Henlow sept 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 70 - September 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Dealing with

Dyslexia A Visit to

Chicksands Priory Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

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Contents Back to School Bugs

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VILLAGER The

Issue 70 - September 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue Dealing with

Dyslexia A Visit to

Chicksands Priory Win £25

in our Prize Crossword

Bringing Local Business to Local People in

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

ur Yo EE FRcopy

I Want to go Back!..........................................................25 Helen’s Helpful Tips........................................................26 Queen Anne’s Summer House........................................29 The Island of Elba...........................................................30 Fun Quiz.........................................................................34 10k Starlight Hike..........................................................37 Introducing Emma.........................................................38 Animal Heroes................................................................42 Culinary Masters Recipe.................................................45 Puzzle Page....................................................................48

A Visit to Chicksands Priory..............................................4

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

How to Buy a Pet..............................................................8

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

Bold, Imaginative and Reflective Education...................11 Spotlight on Two Bedfordshire Artists............................13 Conkers!.........................................................................15 Back to School Bugs and Beasties..................................16 Physical Health vs Mental Health...................................18 Travelogue.....................................................................20 Dealing with Dyslexia....................................................22

I want to go back

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9,500 copies delivered free of charge in the following areas: Henlow, Langford, Astwick, Edworth, Hinxworth, Caldecote, Newnham, Radwell, Bygrave, Shillington, Holwell, Pirton, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Ashwell End and Stanford (Further bulk drops are made to local shops and busineses in Arlesey, Upper and Lower Stondon, Shefford, Baldock, Letchworth, Hitchin and Stotfold)

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Tom Hancock, Debbie Singh-Bhatti, Eeva Whybrow, Melanie Ridley, Armande Fryatt, Tim Saunders, Helen Springer, Roger Willoughby, Solange Hando, RSPCA North Beds Branch and Culinary Masters

Publishers Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire SG19 2NP Tel: 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com www.villagermag.com

Advertising Sales Sarah Fryer - 01767 261122 sarah@villagermag.com Photography - Bernard Ormrod, Emma Porter, Catherine Rose, Robert Neumann and Nigel Frost Design and Artwork - Design 9 Tel 07762 969460

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.

History

By Catherine Rose

A visit to

Chicksands Priory The historic grade 1 listed Chicksands Priory stands in the middle of a large military base which houses the Defence Intelligence Security Centre near Shefford. Renovated by the MoD in 1997, the building now serves as an officers’ mess but Sunday tours are available by appointment with the Friends of Chicksands Priory.

There are records of a manor going back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was owned by the Beauchamp family. In around 1150 Payne de Beauchamp, feudal lord of Bedford gave the land to the Gilbertine Order to be used for a monastery.

Founded by St Gilbert of Sempringham, the order was unusual in that it comprised both nuns and canons. The monastery was built in around 1150 with two cloisters separated by a church so that men and women were segregated. Today, only one of the buildings – the current priory – remains.

In 1164, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury stayed at Chicksands while he was travelling in exile from Northampton to Kent.

To celebrate the 850th anniversary of this, the Friends will be holding a study day on Saturday 11th October with guided tours and guest speaker, Becket expert Professor Anne Duggan, Emeritus Professor of King’s

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College London.

After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the priory was sold in 1540 to Richard and Elizabeth Snowe for £811.11s.8d. Their son Daniel bequeathed it in 1577 to Mary, daughter of Peter Osborne. By the time the Osbornes took over, the church and the northern cloister had been demolished.

The priory remained in the Osborn family for generations until it was sold to the Crown in 1936 (the ‘e’ of Osborn was dropped in 1694). By that time, the original 3,000 acre site was just over 2,000 acres after the seventh baronet Sir Algernon had sold off around a third of the land. In total, nine baronets and their families lived there and their portraits are displayed in the house. Sir Richard Osborn, the ninth baronet is currently patron of the Friends of Chicksands Priory.

The impressive entrance hall was originally the eastern part of the cloister and would have been used for storage. Legend has it that a nun, Rosata, who became pregnant was buried alive with her baby in the wall although this is believed unlikely. An inscription on the wall reads: ‘By Virtues guarded and by Manners graced, Here, Here, alas, is

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5

fair Rosata placed’.

No aristocratic family would be complete without its share of political intrigue and forbidden love. In 1621, Peter Osborn became governor of Guernsey and lived at Castle Cornet for six years while supporting King Charles I during the Civil War. His daughter, Dorothy however, met and fell in love with parliamentarian William Temple during a visit there. They corresponded for seven years and 77 of Dorothy’s letters have been published as some of the finest examples of English classical literature.

Despite opposition from Dorothy’s father, the couple eventually married.

Tragedy affected the family when Sir Danvers Osborn, the third baronet and a colonial governor, committed suicide in New York in 1753 having never recovered from the death of his wife in childbirth.

The fourth baronet, George did much to remodel the house and beautify the estate. Garden landscaping is said to be the work of Lancelot (Capability) Brown and you can still tour the old walled garden.

The sixth baronet, Sir George Osborn, was a true Victorian collector and added many artefacts to the house. In what was once the music room, there is a stained glass window that is known for what appears to be a fly trapped inside one of the panes. Extremely lifelike, this is actually painted between two sheets of glass and forms the centre of a rare sundial.

One of the upstairs bedrooms, the King James’ room, was modelled on the Chapter House at Peterborough Cathedral and features a stained glass skull in one of the windows above the Latin inscription ‘true mirror’; two fire buckets from HMS Victory; and a fragment of framed tapestry which Roger Ward, chairman of the Friends, discovered lodged up the chimney.

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What was once the Osborn’s dining room opens out onto a terrace where you can see the oldest wisteria in Europe. Leading on from the dining room is Sir Algernon’s vaulted study with an 1813 fireplace that now displays military artwork by Terence Cuneo, famous for always painting a hardto-spot inaccuracy in his work and his signature - a little mouse.

Next is what was once the Osborn’s chapel, now used as a TV room. In monastic times, it would have been an undercroft. This joins into another vaulted room currently used as a bar that has a medieval fireplace and bread oven.

In the courtyard, it is hoped to restore the medieval herb garden and to replace a stained glass window that was removed in WW2 and taken to Audley End. A fire escape has been built by the MoD who has managed to do this in sympathy with the building. In all over £5 million was spent on the renovation - still more cost effective than building new facilities.

During WW2, the house, which had been leased to the Air Ministry since 1939, was taken over by military intelligence in conjunction with Bletchley Park on code breaking and was pivotal in the sinking of the Bismark. In what was once the Osborne’s library, the ceiling remains cracked despite renovation – the legacy of a bomb that hit the house.

