Potton aug 14

VILLAGER The

Issue 96 - August 2014

and Town

Life

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

Inside this issue

World War I Postcards from the Front Going to Uni? Money Tips

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Message from the Editor:

Summer seems to be flying by and our best news is that The Villager and Town Life magazine won Bronze at the recent 2013 Community Magazine Awards. Run annually by Cambridge Building Society, the competition seeks to recognise outstanding local publications in the Cambridge area and we were presented with a plaque at a recent awards ceremony as third in the High Frequency category. This is the fourth award that The Villager has received since it began so clearly it is doing something right. Our August issue commemorates the month that WWI broke out a century ago.

Finally a big thank you comes from Clare and Dean Quince who raised a phenomenal £5,507.50 at their Potton fun day in aid of Addenbrookes following their appealing little son Mason’s heart-warming story in the June issue. Enjoy August!

Contents

World War I - Postcards from the Front.............................4 How to deal with debt...................................................13 P&R Bathrooms..............................................................14 Competition Time...........................................................16 Party On Potton..............................................................19 Fun Family Day Out - Sue Ryder - St. John’s....................20 Bedfordshire Foot Clinic.................................................22 The Amici Singers at the Menin Gate..............................24 Feeling blue or do you suffer from depression?..............28 Sandy Tourist Information..............................................31 Travelogue - Island Dipping...........................................34 Moggerhanger Summer Fete.........................................36 Where Am I?..................................................................38 Potton Music Festival.....................................................41 Going to University? How to handle your money...........42 Employment Column.....................................................44 Party On Potton Pull Out Guide......................................47 Grow your own takeaway...............................................52

Rural Ramblings.............................................................55 Animal Queries...............................................................58 Ask Alan.........................................................................60 Children’s Page...............................................................63 Porsche Macan...............................................................64 Carcassonne - Dream Citadel..........................................67 Chilli Con Carne..............................................................69 Choosing the right paint................................................70 The Coolest Choice.........................................................72 What’s On.......................................................................74 Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Club.............................76 Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club.......................................79 Puzzle Page....................................................................80 Prize Crossword..............................................................86 Above and Beyond.........................................................90 Book Review..................................................................92 Classifieds......................................................................93

Editor - Catherine Rose Editorial - Catherine Rose, Jonathan Vernon-Smith, Melanie Ridley, Eeva Whybrow, Sarah Reid, Pippa Greenwood, Geoff Wharton, North Beds RSPCA, James Baggott, Solange Hando, Culinary Masters, Katherine Sorrell, Susan Brookes-Morris and Bruce Edwards

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

Disclaimer - All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, Villager Publications Ltd can not take any responsibility for the Advertising Sales content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any Nigel Frost - 01767 261122 nigel@villagermag.com statements given in the editorial. No part of this publication may be Photography - Bernard Ormrod, Emma Porter, reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Catherine Rose, MaszaS and Nigel Frost Design Artwork 9 Tel 07762 969460 To advertiseand in The Villager- Design and Town Life please call 01767 261122 3

History

World War One Feature Postcards from the Front

By Catherine Rose Described as “historically valuable war documents”, postcards sent during WW1 forged a strong link between soldiers and their families that has largely been side-lined in looking at the history of the Great War. The postcard was invented in Austria in 1869 to encourage people to write more frequently, being easier to use and cheaper than writing a letter.

However, the emerging photography industry soon saw the value of providing their clients with multiple images in a postcard format which could then be sent to friends and relatives with a short message. Thus the popularity of the postcard flourished during the Victorian era and the industry reached its peak at the beginning of the First World War. Postcard publishers were quick to see the demand there would be for soldiers to be able to keep in touch with their loved ones from the Front.

Consequently, patriotic and romantic postcards were on sale within three days of war breaking out on 4th August 1914.

Some of the best artists and card illustrators were employed with the aim of keeping up morale as well as expressing feelings of love towards sweethearts and the sadness of separation. These postcards were a characteristic of the First World War which was never to be repeated.

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Ron Pickford of Wrestlingworth has a collection of First World War postcards, most of them made in France. They were written to his grandmother Rosina by her husband, Ron’s grandfather James Henry Bartle who was a private in the Bedfordshire Regiment, and by her two brothers Alfred James and Albert Edward during the years of the war.

(Rosina also had a sister.)

The postcards, as well as being a lovely and collectible piece of ephemera, provide a poignant reminder of those difficult days when the women were left at home wondering whether their loved ones were still alive, waiting for a few lines to arrive to allay their worst fears.

Ron’s grandfather James Henry Bartle married Rosina Medlock in 1915, a year after the war began. In a sad twist of irony, his father, also James, had died the month war broke out in August 1914 aged only 53. By strange coincidence, James and Rosina shared a birthday of 8th March.

James carried out his training at Ampthill Park and while he was waiting to be called up for active service, sent Rosina probably one of the first postcards of his dormitory - an austere row of metal beds with striped ticking mattresses and soldiers’ boots lined up below - that simply says “…

Dear, I just write to fill up the time…”

The postcards sent to Rosina from Northern France

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are particularly beautiful as they were mainly hand embroidered ‘envelopes’ attached to a card with embossed borders. This French and Belgian embroidery was typical of the region and was made to contain a small, almost hidden, card in its heart for a message. This embroidery always consisted of flowers (which in Victorian times had hidden symbolic meanings) and the flags of the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia) would be incorporated into the design. To protect the embroidery these cards would be sent in envelopes made of tissue paper.

Some of the postcards were sentimental drawings and others very patriotic. All were usually overflowing with positive thoughts and did not depict the true horror of the war.

Probably shortly after he was posted, James sent Rosina a sentimental card that shows a soldier in deep thought under the title ‘His Dream’ in which James writes: “…Note to the young lady over the water but God’s grace keeps us united although apart with love from James xxxx”.

Romantic thoughts must often have been far from James’ mind and other messages seem almost cool with formality. But it becomes more understandable when remembering the conditions the soldiers were surviving under and the patriotism that was instilled into all. Everything was for ‘King and Country’ and love had to take a back seat. One postcard sent by James to Rosina is entitled ‘Victory and Liberty’ and has the message “…May the Lord speed the time when

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Rosina and James

this is accomplished from your husband on active service.”

However, James did find time to show his wife that he still loved and thought of her. Another card is slightly more sentimental with the message ‘To my dear wife’ and depicts forgetme-nots, roses and a patriotic heart.

A Christmas card to Rosina assures her “…I am quite well, with best wishes till we meet again. God be with you always from your husband J.B.” and a New Year’s card sees James sending her a very tender message on another embroidered postcard that says ‘From he who loves you’ and depicts flowers in the shape of the Alliance flags with James writing “…Forget me not. Best wishes for the New Year. Your loving husband James xxxxxx”

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Some of the postcards that were manufactured were part of a series that contained a drawing and a verse that was continued on the next card in that series. One such card shows a parting soldier with his lady and the rhyme: ‘… there’s something, dearie, that I want to say, one parting word before I go away: I’ve tried to think that someone else will do, instead of you - but that’s not true; I’ve tried to tell my heart that I don’t care, but it’s no use dear, for when you’re not there….”

The verse stops at this point presumably so the lady can wait in great anticipation for the next!

There were also postcards available for women at home to send to their soldiers. Ron has one such postcard although it is uncertain whether Rosina ever actually sent it to James. It shows a lady writing a letter and imagining her sweetheart in his uniform, and says ‘The days seem weary without you, time seems to go so slow….’

Ron also has postcards sent from Rosina’s brothers to ‘Rose’. One shows embroidered forget-me-nots and the Alliance flags with a small message inside saying simply “…To my dear sister. From Alfred to Rose”. Another from Albert is decorated with a cutout hand-painted paper fan that says simply “From Albert to Rose”.

Sadly, neither of Rosina’s brothers survived the war. Albert Edward Medlock died on 14th October 1916 in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley of his wounds; and Alfred James who was fighting in the fourth Bedfordshire Regiment was killed in action on 20th April 1917 aged just 25. Ron has his ‘death penny’ which is six inches in diameter and was inscribed with the soldier’s name and the words ‘He died for Freedom and Honour’. The death

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penny was given to the families of those who lost men on active service.

Rosina and James endured however. James returned from the war and the pair had a long life together with Ron’s grandmother dying in 1955 and his grandfather in 1973. These beautiful heartfelt but fragile messages of card and embroidery that they left behind are a touching reminder, not only of the strength of love between two young people through the greatest adversity but also as a unique personal record of a war that was to ‘end all wars’.

Remembering the Fallen In Everton, the village hall contains a unique wood-panelled fireplace as a memorial to men from the village that lost their lives in the two World Wars. As part of the hall’s recent refurbishment financially supported by Everton Parish Council, the memorial wall has been restored.

To commemorate the lives of the ten soldiers who fell during WW1, Everton Village Hall Committee has tried to get in touch with all living relatives using local contacts and parish records held in Huntingdon. Although difficult, members from each family have been contacted.

