions page on Moneymagpie.com.

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Set up an online buying and selling business Do you collect dolls or electronic gadgets or some other low-priced collectible? If you’re a little knowledgeable about a particular niche area you could make money by buying and selling items online.

Scour car boot sales, charity shops and jumble sales for cheap items that you could sell for a profit. Then set up a seller’s account on eBay or eBid and start selling.

Make sure you keep a squeaky-clean rating as buyers are much more likely to buy from you if you have 100% approval.

Of course you can make money online purely by selling your junk on a regular basis.

In fact, once you are used to that you can sell on behalf of other people. Take a 30% cut of the profit (once you have taken out your advertising, postage and packing costs).

Propagate seedlings If you have green fingers and a decent-sized greenhouse (or somewhere else to place plant pots) you could make around £600 a week between February and October by propagating seedlings.

Grow plants that you then sell at car boot sales and at local garages and shops or to friends and neighbours.

To make a profit you need to choose carefully the type of plants you are going to grow. Some seeds cost £2.99 for six and some cost £2.99 for 1,500.

You do the maths.

Try to do a deal with your local garden centre to buy the pots that you’ll need and they would usually throw away. Also go online and bulk-buy compost.

Fun fact: More than two thirds of people in the UK have sold something second-hand. The average amount raised per person in the last 12 months is £106.15. CDs and DVDs are the most popular second-hand item, followed by books and clothes.

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KIDS

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Travel

ESSAOuIRA, MOROCCO

By Solange Hando

In the vast luminous bay of Mogador, a quaint blue and white town looks down on fine tingling sands, its ancient gates and minarets nestling inside the ramparts like a pearl in an oyster shell. Lapped by the Atlantic Ocean on the sunny Moroccan coast, Essaouira is an enticing alternative to the modern resort of Agadir.

Yet you never know whom you might meet on your way to the beach. Film producers and stars have long discovered the secret, following the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Orson Welles and Hitchcock. Both exotic and unspoilt, this has proved the perfect spot to shoot box office hits, Alexander the Great to name just one.

Most visitors are day trippers from Marrakech, keen to chill out on the beach, though there is plenty of scope for the active sort, surfing, exploring the dunes on a camel, cruising to the Purple Islands, home to thousands of birds, or horse riding along the sugar cane river. Others head for the former hippie village of Diabat to gaze at the old sultan’s palace half buried in the sand or just walk for miles along the beach where the scent of white broom fills the air.

Briefly settled by the Portuguese in the early 1500s, coveted at times by various western powers, Essaouira came into its own in the 18th century when a French architect was directed to build the fortress and redesign the medina. Further improvements followed and before long, this was Morocco’s most important port, the place where goods from the caravan trade could have access to the rest of the world. It became known as the ‘port of Timbuktu’.

Trade dwindled over time but today, bastions and crenellations still mingle their golden reflections in the harbour where trawlers unload their catch and nets dry on the quay among screaming gulls, crates full of fish, shipwrights and a whole flotilla of little blue boats bobbing in the dazzling sun.

From there it’s only a few steps to the al fresco restaurants serving royal mint tea and grilled Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

sardines, couscous, lentil and tomato soup flavoured with ginger, cinnamon and pepper, or the ubiquitous tagine, a fragrant fish, meat or vegetable stew which simply melts in your mouth.

Meanwhile, beyond the Sea gate, the old town beckons with bustling alleyways, mosques and holy shrines, stalls brimming with spices and fruit, rooftop restaurants and shaded squares and courtyards where cool fountains gurgle among potted plants. It’s a World Heritage Site and a feast for all the senses, echoing with the tapping and chiselling of artisans who carve ornaments from precious thuya wood. It’s also a great place to bargain for carpets and rugs, silver jewellery, brightly-painted pottery and Argan beauty products. Protected by UNESCO in south west Morocco, Argan trees yield the world’s rarest oil and the women’s cooperatives around Essaouira produce some of the most sought after natural cosmetics.

Late afternoon is a lovely time to stroll along the bastions, still lined with 200 year old cannons.

Enjoy the breeze, the glorious views over the town and harbour, the great sweep of the beach, the islands, the dramatic rocks to the north, battered by the waves, and the fabulous sunset, all red and gold, over the ocean. But hurry before the crowds arrive and just like the stars, you might see this little gem at its best, colourful, pristine and truly authentic.

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Fun Quiz - Fairy Tales 1.

What type of creature threatens to eat the title characters in the fairy tale called Three Billy Goats Gruff?

2. In the original version of the fairy tale Snow White, the Queen attempts to kill Snow White by tricking her into eating a poisoned apple, but what else does the Queen poison in a previous attempt to kill Snow White?

3. Which song opens with the line “I thought love was only true in fairy tales”?

4. What was the surname of the German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm, who were famous for publishing collections of fairy tales in the 19th century?

5. Which fairy tale character is killed by a spider bite?

6. Which 2010 Disney film is loosely based on the fairy tale Rapunzel?

7. Famous for writing a number of fairy tales, what nationality was Hans Christian Andersen?

8. “Not by the hair on my chinny chin chin” is a line that features repeatedly in which fairy tale?

9. According to the lyrics of the song Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, what song were the “boys of the NYPD choir singing”?