After the war, The United States Airforce was tenant until 1995 although they moved out of the priory itself in 1971. The Friends was established four years later and began giving guided tours.

After the renovation, Roger Ward was delighted that the MoD agreed to continue to allow prebooked and escorted public visits.

For more information on guided tours or the ‘Becket’s Flit’ day in October, please visit www.chicksandspriory.co.uk.

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the ampthill masonic centre is delighted to invite you to either of our

OpenDays on Sat 13th September and Sat 25th October

at The Old Courthouse, Church Street, Ampthill, MK45 2PL from 11.00 am

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DISCOVERING MORE ABOUT FREEMASONRY IN OUR REGION?

If you are curious to learn more about Freemasonry within Bedfordshire then why not come along to attend either of our two Open Days?

All visitors, including ladies, will be assured of a very warm Masonic welcome. You will discover more about the guiding principles of Freemasonry and also how Freemasons raise substantial funds in order to continue their support of many worthy and essential charities, throughout the UK, and specifically how we have raised and donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities, within our own communities, here in Bedfordshire.

Complimentary refreshments will also be provided.

Email freemasonsinampthill@gmail.com for further details or write to the address above.

To Clophill

To Bedford

Bedford St.

Church St. Woburn St.

THE OLD COURTHOUSE

Ampthill

To Woburn

Dunstable St.

To Flitwick

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Three Counties Radio

How to buy a Pet

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

Sadly over the years I have dealt with many consumer problems concerning animals. You name it, from the puppies that suddenly become ill the day after purchase to the animals with hereditary conditions where the breeder takes no responsibility after their wallet is full of your £20 notes. Sadly it’s all too common. I have to say that on many occasions, I find myself becoming furious with consumers and the irresponsible way they often go about purchasing a new addition to their family. If you want to do things the correct way, without getting ripped off, then listen carefully to my advice.

Firstly, animal rescue centres are absolutely overflowing at the moment with dogs, cats, rabbits etc. that have been abandoned either by irresponsible, ghastly people who didn’t think carefully before taking a pet on, or by folk whose circumstances have changed through no fault of their own. Obviously, if you feel able to rescue a pet, and take on any problems that animal may come with, this is preferable. Check to make sure the animal rescue centre has a good reputation.

However, there are many people out there who want to experience the pleasure of raising a pet from a young age. If this is the case, then chances are you’re going to have to part with some money.

As tempting as it may be, NEVER purchase an animal being advertised on the internet.

No self -respecting breeder would ever advertise an animal on online sites for buying and selling. You may well get a bargain dog or cat, but if that animal has started life in some kind of pet breeding factory with little regard for the animals’ welfare, you may be taking on an expensive and potentially dangerous problem for the future.

It is also worth mentioning that unless you have met the animal’s mother and father, you have no idea of the temperament or health of the animal you’re purchasing. NEVER buy an animal if you cannot meet its parents. If you are told to meet the ‘breeder’ at a half-way point or in a lay-by, then massive alarm bells should be ringing in your head!

So what SHOULD you do? Well, my advice is to search out a good, reputable breeder with the right ethics. Generally, making contact with a breed specific club who can put you in touch with good breeders, or (for dogs) finding a Kennel club fully accredited breeder will ensure you are buying a good quality and well-bred animal. You will have to pay more money, but with pets and most things in life, generally it’s worth every penny.

If you DO buy an animal, then ensure you organise good pet insurance to run from the minute you commit to buying him/ her. If you have a problem, then you are still covered by your usual consumer statutory rights.

Finally, as always if you follow my advice but still have a problem with a furry addition to your family, then you can always contact me at BBC Three Counties Radio and I’ll do what I can to help.

Jonathan Vernon-Smith not only offers you his consumer advice here but you can listen to The JVS Show tackling your consumer problems every weekday morning from 9am.

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A Bold, Imaginative and Reflective Education Choose Bedford Girls’ School, and your daughter’s education will be among the most exciting journeys she will ever take. It will shape the woman she becomes and forge the unique ideas, opinions and dreams that will come to define her in adulthood.

Bedford Girls' School is an exceptional girls' day school for pupils aged 7 to 18. Forward thinking and dynamic, it is well regarded as a contemporary centre of excellence in all girls’ education.

We have an expert understanding of the way girls think and learn and are dedicated to preparing her for life, as well as for examination success. We support and challenge every girl to achieve her best; academically, culturally, socially, physically, personally and morally, so that she is able to understand her role in the wider world, to work collaboratively towards positive change and to develop critical and independent thinking skills.

At Bedford Girls’ School, your daughter will have all of the guidance, support, inspiration and encouragement she needs to ensure her education is as engaging as she is unique. As well as excellent GCSE, A Level and the International Baccalaureate results, we pride ourselves on helping girls to exceed their potential in every area of the curriculum and beyond. To learn more about what being Bold, Imaginative and Reflective really means for your daughter, we welcome you to our next Open Morning on Saturday 11th October at 10am.

For more information visit: www. bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk or call 01234 361918.

Bold Imaginative Reflective Three words to define your daughter’s future.

Add three more:

Open Morning Saturday 11th October, 10am Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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Spotlight

By Catherine Rose

on Two Young Bedfordshire Artists

This month we look at two talented young up and coming artists who are making waves in and out of Bedfordshire.

Daniel Bland

Twenty-year-old Daniel Bland cites his influences as Impressionist and Fauvism. His favourite painter is the master artist of colour, Van Gogh. As a child, Daniel always loved drawing and started using oil paints, now his favourite medium, when he took A level Art. His work proved so popular that he sold his first paintings through school exhibitions.

After increasing interest in his distinctive artwork with its creative use of colour and bold strokes, Daniel set up a website and Facebook page to market his paintings. So far he has sold around 20 to local buyers as far as Northampton.

At the moment he paints at home but would like to get his own studio and is saving up to go on a course at University of the Arts London in the next few years. He has recently started visiting art galleries with his portfolio.

Daniel is a member of Bedfordshire Art Society, who as well as having regular meetings, holds two exhibitions a year.

Tom Waters

Unconventional artist and taxidermist Tom, now 26, loved drawing to the exclusion of every other subject from an early age, and after A level, attended the Hitchin Centre for the Arts which he describes as “one of the best years of my life”. It was there he met his current “best friend” and business partner Kat Williams.

Tom went on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Fine Art but left in 2010 after six months as he found the course opinionated and creatively stifling. This led to one of his most prolific periods where he built up a good portfolio focusing on portraits of rock singers like the late Amy Whitehouse.

