VILLAGER The
Issue 58 - September 2013
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
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VILLAGER
In this Issue
Issue 58 - September 2013
The
and Town
Life
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL PEOPLE • LOCAL SERVICES • LOCAL CHARITIES • LOCAL PRODUCTS
4
£25
Prize Crossword See Inside
The History of Tea
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 Now including Barton Le Clay, Ampthill, Flitwick and surrounding villages
ur Yo EE Rcopy
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Editorial
Solange Hando, Julia Faulks, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Sarah Fryer, Derek Thompson, Pippa Greenwood, Susan Brookes-Morris, Katherine Sorrell, Louise Addison and Bruce Edwards
Advertising Sales Mary Williams Tel: 07453 990655 mary@villagermag.com
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Publishers
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VILLAGER The
and Town Life
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.
Lawn to be Wild
By Derek Thompson
54
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Back to School......................................................................... 11 Buying a Used Car.................................................................. 12 Peru............................................................................................. 15 Fly High in the Autumn Sky................................................ 16 Hair Q and A............................................................................. 19 Putting Your Best Foot Forward........................................ 21 Beginning of the Railway boom....................................... 22 Men’s Health............................................................................. 24 Save Money.............................................................................. 26 Beat the Utility Bills................................................................ 29 Weed Attack............................................................................. 34 Ampthill and District Lions................................................. 37 Wordsearch............................................................................... 38 Animal Queries........................................................................ 41 Seasonal Delights................................................................... 42 Fun Quiz..................................................................................... 45 Super Sunset Photos............................................................. 47 Puzzle Page............................................................................... 48 Sherree Valentine Daines - Gallery 106.......................... 51 Ten Ways to Create a New Room...................................... 57 What’s On.................................................................................. 58 Herts at War.............................................................................. 61 Book Review............................................................................. 62 Last month’s Wrest Park Competition Winners are: Status Quo tickets - Mrs M Hendry from Sandy Britannia Rules tickets - Wendy Harris from Shillington
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THE History of...
Tea
Ah yes, the infamous cup of tea, the quintessential Great British drink, leader of all beverages. But why is a good brew used in so many ways in the UK? We’ve all turned to a cup of tea in a crisis, but does this really help? “calm down, I’ll put the kettle on” said to us many a time by loved ones, well apparently a single cup of tea can significantly reduce anxiety levels after suffering a stressful experience, and in some cases, make people calmer than they were before. A study, by psychologist Dr Malcolm Cross at City University London, confirms what millions of tealovers have long believed, that if you are upset or anxious, it pays to make a brew. The experiment at the centre of the study, which placed volunteers in a stressful scenario, showed a 25 per cent increase in anxiety for those that did not receive tea immediately after the stressinducing test. Conversely, those who were given tea actually demonstrated a four per cent reduction in stress. As well as the soothing qualities of the tea itself, the psychologist found that the act of putting the kettle on also helped by tapping into a collective conscious and symbolism. Further psychological tests and focus groups conducted after the experiment indicate that tea’s calming benefits aren’t just a question of
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biochemistry, but also a matter of its ‘Britishness’. Tea has such a long history to it dating back literally thousands of years, but it is far from British, in fact its legacy spans across many countries and cultures. It is said that tea originated in the province of Yunnan, China during the Shang Dynasty (1500 BC–1046 BC) as a medicinal drink. The legendary Emperor of China, Shennong, and inventor of agriculture and Chinese medicine was drinking a bowl of boiled water sometime around 2737 BC when a few leaves were blown from a nearby tree into his water, changing the colour. The emperor took a sip of the brew and was pleasantly surprised by its flavour and restorative properties. Another legend tells that the emperor tested the medical properties of various herbs on himself, some of them poisonous, and found tea to work as an antidote. Shennong is also mentioned in Lu Yu’s famous early work on the subject, Cha Jing. A similar Chinese legend goes that the god of agriculture would chew the leaves, stems, and roots of various plants to discover medicinal herbs. If he consumed a poisonous plant, he would chew tea leaves to counteract the poison. Whether or not these legends have any truth to them, tea has still played a significant role in Asian culture for centuries as a staple beverage, a
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curative, and a status symbol. It is not surprising, therefore, that theories of its origin are often religious or royal in nature. China as we know is famous for the British saying “For all the tea in China” it is simply known as the birth place of tea. Tea was first introduced to Portuguese priests and merchants in China during the 16th century. Drinking tea became popular in Britain during the 17th century. The British introduced tea production, as well as consumption to India, in order to compete with the Chinese monopoly on tea. Using Chinese seeds and Chinese planting and cultivating techniques, the British launched a tea industry by offering land in Assam to any European who agreed to cultivate tea for export. Tea was originally only consumed by Anglicised Indians; it was not until the 1950s that tea grew widely popular in India through a successful advertising campaign by the India Tea Board. So if Britain introduced tea to India, when did the tea industry in the UK start to boom? The Importing of tea into Britain began in the 1660s with the marriage of King Charles II to the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who brought to the court the habit of drinking tea. On 25 September 1660 Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary: “I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before.” It is probable that early imports came via Amsterdam or through sailors on eastern boats. Regular trade began in Guangzhou (Canton). Trade was controlled by two monopolies: the Chinese Hongs (trading companies) and the British East India Company. The Hongs acquired tea from ‘the tea men’ who had an elaborate supply chain into the mountains and provinces where the tea was grown. The East India Company brought back many products, of which tea was just one, but it was to prove one of the most successful. By the end of the seventeenth century tea was taken as a drink, albeit mainly by the aristocracy. In 1690 nobody would have predicted that by 1750 tea would be the national drink. The origin of large trade in tea was the need for a return cargo from the East Indies. Merchantmen ships delivered fabrics manufactured in Britain to India and China but would return empty or partially full. To solve this problem the East India Company began a vigorous public relations campaign in England to popularise tea among the common people in Britain and develop it as a viable return cargo. The escalation of tea importation and sales over the period 1690 to 1750 is mirrored closely by the increase in importation and sales of cane sugar. The British were not just drinking tea but sweet
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tea. Two of Britain’s trading triangles were to meet within the cup: the sugar sourced from Britain’s trading triangle encompassing Britain, Africa and the West Indies and the tea from the triangle encompassing Britain, India and China. The Emperor of China decreed that “China was the centre of the world and had everything they could ever need, so all trade with foreigners must be paid for in Silver” This meant that British traders had to pay China for its tea with silver bullion. Critics of the tea trade at this time would point to the damage caused to Britain’s wealth by this loss of bullion. As a way to generate the silver needed as payment for tea, Britain began exporting opium from the traditional growing regions of British India (in present day Pakistan and Afghanistan) into China. Opium use in China had a long history however British importation of opium, which began in 1781 increased between 1821 and 1837, and the government’s attitude towards opium, which was often ambivalent, hardened as usage of the drug spread more widely across Chinese society. It finally began enforcing measures against importation in 1838-9. Tea by now had become a very important source of tax revenue to the British Empire and the banning of the opium trade and thus the creation of funding issues for tea importers was one of the main causes of the Opium Wars. Whilst waging war on China was one of Britain’s tactics it also began to explore, and then executed, a plan to use India for growing tea. Plantations were established in areas such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Ceylon as an attempt to circumvent its dependence on Chinese tea. The East India Company sent Scottish botanist Robert Fortune to China to purchase and bring out of China tea plants, which were then taken to India, although it was the discovery of native varieties of tea plant in India which proved more important for the development of production there. Tea remained a very important item in Britain’s global trade, contributing in part to Britain’s global dominance by the end of the eighteenth century. To this day tea is seen worldwide as a symbol of