10. Which fairy tale character said he would take the Queen’s child away from her if she didn’t guess his name within three days?

1. A troll 2. A comb 3. I’m A Believer (a hit single for The Monkees) 4. Grimm (known as the Brothers Grimm) 5. Tom Thumb 6. Tangled 7. Danish 8. Three Little Pigs 9. Galway Bay 10. Rumpelstiltskin

Before

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Technology

THE HEAT IS ON

Cool Gadgets to Keep You Warm Every year, heating our homes becomes ever more expensive, and as a result we do all kinds of things to cut our bills: we make sure our homes are properly insulated, turn the thermostat down a notch and do our best to save energy. But no matter what kind of heating system you have, there’s a very good chance you’re heating your entire home rather than the room you’re using.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could heat just the bit you’re in - and do it quickly so you don’t have to sit shivering?

That’s the thinking behind Dyson’s fan heaters, which use the firm’s “air multiplier” technology to send a steady stream of hot air without the buffeting you get from normal fan heaters. They aren’t cheap - expect to pay £249 for a heater, or £349 for one that can cool air in the summer - but they’re safe, effective and extremely efficient.

If you’d rather not spend quite so much on a heater, halogen heaters are worth considering: instead of heating the air, they heat whatever you point them at - and they do so instantly, which is a real boon if you’ve just come home from a typically cold November day. Prices start at around £15 for a basic model, and you can also buy models designed for heating outside areas.

For larger rooms, it’s worth looking for heaters that can rotate: that enables them to heat a wider area than immobile heaters can reach. Make sure they have anti-tilt shut-offs too, so that they automatically switch themselves off if they’re accidentally toppled.

The cheapest heaters

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around are fan heaters, which as the name suggests use a fan to blow air over a heating element. According to the Energy Saving Trust they aren’t less efficient than other kinds of heating, but the less powerful the fan the longer it’ll take them to heat a room: we wouldn’t recommend trying to heat a high-ceilinged room with an £8 fan heater from the local supermarket.

If you spend a lot of time using a computer you’ll know that your fingers are often the first things to feel the cold. Technology has the answer to that too: V8 Tools’ heated computer keyboard is exactly what it sounds like, although for the time being you’ll need to import one from the US. Avoid USB-powered heating devices: products such as USB-powered Monkey Hand Warmers are novelty gifts, not practical products.

If you often suffer from frozen feet there’s a gadget for that too: the AccuLux foot warming mat, a flexible heating mat that’s designed to make your tootsies toasty. Expect to pay £39.99.

Humans aren’t the only creatures to benefit from heating pads: they’re available for pets too. A quick search on eBay uncovers all kinds of electric pad heaters for dog and cat beds, with prices as low as £19.99. If you’d rather not leave anything electrical near your pets, microwaveable heat pads do much the same job for slightly less money.

While you’re microwaving things for your pets, why not warm up some pads for yourself?

You can try a pair of microwaveable slippers, a microwaveable hand warmer or a microwaveable neck wrap, and if you’re suffering from sports injuries or arthritis you might find they help ease your symptoms too. Alternatively you might like to try the Heat In A Click Muscle Warm Pad, which quickly heats up to 54 degrees celsius and last for 20 minutes to two hours depending on the size of pad you buy.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS available throughout December BOOGIE NIGHTS GIRLS NIGHT COMEDY NIGHT NIGHT OF SINATRA From £30 per person NEW YEARS EVE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM £65 per person TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK PLEASE CALL 01480 474000 or EMAIL hotelbookings@abbotsley.com Abbotsley Golf Hotel, Potton Road, St Neots PE19 6XN, 01480 474000 www.abbotsley.com

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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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Fashion

HOW TO DO STYlISHlY CASuAl AT 60+

By Sarah Davey

My mother turned 70 this year but doesn’t look it. She’s often complimented about her effortless style and how she looks so much younger than her years. However there is nothing effortless about how great my mother looks, quite the opposite in fact.

“The trouble is darling that so many women my age give up,” she often says, “It’s sad and really there’s no excuse.”

Now my mum isn’t one of those surgically enhanced botox-loving souls, she’s a regular woman who cares about her appearance – and it shows. I asked her what her favourite tips are.

Good Underwear: Good foundation garments are essential. Mum is measured professionally every year so her bras fit properly. She swears by seamfree nude-coloured bras under light tops, “White is awful, it shows straight through.” And black for under black clothes.

“Modern control slips are wonderful inventions,” she enthuses. “They’re so comfortable and they smooth out my lumps and bumps as if by magic.”

Dark Jeans: “I see lots of women my age wearing pale chambray jeans with a gathered waist. They add pounds and years, and really are the most hideously awful things. Dark coloured jeans in indigo or black in a bootleg style are the most flattering. A tip that a young sales assistant in a high street store gave me was to make sure the back pockets are not too far apart and are the right proportion. By choosing pockets that end an inch or so below the natural curve of your bottom, you’ll make it look smaller. Try it and see for yourself!”

Fitted T shirts: “Buy the best quality, thickest T shirts you can afford, because they’ll wash well and layer well.” Mum recommends having some short-sleeved and some long-sleeved in mainly neutral colours plus a couple of bright colours which suit you.

Cashmere cardigans: In whatever style you like.