The committee is now planning a reunion of all the families from 3pm on Saturday 4th October 2014 in the village hall as a chance to reunite and strengthen bonds between families that intermarried or have lost touch.

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At the beginning of the 20th century, Everton was a small village with just a few families living closely together. Today those families are widely separated. Because of the numbers involved, the reunion will be by invitation only.

If you are related to Archibald Frank Baker, William James Chapman, Herbert Edward Darlow, John Frank Endersby, Parker Giggle, John Hull, William James Hull, James Lawson, Walter Lee Lawson, or Thomas George Meeks, please contact Mike Collins (if you have not already heard from him) at 12 The Lawns, Everton, Beds. SG19 2LB, tel: 01767 692268 killed aged 20 in August 1916, had or email mike.collins12@tiscali.co.uk. Copies of advised his older brother George to “stick to the your family tree and a photograph can be made Signallers if you possibly can, it’s the best job out available and will eventually be reproduced here”, but George became the last Eltisley lad to on the Everton Village Hall website (www. lay down his life in March 1918. George is one of evertonvillagehall.org.uk).

14,000 casualties of the UK commemorated on the If you would like to inspect the war memorial Pozieres Memorial, all of whom have no known panelling, or wish to book the hall, please contact grave and who died on the Somme between 21st Michael Flack on 01767 652191 or Nigel Bush on March and 7th August 1918.

01767 682251.

Percy Childerley was saved from more serious Life is full of remarkable stories; many lie hidden, injury by an OXO tin he had been carrying on his waiting to be discovered. In the case of stories back sent to him by his family back home. Percy about the men who fought for their country went on to fight with the Royal Warwickshires during WWI, it is important that they should be in the Italian Alps and was awarded the told, and the men remembered. The centenary of Distinguished Conduct Medal for his exceptional the start of the war is an especially appropriate bravery. time for this.

Another Eltisley man, James Paine, had his life In Eltisley, members of the village history society saved by a pigeon that was sent back to the supply have been researching the stories of the 14 men trenches with an appeal for water and ammunition from the village who died during the war and, to sustain the men of the 8th Lincolnshires with a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery through a spell of fierce fighting. The supplies Fund, they have published a book, Remembering arrived just in time. Sadly, James later lost his life, Eltisley’s Fallen, 1914-1918, about life in the village and is one of those commemorated on the Tyne during that time and an account of each man’s Cot Memorial to the missing. sacrifice.

These are just a few of the More than 50 men from this stories discovered by Eltisley small village went to fight; four History Society. The front cover were already serving soldiers of their book shows a row of at the outbreak of war: Edding trees on Eltisley’s village green.

Flinders, Harry King, and This is the Row of Honour, brothers James and George planted during the war, one for Wiles – members of the ‘Old each of the 14 men who gave Contemptibles’ – and they were their all. It is the village’s living sent to France immediately war memorial to their brave sons. was declared, all four of them The history society hopes their being involved in the Battle of book will be another lasting Mons on 23rd August 1914. tribute.

Twelve pairs of brothers from For further information, Eltisley fought in the war; three or to purchase a copy pairs died of whom one – Arthur of the book (cost £15), and Walter Kidman – were twins. contact secretary@ John Smith-Chappell and his eltisleyhistorysociety.org.uk or two sons all enlisted, and both Everton War Memorial telephone 01480 880268. sons were killed. Harry Hayden,

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Three Counties Radio

How to Deal With Debt

By Jonathan Vernon-Smith

It is a sad reality that most of us are in debt these days. With the high cost of housing, it’s perhaps unsurprising that people are having to borrow more money than they really should. For many, this debt is perfectly manageable. However, it only takes a problem like losing your job, or ill health to suddenly turn manageable debt into an utter nightmare.

If you are having financial difficulty and realise that you are unable to meet your debt responsibilities, the most important thing to do is to face up to the reality. As tempting as it may be to bury your head in the sand and ignore the demand letters, it is simply going to make the problem much much worse.

When you have accepted the situation, you need to sit down and look openly and honestly at the money you have coming in, and the money going out. Even if the prospect is thoroughly depressing, you need to understand exactly what the numbers are before you go any further.

At this point, I would advise contacting the companies you owe money to and explaining the situation.

They may be able to give you a ‘payment holiday’ until you get yourself back on your feet again. They are also much more likely to be helpful if you’ve been open and honest with them rather than ignoring them and hoping they will simply go away. Remember, they want their money, so it’s in their interest to work with you as opposed to against you.

When you’ve worked out how much money you can put towards your debts, you then need to prioritise them. The most important debts are: mortgage or rent arrears, gas and electricity arrears, council tax arrears, court fines, income tax or VAT arrears and TV licence arrears. If you fail to pay these, you could lose your home, and in the most extreme circumstances, could end up in prison.

The less urgent debts include: benefits overpayments, credit cards and loans, water and sewerage bills (you can’t be cut off for water debts), student loans, loans from family and friends and parking penalties from local authorities. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t bother trying to pay them, but these should be at the bottom of the list.

Hopefully, with careful budgeting, balancing and communication, you’ll be able to manage your debts until you get back on your feet. However, if you simply cannot pay what you owe, then there are some options for you. However, be aware they do not come without costs.

Solutions such as debt consolidation, or even bankruptcy can be the only way out for some people but please look at the pros and cons before committing.

I would always advise that you contact your local citizens advice bureau or the debt charity ‘Step Change’ on 0800 138 1111 before making any further decisions about the management of your debt.

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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P and R Bathrooms

Here to Help as You Grow Older

Although most of us enjoy planning for the future, planning for a future with the most practical view is not always a comfortable experience. Paul Kynoch from P and R Bathrooms explains how they advise their customers:

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‘No one wants to go to the trouble and expense of replacing their bathroom on a regular basis, that’s why, when it comes to planning your bathroom, it makes real sense to think of the future. As we grow older certain practical measures can make using the toilet, bathing or showering more pleasant or even possible. A slightly higher toilet, a very low shower tray, easyclean shower screens and a lower bath with a strong handrail make all the difference. And even if they are not needed straight away, our designs make these features so stylish, there’s no need to compromise your tastes.’

I would certainly agree with Paul as I wander around the large Bedford showroom and discover that it takes real effort to spot the slight modifications that he has described. Next to one bath is a grab bar which looks exactly like a chrome soap dish while next door is a wet room with a colour-matched flip-down seat that blends so seamlessly, so elegantly, it really is just a part of the furniture.

‘We have made a real effort to source not only good quality bathrooms from only the most reputable and reliable companies but we have also included features which are musts for our older customers and those planning for the future. We stock non-slip tiles in many styles

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and offer the option of single lever basin mixer taps which are brilliant for both the very young but also anyone suffering with arthritis who may struggle to grip another kind of tap. We specialize in fitting thermostatic showers which do not alter their temperature when water is used elsewhere in the house – much safer and more comfortable for all the family.’

I ask Paul more about design. ‘We offer a design service as well as the complete installation package – as much or as little as our customers need and we really listen to what they want as well as taking on board what will work in their home and with their personal tastes – now and in the future. For example, if someone has a bath installed we will always recommend that they purchase a few more tiles so that if the time comes that they feel that a shower tray would be more practical, they are able to have one installed and there are enough tiles to avoid buying new ones for the whole room.

‘Our wet rooms can be installed both downstairs

onto concrete or upstairs onto wooden floors and we can also save customers so much upheaval by using Mermaid paneling, a type of waterproof boarding that is quick to install and makes transforming your bathroom so much easier – it looks really lovely too.’

‘Basins are not necessarily static items’ Paul continues to explain, ‘They can be set higher than usual for anyone who has difficulty bending and we can supply and fit baths which are lower and so much more easy to access.

‘None of these items, whether they are part of a complete bathroom package or modifications, need to look like medical or specialized equipment. The fact is they are not, they are just variations of the norm which make life more comfortable for so many people who like a stylish bathroom as much as they always have.’

P and R Bathrooms, with their impressive showroom and team of designers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and installers are just a phone call away. Why not consider your future and plan a bathroom that will be not only a delight to use now but also an invaluable an investment in times to come?

P&R Bathrooms

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Competition

Win a signed copy of

‘The Wildlife Quiz Book’

A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES

Competition Time

Rugged coastline , outstanding beaches, num historic buildings erous and a good dollo just some of the p of folklore are fabulous attra ctions of the Wale Coast Path. Add to this the warm s th and friendline of the Welsh peop ss le and a wander around Wales becomes a truly memorable expe The 870 miles rience. of continuous coas unique view of t path offer a Wales and all that it has to off Every geograph er. ic section of the highlights and path has its own every day pres ents you with experience to a new savour and enjo So, charge your y. camera, walking and prepare to boots at the read be amazed as y you wander arou Wales Coast Path nd the , whatever the weather!!

A WANDER AROUND THE COAST OF WALES

by Steve Plant

£x.xx $x.xx €x.xx

STEVE PLANT

Steve Plant has written a gem of a guide dedicated to the first continuous coastal walk in the world which was opened in May 2012. And Steve ‘knows his bunions’. Not only has he walked the 870 miles himself ST EV E P L A NT over 62 days, he was also one of the first ten people to complete it, and now features on the Visit Wales website’s ‘hall of fame’.