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‘Britishness’, but also, to some, as a symbol of old British colonialism. The London 2012 section of the Paralympic handover in Beijing included tea as part of the routine, sparking fury among many and raising debates amongst UK chat shows stating the London 2012 was far to British!! A cup or mug of tea in Britain is usually made in a different way than is common in China and other Eastern countries. Over 90% of tea consumed is black tea, often but not always with a small amount of milk and/or sugar added. The tea used is often contained in a tea bag, with many households opting to make tea this way for ease, however there are many British people whom still like to use tea leaves in a pot, as it is said this makes a smoother cup of tea. But in Britain it is not just regular tea that we like to refresh our pallets, fruit tea is becoming just as popular due to its flavours and promise of healthy consumption. There are said to be many benefits of drinking Fruit tea as it is jam-packed with assorted vitamins and minerals. Fruit teas are black teas flavoured with a natural essence of fruit. Popular Fruit tea flavours include cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, orange, strawberry, and blueberry. Many fruit teas are made from combinations of fruits, and some also include herbs and spices. Technically fruit teas are not teas per se; rather infusions of fruit flavours, also known as tisanes, fruit teas are usually made using fruit juices or steeped in hot water and can be made at home as well. Made in the same way as traditional black tea, fruit is grated and shredded into fine pieces and then dried. On average a Fruit tea may contain up to nine ingredients, all which play a vital role in the end product of the tea. In a lot of ways Fruit tea is regarded as a rather recent custom, being especially popular with children and those who want a healthy drink without the caffeine. Fruit tea provides a fresh and revitalising cocktail and can be served both hot and cold. In the warmer months is serves as a perfect cool-me-down and once it gets cold, it is very relaxing and warming to the senses. So how else do we British folk celebrate the Great British Cuppa? Well afternoon tea or high tea as it is more commonly known is becoming more and more popular with venues popping up all over the place offering tasty delights and English Breakfast tea. Years ago, there would be just a few select places, mainly in London that would offer Ladies & Gentlemen high tea. It was encouraged by the rich and well to do and most certainly had etiquette about it. Afternoon tea is said to have originated with one person; Anna, 7th Duchess
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of Bedford. In the early 1800’s she launched the idea of having tea in the late afternoon to bridge the gap between luncheon and dinner, which in fashionable circles might not be served until 8 o’clock at night. This fashionable custom soon evolved into high tea among the working classes, where this late afternoon repast became the main meal of the day. Today, afternoon tea is as ever popular and in most establishments has retained its etiquette, with the service of such being offered in white gloves with bone china used for the tea. In days gone by, the aristocracy used to take their tea by placing their little finger in the air whilst sipping delicately out of their cup. The British Population tend not to pursue this manner, however, having said that, you will still find the odd Lady or Gentlemen whom like to uphold this decorum. Tea Gardens or posh hotels are the perfect locations for this custom. In fact Tea Gardens were popular with our older generations and still are today. Dating back, the popular pleasure gardens of Ranelagh and Vauxhall in London began serving tea around 1730. An evening of dancing and watching fireworks would be capped by tea. The concept caught on, and soon Tea Gardens opened all over Britain. Usually the gardens were opened on Saturday and Sunday, and an afternoon of entertainment and dancing would be highlighted by serving tea. So there we have it, Tea is officially an essential part of our everyday lives, it calms us down, it refreshes us and remains a massive part of British history.
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Back to School
By Susan Brookes-Morris Schools are generally very keen to foster a good relationship with parents and their wider community. Often people are well-intentioned and would like to help out, but don’t know how. Here are some ideas which might appeal. You could become a member of the Parent Teachers Association. Traditionally these were developed to foster better relationships between parents and schools, but they are now generally associated with fundraising. You could be involved with activities as varied as running a stall at the summer fete, overseeing discos for the pupils, or organising quiz evenings for parents. Associations are always looking for innovative fundraising ideas, and bringing in new members can bring additional contacts and different perspectives. Why not become a parent governor? Governors get involved with the strategic decision making of schools. They attend full governor body meetings and usually sit on committees dealing with various aspects of the school, such as staffing finance and curriculum. Parent governors are voted for by the parents of pupils at the school. Core responsibilities include: ensuring accountability; acting as a ‘critical friend’ to the Head Teacher; monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress; budgetary allocation and control; planning for the long term future of the school; setting the school’s aims and values, and appointing senior members of staff, including the Head Teacher.
Maybe you would like to be a classroom helper. Classroom helpers volunteer to assist teachers on a regular basis, usually in primary schools. They may be in school for half an hour a week, or perhaps up to half a day. They help with tasks such as listening to pupils read. Reading practice is very labour-intensive, and helpers can make a big difference to teachers and children. It is generally recommended that you assist in a class which isn’t the one your child is in. Perhaps you could help outside the classroom by going on a school outing. This could be a regular weekly trip to the local swimming pool, occasional days out to places of interest, or helping with the football team. You may also be able to help your child’s school by sharing your experiences. Many senior schools have events where parents and local business people come into school to talk about their careers, or to discuss anecdotes about taking part in a notable event or visiting an unusual place. For all but the most fleeting of visits, you will need to undergo a police background check before you can be part of school activities. It is a standard procedure carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in England and Wales, and by Disclosure Scotland in Scotland. Many school volunteers not only benefit from a sense of pride and fulfilment at having assisted, but also find that they improve their skills and enhance their CVs.
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Buying a Used Car?
By Debbie Singh-Bhatti Buying a car is a costly business, which is why it makes sense to check out the used car market where you can save thousands of pounds. Unfortunately it can also be fraught with problems if you don’t get it right. Here’s how to minimise the risks and give yourself the best chance of finding a bargain. Research Once you’ve decided on the type of car you need (based on your particular priorities with regards to comfort, economy and space), research the costs to purchase, tax, insure, service and fuel it. Bear in mind that although older models are often cheaper to buy, they can be more costly to run and may work out more expensive in the long term. Fact Find Have a list of questions to ask the seller before viewing the vehicle. Find out about previous owners; the mileage; the condition; how long the MOT and tax have to run; whether it has ever been written off, in an accident or stolen; if it has any finance outstanding; whether there is a log book, full service history, MOTs and receipts; and whether any maintenance needs doing. Inspection Always view the vehicle at the seller’s address in daylight and in dry weather. Check the sills, wheel arches and door bottoms for rust. Make sure all lights and seat belts work. Check the condition
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of the tyres and mirrors. Look for mismatched or bubbling paint and uneven gaps between body panels. Check that the mileage is about correct for the car’s age (average is 10,000 per year). If the odometer numbers are out of line the mileage may have been tampered with. Check that the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), found under the bonnet and on the windows, matches the number on the V5 certificate (log book). Test Drive Drive the car for at least 15 minutes on different kinds of roads. Listen for unusual noises and look for excessive smoke from the exhaust. Make sure you’re happy with the brakes, gears, steering and suspension. If anything shakes, rattles or grates, the car may have problems that need sorting out. Paperwork Once you have agreed a price, make sure that all paperwork looks and feels genuine (no photocopies). Check that the VIN and recorded keeper details tally with the seller, and examine the service history and MOT certificates to verify the mileage. Get a receipt for your payment from the seller, and finally – make sure the new keeper sections of the log book are completed. Taking a knowledgeable friend along is always a good idea. Failing that, the AA and RAC both offer inspection services. You have to pay but for peace-of-mind it may be worth it. Good luck - and happy motoring!
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Peru
Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca At 12,507 feet, Titicaca appears like a dream, framed by pastel-coloured hills shimmering at the water’s edge under the crisp Andean sky. Stretching for over 100 miles and into Bolivia on its eastern side, fed by five rivers and numerous streams, it’s said to be the world’s highest navigable lake. The nature reserve created in 1978 protects 60 species of native birds and in the sheltered bay of Puno, the Uros Indians live peacefully on man-made islands. They were here long before the Incas built Machu Picchu but on their flimsy abodes ignored by the Conquistadores, they have outlived them for over 400 years. Soon after dawn, the first tourist boat sets off from Puno towards the nearest of 40 islands or so sprinkled around the bay. Built with local totora reeds, they glow coppery gold in the early sun and before long, the islanders begin to stir. Smoke rises from the huts, pots and pans tinkle in the semi- darkness, a man paddles in search of fresh reeds to strengthen or extend his domain and meet growing family needs. The reeds are cut near the shore, towed back then assembled and anchored on the spot. It’s an on-going task for the ‘people of the lake’, 2000 of them, though it never feels like it. Sailing around clusters of tiny islands, you spot a few huts on this one, a shrine on that one, a school on another, a clinic or a couple of craft stalls. The islands are fully movable but if you can’t jump across to see your neighbour, there are plenty of reed boats to travel around.