“I like shorter cardigans because I’m not tall,” she says, “I layer them over my T shirts. And cashmere never dates.”

Chunky-heeled Boots: “I love chunky-heeled boots worn with jeans. I have a black pair and a tan pair

and I live in them.”

Funky shoes: “I prefer plain neutral clothes, but I always wear really fashionable bright shoes with a low heel. They add zing to my outfits.”

Statement jewellery: Mum swears by great costume jewellery. “Bigger statement pieces look more stylish than fine gold chains. They change the look of my neutral basics and keep them upto-date.”

Hair style: “Long can be gorgeous on someone my age if it’s worn with panache, but any cut should be sharp and up-to-date. Shoulder-length limp locks drag your features down and show up thinning hair cruelly. A short cropped style with lots of texture looks more youthful.”

Her final tips?

“Good posture.

Pilates has improved mine.

And SMILE. Nothing ages you like a scowl.”

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Health and Beauty

All About Hair Extensions

By Helen Taylor

If you dream of long, luscious locks but are stuck with limp and lifeless tresses, you might be tempted to turn to hair extensions for a quick and easy fix. But there is a lot to consider before you take the plunge and invest in extensions, and that’s why we have compiled a guide to which ones are right for you.

Human Hair or Synthetic Hair?

Extensions can be made from real human hair, synthetic hair or a mixture of both. The more expensive the extensions are, the more likely they are made from human hair. This is because using the real thing makes for a head of manageable, natural-looking locks that can be styled, coloured and cared for just like your own hair.

If you’re planning on having a lot of extensions added to your hair and want to wear them for a long time, it’s essential that you invest in the best you can afford and have them professionally applied in a good salon. Always make sure that the extensions you buy are ethically sourced.

If you want to wear just a few extensions, and only for special occasions, then synthetic hair should be ok for you. It’s a lot cheaper than real hair, but remember that in most cases it can’t be heat styled, so you’ll have to decide on what look you want and stick to it. It

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also can be a lot more difficult to manage and does become easily tangled and matted.

The Right Hue for You What look do you want to achieve when you’re wearing extensions? If you prefer a very natural look that blends seamlessly with your own hair, it’s essential to find extensions in a shade that matches it perfectly.

Generally many brands organise their colours in the same way as hair dyes, so that it’s easy to determine the correct hue for you. Colours range from the lightest shade of blonde to the deepest shade of black and incorporate all warm and cool variations.

And, if you fancy a few sections of bold colour, then your options are limitless. You can easily pick up extensions in a range of vibrant shades, and what’s more they are usually cheaper and are perfect for occasional use.

Texture and Style Extensions come in a vast range of textures, so that they will blend with your own locks. There are straight lengths, spiral curls and everything in between. It’s important to match the texture to your own hair for the extensions to lie and fall properly.

Application There are many ways to apply extensions to your hair and some can be more comfortable, gentle and affordable than others.

Clip-in/Tie-in - Ideal for occasional use and can be taken out and applied easily to achieve a variety of different looks. Because of the way they are joined to the hair, they don’t always look natural and can be obvious to the touch.

Heat Fusion – Provide long lasting results, with a natural looking finish. However, because heat is used, this method can damage your own hair.

Cold Fusion - Unlike heat fusion, cold fusion doesn’t use any heat for application, meaning that your natural hair won’t be damaged. The results are very natural looking, as well as long lasting.

Weft – Can look very natural when applied correctly, although to the touch a weft can feel chunky if not applied with skill.

Microbead – No need for glue or heat to be applied, which limits damage to your own natural hair. Extensions are fixed in place using a small bead.

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This month celebrates the Beauty Hut being in business for 6 years! How time flies!

To thank all my lovely clients, new & existing for their support over the years please use this advert to redeem ÂŁ5 off * in the Beauty Hut! Go on... Treat yourself!! *voucher valid in November 2013 *voucher valid on bookings over ÂŁ10 and not to be used in conjunction with any other offers!

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

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

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Christmas Count-down is here!

So ladies its time to get ďŹ t, increase energy levels and change your body shape by increasing muscle tone and reducing body fat.

Look fabulous and feel great.

Exclusive private studio for women based in the village of Meppershall, Bedfordshire.

Hot stone and Swedish massage Manicures & pedicures (Shellac gels available) Waxing Eye treatments Facials Indian Head Massage

First consultation free.

Affordably priced‌ all with the convenience and comfort of being in your own home

For more information :

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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Specialists in Country Homes, Rural and Commercial Property Lettings in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

01462 713 713

info@bestresidential.co.uk

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www.bestresidential.co.uk

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Home and Interiors

CHIM-CHIM-CHEREE

By Debbie Singh-Bhatti

The term ‘Chimney sweep’ may conjure up images of small, Dickensian type characters covered in soot, scrambling up enormous chimneys, and we might ask ourselves if there is really a need for this ancient trade in today’s modern world with its gas fires and centrally heated properties. Well, the short answer to that is ‘Yes!’ Even chimneys serving gas fires need cleaning on a regular basis – and if you are one of the growing number of householders returning to the cosy, romantic comfort of a traditional coal or log fire, it is essential that you spend a little time and money ensuring that your fireplace is functioning both safely and efficiently.

As a fire burns, it releases numerous gases up the chimney which escape into the atmosphere.