Having been a keen charity walker for many years (he once walked the entire Greensand Ridge twice in one day) the local author decided to attempt the rugged Welsh path inspired by his happy memories of childhood holidays there. He subsequently raised £2,500 for the MS Trust and the idea for a book based on his experiences took hold.

What makes this guide special is that it doesn’t only appeal to walkers. Steve spent time talking to locals, gathering Welsh folklore and learning the often hidden meaning behind landmarks. The result is not only a guide to this amazing path but also a fascinating walk through coastal history, interesting in itself. Even if you are only walking part of it, the chapters give you lots of insight into all you will encounter along the way. The book is illustrated with Steve’s own photographs.

But if you don’t feel up to donning a pair of walking boots and trekking miles around the stunning but let’s face it, arduous Welsh coastline, Steve can happily transport you there from the comfort of your own armchair.

The book is divided into sections encompassing each part of the walk which finish with key helpful facts including distance and difficulty. Reading it, you feel that Steve is with you every step of the way.

Describing his guide as an “experiential book”, Steve says it was the first ever published to cover the entire Welsh coastal path.

The book is available from Amazon (ISBN 978-178035-761-4) and www.coastalwalkinginwales.com price £10.99. Steve also has a website that includes a walking blog at www.stevescharityevents.co.uk A 870-mile walk following the coastal path of Wales from north to south

Competition

For our competition this month, we have a signed copy of Steve’s book to give away to one lucky reader. To enter, simply send your name and address on a postcard to: Catherine Rose - Editor at The Villager and Town Life magazine, Villager Publications Ltd, 24 Market Square, Potton, Bedfordshire or alternatively you can email editor@villagermag.com.

Please mark your postcard or email ‘Wales Competition’.

The winner will be selected at random on the closing date, 3rd September 2014.

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Professional Balloon art and Event decoration Beautifully arranged balloon clusters, arches, columns and more Delivery and set up available Like us on Facebook for portfolio and special offers

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Local News

Party On Potton August Bank Holiday Weekend

We’ve only gone and created the most fabulous 4 nights and 3 days of your life. Turn to the centre page and there you have it. The most valuable, truly wonderful and important pieces of folded A4 that you will ever hold. This 4 page pullout guide shows you the bones for your lovely Party On Potton August Bank Holiday (Friday, 22nd – 25th August) community event. The reality is that’s just the very bare bones because there’s fat galore (short on space). Be it the fat on the Samba dancers’ belly, the fat from the pig roast, the fat round your pie at the picnic, a song from Fats Domino or the fat exhaust from the Vintage car rally this is going to be one juicy, finger licking, awesome, epic weekend. I want to explain each and every event in fine detail, I want to give you a blow by blow account, I want to tell you to laugh in the faces of friends who have wasted

their money booking their summer holiday over the August bank holiday and I want to remind you that we are a not for profit group of volunteers who will plough back any profits into our lovely community but I’ve only got space to tell you that The Henry Smith Playing Field will be the centre of life from the 7pm Friday, 22nd August disco mash up until Midnight Monday 25th August. We can’t wait to see you all there. It’s not hot, hot, hot in POP HQ. POP HQ is ON FIRE.

From Thursday 31 July 2014!

Come and explore the newly restored Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth (Bedfordshire) with woodland sculpture trail.

Please visit our website or call for details of a range of exciting events and activities.

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Local News

Fun Family Day Out!!

Sue Ryder - St John’s Hosts, Moggerhanger’s First Country Fete This year Sunday 10th August is our annual summer fete. This year we have changed the theme to ‘Country Fete’ we wanted to celebrate all things country as we are based in the beautiful Bedfordshire countryside. There will be tractors, local produce trade stalls, steam engines, sheep dog displays and much, much more. We have two arenas on the grounds this year, one arena will be hosting animal demonstrations with birds of prey, sheep dog, dogs for the disabled, exotic animals and ferrets as well as performances. The dog show will be held in its very own arena.

There is entertainment for all…. paint balling, classic cars and steam engines, craft and food areas. There is also fun for little ones including balloon modelling, face painting, inflatable, archery and Krazy Kritters.

There will be refreshments served all day, from sandwiches to hog roast, Caribbean cuisine to cream teas, BBQ, Pimms tent and more.

We would love you to come and join in the Fun! Country Fete 11am - 4.30pm Adults: £2.50 Children aged 5-16: £1 Children under 5: FREE

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If you would like to enter your dog into the dog show the categories are below and it will cost £2 per class and your dog could win a rosette or perhaps a prize. Registrations from 11.30am and judging to begin at 2pm.

Categories 1. Child Handler – 14 years and under 2. Best Trick 3. Waggiest Tail 4. Best Puppy 4-12 mths 5. Best Rescue 6. Best Veteran (7yrs and over) 7. Best Dressed Dog and owner 8. Best condition 9. Dog with the most loving face 10. Best in Show For more information please call 01767 642424 By being part of one of our events you are helping to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder - St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger to continue supporting our patients and their loved ones by providing specialist medical and nursing care, family support and chaplaincy. We also provide lymphoedema and complementary therapy treatments in our recently refurbished day unit.

For more information please call Fay the Events fundraiser on 01767 642424 or alternatively you can email fay.boissieux@sueryder.org

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Join Colin, Jo and the team for a warm welcome Freshly prepared food Lunch served Tuesday to Saturday between 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner served Tuesday to Saturday between 6.00pm - 9.00pm Traditional Sunday Lunch served 12noon - 4pm Senior Citizens Menu available Tuesday to Friday

4 Biggleswade Road, Potton, Bedfordshire Tel: 01767 261888 www.theroyaloak-potton.co.uk

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Bedfordshire Foot Clinic

By Catherine Rose

Yvonne Siudak is an experienced podiatrist/ chiropodist, member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Having just opened a smart new clinic at Belfry Court in Sandy, Catherine Rose went to find out first-hand what a treatment involves.

When I arrive at the clinic, I am warmly greeted in reception by Yvonne and her student Ellie Butcaru. Yvonne moved to the Sandy centre at the beginning of July as the business had outgrown her previous surgery. As well as taking on a student, she is planning to employ another qualified podiatrist in order to offer a full-time service including more home visits.

Yvonne starts by taking down my personal details and medical history - necessary with all new clients. Checking for any medication being taken is an important part of this as it can affect the feet. For example if a patient is taking a drug like warfarin which thins the blood, Yvonne needs to know as this will have an impact on diagnosis.

She asks for my height, weight and lifestyle

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information including my work and hobbies.

I assure her I am not a runner which has a big impact on the foot (literally). These sorts of questions may seem probing but they enable Yvonne to get an idea of how many hours I spend on my feet. As I now wear high heels more than I did a couple of years ago, this will also adversely affect me.

By now I am sitting comfortably in Yvonne’s treatment chair which she raises up enabling her to take a good look at me under bright lighting.

The first thing she does is check the colour and temperature of each foot to assess circulation. She also checks the various pulse points and ‘capilliary refill’ – how long it takes for blood to flow back into the tissues after they are depressed. Mine takes two seconds which thankfully is within normal range.

“If we find a problem, we may need to refer a patient to their doctor”, Yvonne explains.

At this point, Yvonne will check for any nail and skin conditions, pigmentation and calluses.

Calluses give her information about how a patient

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walks as hard skin will build up on the parts of the foot that get most wear.

Yvonne also does a biomechanical assessment which is looking at how the foot moves and whether there is any pain. All in all, she is very thorough and this enables her to come up with a treatment plan and arrange return visits.

After assessment, Yvonne routinely disinfects the skin, reassuring me that “there is not a lot wrong” and then uses a number 15 scalpel to cut away the hard skin that my recent pedicure missed. Having someone come at your sensitive soles with a sharp blade may seem scary but there is no discomfort whatsoever. Just by looking at my feet, Yvonne can tell that I ‘pronate’, which means I turn my arches inwards when I walk. She can make orthotics to correct this if necessary.

She then finishes by using a foot file and asks if I would like some cream. “This is the bit everyone enjoys” she says as she gives me what is a very pleasant massage concentrating on the tendons of the foot.

Depending on the problems she encounters, Yvonne is qualified to perform nail surgery under a local anaesthetic. When no other treatment is going to help, this can include removal of the nail as a PNA (partial nail avoltion) or FNA (full nail avoltion). Laser therapy can be used on various ailments including verruceas , fungal nails, and other foot conditions. In addition, Yvonne can treat troublesome corns and other toe problems, sometimes using custom-made silicon separators

to prevent rubbing.

For diabetics, who need extra care, assessments are recommended yearly. Yvonne will check for peripheral neuropathy by testing sensitivity to heat, pain and vibration as diabetics can suffer from nerve damage in their feet as a result of the condition.