Most stunning are the majestic dragon-headed vessels gliding silently on blue waters, ready to carry a handful of wide-eyed visitors. Stepping ashore on a bouncy patch of reeds may be unnerving but no one seems to mind. ‘Please come inside,’ says a man with a bright woolly hat, ‘this is my home.’ It’s just one room, no furniture, but there are rugs on the floor and a small black and white television in the corner. Outside the sun is dazzling, the air is cold but ‘Mama’ is used to it. An imposing figure in an ample skirt and traditional bowler hat, she has lit the fire on a bed of stones and proudly shows the fish caught by her man that morning. Nothing grows on the reeds but you can catch fish and ducks, for meat and eggs, chew the white root of a reed or two and head for the market in Puno to sell embroidered cloth, knitwear and trinkets and buy whatever you need. Historians believe the Uros set up home on the lake to escape trouble on land but legend says otherwise. It claims they were here before the dawn of time, protected by ‘black blood’ when the earth was ‘dark and cold’, and few today would wish to change their traditional way of life. A cell phone may ring now and then but somewhere on the edge of the water, a child plays an Andean flute as a sudden breeze sends ripples across the reeds. The tourist boat heads back to the mainland then slowly, on the ‘Black Puma’ lake, the islands vanish, floating like a mirage between water and sky.
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Fly High In The Autumn Sky
By Susan Brookes-Morris Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a birds-eye view of autumn’s fabulous colours? Well that’s exactly what you get when you take a hot air balloon flight. Here’s Susan Brookes’ description of her recent trip: I joined a group of excited passengers at the launch point and listened to the pilot’s safety briefing. Behind him, the balloon’s envelope was being filled with air using an enormous fan. The pilot judged our weights and sizes and told us all where to stand ready for boarding. Once in position, we watched with awe as the material became more and more inflated. Men rushed about manoeuvring the 100ft long nylon material to hasten filling. When the shout to board came, we moved rapidly to clamber into the then vertical basket. The balloon was unsecured and we began to lift off. Rising high into the sky, we waved to the gathered well wishers who quickly became just dots in the distance. As we headed to heights of up to 3000 feet, we were treated to a bird’s eye view of the countryside below. The whole landscape stretched before us: fields, trees, livestock in the fields, streams and lakes. It was a beautiful sight. The huge balloon moved silently across the sky. The calm only interrupted by the passengers’ conversation and the periodic blast of the burners injecting the spell-binding fire into the belly of the balloon. The temperature was surprisingly similar to that at ground level, but with the added bonus of the glow from the flame. Our lovely pilot cheerfully answered all our questions, pointed out landmarks, and told us about the skill of ballooning. Satellite navigation systems are installed in the balloons, but pilots also take maps in case equipment fails. Travel is so gentle because the balloon is moving at the same speed as the wind, and even the most apprehensive passenger soon relaxed and admired the views. When it was time for our flight to end, the pilot descended slowly. I had expected a jerky landing, but the contact of the basket with the ground slowed the progress of the balloon and brought it to a halt quite gently, within a couple of bounces. The basket slowly tilted on its side as it came to rest in a field and the balloon began to deflate in the breeze. We found ourselves lying on our
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backs, rather like wine bottles in a rack, laughing at the fun of it all. For safety reasons, hot air ballooning can only take place when there are suitable weather conditions. Most in our group had waited a while before we finally got the opportunity to take to the skies, but we all agreed the wait for such a thrilling experience had been worthwhile and we’d love to do it again. If you would like to book a balloon flight make sure you use an accredited member of the British Association of Balloon Operators (BABO) www.babo.org.uk
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Katie’s Attic 1 Bedford Road, Henlow Camp SG16 6DR 01462 339660 bevmackereth@yahoo.co.uk
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Second hand furniture and interesting items bought and sold. Come in a take a look we may have just what you are looking for. New stock weekly. Also house clearances wanted Ring Eric on 07906641241
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Hair Q and A
By Helen Taylor Having a bad hair day? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Q. I spend a lot of money each month on my salon colour but it fades very quickly. I want it to stay looking vibrant for longer; what can I do? A. Is your colour permanent or semi-permanent? Many women visit the salon and don’t know which dye is being applied to their hair. If it’s permanent, the colour will stay in until cut out or re-coloured. If it’s a semi-permanent then expect it to wash out after approximately 18-20 washes. Remember, although permanent colours have staying power, they are harsher on your hair, so if it’s in bad condition, stick to a semi. What colour is your hair? Reds are notoriously difficult to maintain and you will have to be prepared to colour your hair more frequently. Reds fade fast; washing, blow-drying, styling, sunlight and chlorine will fade your colour quickly. Specialist shampoos designed for red colours can help. After having your hair coloured wait at least 48 hours before washing to protect your new shade - this extra time will allow the colour to settle. Always wash your locks with water at a cool temperature because hot water opens the
cuticles on the hair shaft, allowing dye to escape. Avoid clarifying shampoos - these are products which are designed to deep clean the hair. Not surprisingly they strip out colour causing it to fade fast. Buy shampoo and conditioner which is designed for coloured hair because they are formulated without the harsh chemicals that will strip out colour. If you have a holiday in the sun planned, pack hair products with SPF protection and UV filters to protect against the sun’s rays. If you’re in the pool keep your hair out of the water, or coat it in conditioner before you take a swim. Q. No matter what I do with my hair it always ends up looking flat. How can I inject some volume? A. Use a volumising product on your roots when your hair is damp. Tip your head upside down to blow-dry until the hair is nearly dry, then flip your head back and use a round brush with a metal barrel to add lift and volume throughout the top sections. Think carefully about your hair colour; one all-over colour can make your hair look flatter, so choose highlights in several shades to create more interest and give the illusion of a thicker, fuller and more voluminous mane. Q. My hair is really frizzy; what can I do? A. Fight frizz by using a deep conditioning treatment every time you wash your hair. Remember to apply it to the lengths and ends only to avoid greasy-looking roots. Before you dry your locks, apply a serum or oil, section off your locks and direct your hairdryer’s nozzle downwards as you dry, to create a smooth finish. If you’re still finding that your style is frizzy when you’ve finished add a little more oil or serum. Q. My hair looks damaged, dry and dull. I use straighteners on my long hair every day; are they to blame? A. Yes. Any heat styling - straightening, curling, blow-drying - can have a damaging effect, especially on long hair styles. Heat tools dry out the lengths and ends of hair leaving locks looking frazzled. Although we all depend on them to create the looks we want for our hair, it’s important to not over-use them. Always use a good quality heat protection spray before blowdrying, straightening or curling. Try to leave hair to dry naturally when you can and always deepcondition your mane.
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PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
by Julia Faulks
Bad foot health isn’t just embarrassing, it can also be painful. From verrucas, to bunions, calluses, athlete’s foot and ingrown toenails, without the right treatment or preventative care you could end up in a lot of pain and discomfort. Treating foot problems Many foot problems can be helped with prescription or over-the-counter treatments, but some may require further help from a podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist). They can supply tailor-made insoles, padding or arch supports to help relieve heel or arch pain, or help to get rid of all that hard skin you’ve been building up for years. You will get priority NHS treatment by a podiatrist if you have diabetes, arthritis or blood circulation problems. But if you have a foot problem that is just a bit ugly but isn’t causing you pain, then you may not be eligible for treatment on the NHS. Smelly feet If you notice people moving away from you when you talk, it may be worth checking your foot odour (if not, then your breath, armpits, you get the idea) - no one wants to be known as the person with the smelly feet, or having the less offensive medical term, ‘bromodosis’. Luckily there are some simple solutions to stopping your feet from getting too stinky, which when you consider the fact that we have around 250,000 sweat glands in our feet, is a very common problem. As well as making sure you don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row (to help the sweat dry out), you should wash and dry your feet every day and avoid wearing socks more than once before they are washed. If you still can’t get rid of the smell then try the following: • Use surgical spirit after a shower or bath, using cotton wool between your toes to help dry out the skin. • Use a foot spray, deodorant or antiperspirant on your feet. • Buy anti-smelling foot insoles or feet-fresh socks. • Wear light sandals and go barefoot at home whenever you can. Wearing the right shoes High heels, flip flops and unsupportive trainers
won’t do your feet any favours – especially if you wear them on a regular basis. As tempting as it is to wear flip flops for comfort, you should try to avoid wearing them every day. Along with the possibility that you will stub your toe or sprain your ankle tripping up as you run to catch the bus, they also won’t give you that allimportant heel and arch support to prevent foot pain or tendonitis. Final steps to take for healthy feet Many of the most common feet problems can be avoided or treated alongside conventional medication by following many of the tips above on foot hygiene, as well as the following: 1. Keep pedicure kits clean and don’t share them with others. 2. Avoid walking around barefoot at swimming pools or communal showers - these are a breeding ground for foot infections. 3. Trim your toe nails regularly to avoid in-grown toenails. 4. Regularly moisturise and smooth dry and rough skin. 5. Seek professional help if you can’t treat a foot problem on your own.