As they pass through the chimney, soot - which contains a flammable substance called creosote - begins to accumulate on the walls. Over time, these deposits can begin to obstruct and eventually completely block the chimney, which could lead to an inefficient and potentially unsafe fireplace and the risk of chimney fires. This is why regular cleaning of a chimney is essential.

Although it is possible to clean the chimney yourself, you might prefer instead to hire a professional chimney sweep to do this tiring, messy job! In addition to cleaning the chimney, he or she will check for other problems which

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might lead to chimney fires or inefficient burning, and will also inspect your chimney for potential problems from the roof.

A chimney that serves an open fire should be swept at least once a year, after a period of prolonged disuse (for example at the end of the summer) , and also at the end of the heating season to ensure that it is clear of animal nests and is prepared for the idle period. Chimneys that are used frequently may need cleaning more often, whilst those serving gas fires less often.

A visit to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps or Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps websites will help you locate a local, reliable chimney sweep. These two organisations have worked together over recent years to introduce a National Code of Practice for Chimney Sweeps, designed to protect the public from untrained or poorly trained sweeps. Sweeps meeting the Standard are required to issue an Industry Standard certificate (the Standard being printed on the reverse) and where necessary, an Industry Standard Warning Notice and Label.

A sweep typically takes around 45 minutes and costs around £40 per chimney, though this can vary according to location and the difficulty of the job. Before employing anyone to carry out the work, please check that they have full public liability insurance.

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Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking.

• CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST • LARGE LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS • FREE WIFI INTERNET ACCESS • SKY TV/DVD PLAYER • FRIDGE IN ROOM • PRIVATE LOCATION • CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN

Tel: 07970 162753

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

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HIDATO Starting at 1 and finishing at 34, track your way from one hexagon to another (touching) hexagon, placing consecutive numbers into the empty shapes as you go. Some numbers are already given.

ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk

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33

Garden

GROuND COVER

By Pippa Greenwood

Ground cover plantings are a wonderful way to create gorgeous carpets of colour in your garden, whatever its size and wherever it’s located. But what’s so special about groundcover growing, when is it most useful and when should you start?

The initial few months will take some effort, but once growing well, most ground cover planting needs little if any maintenance except perhaps a very occasional trim, some food and water in drier weather.

It has a superbly smothering effect on the weeds, killing weedlings and deterring further weeds from appearing. The denser the groundcover planting, the better the effect.

Autumn is a great time for planting. Trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants that go in to the ground at this time of year often establish extremely well as they have the luxury of enjoying the relatively warm and yet moist soil, a perfect place for new roots to grow out and establish rapidly.

Make sure you invest a bit of time and effort in to the preparation. Clear the area of weeds, digging out all tough weeds completely if you can. Fork the soil over, removing debris such as large stones or buried rubbish and then fork in plenty of wellrotted manure or garden compost, and perhaps a little slow-release feed too.

If you’re planting up a slope, it’s worth trying to secure the soil a little too, as all that preparation and weed clearing will have loosened the surface and made it prone to erosion. Once growing well the roots of the plants will help to secure the slope brilliantly, but in the meantime, use landscape fabric pinned down onto the surface of the slope.

Don’t be tempted to cram the plants in too closely.

Given time they will form the desired effect if planted at the correct spacing. But if you fall in to the trap of planting them elbow to elbow, then they are more likely to become stressed and miserable, more prone to disease and will need thinning out. Make sure the plants are kept just moist at the roots until they’re well established and feed occasionally. By choosing varieties of plants which are recommended for use as groundcover you’ll be unlikely to have to do much if any pruning.

So what should you choose to grow? Foliage that is attractive and interesting makes a wonderful

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groundcover planting and if you wish you can add a few more flamboyant flowering plants to the mixture too. By using plants with interestingly shaped leaves or variegated leaves your leafy planting will look even better.

If you want a reasonable effect all year around, then select at least some of the plants you use from the evergreens. These may lose their leaves, but they do so gradually so you’ll never be left with totally bare soil.

Great Shrubby Groundcover Ideas Heaths and Heathers, Cotoneaster horizontalis and Cotoneaster microphyllus, Stephandra incise ‘Crispa’, groundcover roses eg the ‘Flower Carpet’ roses.

Great Shade-Tolerant groundcover Ideas Sarcococca hookeriana var.humilis, Mahonia repens, Gaultheria procumbens, Hypericum calycinum, many hebes including Hebe pinguifolia, Euonymus fortune cultivars such as ‘Emerald n’Gold’, ‘Emerald Gaiety’ Herbaceous Ground Cover in Shadier Spots Sweet violets, pulmonaria (lungworts) eg the white-flowered ‘Sissinghurst’, Bugle (the ajugas eg Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’), Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny), Lily-of-the-valley, Lamium ‘White Nancy’ and Lamium ‘Silver Beacon’, Bergenia Sunnier Groundcover Snow-in-summer, thymes, oregano, many of the sedums, chamomile.

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THE LOG MAN Established 1972

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

Phillip Jepps Your Local Log Man

T: M:

01462 711 430 07860 411 378

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

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From just £12 per week Get 2 free months with this advert 21 years experience, friendly & reliable service

For more details or for a free quotation call 01462 896427 or email: david.sunshinegardensbaldock@mail.com 36

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Time of Year

GIVE IT SOME WEllY!