In the last three years, his “dark and striking” artwork has been increasingly gaining recognition, especially in London where he has featured in exhibitions. In 2012, he had his painting ‘King and Queen’ accepted for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition which he subsequently sold. Then in October of that year, his portrait of Jamie Hince (Kate Moss’s husband) was put on display in the London Underground as part of the Frieze Art Fair organised by Art Below.

In February 2013, his portrait of Florence Welch, lead singer with Florence and the Machine, was exhibited at Chalk Farm during the NME Music Awards in Camden.

Tom is also a taxidermist, having studied with well-known taxidermy artist Polly Morgan’s tutor George Jameson in Edinburgh during 2011. He hopes to increasingly combine his taxidermy skills into his art and is currently renovating his home studio.

Tom has set up a company with photographer Kat called Wolf and Owl that sells their artwork over the Internet printed on products like i-phone cases and cushion covers.

See more of these art faces of the future at: www.facebook.com/Blandpaintings and www.danielblandpaintings.weebly.com www.tomwatersart.tumblr.com and www.society6/wolfandowl.com To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

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Conkers!

By Tom Hancock

Most sources agree that the gloriously eccentric game of conkers began in England, but conkers is also played in North America, Canada, Ireland and Switzerland.

Success in conkers relies on good equipment.

Hence you need a good horse chestnut . The best are firm, uncracked and symmetrical.

Drill through the centre and thread a shoelace through the hole, knotting it securely.

The aim is to smash your opponent’s conker with your own and if you achieve this, your conker becomes a one-er. From here it gets a bit more complicated. If it then smashes another one-er it becomes a two-er. If it then smashes a two-er it automatically becomes a four-er. If it then smashes a six-er it becomes a ten-er and so on. Still with me?

The rules of conkers are many and varied. I rather like the one which states that if you drop

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your conker your opponent can yell ‘stamps’ and crush your conker with his foot. If you yell ‘no stamp’ first, he’s not allowed to do this. Good luck with that one one in the heat of battle!

Dense conkers are best. If yours sinks in a bucket of water it’s a good one. Less legitimately include baking your conker in a low oven, soaking it in vinegar or coating it in nail polish are all guaranteed to improve your chances of success in open competition.

The official world conker championship is held annually in Ashton in Northamptonshire. Contestants are not allowed to use their own conkers. They also dispense with the points rule mentioned earlier, and no-one is allowed to stamp on anyone else’s conkers, which surely takes some of the fun out of it.

In recent years the Health and Safety police have banned conkers in schools up and down the land. This is a shame and perhaps we should campaign to get conkers back into playgrounds as part of our rightful heritage.

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Health

Back to School Bugs and Beasties

How does it happen? Your family has enjoyed a happy, healthy six week summer holiday, but within just days of returning to school your child comes down with a cold, or develops an itchy skin condition, or catches nits. Why, when they need to be settling into a new routine and you need to be back at work, do they suddenly get ill?

Like it or not, children gathering in schools is one of the main ways germs circulate in communities.

Their immune systems are less mature, they tend to be in close contact, and they have ‘germy’ habits like sticking fingers or pencils into their mouths, so it is inevitable that they are going to come home with something nasty at some point.

That said, most illnesses can be avoided if a few good practices are followed. Top of the list is to make sure that your child’s immunisations are all up to date, and that all family members have had a seasonal flu vaccination, where appropriate.

Prevention is definitely the best medicine.

Next, make sure they wash their hands enough - and properly! The most common way to catch illness is through the mouth, eyes or nose after the hands have been in contact with infected surfaces.

A thorough wash with soap and warm water to the back of the hands, in between the fingers and around the nails for 20 seconds (as long as it takes

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By Debbie Singh-Bhatti to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice!) - before eating or drinking, after a visit to the toilet, blowing their nose, or touching animals and waste, should be the minimum.

Teach your child ‘germ etiquette’. This means staying away from other children who may be sneezing or coughing, covering their own coughs and sneezes by using tissues that should be thrown away immediately, and avoiding head to head contact with others. If your child is older, warn them about sharing items such as lipstick, lip balm, make-up, razors, creams, lotions and other personal items such as towels and sports kit.

There are some germ hotspots in schools, and cafeteria trays are one of them! One survey found that there were more bacteria per square inch on a cafeteria tray than there were on a toilet seat, probably because the trays don’t get cleaned as often. If your child drops food on a tray, they should throw it away!

Finally, your child can build up their immunity by getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, and by drinking plenty of water. Take these preventative measures and hopefully going back to school will be a happy, healthy time for everybody!

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Mental Health

Physical health vs mental health We exercise, diet and look after ourselves so that our ‘engine’ keeps going and allows us to achieve goals and complete tasks. But can you truly achieve with just good physical health? How important is your mental health?

In order to look after your body, you need a healthy mind. Some people might find this a rather polarised way of thinking. How can you look after yourself physically if your mind is ‘putting the brakes on’?

It is very difficult to motivate yourself if your mind doesn’t allow it. Even athletes have figured this out.

Many top sports people seek support from sports therapists or psychologists.

Sometimes we might experience various physical symptoms, yet the doctors are unable to find out what is wrong, for example muscular pain (especially neck, shoulders, and back), gastric problems, high blood pressure, and lethargy. You might also either eat too much or hardly at all and your sleep might be disturbed.

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Many of these symptoms could be a sign of poor mental health. You might be suffering from depression, anxiety or stress without even realising it. When we are unable to listen to the ‘messages’ from our mind, the body reacts.

This is when counselling can help you. You can explore matters with your counsellor, and start making sense of situations. Your counsellor will help you learn to listen to the ‘messages’ so that you can achieve balance between physical and mental health.

Eeva Whybrow from Private Counselling

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Travelogue

Crossing the Bridge

By Melanie Ridley

When people think of Sydney there are two things that come to mind: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Francis Greenway proposed building a bridge over the harbour in 1815 to connect the north shore to the south shore of Sydney and cut commuters’ travel time down, he would never have thought that in 183 years people would be able to strap themselves to the 53,000 tonnes of steel used to make it and climb this megastructure.

The bridge took eight years to complete and required the services of 1,400 men. Of this large number, 16 of them died during the construction.

Before Australian Paul Hogan played his crocodile hunter character in the cult classic Crocodile Dundee, it is known that he even helped paint the bridge. It also consists of six million rivets which were all hand-driven.