The Bedfordshire Foot Clinic will also see children as young as two years old and I would certainly have no qualms about taking a child to see Yvonne or Ellie – their manner is so gentle and friendly.

I leave the surgery with a bit more of a spring in my step feeling that a regular visit to the podiatrist is certainly worth the effort.

For more information, or to book a consultation, visit The Bedfordshire Foot Clinic website at www.yourfootclinic.co.uk The Bedfordshire Foot Clinic 2 Belfry Court, Sandy, Beds SG19 1JR Tel: 01767 692822 E: Yvonne@bedfordshirefootclinic.co.uk

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23

Local News

The Amici Singers At the Menin Gate

The Amici Singers , a Female Choir based in Biggleswade founded in 1978 ( and still going very strongly) have been performing in a number of countries over the years including 10 tours in the USA. They have recently returned from a very successful trip to Belgium.

On 22nd. May 2014, the Amici Singers performed, in front of over 1,000 people during the Last Post Service at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. to commemorate those who fell there in World War one. The two items they sang were ‘ Anthem for doomed youth’ and ‘Deep Peace’ ( which they also sang at the site of ‘Ground Zero’ in New York in 2002 ) It was an extremely moving experience for them all and a culmination of a very memorable tour of the area, during which they also performed a full concert in Ghent Cathedral, and in St. Georges Chapel and another very moving performance at the Tyne Cot War Cemetery, the largest of it’s kind. It was a great honour for the Amicis to be involved in all these events, but to sing under the Arch at the Menin Gate which bears the names of 54,000 British and Commonwealth personnel who lost their lives in Ypres and the surrounding area was something very special.

After the service, the Chief of the Army of New Zealand, Major General A D Gawn, MBE presented the Amicis with a commemorative medal, which was a very special moment.

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As well as the serious side of the Tour, there were also two canal boat trips and, on one evening, a somewhat boisterous evening meal was attended by most of the party. The boat trips and the meal were punctuated by bursts of spontaneous singing. Onlookers were left in no doubt that the Amicis were enjoying themselves !!

Their Founder, Musical Director and Conductor, Dr. Douglas Coombes MBE, who composed much of the music performed, said of the tour :“ Over our 36 years of touring with the Amici’s there have been many unforgettable and emotional experiences, such singing at Ground Zero in New York, but the singing at Tyne Cot cemetery (nearly 12000 graves) and at Menin Gate was very special and moving. Combined with the full concerts in Ghent Cathedral and St George’s Church, Ypres, it was a memorable and wonderful trip.”

The Amici’s are always on the lookout for new members. They rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7.45 to 9.45 at St. Peters Roman Catholic Church, 7a, Station Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8AL. Rehearsals commence on Thursday 4th September. Please , do come and join us. There are no auditions and you will be assured of a very warm welcome. Please contact Anne Bunker on 01767 650630, or just turn up on Thursday. Check our website: www.amicisingers.net

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Mental Health

Feeling ‘blue’?

Or do you suffer from depression?

It is perfectly normal that we all occasionally feel a bit ‘blue’ and fed up but in general these symptoms don’t tend to last long. When a person suffers from depression however, the symptoms last for weeks, even months. Some of the symptoms are: • feeling unhappy most of the time • lacking in energy and motivation • feeling restless and agitated • feeling tired • not wanting to socialise with other people • losing interest in life.

This list is not comprehensive by any means, and you don’t necessarily have to have all of the symptoms.

So what can you do to improve your mood when feeling depressed? There are certain self-help methods you can use such as exercise. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend every evening at the local gym. A regular short walk around the block can be effective.

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You can also look into changing your eating habits.

People who suffer from depression tend to either overeat or not eat at all. Keep an eye on your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking can worsen your mood because alcohol is a depressant.

Talk to your family members and/or friends who might be able to help and support you. There are also various helplines which can be useful when feeling low in mood.

If you feel that these self-help methods are not adequate, and your mood doesn’t improve, it might be worth seeing your GP, or contacting a counsellor.

Counselling gives you the opportunity to discuss your feelings with someone who understands and doesn’t judge you, allowing you to unravel the issues and make sense of what is wrong. Counselling will empower you to move forward and feel stronger.

By Eeva Whybrow

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Local News

SANDY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Guided Walks and Talks 2014

We have now reached the height of the summer and over the months of August and September the Tourist information Centre have arranged four Guided walks – two in each month.

The first Walk in August is a Guided Walk in Southill Park. This Guided Walk takes place during the afternoon of Sunday, 10th August. The Tourist Information Centre is grateful to Mr Charles Whitbread for allowing this walk and for the help given by the Southill Estate Office.

On this rare occasion we will be able to walk through the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parklands of Southill Park, seat of the Whitbread family since 1795. After a short walk from Old Warden’s Village Car Park we will walk through the picturesque village of Old Warden and enter the 800 acre Southill Park via Warden Lodge.

During the walk we will hear about the history of the Whitbread’s and the story of this magnificent estate and house. This famous Bedfordshire family made their fortune in brewing and a number have served as members of parliament.

We will walk through a typical English parkland landscape in which you may see grazing the rarebreed white beef cattle.

We will pass close to the north or entrance front of the house with its central gateway of wrought-iron gates and screen which are aligned with

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the centre of the house.

The magnificent regency house was remodelled for the Whitbread’s by the famous architect Henry Holland (1745-1806). Holland undertook work for the Prince Regent and his architecture can still be seen at Woburn and Althorp. Holland’s work at Southill was completed in 1800 and the interior of the house retains much of Holland’s original decoration. It has been written that the house at “Southill is one of the most exquisite English understatements.”

Continuing through the park we will pass All Saints Church, burial place of the Byng family, including the famous Admiral John Byng, who is best known for the loss of Minorca in 1756 at the beginning of the Seven Years’ War. He was court-martialled and was sentenced to death and shot by firing squad on the quarterdeck of his ship in March 1757.

The walk continues round part of the 34 acre lake and passes the 18th century bridge built by John Smeaton, often called “the father of civil engineering”. Smeaton also undertook work for the Whitbread’s at their London Brewery and the delightful bridge over the brook at Cardington.

We will stop at the delightful Fishing Temple and cottage (designed by Henry Holland in c1800) which

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Sutton Packhorse Bridge stands close to the edge of the lake. From here there is wonderful view southwards across the water and parklands to the distant elegant front of Southill House, surrounded by its ancient trees.

We will leave the park at this stage and return to Old Warden via the wooded Warden Warren. If there is time we may make a diversion along the track that leads to the 18th century Queen Anne’s Summer House and the 19th century Keeper’s Cottage. These two buildings stand on the Old Warden estate and have been restored by the Landmark Trust in recent years.

We will meet in the Village Car Park, in Old Warden at 2.30pm The cost of the Guided Tour is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please).

The second walk in August is THE EVERTON WALK The Everton Walk was due to take place on 9th May, but due to the inclement weather and other matters this had to be cancelled. The Walk will now take place on Friday, 15th August.

This delightful walk starts from Everton Parish Church and enters the wooded parklands of Woodbury Hall. After passing the 18th century house we will descend the hill at the edge of the park and then cross over agricultural fields before joining the Roman road (bridleway).

We will pass the Barn, once part of Gibraltar Farm.

This Barn also formed part of RAF Tempsford and was used as the holding point for SOE agents immediately before they were taken to the aircraft that took them on various dangerous missions into German occupied Europe. Here agents were also supplied with their equipment, etc. We will then ascend the hill and return to the village of Everton.

We will meet at the Parish Church in Everton at 2pm.

As there is very little space near the church can you please park your cars on roads within the village. The cost is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please).

In September there will be two Guided Walks.

The first walk in September is the Potton Sutton Guided Walk. This walk forms part of

the Bedfordshire Walking Festival (6th – 14th September). There will be more information about the Festival in next month’s edition.

This walk takes place on Friday 12th September beginning from Brook End in Potton From here we will walk to the plantation at Pegnut Wood before proceeding to the village of Sutton. Much of Sutton was historically owned by the Burgoyne family of Sutton Park. We will pass the medieval parish church and Sutton Ford with its delightful 13th century ironstone packhorse bridge. At this point we will either take a shortcut back to Potton or carry on to Deepdale returning to Potton via the Old Bedford Road.

We will meet in the Car Park at Brook End in Potton at 2.45pm . Can you please book your place on this walk at the TIC. This walk is free as part of the Festival.

The second walk in September is a Guided Walk around Willington. This walk takes place on Thursday 18th September and begins at the National Trust Dovecote and Stables. This walk will be led by members of the Willington History Group.

Willington is a riverside village dominated by the tower of St Lawrence’s Church. The building is unusual in being entirely 16th century in origin and was probably built by Sir John Gostwick, who subsequently held office under King Henry VIII. The king actually stayed at the manor house which has largely disappeared, however the massive Tudor stone dovecote, with nesting boxes for 1,500 birds and the stables still survive and are in the care of the National Trust.

The village has a varied range of types of architecture, including a number of former Bedford Estate cottages.

We will meet in the Car Park of the Dovecote and Stables in Willington at 6.30pm.