By Louise Addison

Wintry wet weather has us reaching for our wellies, but how much thought do we give them really? Hard-working wellies deserve a bit of TLC now and then.

First things first. A lot of wellies split at the heel seam, and this is because we insist on removing them using a step or our other foot to prise them off. Invest in a proper boot-remover. It will preserve the life of your wellies and make them much easier to take-off.

CLEAN THEM. Yes - really. How often do you put your boots away still clogged with mud? Take the time to rinse them with clean water then spray them with a boot protector. If your wellies are the sort with a zip, make sure the zip is clean and free-running before storing the boots. Spray the zip with a silicone spray and they’ll last for years.

Store them properly in a cool dry place. Don’t dry kid’s wellies on a radiator as they will become brittle and perish. Don’t leave them in a freezing

Hitchin

Luton

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greenhouse or shed either. A boot rack is great, because it lets you store them upside down (less chance of spiders or mice taking up residence!) and allows the air to circulate – meaning they won’t smell.

Finally, there are some terrific, colourful and fashionable wellies on the market today, so there’s no excuse not to take the kids puddlejumping. Go on, give it some welly!

Hinxworth

01438 771738

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0800 056 5711 37

RSPCA

ARE YOu GuIlTY?

Of owning a surprising amount of unnecessary stuff We’ve all seen the ‘extreme hoarders’ on TV – unable to move around their own homes because of piles of newspapers clogging up rooms and corridors. Such extremes make entertaining telly, but even the ‘average’ person owns a surprising amount of unnecessary stuff. Are you guilty of being average?

• The average woman has about 22 garments in her wardrobe that she will never wear, but absolutely refuses to throw out.

• Added up across the country, women spend more than £1.6 billion on more than 500 million items of clothing they will never wear. Placed on a clothes rail, this would stretch for 15,534 miles.

• Jeans are the most common item of unworn clothes, with 88 per cent of the population saying they own at least one pair that they would never be seen out in.

• One in five people hoard up to six pairs of shoes that will never be worn. And almost everyone owns at least one top they ‘would not be seen dead in.’

• Men have 19 items of unworn clothing lurking in their wardrobes.

• Two thirds of Brits dislike their junk and a quarter say it makes them stressed.

• One in five homes have enough unwanted items to fill an average bathroom and a similar number enough to fill an entire bedroom.

• The top ten most hoarded items – shown as number per average household – are: 1. Items of clothing (12) 2. DVDs (10) 3. VHS videos (7) 4. Shoes (6 pairs) 5. Kids toys (5) 6. Computer games (4) 7. Sports equipment (2) 8. Mobile phone (2) 9. Stereo/music equipment (1) 10. Bike (1) If you find yourself guilty of any of the above… help is at hand. You can donate any unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small furniture to the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. We can sell it at our charity shop – in Thurlow Street, Bedford – and use the money to help local abandoned and neglected animals in need of a new home. Don’t worry if

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the clothing is tatty, or if you have odd, or scuffed shoes – we can still sell these for rag.

The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is a small local charity that is entirely responsible for raising its own funds and supporting itself. We are currently experiencing a crisis as the number of animals abandoned has increased by 65% over the last 5 years. It costs us every day, £5 to look after one healthy cat and £8 for one healthy dog. This means that every month we need to find at least £1,300 to house all the animals in our care and £2,000 for vet bills. The number of animals being abandoned is, unfortunately, still on the increase.

So, if you’re guilty of ‘being average’, why not sort through you’re stuff, bring it into our shop – and transform your guilt into something a lot more worthwhile?

Call 01234 266965 or go to www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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

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

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

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Pets

ANIMAl STORIES

From rags to riches...

Beautiful Riva now lives a heavenly life on an organic farm in Sussex with her new friend, Merlin.

She – like many cats who come into our care – had a horrific early life and thoroughly deserves her idyllic existence!

Riva was found abandoned in Kempston. She had given birth to her kittens in a battered old suitcase.

Unfortunately, all of her kittens died and Riva was, unsurprisingly, very frail and frightened when she came into the care of the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch. She also had a bladder infection that needed antibiotics.

Although initially shy, the volunteer foster carer who looked after Riva described her as ‘an absolute sweetheart who just needed to be loved’.

Fortunately for Riva, she found love in abundance!

When her new owner’s elderly cat sadly died, they wanted to re-home a cat from an animal charity.

They browsed the RSPCA website (www.rspca.org. uk), saw a photo of Riva, and fell in love. Distance was no object.

Hopefully, the unhappy memories of her old life and that shabby old suitcase are gradually fading for Riva – particularly when she gazes over acres of beautiful farmland whilst perched on her favourite compost bin; or when she’s stretched out on a comfy bed in her wonderful farmhouse home!

Unfortunately, not every animal experiences such a happy ending.

The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is currently inundated with unwanted kittens and abandoned cats looking for homes. If you think you can give a kitten, or cat, a loving forever home, please contact us.

We’re also looking for volunteer foster carers who can care for our animals prior to re-homing. Please also donate your unwanted items to our charity shop in Thurlow Street, Bedford. The money raised goes directly to the animals in our care.