In 1998, the first members of the public were able to climb this iconic structure. When I arrived, ready for my very own bridge climb, it was apparent how organised it was going to be.

First, I was taken into a room with eight other people who would be climbing with me where we were talked through the morning’s schedule and how it would pan out. We were then led into another room where we were handed very stylish blue onesies, which resembled a boiler suit. After

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we were suited up, we were required to practice climbing some example steps indoors, that were like the ones we would climb on the bridge.

Before we stepped outside into the fresh Sydney air and began the climb, I was fastened to a metal cable that I would stay attached to for the entire duration of the climb. As I made my way up the side of the bridge, I couldn’t help but have my breath taken away by the sights. To my right was the Sydney Opera House, which, when up that high is a cream colour, and the shape can be truly appreciated and admired. Further into the distance, behind the opera house, I could make out the faint outline of the beach I used to call home, Bondi.

Once my group and I had reached the summit, the view was spectacular. To know we were standing atop a bridge which is talked about around the world seemed to make time stand still. Looking down on Sydney and envisioning everybody sitting behind their desks and getting on with their daily lives while I was 134m above Sydney Harbour was mind blowing.

After living and working in Sydney for eight months and travelling Australia for three, during my descent and walking away from the picturesque image behind me, I couldn’t think of a better way to say goodbye to this beautiful country.

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Education

By Armande Fryatt

Dealing with Dyslexia The other day, I asked one of my A level students, Sarah, about her future plans. When she told me she intends to study English at Reading University, I was so proud. I remember how much she struggled with English when she started having support lessons with me as a nine-year- old.

Sarah is diagnosed dyslexic. Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills.

It is likely to be present at birth and to be life-long in its effects. It is characterised by difficulties with phonological processing, rapid naming, working memory, processing speed, and the automatic development of skills that may not match up to an individual’s other cognitive abilities (British Dyslexia Association 2013). Sarah is a very bright girl but she has processing difficulties.

Processing involves the ability to automatically and fluently perform relatively easy cognitive tasks, especially when high mental efficiency is required, that is, for simple tasks requiring focused concentration without intentional thinking through.

Processing difficulties tend to be associated with the following learning needs: Relatively slow writing skills Slower working under pressure Problems with planning and structuring Slow speed of processing written language Problems with planning and structuring Keeping track of progress through multi-step tasks.

Sarah’s difficulties affect her ability to write essays and when she is at university, she will continue to need learning support to help her get her thoughts down onto paper.

Dyslexia tends to be resistant to conventional teaching methods, but it can be managed by appropriately specific intervention. A study adviser can help Sarah work out strategies for making the

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best use of her time, for example by: • recording information and playing it back • making notes in a more visual way e.g. on a spider diagram • discussing ideas verbally before writing them down • breaking work down into individual tasks • thinking about outcomes before starting reading • having printouts (not copying from the board) • using coloured overlays when reading • using effective proof reading techniques.

All of these techniques can be used from about Year 5 onwards. Sarah has been formally assessed and given 25% extra time in exams. At university, she can apply for Disabled Student Allowance which may pay for a laptop, printer and scanner to help her.

Any parent who is concerned that their child has difficulties with literacy should have him/her assessed by a specialist which will show the child’s strengths and weaknesses and give advice to the school on support. An assessment is also essential for access arrangements (extra time in SATs, GCSEs, A-levels and beyond).

The following websites also give helpful advice to parents and students: http://www.brainhe.com/students/types/documents/ NeilCottrell-CopingStrategies-PATOSSBulletin-Winter2010.pdf http://dyslexstudyskills.group.shef.ac.uk/ http://www.dyslexia-help.org/education-higher.asp http://www.slc.co.uk/media/561707/sfe_btgb_1314_d.pdf The author is a specialist teacher and educational assessor who is a member of the Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties (Patoss). She has a private practice in Bedfordshire and can be contacted on 01767 631123. Additional assessors can be found on www.patoss-dyslexia.org

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23

THE BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER

Local news, for Local Listeners by Local volunteers supported and funded by Local organisations

• The Biggleswade Talking Newspaper is one way that the Blind and partially sighted person can independently access Local news.

• If you know anyone who you feel would like to have a ‘’talking newspaper’’ on a memory stick each week, free to the listener, please contact us 07840 504940 or visit our web site.

• We are the official ‘’talking newspaper’’ for East Bedfordshire, Biggleswade, Arlesey, Potton, Sandy, Shefford, Stotfold and the surrounding villages.

• If the listener does not have the facilities to listen to the MP3 sound file contained on the memory stick we can lend them a player, free whilst a member.

• The BIGGLESWADE TALKING NEWSPAPER DAY in July was a great success, increasing our Listener numbers by over 10%.

www.biggleswadetalkingnewspaper.org.uk We are a registered charity No 281316 established in 1981

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TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking.

• continental breakfast • large luxury en-suite rooms • free wifi internet access • sky tv/dvd player • fridge in room • private location • close to train station • major credit cards taken

Tel: 07970 162753

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

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Travel

I Want to Go Back That’s what eldest daughter Harriett (3) reveals on leaving Paultons Park in Romsey, Hampshire.

Paultons first opened its doors in 1983 with just four staff. An amazing 80,000 visitors arrived that year, at a time when theme parks were still relatively new phenomena to the UK. It was a massive gamble for farmer John Mancey who successfully applied for a planning application to turn part of the estate into a visitor attraction. He died in 2003 and his son Richard now continues his father’s legacy.

By 1993 400,000 visitors looking for a good day out were pouring through the doors. A plan of continued investment saw the park expand in 1999 ploughing £500,000 into the Raging River Rapids Ride. But it was the opening of Peppa Pig World in 2011 that sealed the park’s success.

As of this year, the multi-million pound success story now employs 600 staff at peak times and enjoys one million visitors a year to its 60 rides. The park’s 140 acres also feature a collection of birds and animals.

When we arrive the weather is looking questionable but despite this the car park is quickly filling up.

Naturally, Peppa Pig World is the place where Harriett drags us to first and there are children from France, Italy and Germany.

After a visit to Peppa’s House it’s time for our picnic.

And pleasingly there are plenty of benches. Lunch is a quick affair though because there’s much more to see.

By Tim Saunders

Harriett and Caroline then spy Wave Runner. We are surprised how there are so few people queuing for this ride. Five minutes later after watching the other visitors hurtle down at pretty fast speeds, we sit in a dinghy, Harriett at the front and I behind hugging her tightly with my legs. “You must hold the handles tight, Harriett,” I repeat goodness knows how many times. And we’re off.