The cost of the Guided Walk is £5.50 per person (payable on booking please).

TIC Autumn/Winter Talks The dates and venues for this year’s three Talks have will be as follows:The Life and Times of Francis Pym Monday, 13th October at 7.30pm, Sandy Baptist Church Hall Sandy and the Great War Tuesday, 4th November at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall The Rise and Fall of the Cardington Airships Tuesday, 2nd December at 7.30pm Sandy Baptist Church Hall

Sandy Tourist Information Centre, Rear of 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy Telephone 01767 682728 – email tourism@sandytowncouncil.gov.uk OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 10am-2pm Sundays and Bank Holidays Closed To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122

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Travelogue

Island Dipping After an early morning rise on Monday 7th April, we were off on our next adventure. The following three days were to be spent in a car and cooking meals with six people we had met for the first time the previous night, driving around a World Heritage listed island and sleeping in tents 100m from the beach.

You know you are living the dream when you are driving along a deserted beach in a Toyota 4x4.

Being considered the world’s largest sand island at 1,840 square kilometres, the only way to get around this spectacular island, is in a powerful 4x4 vehicle.

Our first destination was a large lake made naturally thousands of years ago by rain compressing the sand and soil into a large bowl shape which has been filled over thousands of years with fresh water. At 1,200 metres long, 930 metres wide and 16 feet deep, Lake Mackenzie is quite possibly the most breathtaking place I have been too.

On arrival at the lake it began to rain, which you may think would change our minds about wanting to take a dip but on the contrary actually made us want to get into the water quicker. It also made the water an even better temperature.

After a few drinks with some new friends on the first night we all had to be up and ready to leave

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By Melanie Ridley

at 8:00am the following morning. Surprisingly everyone was. The first stop on day two was Eli Creek.

Have you ever imagined being able to fill up your water bottle from a river and drink it without getting ill? Sounds crazy right?!

After a brisk five minute walk away from the beach along man-made decking, we arrived at the mouth of Eli Creek. The best way to travel down the creek is to jump into the water, chill out and let the current take you.

Day three included a three kilometre walk.

Lake Wabby was the destination and being the deepest lake on the island at 39 feet it made the hike 100% worth it. As you exit the forest you step onto what seem like never ending sand dunes.

For many, the urge to run down these into the water are too great to ignore. However another great way that many enjoyed the dunes was to grab a sand board and surf their way down into the water!

In 1992 Fraser Island was listed as a World Heritage Island. Situated just off the north east coast of Australia, it is in my mind is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The sights, sounds and experiences I had there will stay with me forever.

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Local News

A Family Fun Day Out!!

Sue Ryder - St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger, Summer Fete Join us for our annual summer fete on Sunday 10th August. There will be tractors, local produce trade stalls, steam engines, sheep dog displays and much, much more. You can visit our two main arenas: the first will be hosting demonstrations with birds of prey and sheep dogs, well as performances from a local line dancing group and ballet school. The second arena will be specifically for the dog show and will include a ‘come and have a go’ flyball demo.

There is entertainment for everyone including paintballing, classic cars, steam engines and archery. Trade stalls confirmed so far include handbags, jewellery and fashion. We also have a dedicated food court and craft marquee. The usual children’s entertainment and games will be here with plenty to keep your little ones happy!

Refreshments are served all day, from sandwiches to a hog roast, and cream teas to Caribbean curries!

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We would love you to come and join in the fun!

The country fete starts at 11am and finishes at 4.30pm. Entry for adults will be £2.50, children aged 5-16 £1 and under the age of 5’s are free.

By being part of one of our events, you are helping to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder - St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger so that we can continue supporting our patients and their loved ones by providing specialist medical and nursing care, family support and chaplaincy. We also offer lymphoedema and complementary therapy treatments in our recently refurbished day unit.

For more information please call Fay, the events fundraiser on 01767 642424 or alternatively you can email fay.boissieux@sueryder.org

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Where AM I?

Do You Know?

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1 3 Do you know where these pictures were taken?

Last month’s answer Last month’s images were taken in Swiss Gardens, Shuttleworth.

Where Are we?

VILLAGER The

The Villager and Town Life magazine is delivered door to door throughout:

Abbotsley, Beeston, Broom, Caxton, Cockayne Hatley, Cople, Croydon, Dunton, Eltisley, Everton, Everton Heath, Eyeworth, Gamlingay, Haynes, Henlow, Ickwell Green, Ireland, Langford, Lower Caldecote, Moggerhanger, Northill, Old Warden, Potton, Shuttleworth, Southill, Stanford, Sutton, The Gransdens, Thorncote Green, Upper Caldecote, Waresley and Wrestlingworth

LOCAL NEWS •

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Issue 94 - June

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Local News

Potton

Music Festival 15-17 August 2014

This year’s Potton Music Festival is once again gearing up to provide a full weekend’s entertainment filled with music in Potton and the surrounding areas.

Complete details of the programmes can be found on our brand new website: www. pottonmusicfestival.com from where you can also buy tickets. For those who prefer a more personal touch, Cameron’s Newsagents in Potton Market Square also has tickets for sale and fliers with a brief outline of what we are playing.

We are playing five concerts over the space of three days: Friday 15th August 8pm. St. John the Baptist Church, Cockayne Hatley.

Music by Mozart, Britten, Villa Lobos and Jackson

We hope you might join us for any of our concerts – there is a discount should you plan to attend them all!

Sunday 17th August 4pm. All Saints Church, Sutton. Music by Danzi, Zemlinsky, Stravinsky and Bartok.

Saturday 16th August 11am. Burgoyne Middle School. Potton Festival Family Concert: Musical Pictures 7.30pm. St Mary’s Church, Potton, music by Poulenc, Bartok and Schubert 10.15pm. St Mary’s Church, Potton: late night Bach

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41

Finance

Going to University?

Here’s How to Manage Your Money

If you are off to university in September, your head will be full of worries and excitement about living independently, studying, and how to manage life in a new city. It might be a little overwhelming at times, but with forethought and planning you can organise your money and get to grips with the financial side of life.

Managing money is often the biggest concern for new undergraduates, but the trick is to know your figures, set a basic budget where you can, and stick to it. One of the first decisions to make though, is which student bank account to open.

Student bank accounts Most of the top UK banks operate specific accounts for undergraduates. In general, they offer 24-hour online banking, mobile apps, and interestfree overdrafts subject to eligibility.

NatWest Uniproof Account • Free arranged overdraft facility of up to £500 in the first term, £750 in the second, and £1000 in the final term • Free Tastecard membership (currently worth £79.99) if you sign up for online banking and paperless statements. This entitles you to 50% off meals in a range of UK restaurants.

HSBC Student Bank Account • Free overdraft facility of £500 on signing up • Up to £3000 overdraft limit subject to eligibility • Credit interest of 1.5% AER/gross on the first £1000 in your account

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Santander Student Account • Free Santander 16-25 Railcard, valid for four years • Interest-free overdraft of up to £1500 per year if £500 is paid into your account at the start of each term • Credit interest of 1% AER/gross on balances of up to £500 Budgeting tips Budgeting is simple once you get into a routine.

It just needs commitment, and an awareness of how much you are spending. The first thing to do is calculate the total of your maintenance loan and any grants, wages if you intend to work, and any money from your parents.

Then make a list of regular bills, such as food, electricity, insurance and books. Also factor in birthday and Christmas expenses, and the cost of running a car if you have one. The money left over is disposable income, but you need to make sure you don’t overspend.

The main objective is to live within your means rather than splurging all your money at the start of term. Divide the maintenance loan over three months to budget for living costs, and you are halfway there.

Knowing the difference between ‘good debt’ and ‘bad debt’ Knowing how to use credit cards effectively is an important part of managing your money at university, as the temptation to spend without thinking can be overwhelming at times.

The important thing to note is that only paying the minimum amount off a credit card each month allows the interest to build up, and makes it increasingly difficult to pay off what was originally a manageable amount.

Paying off the total amount owed at the end of each billing period gives you interest-free credit for a very limited time, but go beyond this timescale and you could be hit with huge rates of interest.

Paying for higher education is an investment, and remains a popular choice even with the recent increase in tuition fees. You don’t need to be cashstrapped at university or debt-ridden when you leave – just make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons.

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43

Employment

Early Conciliation

By Sarah Reid ACAS has launched a new Early Conciliation service - one of a number of recent UK legislative changes, and it is anticipated to transform the employment landscape.

What is it? - Early Conciliation (EC) is a free service provided by ACAS from April 6th 2014 to encourage resolution of differences between employee and employer, and avoid the cost (emotionally and financially) of an employment tribunal.

When can it be used? - Usually once all internal workplace procedures have been exhausted.

Does an employee have to use this service? - Yes (unless an exemption applies) for claims lodged on or after May 6th 2014. Tribunal claims will not be accepted unless the employee has submitted an Early Conciliation Form and an Early Conciliation Certificate issued.