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The beginning of the railway boom
Sept 27th 1825 AND Sept 15th 1830 September 27th 1825: Opening of Stockton & Darlington Railway September 15th 1830: Opening of Liverpool & Manchester Railway If there were such an event as World Railways Month, it would have to be September, when two of the most significant anniversaries in the history of tracked transport fall. The Stockton & Darlington Railway was the world’s first thoroughgoing commercial passenger and freight railway specifically designed for steam locomotives. It was officially declared open on September 27th 1825 and when the inaugural train – drawn by George Stephenson’s Locomotive No 1 and carrying 600 passengers in coal wagons with a luxury coach for VIPs – completed the 26mile journey to the Tees wharfs at Stockton it was greeted by a crowd of 40,000 and a 21-gun salute. It wasn’t the world’s first steam railway, though. The first attempts at adapting steam engines – by then a mature technology – went back to the late 1780s when Boulton & Watt’s chief designer, Andrew Murdock, was experimenting with highpressure steam and building prototype miniature locomotives in his back garden. His next-door neighbour, something of a child prodigy called Richard Trevithick, took note of what he was doing and when he grew up exhibited his own loco, Puffing Devil. That was in 1801, and by then other designers
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were already building steam-powered carriages designed for road use. The engines were too heavy for the roads though, so in 1804 Trevithick tried running an adapted engine (normally used to power a drop-hammer) on the tramway at Penydarren ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil. Again, the rails, which normally carried horse-drawn wagons, were too fragile. In 1808 Trevithick exhibited a purpose-built loco, Catch Me Who Can, on a circular track at a “steam circus” held in Euston, London. Everything worked but although many people enjoyed the ride, no-one was buying. Trevithick gave up. Mine owners didn’t, though. In 1812 a short line using steam locos opened between Middleton colliery and the wharves at Leeds. George Stephenson himself built two such lines, at Killingworth and Hetton before starting work on the Stockton & Darlington. Great engineer he might have been, but he wasn’t much of an organiser. The S&DR owned the line (which was only single track) but not the locos; instead, colliers and carriers paid to run their own trains, some steam, some horse-drawn. The confusion was indescribable. A second track was built and the need for timetables was soon discovered. The Liverpool & Manchester, on which Stephenson and his son Robert also worked, was a very different operation. The 35-mile line was intended to undercut the canal-owners who charged extortionate rates to bargees shuttling raw cotton and finished textiles between Liverpool docks and the Lancashire cotton-mills. It was two-track, steam-only, and properly timetabled. The L&M itself owned and operated the locos (including Stephenson’s Rocket), and even invented a crude form of signalling. The line itself was a miracle of engineering: it had 46 bridges and viaducts, one of nine arches, the Wapping tunnel was 1½ miles long, one two-mile cutting was 70ft deep and to lay the line securely across the 4½-mile swamp, Chat Moss, the engineers had to sink hundreds of hurdles of heather and stone. The grand opening was marred by the death of the Liverpool MP William Huskisson, who was hit by the Rocket himself, losing his legs and his life soon after. Nevertheless, the L&M was a wild commercial success – and the railway boom was on, not just in Britain, but around the world.
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STREATLEY VILLAGE HALL Available for Hire RECEPTIONS - WEDDINGS - PARTIES FUNCTIONS - MEETINGS This well maintained hall with a high ceiling and a timber floor provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and can accommodate up to 90 persons dancing/dining or 130 as close seated audience. There is a fully fitted kitchen with oven, hob and fridge, as well as a separate licensed bar area, wheelchair access and baby changing facilities. To the rear of the hall is the village playing field and recreation area. Although not part of the hall, the playing field is open to the general public. FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT 01582 882119
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Hey Guys! Read this!
It could save your life Testicular cancer is relatively rare, yet it is the most common type of cancer to affect men aged between 15 and 44. Factors that can increase the risk include having a family history of the disease, and being born with undescended testicles. Rates of the disease are also five times higher in white men than in black men. Thankfully, the outlook for men diagnosed with testicular cancer is one of the best for all types of cancer. Over 95% of cases of men with early stage testicular cancer will be completely cured. Even cases where the cancer has spread outside the testicles have an 80% chance of being cured. As with other cancers, early detection improves your prognosis and can reduce the amount of treatment necessary. The most common symptom to look out for is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Read how to examine yourself below, but be aware that fewer than 4 in 100 testicular lumps are cancerous. Other symptoms may include a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Sometimes, testicular cancer can spread to the lymph glands at the back of the abdomen, which can cause backache. Lumps can also form in the lymph glands around the neck and collarbone. Testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the centre of the chest. This leads to swelling, a cough and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The cancer cells may also spread to the lungs themselves causing breathlessness, but they do not usually affect other organs. Treatment of testicular cancer involves surgically removing the affected testicle. This should not affect fertility or the ability to have sex, and a false testicle can be put in place so that the scrotum will have a normal appearance. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or additional surgery may also be required, depending on the type and spread of the disease. How to Examine Yourself You should check your testicles regularly – 24
once a month is a good interval. The best time to do this is after a warm bath or shower when your scrotal skin will be relaxed. Hold the scrotum in the palms of your hands and use your fingers and thumb to gently feel each testicle. Look out for any lumps or swellings, or an increase in size or weight. (You should feel a soft tube at the back of each testicle – this is normal). It is rare to develop cancer in both testicles at the same time, so you can compare one with the other to see what is normal. If you notice anything unusual, contact your GP as soon as possible.
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Hot stone and Swedish massage Manicures & pedicures (Shellac gels available) Waxing Eye treatments Facials Indian Head Massage
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Save money
by doing winter things now Winter might seem like some time away but you can save money by preparing for it now; plumbers are cheaper while the weather is warmer and there are still offers on insulation and boilers so start work now before winter arrives and the prices go up. Switch your bills now - It’s a great time to switch to a cheaper provider as the major providers typically start to increase their prices any day now, just in time for winter. Find a copy of your last gas and electricity bills, go to the energyswitching page on Moneymagpie.com and find a cheaper deal for yourself. It’s often worth considering one of the smaller suppliers however if you want to stick to a major supplier you may be eligible for discounted bills through the government’s ECO (Energy Company Obligation) scheme which offers heating and insulation improvements for low-income and means tested households. Visit www.gov.uk/ energy-company-obligation or call the Energy Saving Trust on 0300 123 1234 for details. Boilers - If your boiler is coming to the end of its life, now is a good time to have it replaced. Most boilers over 15 years old can be repaired to keep them working, but they will be less efficient than modern ones. Even factoring in the cost of a new boiler you could save money by replacing it now. Also, you could receive up to £270 cashback for updating your boiler through the new government energy improvement scheme, The Green Deal Cashback Scheme, which gives you money back if you make energy efficiency improvements in your home. The Green Deal is available to households in England and Wales and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, even if you are renting privately or in social housing. Firstly, have a Green Deal assessment carried out on your property which will provide you with a report of what could be improved. Then agree to a quote or Green Deal plan with a Green Deal Provider. You can find them online at www.greendealorb.co.uk/ consumersearch. Apply for the Green Deal Cashback Voucher at www.gdcashback.decc. gov.uk. Make sure you have the work completed before the voucher expires and you’ll receive your cashback within 30 days. Insulation Now is a great time to get up-to-date
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insulation as it’s a quiet period for installers. Insulation materials are also much cheaper to buy in the summer and early autumn. Efficient insulation can cut the cost of heating and cooling by 40%, while loft insulations save an average 20% on your energy bills annually. Don’t forget you can also find loft insulation vouchers on websites like Groupon as well as applying for the Green Deal. Draught-proofing - Draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to save energy in your home. The Energy Saving Trust claims you can save £55 a year. You could save more money by taking the DIY route but remember some older properties with single glazing will be more difficult to draughtproof and if you are not comfortable with your DIY skills, hiring a professional could save you money in the long run. Check your home insurance policy before carrying out work yourself to ensure that you’re covered for DIY. Plumbers - Summer and early autumn is a slower time of year for plumbers so you could find the rates more favourable, and you’ll also be able to get the work completed quickly. Have any pipe repairs or radiator work done now to eliminate cold spots and fix wasteful dripping taps. It’s also worth having the plumbers in just to check everything is ship shape for winter. Moneymagpie.com has up to date information on hundreds of ways to earn a bit on the side and boost your income – and more are being added every week. There is also a wealth of information on best-buy financial products, plus heaps of articles to help you be a clever consumer and make the most of your money. Did you know? Boilers account for around 55% of what you spend in a year on energy bills. You can save as much as £310 a year by replacing it.