I can only liken the speed to something similar I experienced when going upside down in a Yak aeroplane a few years ago. It’s petrifying. Your heart is in your mouth. If it went on for any longer we would have been ill. And then no sooner has the world whizzed by and Harriett gone unusually quiet, it’s finished and we’re up putting the dinghy back on the automatic belt watching it go back up to the top. It takes Harriett and I a little while to recover and the Trekking Tractors help regain our composure.

The Victorian carousel and the teacup ride also prove great hits with all of us. We then enjoy a relaxing stroll around some of the grounds to see the birds. We are only able to visit a portion of the park and so the season ticket option seems a good idea.

“How many family days together can you actually remember?” questions Caroline. Not many but one thing’s for sure we won’t forget our day at Paultons.

For more information visit: www.paultonspark.co.uk

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25

Couples Counsellor

Helen’s Helpful Hints No. 4 - Did you argue on holiday?

I hope you had a fabulous summer holiday but the sad truth is that many people spend their holidays squabbling with each other especially if the children were tetchy - perhaps because their parents weren’t happy.

When you think about it, most of the time a couple sees very little of each other, maybe a half an hour in the morning and two or three hours in the evening.

And even then much of this time is spent doing chores or focusing on family and other things that need to be done. Then the family goes on holiday in the summer and spends 24/7 together with nothing specific to do.

The balance between family members has substantially altered. Couples may disagree on destination, packing, travelling, sight-seeing, shopping, eating and relaxing. Then add to this the wishes of the children.

If you have been able to negotiate these trigger points, that’s wonderful. But if you feel that your

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relationship could do with some help and support, do give me a call.

I am a couple counsellor who trained with Relate and have 28 years experience. Before you decide, you can have up to a half hour free counselling on the telephone or on Skype so that you can assess if counselling is right for you.

Call me, Helen Springer for an appointment.

I can fix a fee to suit your pocket.

Telephone 01462 713685.

Email sprinsib@globalnet.co.uk Located in Pirton Herts. www.counsellorsandcounselling.co.uk

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ARE YOU A BUSY BUSINESS OWNER?

DO YOU NEED MORE TIME? ARE YOU ON TOP OF THE FINANCES IN YOUR BUSINESS?

Let us help. We take the burden away and help you manage your business by providing; Bookkeeping Payroll Credit control Services are flexible, provided on a monthly, quarterly or ‘one off’ basis.

Contact us for a free no obligation bookkeeping review/consultation.

Tel: 01462 600145 or email: lynne@cloudbookkeeping.co.uk

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Reassurance when you need it most

Neville Funeral Service

Neville Funeral Service

24 Clifton Road Sheord SG17 5AE t: 01462 813258 e: sheord@nevillefuneralservice.com

96 Walsworth Road Hitchin SG4 9SU t: 01462 444910 e: hitchin@nevillefuneralservice.com

(inc George Squire & Son since 1976)

(inc David J. Binks since 2005)

www.nevillefuneralservice.com 28

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Local History

Queen Anne’s Summer House

By Roger Willoughby

The house is situated on the Shuttleworth estate in Old Warden and is owned by the Shuttleworth Trust. In 1712, Samuel Ongley was knighted

by Queen Anne (who died in 1714) and it was almost certainly Ongley who built Queen Anne’s Summerhouse.

The large main chamber was probably used for elegant refreshments, prepared by servants in the brick vaulted basement below. The summerhouse is built of exceptionally fine ‘gauged’ brickwork, a technique in which each brick is rubbed to shape.

The mortar joints between the bricks are also incredibly fine, carefully lined-out in near pure lime putty and no more than 1-2 mm wide. It is exceptionally fine craftsmanship.

The railings that surround the summerhouse date from the late 18th century, as they are made of dry ‘puddle’ iron, a forging technique not developed until the 1780s. In planting the woods on his estate, Ongley set out a series of avenues radiating from the Summerhouse and most remain today.

Queen Anne ruled from 1702 until 1714. During her reign England and Scotland were united and became known as Great Britain. Our economy was very strong and tea and coffee houses were a booming industry. These often became centres

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for business. The London Stock Exchange, for example, grew from a coffee house.

The summerhouse was renovated by Joseph Shuttleworth around 1878, and seems to have served not only as a pavilion throughout the estate, but also for picnics and excursions. In recent years the folly became derelict but in 200809 it was restored by the Landmark Trust and the summerhouse and the Gamekeeper’s Cottage are available for holiday rents at http://www. landmarktrust.org.uk Access to the folly can be gained from the village of Old Warden between April and October which is a very pleasant walk through the woods populated with pine and ferns. As you face the pub The Hare and Hounds, walk left for around 100 metres and on the right is a footpath that climbs up to the wood. Follow the path and there is a gate on the left hand side that leads to the house. If you continue past the gate then you can enjoy a circular walk back to the village of around a mile or so.

When I took this photo I was fortunate enough to see a stoat make four journeys from the wood to the gravestones, each time taking a cub in her mouth. She saw me, took a different route and carried on regardless: man and nature side by side.

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Travel

The Island of Elba Tuscany’s Best Kept Secret.

Barely an hour on the ferry across the Piombino Channel, the Isle of Elba greets you with rugged mountains, range after range rising towards the blue sky, and a deeply indented coast laced with tingling sands, rocky coves and near-tropical turquoise waters. The Romans called it ‘Ilva’, hence ‘Elba’, after the Ilvates, also known as Ligurians, who had lived there since ancient times and long exploited the rich mineral seams.

This is the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago national park but it’s just about sixteen miles long and only two miles across at its narrowest point, a secluded holiday haven blessed by stunning landscapes, popular with Italians in summer but peaceful in mid-season, whether you come for the beach or prefer to ramble in the hills. The west coast is wild, covered in fragrant Mediterranean scrub, the north is lush and green, dotted with vineyards and chestnut groves, while the arid sun-baked south is the domain of cacti and palms. Over 90% of the land is hills and mountains, largely forested, where wild orchids and lavender splash myriad colours alongside spring cyclamens, rock roses and strawberry trees. Here and there, the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle fills the air and fallow deer and mouflons bounce on the slopes at dusk.

Elba’s highest point, Mount Capanne can be reached on a steep trail or by cable car, well worth the effort either way. Up there at over 3000 feet, the panorama stretches from the tiny string of Tuscan islands to the mainland and from Corsica in clear weather to the whole of Elba where red-roofed villages nestle in the greenery and mere ribbons of road meander around heavenly beaches and precipitous cliffs.