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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Recipe

SEASONAl DElIGHTS

Twice Baked Cheese Souffles

If the thought of baking a fragile cheese soufflé for a special dinner seems a little too ambitious, then think again. Baked once in advance then baked again just before serving, these delicious individual soufflés work every time.

INGREDIENTS 40g butter, plus extra for greasing 40g plain flour 225ml milk, warmed 4 large eggs, separated 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley 75g mature Cheddar cheese, grated 75g Stilton cheese, crumbled Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150ml double cream Green salad, to serve Cayenne pepper, to sprinkle (optional) 1 Melt the butter in a saucepan then stir in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon to make a smooth paste. Cook over a low heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk the milk a little at a time. Once all the milk has been added, cook over a low heat for a further 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until you have a smooth and thick sauce. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.

2 Beat in the egg yolks, parsley and two-thirds of the Cheddar and Stilton. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat the

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Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 20 minutes oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Butter four large ramekin dishes and line the bases with circles of baking parchment.

3 Place the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk until stiff. Beat one spoonful of the egg whites into the cheese sauce to loosen it slightly then gently fold the sauce into the remaining egg whites. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared dishes.

4 Place the dishes in a roasting tin and pour in boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and golden. Transfer the dishes to a cooling rack (the soufflés will sink a little but don’t worry).

Increase the oven temperature to 200C/400F/ Gas Mark 6.

4 Turn the soufflés out into a shallow baking dish and remove the lining papers. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese and return to the oven for 15-20 minutes until piping hot and puffy.

Spoon the cream over the top and bake for a further 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve immediately with salad, sprinkled lightly with cayenne pepper, if liked.

Tip - To prepare ahead, leave the soufflés to cool after the initial baking, then turn them out into the baking dish and cover with cling film. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight and top with the cheese and bake for the second time just before serving.

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Oven Cleaning! - It’s a dirty job!

Why do it yourself?

We clean ovens using non-caustic, non-toxic products in your home.

Ovens • Ranges • Hobs • Extractors Agas • Microwaves • Barbecues (May - Sept) Single Oven (all racks/pans inc) .......................£40 Single Oven & Grill Oven (all racks/pans inc) ....£45 Single Separate Grill Oven (racks/pans inc) .....£15 Microwaves & Combination Ovens ...................£20 Extractor Fan (free filter for next clean)............£12 Hob .................................................................£12 Agas and Ranges priced accordingly Oven Bulbs replaced for free in all jobs V.A.T free

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

parent company est. 1998

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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 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

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Herts Aerials

A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories

Professional Aerial Service

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For all your Air Conditioning & Solar solutions

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

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

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Fully qualiFied — 25 years experienCe

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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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Motoring

WINTER TYRES

By Sarah Davey

I drive a lot and dread icy winter roads, but somehow the thought of parting with hardearned cash for something as dull as tyres was a bit of a turn-off.

Then last November I had to hire a car in Switzerland, and I was amazed at the handling of the little vehicle and the confidence I felt behind the wheel, in what can only be described as lessthan-ideal weather conditions - for that read snow, snow and more snow. I mentioned it to the Swiss friend I was visiting. She looked astonished, ‘It’s the winter tyres,’ she said matterof-factly. ‘We always wonder why British people don’t use them.’

I was sold. On my return I

52

called in at my local tyre salesman and asked for his advice.

He suggested buying a set of cheap steel rims for my car and putting the winter tyres on those, storing the originals in my garage.

The tyres improve handling on greasy roads, but will really come into their own in snowy and icy conditions, or wet conditions where the temperature is below 7 degrees. Braking and traction are improved immeasurably on winter tyres.

If your car is rear wheel drive I’d say winter tyres are essential. If your car is front-wheel drive I’d still say they’re essential. Although the improvement in performance isn’t as great, it is still very noticeable.

My friendly tyre-fitter suggests changing them over in November and running with them until February/March depending on the weather.

This year try some winter tyres. You will never regret it. They may even save your life!

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

All types of roofing work undertaken.

Friendly, reliable and professional service.

Tel: 07989 423449 or 01767 317121 www.baroofing.co.uk

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53

Prize

The Villager Prize Crossword

£25

Across 1 Nearest (7) 5 Inexpensive (5) 8 Type of cattle (7) 9 A slight fever (5) 10 Sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 Flat area of high land (7) 12 Form of dance (6) 14 In good condition (6) 17 Family member (7) 19 Trimmed (5) 22 Enclosed within (5) 23 Non-professional (7) 24 Dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7)

cut out this page and send to the address below before

18th November 2013

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

Tel:

Address:

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Mrs P Aldwick from Shefford For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com 54



Complete the crossword, fill in your details below,

Down 1 3D squares (5) 2 To give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 bedtime drink (5) 6 Obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 Imploring (7) 13 Highly intelligent (7) 15 Graceful (7) 16 Type of fruit (6) 18 unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)

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55

ANDREW BAKER WINDOWS CLOPHILL, BEDFORDSHIRE

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

We are fully insured and all work is guaranteed.

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

Land Lord Test Certificates Extra sockets to full re-wires

security lighting Fault Finding and trouble shooting

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24 hour call out

SPECIALISING IN UPVC WINDOWS, DOORS, CONSERVATORIES, FASCIA, SOFFITS, GUTTERS AND CLADDING. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CARPENTRY WORK. NO JOB TOO SMALL OR LARGE. 20 Years experience.