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ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND BUILDING DESIGN SERVICES Professional and affordable architectural design services provided for all types of private residential building projects with all necessary council approvals obtained.
For free estimates and advice, contact Jason Dixon on:01767 677540 or 07908 004816 e-mail: JTDixon101@aol.com No VAT payable for design and drawing services on residential projects Jason Dixon, 101 Meadow Road, Great Gransden, Sandy, SG19 3BB.
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Beat the utility bills
The gadgets that’ll save you cash With summer already a distant memory, energy companies are rubbing their hands with glee. Cooler weather means bigger energy bills. Time to review a few energy saving devices then. You don’t need to spend a fortune: some of the most effective changes are the simplest. For example, one of the best bill-busters is to replace existing bulbs with low-energy ones. Halogen bulbs are better than incandescent ones, but LED bulbs are better still: for example in a typical 6-light kitchen spotlight, you can replace six 50W halogen bulbs with six 3W LEDs - so the total energy use would drop from 300W to just 18W. Look for “warm white” LEDs if you want a natural light: some LEDs have a bluish light, an effect not everybody likes. Note if you want dimmable lights you’ll need dimmable bulbs and LED-friendly dimmer switches. While the bulbs do cost more than traditional ones the price is coming down, and they last much, much longer than even halogens, so they’ll pay for themselves quickly and save you money over a long period of time. If you have an outdoor security light, consider swapping that too: while halogen security lights can use 400W or more, LED ones can be surprisingly bright with bulbs rated at just 10W. Turning things off can slash your energy usage too, and computers are particular offenders. Investing in the Ecobutton, which costs around £15, can pay for itself very quickly: press it when you take a break and it’ll put your PC into the most energy efficient standby mode. For TVs, a TV standby saver can put all your home
entertainment kit to sleep when you put the TV into standby mode, and there’s an equivalent for PCs. Expect to pay £21 for a TV standby saver and around £16 for a PC one. The Energy Saving Trust also recommends the WAHL Eco Kettle, which uses 60% less energy than a normal kettle - but don’t spoil the savings by boiling more water than you actually need. Don’t forget about batteries either: swapping from normal batteries to rechargeable ones can save you hundreds of pounds in a relatively short space of time: according to Which? magazine, you could save as much as £500 over 100 charges. Cutting down your gas usage isn’t quite as simple, but it’s still possible. Fitting a flow regulator such as the £5 Showersave to your shower slashes the amount of hot water your showers use, and the £25 Radiator BOOster can reduce the time it takes to heat a room, cutting energy usage in the process. Shower flow reducers can reduce your bills if you’re on a water meter too, as can the Hippo water saver, which reduces the amount of water used to flush your toilet. For really big savings on gas, give some thought to a new boiler: by replacing a D-rated boiler with an A-rated one, you could save around £181 per year in a typical detached house. If that’s a step too far, don’t forget the obvious, affordable options: you’ll save a fortune by insulating your house if its current insulation isn’t up to scratch and by turning the thermostat down a notch. You’ll find that energy efficiency work is often subsidised by government grants, and you might even be able to have it done for free.
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Lawn to be Wild
BY DEREK THOMPSON Cutting the grass seems such a waste of time to me. Just like fingernails, toenails and hair (if you’re lucky), it’ll only grow back again. True, it’s a valuable addition to the compost, but that’s about it. Whereas, one of the things I love most about the garden as a whole is its adaptability. Yes, it’s an ecosystem and a natural habitat, but it’s also something more: a blank canvas just waiting for my often ill-thought-out ideas. Bored with grass? (And, by grass, I mean patches of grass among the swathes of dandelions.) There’s a remedy for that - simply put down bark chips. Worried that the bees and butterflies need more encouragement to stay and thrive? Easy peasy - grow more flowers and grow a variety to suit different insects. And while you’re about it, make sure you provide a shallow source of water so they can drink. We wanted to take the whole rural thing a stage further (no, not a tractor - it wouldn’t fit through the gate), and decided to create a meadow. Or rather, with our garden: a mini meadow. First, I dug out a rough circle - and believe me, it was rough. Next, with the turf removed, we put down a layer of 50 / 50 soil and sharp sand. We brought in native wildflower seeds and some from Flanders’ poppies, which came impregnated on paper rolls. Some judicious scissor work to patchwork the sections, soak with water and then another layer of soil and sand. Naturally, the cat supervised the proceedings, technically outranking Anne as chief observer. Porsha’s presence was also a timely reminder to put netting over the circle from the beginning. After that, it’s a case of occasional watering, watching and waiting. The seeds stir into life very quickly. Try as you might though, it’s nigh on impossible to stop the daisies from encroaching over the edges. Maybe they’re just arriving early to the party. The edges of the garden are largely wild (and some of the neighbours are probably
furious), a rather fetching tangle of lords and ladies, buttercups and grasses, with seasonal appearances from bluebells, columbines, foxgloves and pulmonaria. We also have something we know as Mrs West, but have never been able to identify properly - so much for the power of the internet. The joy of having wild garden areas is the same sense of excitement as buying lucky bags as a child. Only, in this case, instead of a disappointing car with a broken wheel, the surprise might be scarlet pimpernel, wild strawberries (Anne’s not keen - she says they take over), or dog violets. And even today we argue over speedwell vs. forget-me-nots in an identity parade. We haven’t gone entirely au naturel. Having previously installed a few raised beds, Anne opted for violas (Avril Lawson), geums (Mrs Bradshaw) and bellis. None of which explains the catmint we planted near the front gate, principally to see whether Porsha would appreciate it. Strangely, while she loved it when it was a mere kittenmint in the conservatory, she treats it with indifference now it’s out in the open. Not to worry though; if last year was anything to go by, she’ll love the next butternut squash plant.