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By Solange Hando

Far below on the northern shore, the lovely little resort of Marciana is lined with umbrella pines and oleander while on the south coast, Marina di Campo is all yachts and golden sands glowing below the wooded hills. But Elba has a beach for every day of the week and more, from the white sands of Procchio Bay to the luminous Rio Marina on the east coast or the superb Porto Azzurro with its bustling Piazza, flower-draped lanes and sulphur-rich lagoon looking across the deep blue inlet of the sea.

Portoferraio, the capital, is on the north coast, crouching lion-like on a rocky peninsula jutting out to sea, its magnificent bay guarded by a forbidding fortress. Sailing boats, yachts and ferries mingle their reflections in the harbour and the old town climbs up the hill, green shutters and pink walls jostling along the alleyways among hibiscus and pomegranate trees. The walk along the ramparts is breathtaking, cooled by the breeze sweeping across the bay from the open sea.

Portoferraio is a charming place, dotted with ice cream stalls, bakeries selling flat bread and honey cakes, al fresco restaurants for seafood and fish and souvenir shops brimming with all things labelled ‘Napoleon’, from T-shirts and mugs to the island’s spring water. There are quite a few places connected to Napoleon but most illustrious is the Villa di san Martino tucked in a leafy valley where the deposed emperor was ‘banished’, though allowed to live in regal style. He escaped less than a year later and looking across the landscaped gardens to the blue waters of the Med. glistening in the distance, one wonders why he ever wanted to leave one of the most enticing islands in Tuscany.

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Fun Quiz - Birds 1. In the nursery rhyme Sing A Song Of Sixpence, how many blackbirds were baked in a pie?

2. Which mythical bird would live for hundreds of years and then build a nest of twigs that it would set fire to, burning itself to ashes from which a new bird would be born?

3. Originating in a play called The Birds by Aristophanes, what three word phrase is used to mean an unrealistically idealistic state where everything is perfect?

4. What “bird” was Michael Parkinson referring to when he said that despite all the stars he had interviewed, he’d always be remembered by “that bloody bird”?

5. What type of bird is Wheezy modelled on in the Toy Story films?

6. Buzz Buzzard was the nemesis of which cartoon character?

7. What bird is used as a term in golf to refer to a score of three under par on a hole?

8. What type of birds are kept at the Tower of London at all times in accordance with a legend that says that if they are absent then the kingdom will fall?

9. Which European country’s flag has a black two-headed eagle on a red background?

10. Of the 364 gifts given in total in the song The Twelve Days Of Christmas, how many are birds?

1. 24 (“four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”) 2. The phoenix 3. Cloud Cuckoo Land 4. Emu (Rod Hull’s puppet, who attacked him in an interview, knocking him out of his chair) 5. A penguin 6. Woody Woodpecker 7. Albatross 8. Ravens 9. Albania’s 10. 184 (7 swans-a-swimming on 6 days, 6 geese-alaying on 7 days, 4 colly birds on 9 days, 3 French hens on 10 days, 2 turtle doves on 11 days, 1 partridge on 12 days)

Before

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After

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BRANCHING OUT FA M

5

years

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Rejuvenating, Re-vitalising and Weather Proofing Timber Products 10% Discounts for senior citizens

Tel: 01462 433433 Mob: 07932 254538 36

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Local News

Last call to register for 10K hike

and show what a star you are!

10k Starlight Hike is perfect for establishing fitness and raising funds!

With only two weeks left until it takes place on Saturday 13th September, Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice’s fundraising event the Starlight Hike is a 10k night-time walk with a difference. Taking in the beautiful grounds of the hospice and surrounding countryside, it is a fun, social experience, also aimed at getting people walking.

St John’s Hospice hopes to recruit 1,100 walkers for the hike and raise over £100,000 which will go a long way to help St John’s continue providing incredible end-of-life care to people in Bedfordshire.

Last year the walk attracted participants from throughout the community of all ages and backgrounds. Many walked in memory of family and friends but you do not need to have lost a loved one to take part. Every year St John’s Hospice

requires £2.4 million to carry on providing the free ‘incredible’ care it offers to seriously ill patients, giving comfort to them and their families while treating every patient as an individual.

The fundraising evening starts off with a Zumba warm up and stretch, then the hike will take walkers through a gentle, beautifully-lit route, with marshals to encourage you along the way.

When you return to the hospice there will be refreshments and merchandise to buy and a soul singer providing entertainment, so you can dance the night away!

For more information, please log on to www.sueryder.org/starlighthikestjohns Registration is only £15, so don’t delay, register today!

#benakedinyourgarden Need to upgrade your fencing?

“I have been very pleased with Radwell Fencing.

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

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

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RadwellFencing

Tel: 01462 486943 Web: radwellfencing.co.uk Email: info@radwellfencing.co.uk Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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Local Photographer

Introducing Emma

Wildlife Photographer This month, we are delighted to introduce Emma Porter, a new local photographer to the Villager and Town Life team. Emma says: “From the age of five, I have loved taking photographs: freezing and capturing moments in time. Taking pictures of wildlife and nature at its best is a passion of mine. The majority of my photographs are taken using a macro lens.�

Featured here is a selection of some of her beautiful pictures.

Emma Porter

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GARDEN CONSTRUCTION & FENCING Complete Patio Design • Landscaping Fencing & Gates • Ponds • Turfing & Seeding • Walls Hedging • Driveways • Block Paving • Rockeries Gardening • Lawn Mowing • Tree Pruning

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WELCOME FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS FREE ESTIMATES AND ADVICE DISTANCE NO OBJECT ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Contact Philip for further details on

Tel: 01438 214809

Mob: 07814 266060

20 Angle Ways, Shephall, Stevenage (Portfolio available and references from clients)

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Wasp Nest Treatments Safe and effective treatments from ÂŁ40

Call 01462 435867 (24 hours) 7 days a week - No call out charge

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

We care for your lawn

Call today on 01462 435867 or text lawn to 07436 815920 to claim your FREE lawn survey www.lawnscience.co.uk 40

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

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

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TYNEHILL Boarding Kennels and Cattery

The kennels your dog would choose!

10% discount for new customers • • • • • • •

Top quality kennels and cattery Fully licensed and insured Clean and hygienic environment Dogs £11.50 to £14.50 Cats £7.25 10% discount for family groups Our dogs are happy dogs!

Better kennels are only minutes away...

www.tynehillkennelsandcattery.co.uk 01462 850606

Shillington Road, Lower Stondon, Beds, SG16 6JX

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Pets

Animal Heroes RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch The summer holiday is dragging on, the kids are driving you mad and you’re broke. It’s not a recipe for a memorable summer is it? The RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch has some great ideas to entertain everyone AND help us raise funds. Be a hero – help save local animals!