Are there time limits? - An employee will, in most cases, have up to three months (less one day from date of dismissal) to bring a tribunal claim.

Contacting ACAS pauses the time limit for up to one calendar month, plus a further 14 days if required. The time limit will start again once the Early Conciliation Certificate has been issued.

But hasn’t ACAS always offered conciliation?

Yes but the new process encourages employees to contact ACAS before a claim is submitted to a tribunal. An employer can also contact ACAS to start EC if they think an employee is likely to make a tribunal claim. So it can be helpful to both parties to introduce external, unbiased conciliation to settle a dispute.

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What type of issues will it help resolve? - Those that may lead to an employment tribunal claim: - unfair dismissal - workplace discrimination and equal pay - redundancy payments / selection procedure disputes - deductions from wages or unpaid notice/ holiday pay - rights to time off or flexible working How does the process work? - An employee (or appointed solicitor) completes an Individual Claimant Notification Form on the new ACAS web portal (https://ec.acas.org.uk) with a response from ACAS within two working days. Employers can use the same web portal, but with no extension to the time limit for submitting a claim. ACAS also has a helpline number 0300 1231100.

What if either party refuses EC? - If an ACAS conciliator is unable to contact the employee, either party refuses to conciliate, conciliation fails or the conciliation period expires without settlement, ACAS will issue a certificate confirming that the employee has complied with the rules.

Early Conciliation by ACAS is entirely voluntary and employees who don’t want to settle a dispute before a tribunal can decline EC and move on to the tribunal to submit their claim.

Drawn out workplace disputes can have a crippling effect on employees and businesses alike. As the EC service is free to use, neither party has anything to lose by actively seeking an agreement via the new ACAS Early Conciliation service.

For further guidance about this or any HR related issue, whether an employee or employer, contact Sarah Reid via email – sarah.reid@solashr.com or visit her website at www.solashr.com.

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51

Garden

Grow your own take-away

By Pippa Greenwood www.pippagreenwood.com We all know that home-cooked food is better for us than a stream of takeaways, but then we all deserve a little self-indulgence from time to time.

So why not save yourself the guilt (and some cash) and grow your own Chinese takeaway right here in your own garden?

No I haven’t turned cookery writer, but you can easily grow some of those tasty and crunchy vegetables that make the backbone of many a Chinese stir-fry... and the great thing is that oriental vegetables do well from late summer sowings, so it’s off to the garden centre (not the takeaway) you go!

Bean sprouts are so easy to grow you could almost do it with your eyes shut. The common types are sprouted mung-beans, and you can either buy packets of seed or a small packet of the beans themselves from your local health food store.

They’ll come with easy cultivation instructions and before you know it you’ll have the beginnings of a stir-fry.

Mizuna has got to be one of the most attractive leafy vegetables you can grow. Its green leaves appear soon after sowing the seed in a pot or in open ground, and they add a great spicy flavour to your stir-fry and also add a zing to salads.

And where would your Chinese meal be without that delicious Oriental veg, pak-choi. It’s another easy vegetable to grow late in the summer: just sow the seeds in a well-forked soil, water, and wait.

Thin out as per the instructions of the seed packet (you can eat the thinnings too), then just pinch off the roots and pop the plants into the wok. Pak-choi also grows well in a container of multi-purpose compost.

Garlic is another essential ingredient. It’s not really the right time of year to plant garlic, but for an unexpected little extra take a few spare cloves and

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pot them in trays of compost. Keep the compost slightly moist and in a week or two the cloves will start to sprout. What you’re after here aren’t the sprouts though, but the bright green foliage which adds a definitely garlicy flavour to stir-fries and a touch of colour as well.

Radishes add heat as well as crunch, and there are some lovely oriental varieties such as Mantanhong, which is a British-bred Chinese variety with a superbly crunchy bright red-to-pink inner flesh and spherical white roots – great for colour and texture and with a sweet almost nutty flavour. Sow in open ground or pots from now until early September for cropping in a few weeks’ time.

Spring onions are another classic stir-fry component. You won’t get a fully mature crop for harvesting this year unless you’re extremely lucky; but what you will get is a super-young onion that will add both colour and intense flavour to the contents of your wok.

And finally, mushrooms will add a meaty texture to your home-grown vegetable stir-fry. Kits for growing both oyster and field mushrooms are available in many garden centres or by mail order.

It’s not always easy to get right, I know, but the challenge is definitely worth it when you have exotic mushrooms growing in your cellar, garden frame, greenhouse, or shed.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for her “Winter thru Spring” vegetable collection, plants for September, regular advice emails from Pippa, and a range of gardening products including Nemasys caterpillar, slug, ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece.

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Garden

Love Them/Hate Them Rural Ramblings. By Geoff Wharton I think I have been sitting in the sun too long and I have been getting a little oozy. For some unexplained reason I suddenly felt the urge to add a little artistic decoration to the garden and express my latent artistic side with the addition of a few strategically positioned high class and thought provoking garden decorations. Out would go the boring old wind chimes and in their place I could source something of intellectual value which would be both pleasing on the eye and possibly have a highly significant but rather obscure hidden message to be revealed only to the initiated few.

The initial problem was where to find such an object. The answer was obvious - the internet.

Off I went to the computer and searched the most obvious site for garden ornaments. Within microseconds (I still do not understand how the thing works so quickly and every time I am so impressed!) it presented me with an incredible number of the most impressive additions to any garden you could wish. What struck me most was firstly, the range and depth of human imagination involved in thinking up these things and secondly the wonderful descriptions attached to each photograph.

The choice was immense - starting with the life size silverback gorilla and the friendly monster gargoyle. The tasteful hatching ducklings were more what I thought would be appropriate rather than the metal crane (the bird!). You could buy an attractive set of brightly coloured character resin snails or even a green parrot head. The hobbit door as part of the fairy garden starter kit seemed most intriguing but the bulldog head bottle opener seemed to be a better buy as it had a practical advantage. Then there were things for the pond - the floating resin hippo head seemed rather impressive, but I was especially taken by the realistic crocodile especially the one with the open mouth! We now went into the slightly bizarre section which included the extra large laughing stone‌teeth, the sunbathing frog and the nautical floating crab. Then came the slightly over-the top ones which were a little too silly in my opinion. The rocking hedgehog in an orange car (on a stake), the sitting gold yoga frogs brought us back to a little more dignity and the cast-iron pointed finger hands now seemed to show the way. I thought the Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

most interesting was the realistic look lizard gnome on a rock in brightly coloured clothing.

Suddenly I woke up to the noise of a cooing wood pigeon - and I suddenly realised it had all been just a fantasmagorical dream. Back to boring reality and the snails which were busy munching the lupins were still the same old colours!

Never mind, I would go and admire the lovely silver orbs (Christmas decorations) which I had strategically placed in a tree. However, I could hardly find them as they had turned a ghastly shade of khaki-green due to a covering of algae.

I decided to leave then in situ and tell anyone questioning their significance that they were a statement of the ravages of time!

Even the smallest of gardens can give immense pleasure and who is to say what should be included. I personally think that the gnome with the sparkle in his eyes should be on everyone’s wish list !

Geoff Wharton Gardening Services Reliable, experienced, well qualified.

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Pets

Animal Queries RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch

Many dog owners are unaware of the dangers of leaving their pets in parked cars, even for a few minutes. Here are a few sobering facts: • We are a nation of pet lovers, yet are far more likely to leave our dog in a car alone for a few minutes than our phone.

• Almost half of us mistakenly believe it is ok to leave a dog in a car if we leave a window partially open or park in the shade.

Unfortunately, these are myths. In reality, neither action has any significant effect on the temperature inside a parked car.

• Dogs can die within 20 minutes of been left in a car. That’s much quicker than it takes for you to queue up at Costa and eat your lunch.

On a warm day, you just have to touch the dashboard, steering wheel or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it’s not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death-traps even in cooler temperatures.

Under 20 minutes in a hot car can prove fatal to a dog should its body temperature exceed 41°C. As the temperature inside the car rises, in just a matter of minutes, the dog’s suffering will become evident through excessive panting, whimpering or barking. This will develop into a loss of muscle control and ultimately the kidneys will cease to function, the brain will become irreversibly damaged and the heart will stop.

Sadly, many of the dogs that will die in cars this year will be beloved family pets. The owners simply don’t realise how quickly the temperature in their car can reach the same as an oven.

The message is simple: don’t leave your dog in a parked car. If you see a dog in distress in a parked car call the Police Service (999) or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

ANIMAL KNOW-HOW is one of a series of articles brought to you by the RSPCA Bedfordshire North Branch www.rspca-bedfordshirenorth.org.uk

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Professional Dog & Cat Grooming Hydro Massage Bathing Bespoke Dog & Cat Grooming Handstripping Specialists De-shedding Treatments Open Plan Grooming 38 Shortmead St Biggleswade www.hollywooddogs.co.uk 01767 600 212 Find us on Facebook

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59

Pets

Ask Alan Hi Alan. My name is Linda and I need to get my puppy Daisy spayed at some point. Can you tell me more about spaying and what the best method is?