Free local quotes.

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

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

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

Fensa Registered TEN YEAR GUARANTEE Contact Andrew: 01525 862804 / 07825 017855 Email: abakerwindows@gmail.com

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 56

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

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

Chimney Sweep Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps

JULIAN BIGGS/PHILIP BULLEN

Tel: 01767 627591 07950 705479

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

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

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57

n O s ’ t a h W

2 November Garden Square Craft Market 8.30am-4.30pm Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City The market specialises in the sale of genuine, high quality, hand made goods and offers local artisans and craft workers the opportunity to show case their work.

2 November Bonfire Night Gates open 5.30pm, fireworks start 6.30pm Hinxworth Recreation Ground, Francis Road, Hinxworth Advance tickets: Family ticket £12 (2 adults + 3 children) On the gate tickets: Family ticket £15, Adults £5, Children £3 Refreshments available, licensed bar, cakes and treats. Tickets available from the School office. Tel: 01462 742297 2 November The Synthetix 9pm The Ivy leaf Club, Langford £3.00 for non-members The club is also available for hire please give Sharon a ring on 01462 700868 for further details.

3 November Charity Quiz 8.30pm The Five Bells, Henlow £2 per person In Aid of The British Legion Poppy Appeal. Teams of up to 8 members. Tel: 01462 811125 7 November Quiz Night Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start Ickleford Village Hall Tickets £5 per person including fish & chips In aid of The Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. Teams of 4 - either bring a team, or come along on your own or as a couple, and we’ll make up teams on the night.

Tickets: Sue 07971 853881 or Glyn 01462 432321 Web: www.oddfellowsbedsandbucks.co.uk 7 November Baldock Floral Society 7.30pm Community Centre, Baldock Visitors £6 Demonstration by Clare Allen on “Created by Nature”.

Tel: 01462 642336 for further information 9 November Coffee Morning 9am-12 noon The John Darley Room, The Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable All proceeds in aid of The Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

Email: simon.mortimer@oddfellows.co.uk Web: www.oddfellowsbedsandbucks.co.uk

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9 November Pirton Craft Fayre 10am-4pm Pirton Village Hall Exhibition - Knit the village. Wood turning Christmas presents.

Food served all day including lunch and afternoon tea.

9 November Motown Experience Arlesey Town Football Club Tickets £7 Arlesey Town Football Club presents The UK’s number one Tamla Motown band “Motown Experience”.

Tel: Tickets Lesley at the Club 07717 462393 9 November Comedy Club Doors open 7.30pm, shows start 8.30pm Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Tickets £10, Comedy Club members £8 Licensed bar. Web: www.letchwortharts.org 11 November Fidelio Trio Concert Benslow Music, Morrison Hall, Hitchin Tickets £12, free admission for young people and students Programme includes works by Beethoven, Robert Fokkens, Hans Werner Henze and Schumman. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 14 November Mid Beds Floral Society Doors open 7.15pm for 7.45pm start Flitwick Village Hall Visitors £6 Christmas demonstration by Vikki Treherne entitled “Sparkling Winterland”. Tel: Marion Tucker 01234 742396 for more details 14 November Stained Glass Talk with Slides by Anna Conti 8pm West Room, Parish Hall, Church Road, Harlington Members £3, Non-members £4 Anna Conti works in both traditional and contemporary designs.

Her beautiful and inspired work can be found in Scandinavia, Europe and America. Tel: 01525 753715 15 November You Must Remember This 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Baldock Tickets £10 including Ploughman’s supper Baldock Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association and Hitchin Thespians proudly present “You Must Remember This” performed by John Edwards, Ian Hamilton and Andy Johnson.

Bar available. Tickets from Baldock Community Centre or Phil Charsley Tel: 01462 895665.

16 November Campton’s Christmas Craft Fair 10am-4pm Campton Village Hall Village and local crafts including jewellery, nature photography, pottery, paintings, sewing and wood turning will all be on show.

This year why not buy something made with love for the people you love.

16 November Peregrine Recorder Orchestra Concert 7.30pm Shefford Baptist Church Exciting and varied music for the benefit of the hosting church and Operation Christmas Child. Tel: Tickets 01767 627665 20 November Hitchin Stitch & Bitch 7.30pm Old Vic Pub, Hitchin Knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilting and sewing group in Hitchin. New members welcome.

22 November Christmas Light Switch-on 4-7pm Leys Square, Letchworth Garden City Enjoy a programme of live music including traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. Once Santa has flicked the switch just before 7pm our spectacular firework display will light up the night sky.

22 & 23 November Gosforth’s Fete & Larks at the Local Fete 7.45pm The Memorial Hall, Hallworth Drive, Stotfold Tickets £10 Fairfield Players will be performing two plays.

During the interval, a fish and chip supper will be served.

Display by Letchworth Morris Men. Entry is by ticket only.

Tickets available from Cards and Crafts, Stotfold or by contacting the box office. Tel: Box office 01767 631265 Email: derek-walker@tiscali.co.uk 23 November Evening of Music 7.30pm, bar opens 7pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Adults £10, Under 18 and full-time students £5 Featuring the Montagnana Ensemble: Professional musicians playing Schubert’s Trout Quintet & soprano Irene Cooper singing Schubert’s Trout. Plus the new East Beds Chamber Choir.