• Pick your pet – Look on our website, or choose from the animals featured here. Each person chooses a different animal and finds 5 items they would like to donate to help ‘their pet’. They can even write a letter to their chosen animal and our shop staff will pass it on.

• Put on a family fashion show – This silly activity is good for a few laughs and doubles as a way for everyone to purge outdated or ill-fitting clothes from the depths of their wardrobe. No matter how you look, make sure to flaunt each outfit with attitude befitting of the catwalk. Ahead of time, agree that the majority vote determines whether the outfit (or certain parts of it) stays or goes.

When you’re all done, bring the discarded clothing to one of our charity shops.

• Tell stories – Ask your child to go through their personal library and select five books to get rid of.

But first, let your child play the role of a storyteller and read one or two favourite books to you. Set

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one or two more aside for bedtime reading that night. Agree to let go of some of the books they have outgrown or become tired of. DVDs, CDs, and computer games can be tackled next.

• Cook – get together with a few friends for a meal and each family cooks a course. Ask for a £5 donation (to go to the RSPCA) then score each course (if you dare!)

• Bake – get the kids baking and hold a bake sale out of the front of your house, or ask for donations from friends and family.

The branch is entirely responsible for raising its own funds, supporting itself and the animals it cares for. It urgently needs donations for its two Charity Shop in Bedford (Thurlow Street and the High Street). Any clothing, bric-a-brac, DVDs, CDs, toys, jewelry or small furniture will be gratefully received and the money raised from their sale will go directly to help local animals that are abandoned, neglected and in need of a new home.

Alternatively, raise your own funds and drop them in to us. Be a hero this summer and help us save lives!

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

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

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

Visit: lambournservicecentre.co.uk

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by Culinary Masters

Food and Drink

Cheese Soufflé Your regular store cupboard ingredients will make this tasty and classy soufflé.

INGREDIENTS 1 pint milk 56g butter 56g plain flour 330g mature cheddar 4 eggs 1. Heat milk in a saucepan.

2. Melt the butter in a pan on a low heat.

3. Add the flour and cook on a low heat for a further 10 minutes to form a paste.

4. Keep the saucepan on the heat and slowly add the hot milk to the butter and flour paste whilst stirring to make a sauce.

5. Add the grated cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Separate the eggs.

7. Fold the yolks into the sauce.

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8. Then whip the egg whites until stiff and gently fold these into the sauce taking care not to beat out the air.

9. Butter and flour a muffin tray to prevent sticking. Use a silicon tray for best results.

10. Pour the mixture into the tray and bake in a water bath at 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4 for 20-25 minutes.

Based in Bedfordshire, Culinary Masters can supply a professional chef to cater for you in your home, whether it is a romantic meal for two or a dinner party for friends and family, you can enjoy the luxury of a meal out with all the shopping, cooking and clearing up done for you. Call 07872391726 for competitive quotes, menu options and more details.

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James Cullip

Painting & Decorating

• interior/exterior - all aspects • wallpaper hanging

IAN SIMPSON Carpentry and Joinery

• coving • general household maintenance

All aspects of carpentry work undertaken

• plastering services available

Kitchens, Bedrooms, Doors, Windows

• free estimates

25 years experience

• fully insured

References available

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

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

bathrooms@stevenageplumbing.co.uk www.stevenageplumbing.co.uk

Caxton House, Caxton Way, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2XS 46

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Member of BESCA

Safe Contractor approved/accredited

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

For all your Air Conditioning & Solar solutions

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

01462 815756

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

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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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A TOUCH OF GLASS Quality UPVC Windows, Doors & Conservatories ALL REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Broken locks, handles, hinges, replacement misted glass units, catflaps, draughty windows EMERGENCY 24HR CALL OUT SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT For free advice call Dave today

01462 619651 Web: atouchofglasswindowsanddoors.co.uk

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All Building Services Provided Fully Qualified & Insured Free Local Estimates No Job Too Big Or Small Call James 7 days a week on:

07595 752 466 01462 231 734

JamesBonfieldCarpentry@yahoo.co.uk Shefford, Bedfordshire

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 50

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1st Glass Window Repairs 30

years experience

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

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

DISCOUNTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE

07511 906161

SEMI RETIRED

BRICK LAYER For those smaller jobs 40 years in the trade Small patios Garden Walls Brickwork repairs Re-pointing General maintenance Fully insured

Call Richard on 01462 734233 or 07733890496 Answer-phone on both numbers and will return all calls.

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Crossword Solution for The Villager August Edition

August’s Wales Competition Rugged coastlin e, outstanding beache s, numerous historic building s and a good dollop of folklore are just some of the fabulous attractio ns of the Wales Coast Path. Add to this the warmth and friendliness of the Welsh people and a wander around Wales becomes a truly memorable experie The 870 miles of nce. continuous coast path offer a unique view of Wales and all that it has Every geographic to offer. section of the path has its own highlights and every day presents you with a new experience to So, charge your camera savour and enjoy. , walking boots at and prepare to be amazed as you wander the ready around the Wales Coast Path, whatever the weathe r!!

A WANDER ARO UND THE COAST OF WALES A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES

The winner, selected at random, of Steve Plant’s ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ was Elizabeth Snoswell from Potton, who has been sent the prize, a copy signed by the author.

£x.xx $x.xx €x.xx

STEVE PLANT

Correction:Last month’s book competition title should have been ‘A Wander Around the Coast of Wales’ and not ‘The Wildlife Quiz Book’.

Apologies go to Steve Plant.

A 870-mile walk following the coastal path of Wales from north to south

STEVE PL ANT

Last Month’s Crossword Winner - Gillian Studley from Sandy

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

Across 1 In addition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4)

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



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

Down 1 From the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3)

Name: Tel: Address:

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Solar thermal for hot water Solar PV installation by MCS approved installers Solar cylinder upgrades & breakdowns

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

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n O s ’ t a h W 3 Sept 2014 Confronting the myths of WW1 7pm for 7.30 pm The Comrades Club, Godmanchester The Cambridgeshire branch of the Western Front Association is pleased to present a talk by Brian Bond examining some of the myths of the Great War. Non-members most welcome.

Web: www.westernfrontassociation.com 4, 11, 18 & 25 September Sapphire Social Club 8.30pm Meet in Hitchin This social club caters for the unattached aged 55+. No joining fee for the first two months.