Puppies are the most adorable creatures but the fantasy of snuggling in a warm pile of little pups can be quite different from the reality of having to care for them. Thus, unless you’re an established breeder, it makes sense to spay your female dog.

Dogs can have their first season as young as six months, and vets recommend spaying them before then as this greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumours. Plus, as any female dog owner can tell you, one heat is one heat too many!

The UK has over 125,000 stray dogs, more than 5,000 of which are put to sleep every year. So every new puppy that gets a home is taking the place of a dog that needs one.

Laparoscopic spaying is a fairly recent development that greatly reduces invasiveness for female dogs and therefore reduces short-term

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suffering for your girl as pain and healing time are less.

It’s more expensive than a traditional spay, but more pet owners are deciding that a little extra money is a small price to pay for their pet’s happiness.

Whatever type of procedure you choose, spaying is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

For more information visit www.pottonvets.co.uk or pop into the clinic in Potton Market Square.

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A flexible day nursery for children from 6 weeks to 5 years with extensive and well resourced grounds. ur o y f f o Excellent links to s onth’ 1st m es the A1, St Neots and fe Sandy railway station.

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ABBOTSLEY GOLF HOTEL Don’t shudder at the word ‘golf’ Come and see us – the fun place to celebrate • Wedding breakfasts • Evening extravaganzas • Birthdays – Lunches • Soon be Christmas !

As low key or full on as you choose!

Abbotsley Golf Hotel, Potton Road, St Neots PE19 6XN Tel: 01480 474000 www.abbotsley.com

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63

Motoring

Porsche Macan Porsche is set to bolster its position as market leader in the premium SUV sector with the launch of this, its new mid-sized Macan. An impressive range of engines, stylish exterior design and the German marque’s typically upmarket interiors all feature, but will this suave sports utility vehicle carve out a market for itself quite like the Cayenne? We find out...

What is it? Porsche will tell you that the new Macan is not a downsized, shrunken version of the Cayenne SUV. They’ll gladly regale you with tales that the Macan’s shape takes great inspiration from the 911 and the 918 hypercar. They’ll even let slip that during the Macan’s testing regime, the 911 was used as a benchmark for the results. The fact is, however, the new Macan is based – loosely, it must be said – on the Audi Q5 and is a new entrant into the hugely profitable and popular compact SUV sector. Judging by the larger Cayenne’s sales history, it will sell by the bucketload.

What’s under the bonnet? There’s the option of a 335bhp 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol or a 254bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel. What with its 143mph top speed and combined fuel consumption of more than 44mpg, the latter is predicted to take 60 per cent of UK sales. The range is topped off with the 394bhp, 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged Turbo – it’s ludicrously fast, but doesn’t put the lower powered V6s to shame as they are equally punchy.

What’s the spec like? For now at least, the range is simple. Both the petrol and diesel Macan S cost £43,300 and come well specified with an electric

by James Baggott

tailgate, part leather/part alcantara upholstery, dual-zone climate control, MP3 connectivity and 18-inch alloys. The Turbo at £59,300 adds 19-inch wheels with red brake calipers, sat nav, Bose sound system, leather upholstery with electric front seats and alcantara roof lining. There is of course a healthy options list for those with more to spend. All come with Porsche’s excellent seven-speed PDK automatic transmission.

What’s it like to drive? All that marketing hype about this being the first sports car compact SUV is true – it’s a fine-handling thing. The steering is as crisp as it probably could be and thanks to 90 per cent of the car’s power being pushed to fat tyres at the rear, it’s well-balanced, too. Even when Sport and Sport + modes are prodded, the ride is firm but never unbearable. The Turbo is deeply impressive and will reach 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The Verdict Just over a decade ago, Porsche caused quite some controversy producing its first ever SUV. The Cayenne wasn’t what you’d call pretty but it successfully married true Porsche handling in a more user-friendly and everyday package. The new Macan takes that to even greater levels. With ample seating for five and loading space of 1,500 litres when the seats are folded, it’s a practical proposition.

Its smaller dimensions make it far more agile on the road and it genuinely feels sporty to drive – think of an upscaled, four-wheel drive Boxster and you wouldn’t be too far wrong. It’s even rather good looking in our eyes. In our opinion, you’re looking at Stuttgart’s new UK best-seller

The Knowledge Model: Porsche Macan S Diesel Price: £43,300 Engine: 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 diesel Power: 254bhp, 580Nm Max speed: 143mph 0-60mph: 6.1 seconds MPG: 46.3 mpg (combined) Emissions: 159g/km CO2 64

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Travel

Carcassonne Dream Citadel

by Solange Hando

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Violletle-Duc, a brilliant architect born in Paris who devoted his life to restoring churches and castles across the country. Most celebrated of all is the medieval citadel of Carcassonne rebuilt, with a few flights of fancy, from ruins and rubble. Today, on a hilltop framed by vineyards in south west France, Carcassonne rises like a dream above the river Aude, a fairy tale citadel which simply takes your breath away.

Once a strategic crossroad on the plain of Languedoc, the citadel played a major role in a long and often troubled history but fell into disrepair when in 1659 the Treaty of the Pyrenees pushed the Spanish border 200km to the south.

Saved in the 19th century by a local scholar who enlisted the help of Viollet-le-Duc, Carcassonne was for 35 years the largest construction site in Europe, turning a ‘heap of funeral ashes’ into an ‘iconic landmark in the national landscape’. Now on the World Heritage list, it is the third most visited site in France.

Some might say that Carcassonne is too good to be true, a frozen image of the Middle-Ages draped in flamboyant romanticism but the restoration altered only 10% of the site and no one can deny that seen from the Old Bridge, the largest walled town in Europe is simply magical. With its mighty gates sending shivers down your spine, moats, drawbridge and double line of ramparts bristling with 52 towers, dungeons and machicoulis, it showcases the golden age of 13th century military architecture, recreated with a little imagination.

At the windswept Narbonne gate, beribboned

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horse-drawn carriages are ready to take visitors along the lists while a maze of winding streets beckons beyond the drawbridge. In summer, crowds make their way along the cobbled lanes where shops sell toy swords and other souvenirs alongside local specialities and Occitan craft. There are restaurants and wine cellars and right at the top, the Count’s castle. With its walls enhanced by nine towers, including the highest in the Cité, this is a fortress within a fortress and includes a permanent exhibition about the restoration. A few steps away, the basilica was the first building tackled by Viollet-le-Duc who managed to preserve some elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The old cloister is now an outdoor theatre where cultural events are held, as well as knights tournaments and jousting contests during the summer Medieval Fair.

In the sun or in the shade, it’s good to stroll along the medieval streets where the last inhabitants live behind half-closed shutters. But the highlight of the Cité is walking around the lists where 3kms of ramparts let you enjoy a 360° panorama. To the north is the Black Mountains, the last foothills of the Massif Central, and to the south, in clear weather, the snowy summits of the Pyrenees.

The ‘new town’ is at your feet, a checkerboard of narrow streets, punctuated with towers and spires between the Canal du Midi and the river Aude.

That’s where you want to be on the evening of July 14th, on the river bank facing the citadel.

Every year, on Bastille Day, a massive explosion of fireworks seemingly sets the fortress ablaze, culminating in a grand finale with over 1000 shots, a most befitting homage to Viollet-le-Duc.

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Food and Drink

by Culinary Masters

Chilli con Carne If you prepare this delicious chilli the day before you plan to eat it, the spices will develop making it even tastier.

INGREDIENTS 500g of lean minced beef 1 x large white Spanish onion diced 6 x cloves of garlic peeled and diced 3 x chillis chopped 1/4 of a bottle of red wine 100 ml beef stock or 2 Oxo cubes 100g or half a 200g tube of tomato puree 2 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp hot chilli powder (or to taste) 3 tsp ground cumin 3 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp fennel seed 1 tsp unsweetened coco powder 400g tin of red kidney beans, drained and washed 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes Splash of Lea & Perrins sauce

1. Gently sweat off your onion and garlic.

2. Add the minced beef and cook until brown.

3. Add the chilli powder, cumin, coriander and tomato puree then cook on a low heat for 10 minutes.

4. Pour in the red wine and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half.

5. Add the stock, chopped tomatoes and the remaining herbs.

6. Simmer on a low heat with the lid on for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

7. Add the kidney beans and coco powder and simmer for another 30 minutes.

8. Serve with jacket potatoes or rice.

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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Home Interiors

Choosing and Using Paint

By Katherine Sorrell A quick lick of paint on the walls and woodwork will brighten and beautify any home, inside and out. Our interiors expert Katherine Sorrell is on hand to help you choose the best type of paint.

Indoor walls and ceilings Easy to apply and available in thousands of different colours, emulsion is ideal for walls and ceilings. Emulsion is always water-based, which means it is quick-drying, low-odour and cleans off the brush easily. Choose from a flat matt, standard matt or silk (softly shiny) finish. Generally, the higher the sheen level, the easier the surface will be to keep clean, but the more any imperfections will show up.