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WEED ATTACK
By PIPPA GREENWOOD Ask a dictionary the definition of a weed and you’ll read that it’s ‘a plant growing in the wrong place’. Ask a gardener, and they’ll tell you that weeds are often the number one menace in their garden. So if you want to wage war on those pesky weeds, and stand a chance of winning, take a look at my multi-pronged attack strategy. Off with their Heads Whatever the weed problem, it’s essential to prevent them from setting seed. Make sure you cut off its head before it has a chance to even start to set seed. The old saying that ‘one year’s seed is seven years’ weed’ isn’t far from the truth. Stop Stowaways When you’re next shopping for plants in your local garden centre or nursery make sure that you only bring home what you want, not those pesky weed stowaways that often lurk on the compost surface. I always do a bit of weeding before buying: especially for weeds such as the innocent looking hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta). Spaghetti roots Some weeds like couch grass, bindweed and nettles have amazingly resilient and far-reaching underground stems or roots. Whatever you do, don’t succumb to the temptation to use a powered cultivator or rotovator as this will chop the roots in to little bits and end up spreading and increasing the problem in the process. Lawn Louts Lawn weeds such as dandelions and daisies are difficult to control as unlike the taller weeds, these rosette-forming plants won’t be harmed as you mow the lawn. One of the best, albeit slow, methods is to tackle them with a sturdy old kitchen knife or a daisy-grubber tool. Deep Rooted Problems Some weeds such as docks and dandelions have tough and chunky roots that are very difficult to kill. And to make matters worse, if you leave any sizeable bit of the root in the soil, it’s likely to form a new plant. Do everything you can to take out the entire root as you’ll be saving a lot of time in the long run. Laying Carpet For large areas, try the carpet option; literally covering the surface with a layer or two of carpet, held in place with bricks. If the carpet is placed fluffy side down and left in place for at least 18
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months, the weeds will start to die off from lack of light. Make sure that the carpet is made from natural fibres, not synthetic or else you’ll be left with it in the soil, and for allotments, check that there are no restrictions on using carpet. Time it Right Some weeds such as the purple flowered oxalis spread by forming tiny ‘bulbils’ or miniature bulbs below ground. If you try to dig these weeds out now, the bulbils will be shed into the surrounding soil as you lift the plant out, making matters worse. Wait until next spring when the bulbils will be firmly attached and weed them out then. Hoe, hoe, hoe An old fashioned and still just as useful method of weed control is the hoe. They’re a great way to weed your garden, especially if it’s largely annual weeds such as chickweed or groundsel that invade your plot. Keep the hoe sharp and use it regularly. Careful what you Compost Only compost the green, leafy bits of weeds; avoid any chunky roots, and never put any flowering or seeding weeds in the compost heap. Some weed seeds will easily survive most domestic composting systems. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for a great range of gardening products including Pippa’s favourite weeder, Nemaslug, Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece and lots more besides.
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THE LOG MAN Established 1972
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ACE BUILDING & LANDSCAPES Quality, Reliability and Great Value Driveways, Garden Patios, Domestic and Commercial Fencing, Brick walls, General Landscaping, Turfing, Concreting Services, Shed Bases, Garage Conversions FREE site surveys and quotes.
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AMPTHILL & DISTRICT
LIONS CLUB
July 1st seems to come around very quickly. It is a special time for Lions as our new President takes over and the picture shows our Past President Bob Pledger’s last task for the year which was handing over a cheque for £3,000 to Donna Luff of the MS Trust. The bulk of the money was raised from our Moonraker Night Walk and our thanks go to all who helped raise so much for this worthy cause. We would particularly like to thank our sponsors LMC Foods and Flitwick Co-op. Would you like to help sponsor this year’s event? This year’s walk will be held on Saturday 12th October 2013 and our new President Margaret Jones’s chosen charity is East Anglian Air Ambulance. If you would like to take part details are on our web site www.ampthilllions.btck. co.uk Teams can take part on a 50/50 basis with half their money raised going to their own Club or Charity if they so wish. You may wish to join Ampthill & District Lions Club and help to support the local community. We are
looking for new members – come and have some fun helping others – be part of a winning team. Our meeting place is The Jolly Coopers, Flitton, Beds and we meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 8pm.
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A little care
can make a huge difference….. Clive, the kitten, may only be 4 months old, but he’s experienced more traumas in his short life than most. Thankfully, despite a terrible start, his life has been transformed. But this isn’t always the case. Clive was born to a feral cat – one of a number of cats living wild at an address in Kempston. In June, the RSPCA became involved, as the colony of cats was becoming a problem. These cats probably originated from an unneutered pet cat that was abandoned. Two unneutered cats can quickly become a whole colony. In fact, in seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce an incredible 370,000 kittens! Family members interbreed which can lead to deformities and sickly young. And as these cats are often underfed, are not vaccinated, wormed or treated for fleas, they’re often living unhealthy, miserable lives. Clive was about 6 weeks old when he came into our care with his five other siblings. It was difficult to give an exact age, as each kitten was very small and frail. Little Clive was one of the smallest in the litter. He had cat flu and conjunctivitis. All the kittens struggled with tummy problems and had to be fed a diet of plain chicken. This meant that caring for Clive was not only time consuming for his volunteer foster family, but more expensive, for the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch, than a healthy kitten which could be fed on dry kitten food. Over the coming weeks we thought we would lose Clive a number of times as his tiny, frail body fought for survival.
But, Clive is, thankfully, a survivor and is now a delightful, cheeky little kitten. He might be short in stature, and probably always will be, but he makes up for this by his huge personality and loving nature. After a month with his foster family, Clive was well enough to be re-homed. He was taken to Deepdale Vets, in Potton, who are generous enough to house some of our animals for us. Within days, Jo visited to find a kitten, met Clive and fell in love. Clive now rules the roost in his new home in Clapham. The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch is currently inundated with unwanted kittens looking for homes. Please consider neutering your pets so that you are not adding to this problem. If you think you can give a kitten a loving forever home, please contact us. We’re also looking for volunteer foster carers who can give cats, and kittens like Clive, a future. ANIMAL QUERIES is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk
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SEASONAL DELIGHTS
Mediterranean fish bake This is a great one-pan dish full of fresh flavour. Monkfish is quite pricey but the meaty flesh is delicious and bakes really well, however you can replace it with cod loin, salmon steaks or thick pieces of haddock fillet if you prefer. Serve with a green salad and warmed ciabatta bread to mop up all the lovely herb and lemon flavoured pan juices. INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive oil (choose a good quality fruity one) 350g small new potatoes, halved 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks 225g small plum tomatoes, halved 4 monkfish fillets (each weighing about 150g) 50g butter, softened Pared rind and juice from 1 small lemon, plus extra wedges to serve 1 tbsp fresh chopped oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper Serves: 4 Ready in: 50 minutes
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Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6. Place the oil in a large non-stick roasting tin and heat in the oven for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes to the tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Roast for 20 minutes, turning once. 2 Add the peppers and tomatoes to the roasting tin and toss to coat in the hot oil. Make a space in the tin and add the monkfish fillets. Return the roasting tin to the oven for 10 minutes. 3 Dot the butter over the fish fillets and sprinkle over the lemon rind, juice and oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and roast for a further 5-10 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and the potatoes and peppers are tender. 4 Slice each monkfish fillet and arrange with the potatoes, peppers and tomatoes on four warmed serving plates. Spoon over the pan juices and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Tip Replace the peppers with sliced courgettes, chunks of celery and baby button mushrooms, if liked.
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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)........................£35 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 . . .
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James Cullip
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References available t: 01462 817 122 m: 07899 888 545 e: go_on_james@hotmail.com www.cullippaintinganddecorating.co.uk 10 Mill Lane, Campton, Shefford, Beds
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We are an experienced company offering solutions to all aspects of electrical work, domestic and commercial. We are fully insured and all work is guaranteed. We are registered with Napit through the Part P scheme and also registered with Trustmark for peace of mind.