Licenced bar. Tickets available in advance from the School office.

Tel: 01462 742297 23 & 24 November Father Christmas at Stotfold Mill 10.30am-5pm Free entry to the Mill. Tel: 01462 734541 24 November Festive Shopping and Fun Day 11am-4pm RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy Santa visit £3 Come along to get your gifts in the RSPB shop and enjoy the festive fun. Small charges for activities. Tel: 01767 680541 24 November Dancing with the Sunday Dance Club 7.30-10.30pm Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road, Letchworth A range of Ballroom, Latin and Popular Sequence dances.

Tel: David 01234 300179

24 November Chiltern West Gallery Quire: Christmas Carol Workshop 2pm-4.30pm Guide Headquarters, Icknield Way Letchworth Admission £5 including tea & biscuits This workshop is an introduction to the Carols and Christmas music which would have been sung in and around North Hertfordshire at the turn of the 19th Century. Music is available at £2 a book. Tel: 01462 629539 Web: www.cwgq.co.uk 28 November Dickensian London Tickets: Oddfellows members £25, Non-members £35 including coach travel A coach trip to London in what would have been Dickens’ 200th birthday year organised by The Beds and Bucks District of the Oddfellows. This year’s tour is focussed on food - we will visit the meat, fish & game markets. Pick up points will be arranged to suit those booking. Book early - contact Sue on 07971 853881.

29 November Afternoon Tea with live music 4-5.30pm Letchworth Arts Centre, 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Tickets £12, Book before 15 November and pay only £10 Live music from our baby grand. All bookings at least two days in advance please. Web: www.letchwortharts.org 30 November Christmas Fair 10am-3pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin A huge range of stalls, food, fun and Christmas cheer.

Tel: 01462 420144 Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 30 November St Francis of Assisi RC Church Christmas Bazaar 10.30am-1pm Methodist Church Hall, Ampthill Road, Shefford 30 November Worbey and Farrell Benslow Music, Morrison Hall, Hitchin Tickets £12 A night of brilliant musical entertainment from the dazzling piano duo of Steven Worbey and Kevin Farrell.

Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 30 November & 1 December Nativity Crib Festival 11am-5pm St. Ippolyts Church Adults £2, Children free Lovely medieval church will be filled with dozens of nativity crib sets of all shapes and sizes. We have large church ones and tiny ones that are no bigger than a fifty pence piece, grand ones that have taken years to collect one character at a time and children’s toys, ones that have been hand carved from Holy Land olive wood and home-made ones, the variety is truly amazing and needs seeing to be believed. Each has a special story to tell which is written out beside it. Have a go at the competition and become a crib owner yourself. Refreshments available.

59

James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging • coving • general household maintenance • plastering services available • free estimates • fully insured

References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds

Top Bathrooms " We take care of everything "

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email: topbathrooms@hotmail.co.uk

Professional & Highly Recommended - Covering Beds, Bucks & Herts Visit us at: www.top-bathrooms.com 60

Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts

Lots of Choice Immediate Availability

The Carpet Trade Centre • Over 10,000sq ft of warehouse to choose from • 100’s of designs, stock always changing • Vinyl/cushion floor stock • Large choice of rugs

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

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

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

61

Classifieds Books

Alan George

bOOK REVIEW

Painter & Decorator

By Bruce Edwards Betrayal in Burgundy Harold Shaw Matador p/b £8.99 ISBN 978 178088 4882

Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist

Coming close to the November days when remembrance allied with an odd twinge of acidic nostalgia in the older generation causes the majority to stand silent for a brief period in time, this choice is apposite, a fictional story of a Lancaster bomber pilot “Perfectly captures the conflicts and choices brought about by war.” says the back cover. When your reviewer undertook the copy edit of the original manuscript, the first thought was ‘not another war story’. However, as the red pen hovered over each page with an editor’s selfsame conflict and choices, clearly an exploration of emotion lay below the expressed grittiness of the young aircrew’s transient lives. Imagine the violent swings in sensation; the delights of ‘drinking with a girl in the sanctuary of an English country pub’ then not hours later, suffering the throbbing roar in the close confines of a bomb delivery machine. Inevitably, disaster strikes our hero and then there’s a different girl . . .

If given the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden at Givenchy, spare time to wander up to the church. There’s a relic and a memorial to the crew of just such a bomber as portrayed in this book who lie there together ‘in foreign soil’. The poignancy of youthful desires, the atmosphere and tension of war so well portrayed in this novel can be felt in just such surroundings. This is more than a war story, it is an echo and a tribute to the tragedies of its time.

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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

1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

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Classifieds Aerials and Satellites AERIALS & SATELLITES

Gardening Services

FORK & SPADE

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Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Property Maintenance R. CHAPMAN

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Home & Garden Services

sales@steam2clean.co.uk www.steam2clean.co.uk

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

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NO VAT for a limited period

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09/12/2010

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

Business gone slow?

Let us help!

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

16:41

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

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Van Hire

3/12/12 11:44:54

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

63

SIX PORTS SIX CHEESES

7pm Sunday 8

th

December

WHAT BETTER WAY TO

FINISH THE WEEKEND

£25 PER PERSON