Tel: Joyce 07960 440417 for information Web: www.sapphiresocialsinglesclub.co.uk 5 September Bedfordshire Family History Society 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall, Bedford, MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk is “Daily Life in Tudor Times”

by Martin Sirot-Smith. Bedfordshire Family History Society welcomes new members to its talks. Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Next meeting is 3 October.

Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 6 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.

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6 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 6 September Starlight Walk 10pm £15 North Herts Leisure Centre 6 or 10 mile Starlight Walk in aid of Garden House Hospice. A fun night supported by fabulous people for a tremendous cause.

Open to ladies and gentlemen. Over 14s only.

Closing date for entries 30 August.

Tel: 01462 679540 Web: www.ghhospice.co.uk for online registrations 8 September Icknield Quilters 7.45pm Entrance £3 Baldock Community Centre, Simpson Drive, Baldock Group Sewing evening (Ellipse Boxes and quilting of Mystery Blocks) and the trader Secret Garden. Visitors welcome.

10 September Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association 7.30pm Aragon Housing Association Hall, The Gardens, Henlow, SG16 6DG The Henlow Branch of the Royal Naval Association meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Ex services or not all are welcome.

Tel: Les Dessent 01767 223212 for further information

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13 & 14 September Western Weekend 10am-4pm daily Great Staughton Village Hall Entrance £5 per person per day The Cambridge Comic Club is holding a Western Weekend to remember our ‘Wild West’ heroes from the1940s, 50s & 60s. All types of memorabilia, including comics, annuals etc., plus books about the true Western history and legends, will be on show. Stalls will be selling books, DVDs, etc.. Music and DVDs will be playing throughout the weekend. Please telephone or email regarding tables for showing or selling merchandise (£20 per day). Light refreshments will be available.

Tel: Clive O’Dell 01480 860339 or 07850 940059 Email: jennyodell@mypostoffice.co.uk 20 September Shillington Horticultural Show 2.30-5.30pm Shillington Village Hall 40th Anniversary Shillington Horticultural Society Show. The show attracts many high quality exhibits of cut flowers as well as pot plants, many classes of high quality vegetable exhibits, children’s classes, cookery, jams, pickles, and, for this special year, “anniversary” classes. Light refreshments will be available from 3pm. At 4.30pm there will be an auction of exhibitor’s entries and donated items.

We look forward to seeing “The Villager” readers at our exhibition, and you will be assured of a warm welcome, as well as having an enjoyable afternoon. Full details and exhibitors schedules are available from the Mr Fred West, the society’s Hon Secretary.

Tel: Mr Fred West 01462 711561 27 September Hidden Gems Woodland Walk 10am Meet Southill Cricket Club £12 per person Friends of All Saints Southill walk through the private grounds of Southill Estate by kind permission and led by Mr Charles Whitbread.

Lunch at The Temple included. Raffle. Sorry no dogs.

Tickets: Nico Rodenburg 01462 811927, Brian Pexton 01767 317031 or Alan Dover 01234 838994 To advertise in The Villager and Townlife please call 01767 261122

3 October Bedfordshire Family History Society 7.15pm Mark Rutherford School Drama Hall, Bedford, MK42 9RX Members free, Visitors £2 Illustrated talk is “Wills – Not just a source for your better off ancestor by Celia Heritage”.

Bedfordshire Family History Society welcomes new members to its talks. Library and bookstall are available at meetings. Next meeting will be 7 November.

Web: www.bfhs.org.uk 4 October Jumble Sale 2pm St. Mary’s Church Hall, Stotfold The hall will be open on Friday 3 October from 4-6.30pm and from 9am on Saturday morning to receive jumble. If you have items you would like to be collected, please contact Chris Webster 01462 834108. Refreshments available.

4 October Crafting Potting Shed Craft Club 2-5pm Stondon Village Hall Monthly craft club.

Email: mycraftypottingshed@gmail.com for more information 4 & 5 October 15th Ashwell Book Weekend Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm St. Mary’s Church, Ashwell Entrance £1, Children under 16 free Come and browse among the many books, videos and DVDs for sale at bargain prices.

Refreshments available. All proceeds for the Church Restoration Appeal.

11 October The Vauxhall Male Voice Choir Concert 7.30pm St Andrew’s Parish Church, Langford Tickets £8 each including light refreshments The Friends of St. Andrew’s Church Langford present the Vauxhall Male Voice Choir in Concert. Programme includes Bridge Over Troubled Water, My Way and Autumn Leaves.

Tel: Jim Dickson 01462 700355 or John Searle 01462 634698 for further information & advance tickets

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KPC Property Services • • • • • •

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

Highly recommended, well established, professional services.

Superior workmanship at a fair price

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Alan George

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Painter & Decorator

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Aerials & Satellites • Digital Aerials Freesat & Satellite Installations Commercial IRS Systems All Work Guaranteed • CAI Approved C.1616 Based in Stotfold www.broadbandcommunications.co.uk

Interior and Exterior Work Wallpapering and Coving Reliable and Local Specialist

Tel: 01462 732 628 • Mob: 07860 436 217

City & Guilds trained with 30 years experience

Drum Lessons DRUM LESSONS

Sole trader No VAT Free estimates Call Alan on 01582 454604 Mob:07760198256 or E-Mail: george-a6@sky.com

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Fun and inspirational lessons in the art of drumming.

Grades taught.

20 years experience as a professional musician and teacher.

References available.

Current CRB Disclore.

Based in Clifton but able to travel to surrounding towns and villages.

Contact Jasper Morrissey on 01462819256 / 07773764536 or email jasper_morrissey@yahoo.com

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Classifieds Electricians

Removals, Delivery & Storage For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements Use your local removal company

Based in Alconbury Weston Freephone - 0800 689 0894 Tony Webb - 07850 293540 Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

Flatpack Assembly If your furniture needs assembly we can do it.

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3/12/12 11:44:54

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WORKING

STEAM WEEKEND AT STOTFOLD WATERMILL

Ploughing Displays by: - Heavy Horses - Steam Engines - Vintage Tractors Also on Display: - Threshing Machine - Saw Milling Machine - Stationary Engines - Traditional Crafts Mill Open Both Days!

DAILY ADMISSION PRICES:

Adults: £4.00 Child / Seniors: £2.00 Under 4s are free

SATURDAY 11TH & SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2014 OPENING TIME: 10.30AM - 5.00PM

www.stotfoldmill.com Stotfold Watermill, Mill Lane, Stotfold, Bedfordshire SG5 4NU

This event is sponsored by Saunders Garage

FIND US ON Registered Charity No: 1086392