Land Lord Test Certificates Extra sockets to full re-wires security lighting Fault Finding and trouble shooting Underfloor Heating Consumer unit upgrades 24 hour call out These are just a small range of the works we carry out. Please call for a free quotation, no job too small. 0800 511 8985 / 07956 467 411 www.mjtelectricalservices.co.uk enquiries@mjtelectricalservices.co.uk
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Fun Quiz - Musical Instruments 1. What is the name of the long plastic horn that came to worldwide attention during the 2010 FIFA World Cup with many supporters blowing on one to produce a loud monotone sound? 2. Which musical instrument features on the Guinness logo? 3. Jazz musician Charlie Parker is best known for playing which musical instrument? 4. Consisting of two metal strips bound around a cotton tape reed, a swazzle is an instrument that is held in the mouth and traditionally used to provide the voice of which character? 5. How many black keys are there for every eight white keys on a piano? 6. Which famous person popularised musical instruments called the wobble board and the stylophone? 7. How many strings are there in total on the four instruments that make up a standard string quartet? 8. Who famously set his guitar on fire at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival? 9. Which musical instrument features a part called a chanter, which the player of the instrument would use to create the melody? 10. Which musical instrument has a name that roughly translates as “jumping flea”? 1. The vuvuzela 2. The harp 3. Saxophone 4. Punch (in a Punch and Judy show) 5. Five 6. Rolf Harris 7. 16 (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello - all have 4 strings) 8. Jimi Hendrix 9. Bagpipes 10. The ukulele
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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
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Super Sunset Photos
By Louise Addison
Autumn is the best time of year for beautiful sunsets. Capturing them on camera can be tricky though. Here’s how to take better sunset pics. Choose the time and place – Make a note of places where you’ve seen wonderful sunsets, then make a point of travelling there before the sunset to give you time to set your camera up. There are some great websites which tell you what time the sun will set on a particular day. Try www.sunsettimes. co.uk. Think foreground – The best sunset photos tend to have something of interest in the foreground, generally silhouetted, to provide a focal point. Look for a great tree, or a wind farm, even pylons can look picturesque in front of a sunset. Patience and a tripod are very handy – Sunset actually goes on for quite a long time. As the sun dips beneath the horizon it can produce some spectacular shots, but afterwards, the colours of the sky can become even more rich and beautiful, so hang around. The best shots are often longer
exposures, so they will look shaky unless you secure your camera to a tripod. Ignore ‘the rule of thirds’ – It’s a good rule, but with sunsets you generally want to place your horizon really low down in the shot so the picture is filled with colour. Use reflections if available – If you are near water take full advantage of doubling the impact of your sunset. Experiment by placing the horizon at exactly half way, or fill the shot with reflections only
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CODEWORD
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
9 X 9 PUZZLE
How to play It’s simple! 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 puzzle. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
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Quality PVC-U Windows & Doors MANUFACTURERS & INSTALLERS Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Bi-Folding Doors & Composite Doors
COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC • Vertical Sliding Sash Windows • Casement Windows • Residential & French Doors • Patio Doors • Pivot Windows • 10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee • Discount for Pensioners • FENSA Certification Potton Windows is the only local company to be awarded the Secure By Design accreditation, to all products manufactured at its Potton Factory, this is a Police Preferred specification for greater security.
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Julian Biggs Chimney Advert:Layout 1 17/05/2013 14:
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Sherree Valentine Daines
GALLERY 1066
Gallery 1066 are excited to announce that they will be showcasing a superb range of previously unseen Original Paintings and the latest Limited Editions from one of the finest artists of our generation, Sherree Valentine Daines. This unmisable exhibition will start on the 13th of September and will continue until the 22nd. In this stunning collection Sherree visits her favourite subjects; Ascot, Henley and the magic of childhood. Working from her own personal photographs she has created an exquisite portfolio of personal memories and precious moments that will thrill both existing collectors and newcomers to her work.
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“We look forward to welcoming you to the gallery and experiencing the enchanting world of Sherree Valentine Daines with you.� For more information on this exhibition or other future events please contact the gallery on 01462 622233, info@gallery1066fineart.com or visit our website www.gallery1066fineart.com
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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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The Villager Prize Crossword Prize
£25
Name:
Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before 17th September 2013 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP Tel:
Address:
Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Paul Lovett from Henlow For last month’s solution please visit www.villagermag.com Across 1 Entrance (6) 4 Be owned by (6) 9 Hold (7) 10 Previous (5) 11 Brush (5) 12 Conversing (7) 13 Promises (11) 18 Sediment (7) 20 Undressed (5) 22 Avoid (5) 23 In the open air (7) 24 Guard (6) 25 Grown-ups (6) Down 1 Blame (6) 2 Type of light boat (5) 3 Soap (7) 5 Banish (5) 6 Belief (7) 7 Car repair centre (6) 8 Directive (11) 14 Make clear (7) 15 Caught fire (7) 16 Snakes (6) 17 Worships (6) 19 Curse (5) 21 Small hill (5)
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Ten ways to create a new room
BY KATHERINE SORRELL Just had a baby? Started working from home? Run out of storage? Then you need to stretch your home. 1 Build an extension Pros - Adding a rear extension to a kitchen can be a great way to create a multi-functional family room. Filling in the side return in a typical Victorian terrace is popular. It may be possible to add a second storey for a new bedroom or bathroom on the first floor, too. Cons Reduces garden size. Unsympathetic extensions feel like an add-on. 2 Convert the loft Pros - Create a bedroom (perhaps with a bathroom), a home office or playroom, without taking space from the garden. Cons - Not every loft has the headroom or enough useable space. More difficult and expensive if your roof isn’t traditionally built. 3 Convert the cellar Pros - Turn a cellar into family living space, a useful utility area, a home office or even a selfcontained annexe, without altering the outside of your home. Cons - Often more expensive, per square metre, than other ways of creating extra space. Can be
difficult to get enough headroom and light into the new room. 4 Add a conservatory Pros - Adds extra living space and brings the garden into your home. Relatively inexpensive. Cons - A poorly built conservatory can be too hot in summer, freezing cold in winter and full of condensation. Takes space from your garden. 5 Build a room in the garden Pros - The building work will hardly bother you. Cons - Not suitable for small gardens. Could look like a shed, security is an issue, and if not properly insulated it will be too cold to use in winter. 6 Divide a room into two Pros - Carving up a large space to add another room is useful and can add value, even though you’re not actually creating any extra space. Cons - You’ll need to create a separate doorway for the room, and include an opening window. 7 Put in an ensuite Pros - Loved by buyers. Can be fitted into quite a small space. Cons - Installing an ensuite at the expense of a bedroom could knock your property’s value. 8 Build on top of your garage Pros - A first floor extension on top loses no garden space and is often relatively easy. Cons - Foundations may not be strong enough, so the garage will have to be underpinned. 9 Convert your understairs space Pros - Turns a poorly used area into a valuable extra room – perfect for a ground-floor loo, an extra shower room or a study area. Cons - You’ll have to find extra space to store that under-stairs stuff. If putting in a loo or bathroom, ventilation and connecting to drainage may be a problem. 10 Convert your garage Pros - It’s a relatively straightforward job to turn it into a valuable indoor space. Cons - Foundations may need strengthening. Avoid if you live in an area where parking is at a premium. Remember, before starting any work, you must speak to the relevant authorities to find out if you need building regulations approval, planning permission or party wall consent from your neighbours. www.planningportal.gov.uk has more information.
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what’S ON?
IN SEPTember
6 August-26 November Exhibition: A, B, C: The art and history of the Alphabet Tuesdays 10am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm, Sundays 2pm-5pm British Schools Museum, 41/42 Queen Street, Hitchin Adults £4.50, Children £2, Family ticket £12, Under 5’s free As simple as A, B, C we say, but is it really? Learn about the fascinating history of the alphabet; how it has changed and the beautiful ways in which it has been depicted. Find out about a host of different alphabets and enjoy our wordplay games and activities. You can even win a prize in our daily ‘hidden word’ competition. Additional opening hours during school holidays. Check the website for details. Web: www.britishschoolsmuseum.co.uk 1 September 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. 1-29 September Art Exhibition 10am-4pm Wednesdays-Sunday weekly Garden City Gallery, 5 Leys Avenue, Letchworth Free admission A chance to buy original art by two local amateur artists Joan Whicher and Alan Saunders. The paintings cover a variety of subjects and are in a selection of different media from oil, acrylic, mixed media and pastel to water colour. Email: alansaunders@fsmail.net Web: www.clikpic.com/jazzyjoan and www.clikpic.com/ alansaunders 2 September St Neots Astronomy Association 7.30pm The Visitors Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton Historical Nova by Gary Poyner. This will be a fun informative meeting with visual displays. Everyone welcome. We are a very friendly small club and new members are very welcome. We look forward to meeting you whether you’re a complete beginner or a veteran; we have something to offer you. Tel: David Roberts 01480 212960 Email: david@snaa.co.uk Tel: Nick Maudlin 01767 315678 Email: nick@snaa.co.uk Web: www.snaa.co.uk 5 September Baldock Floral Society 7.30pm Community Centre, Baldock Visitors £5 Demonstration by Teresa Rodrigues “From Root to Bloom”. All welcome. Tel: 01462 642336
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Entries into our What’s On sections are free. If you have an event you would like us to publicise please email the details to whatson@villagermag.com 5, 12, 19 & 6 September Sapphire Social & Singles Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin Club for those 45+ and unattached. Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 7 September The Signals Museum 10am-4pm The Signals Museum at RAF Henlow is open to the public. Entry is free but official photo ID such as a driving licence, passport or over 60s Bus Pass is required to get an entry permit from the Guardroom. See website for full information. Web: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 7 September Musical Evening 7.30-11pm Barkway Village Hall Tickets £1 5 Drinks Reception, Supper Party. Live Music, Individual Karaoke (optional!), Sing along Disco and Raffle. Bar with draught beer - Hopback Brewery “Summer Lightning”, wine and soft drinks. Proceeds to Save the Children. Tickets Tel: John 01763 848870, Liz 01763 838172, Sue 01763 848379 or Lucie 01223 264355 7 September The Soul Man Arlesey Town Football Club Tickets £5 Tickets available from Lesley at the Club. Don’t miss out – get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tel: Lesley on 07717462393 for more information. 7 September Music Concert 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Concert with David Campbell (Clarinet) and friends. Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 8 September All Breeds Fun Dog Show Gates open 10am, first class starts 11am The Cross Keys, Pulloxhill Free admission. Pre-registered classes £2 per dog, per class or £3 on the day In aid of Greyhound Rescue West of England (Eastern Region). Rings for all breeds, Greyhounds, and Lurchers; plus 4 Novelty Classes judged by actress Jaye Griffiths. Rosettes to fifth place plus Goody bags. Lots of stalls plus refreshments. Email: graham.crick@grwe.com for Schedule and pre-registration please Web: www.grwe.com
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what’S ON? IN SEPTember
13 September Fitzwilliam Quartet 8pm Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Adults £12, Free admission for students and young people Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative, Hitchin. Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 15 September Baldock 10k Run 10am Start/finish Pullocks Hill, Newnham (same place Ashwell Half Marathon) The route takes the runners through farm land to Bygrave Road, into Ashwell, all along Ashwell High Street an back out to Newnham. A very picturesque route through the lovely countryside and fantastic village of Ashwell. Organised by Baldock Town and District Partnership with NHDC and North Herts Road Runners. This is the first of what will be an annual event. Online entry and details available on website. BBQ and tea/coffee at the finish line. Please come out and support the runners. Web: www.baldocktown.co.uk 15 September Monthly Charity Quiz 8pm The Five Bells, Henlow £2 per person In aid of Williams Syndrome Foundation & First Steps. Cash prizes and other spot prizes. Teams of up to 8. Raffle. Tel: 01462 811125 for further information 18 September Baldock Horticultural Society Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm St Mary’s Church Hall, Baldock Tickets £8 Toby Buckland, former presenter of Gardeners’ World and television gardener, will talk about planning and planting for continuous colour. Light refreshments will be available. Tel: 01462 893418 for further information 19 September Planets and Moons 10am St Andrews Church Hall, Church Street, Langford Fee: £55 - Concessions are available Langford Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) Branch course. Ten 1½ hour sessions. A fully illustrated course, looking closely at the planets of our solar system and their many moons. Tutor: Tony Woodhouse. Free parking. Tel: Jean Chapman 01462 700306 20 September Hexton Farmers Market 1pm-4pm St Faith’s Church, Hexton Three Butchers, Mediterranean Deli, local Goats Cheese, preserves and fresh vegetables. Refreshments available. Free parking at rear of school.
20 September Quiz Night Kempston Rovers Clubhouse, Hillgrounds Road Adults £5, Children £2 Fundraiser for Keech Hospice Care and Kempston Colts U12 Girls Team. Tickets available from Keech Hospice Care Shop, Kempston; Mario’s Hair Design, Kempston, Emma on 07722 860041 (Fundraising Rep) or via Facebook www.facebook. com/KempstonColtsU12TeamFundraising 20-22 September Herts Jazz Festival 2013 Hawthorne Theatre, Campus West, Welwyn Garden Headlining the Festival will be Georgie Fame, Django Bates and Stan Tracey alongside the cream of the British jazz scene: Jason Yarde and Andrew McCormack, Brandon Allen, Iain Ballamy, Ronnie Rae, Kenny Wheeler, Tony Kofi, Don Weller, Mark Nightingale and more. See website for full details. Tel: Campus West box office 01707 357117 Web: www.hertsjazzfestival.co.uk 21 September Shillington Annual Horticultural Society Flower and Vegetable Show 2.30pm Village Hall, High Road, Shillington Admission £1 The 39th annual show of flowers (both cut and potted), vegetables (of many varieties), cookery (both for Ladies and Gentlemen!), and children’s exhibits (both horticultural and cookery). Light refreshments will be available - tea and homemade cake. Auction of exhibits and donated produce at 4.30pm. Show schedules and competitors entry forms are available from Mr Fred West. Tel: Janet & Peter Watts 01462 712080 for further information. Email: info@pinpointprints.co.uk 22 September Fun Dog Show Registration 12 noon, judging begins 1.30pm Ampthill Great Park. £2 per class Ampthill Festival Fundraising dog show with 16 fun classes. Judging by Lynne Davies from TV’s ‘Dog Borstal’. 3 October Baldock Floral Society Competition Evening Community Centre, Baldock No entry fee as no demonstration. Tel: 01462 642336 5 & 6 October 14th Ashwell Book Weekend Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm St Mary’s Church, Ashwell Admission £1, Under 16s free Come and browse among the many hundreds of books, videos and DVDs for sale at bargain prices. Refreshments available.
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Alan George Painter & Decorator Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com 60
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Herts at War
www.hertsatwar.co.uk Herts at War is a community led project to commemorate the diverse experiences of Hertfordshire during the First World War. The project aims to uncover the untold stories of the county’s men and women, both on the fighting front and the home front, and commemorate these individuals a century on from the conflict. By looking at the experiences of the people of Hertfordshire and recording and re-telling those stories, we will raise awareness of how the war had a far wider impact on everyday life for each and every citizen that lived through that time. Whether it be a soldier fighting on the frontline, a Zeppelin Raid on a county town, a Conscientious Objector harangued in the street or an anxious mother waiting for a child that would never return, these experiences shaped and changed both the county and the country as we know it today. It is these experiences that the Herts at War team will highlight and preserve for future generations. This project, led by the community, for the community,
will form a platform for remembrance throughout Hertfordshire during the centenary of the single most devastating conflict in British history. Through this website, a pop-up museum exhibition, live events and bespoke battlefield tours we hope to bring the forgotten story of the war back to the county. The Herts at War website has been created as an ongoing project where members of the public will be able to actively participate in the development of the site. We are looking for people just like you who would like to do some research or tell a family story. We already have a small dedicated team who will be uploading information as the project progresses. So please check back on a regular basis to see how the project continues to grow. By the end of the centenary in 2018 this website is expected to house information on tens of thousands of individuals who served their country and had a connection to Hertfordshire. For regular updates please join us on Twitter and Facebook.
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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 62
BOOK REVIEW
BY Bruce Edwards Shadows on the Nile Kate Furnivall Published by Sphere - paperback 435pp £7.99 ISBN 978 0 7515 4337 7 Kate Furnivall has six novels to her credit. She did a splendid job with ‘The Russian Concubine’ and a no less effective well crafted and romantically evocative adventure tale of the hard reality of the Japanese occupation of Singapore in ‘The White Pearl’. Consequently in ‘Shadows on the Nile’, her latest novel, it is with some surprise to find an atmospheric and rather dark voyage into a very susceptible young girl’s mind. An early platonic love for the adopted and deranged brother her parents ‘swopped’ for replacement Timothy stays with her. When Timothy goes missing, she’s caught up in riots in London and discovers, in classic Conan Doyle manner, an extravagant potential solution. She unravels the clue which takes her to Egypt and the world becomes a strange place. The constant switch from thought to actuality, from surmise to sexual satisfaction, keeps the pace going at a disturbing and yet compelling rate. The involvement with Egypt’s tangled politics and criminality becomes the backdrop for a solution though a problematic one, as is the commonality of the two young boys of Jessie’s teenage years. With a uniquely developed style and adroit phraseology to heighten the atmosphere, Furnivall has moved her storytelling to a new dimension. The between-wars era is ripe for exploitation and the concept of a relationship between a malleable young girl and an aristocratic adventurer not entirely new but Furnivall manages to make the most of her canvas. A read that will demand concentration, but well worth it.
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