Water-based eggshell has a low shine and provides a more durable, wipeable surface – useful for walls in hard-working areas such as hallways or playrooms. For kitchens and bathrooms, consider specialist paints that are scrubbable and resistant to both moisture and steam.

Indoor woodwork and metal Unless you have chosen an all-in-one, specially formulated paint, first use an appropriate primer to seal bare surfaces then apply a couple of layers of undercoat on top of the primer to give ‘body’ to the surface. Remember that undercoat comes in a dark or light colour, depending on the shade of top coat to be used. For your final coat, gloss is available in a variety of finishes, from low sheen to high gloss. It is always better to apply two thin coats of gloss than one thick one, the exception being when using non-drip gloss (sometimes called one-coat gloss), which is best used for pale interior woodwork. For central heating pipes and radiators, buy a heat-resistant paint which will withstand high temperatures without discolouring.

Solvent-based paints are gradually being phased out, so these days the majority of wood and metal paints are water-based and brushes can be cleaned with hot water and detergent.

Outdoors Masonry paints are designed for outdoor wall surfaces made from brick, stone, concrete, pebbledash and render. They come in smooth or textured finishes. For older properties, limewash is a traditional finish that has a powdery matt surface and a lovely depth of colour. Use it for

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interior and exterior limestone, lime render and plaster, and even wattle and daub. For woodwork, use an exterior-grade primer, undercoat and gloss, just like indoors. For fences, sheds and garden furniture, choose from a range of specialist treatments, clear or coloured, which are designed to prolong the life of the timber. Restore old railings and other metalwork with exterior-quality metal paint such as Hammerite.

Specialist paints There is a specialist paint for virtually every need, whether you want to repaint your kitchen cupboard doors, paint timber, concrete or vinyl flooring, or revamp the tiles in your shower. Look out for fire-retardant and anti-burglar paint, blackboard paint, damp-inhibiting paint, suedeeffect and even magnetic paint.

What about natural paints?

Natural paints are water-based and made either with very much lower levels of petro-chemicals than conventional paints, or with plant-based ingredients. They are ‘breathable’, which is good for older houses, as well as kind to the planet and to your health. You can buy natural paints ready-mixed, in a wide range of colours, and even have them colour-matched to your desired shade.

They’re just the same to apply as ordinary paints, with similar coverage, though paints made with natural oils tend to take longer to dry

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Appliances

The Coolest Choice The first thing you must decide is whether you want to buy a new fridge with an ice box, or a fridge and a freezer. The amount of frozen food you use will determine your choice.

Then consider the amount and type of space you have available. Do you have one narrow but tall gap suitable for an upright fridge freezer, or more space but with less headroom which would best suit a separate larder fridge, and stand alone freezer. If you have lots of space, you could buy a separate tall fridge and a separate tall freezer, or an American style fridge freezer. Compact fridges and specialist drinks coolers are also available.

If you have a fitted kitchen, you might choose to integrate your appliances with doors to match the rest of your kitchen.

Once you’ve decided what type of appliance you want, you need to consider which features

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and specifications you’d like it to possess: Energy ratings of items are displayed within stores. The highest ratings are category A, which are the most energy-efficient.

Everything else being equal, a C rated fridge will generally be cheaper than an A++ one , so you might want to ask the salesperson some key questions about whether the initial price saving could compensate for a potentially larger energy bill. Actual energy consumption will also depend on how well the appliance is stocked, its location, and how well ventilated it is.

To ensure your food is stored safely, you need a fridge or fridge freezer that has good solid insulation, and a robust door that seals well.

So do take a look at the build quality of the appliance. It can also be beneficial to have separate drawers at the bottom of the fridge for meat or salad products, to help prevent bacterial cross contamination.

Getting more specific, you could choose to seek out fridges with antibacterial coatings to give further protection to your food, and only consider those with glass rather than wire shelves, as the former avoid the potential danger of drips from food on a higher shelf contaminating food below.

Some fridges now have a built in fan that circulates the cold air, and ensures a more even temperature is obtained throughout the appliance.

American style fridge freezers have become increasingly popular. These offer massive storage space, and filtered cool water and ice dispensers, but they also take up a lot of room. They can be expensive to buy and to run, especially as the water filters have to be replaced regularly.

Whichever fridge you buy, remember to keep it upright at all times during installation, and allow at least 6 hours for the gases inside to settle before switching it on.

By Susan Brookes-Morris

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

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n O s ’ t Wha 12 July-6 September Summer Reading Challenges Bedford Borough Libraries Looking for ways to entertain your children throughout the holidays? Bedford Borough libraries have come to your rescue with two fantastic summer reading activities: ‘Mythical Maze’ Summer Reading Challenge and ‘imagiNation’ (11-16 years). Both challenges start Saturday 12th July and finish on Saturday 6th September.

Tel: Sue Shead, at Bedford Central Library 01234 718178 for more information Web: www.mythical-maze.org.uk and http:// imaginationeast.org.uk 1 August Folk Evening 7pm Moggerhanger Village Hall First Wednesday every month. Open floor folk session evening.

Tel: Chris 01767 640242 for more info 2 August 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: www.rafsignalsmuseum.org.uk 3 August Summer Jazz 7.30-11pm Cockayne Hatley Church Adults £15 including first drink free, Children £7.50 The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band will give a concert at Cockayne Hatley Church as a part of their extensive tour of Eastern England. The Eagle Band was formed 54 years ago and has since been joined by the Millennium Band to form one of the best known Jazz bands in the country playing music from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Tickets available from Camerons Newsagents, Potton.

Tel: Tony Crossley 01767 260527 for tickets

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5 & 16 August Biggleswade Ladies Circle Ladies Circle is a modern, vibrant club for women aged 18 to 45 who want to make new friends, have lots of fun, do things they’ve never done before and maybe do a bit of fundraising along the way! Members include single and married women, those with children and those without, working and not working - we’re a varied bunch and everyone’s welcome to come along and just be themselves!

5 August – Zorbing 16 August – Family bike ride and picnic at Millennium Country Park.

Email: biggleswade.circle@yahoo.co.uk Twitter: @BwadeCircle Facebook: Biggleswade Ladies Circle 5 August The Virtuoso Flute 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £12 including programme, free offers for under 25s Philippa Davies - Flute, Jan Willem Nelleke Piano. Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative.

Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 7 August Volunteers’ Summer Lunch 12.30pm Woodland Café, Moggerhanger Park Buffet meal with Pimms & Lemonade (optional). Booking forms with menu are in the Moggerhanger Meeting Place & Shop (open Monday-Saturday 10am-12.00 noon in the vestry of St. John’s Church).

Deadline for booking 12 noon Monday 4th August. Although called a volunteers’ lunch everyone is very welcome, in fact the more the merrier, quite literally.

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7 & 21 August Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 1-3pm The Meeting Room, Biggleswade Baptist Church Sessions free – donations welcome An informal, confidential group for cancer patients, families and friends in the Biggleswade area. It is a place to meet with others and provide mutual support.

The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Tel: 07812 796581 Email: csgbiggleswade@gmail.com Facebook: Biggleswade Cancer Support Group 8 & 22 August Whist Drive 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Fortnightly Friday Whist Drive. All welcome.

Refreshments included.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 for more information 12 August Settings of Words by Shakespeare and his Contemporaries 8pm Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Tickets £12 including programme, free offers for under 25s Songs by Schubert, Strauss Quilter and Gurney.

Sarah Leonard - Soprano, Stephen Gutman Piano. Tickets also available from Hitchin Town Centre Initiative.

Tel: Box Office 01462 459446 Web: www.benslowmusic.org 15 August Bingo Night 7.30pm Moggerhanger Village Hall Monthly Bingo Friday night with cash prizes, raffle and licensed bar. Also open the box.

Tel: Carolyn 01767 640727 26 August Knit and Natter 10am-12 noon St John’s Church, Blunham Road, Moggerhanger This popular group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month. Wools, needles and know-how are available and the nattering is quite as busy as the knitting. Newcomers are always very welcome so why not come and join us.

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28 August Potton History Society Meeting 8pm The Community Centre, Brook End, Potton ‘Potton and the 1st World War’. In our Archives we have a large collection of photographs and documents about those who left our Parish to fight for their country. We will also feature the stories of the men commemorated on the War Memorial. Visitors and New Members always welcome. Light refreshments provided.

Web: www.pottonhistorysociety.com 31 August Old Warden Grand Village Fête 2pm Old Warden Cricket field Free admission and car park Traditional village Fête with games, stalls, tombola, raffle and teas and cakes; Tug O’ War competition. Bumper prizes.

Stalls phone Rebecca 01767 627055/email bexquenby@hotmail.co.uk Sponsorship/advertising in Fête handout phone Simon 07971167522/email simon@oldwarden. com General enquiries and to enter Tug O’ War competition phone Luke 01767 627055/email lukequenby@hotmail.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 3 October.

Web: www.bfhs.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

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Local News

Radio Control

A 10th scale Crusader

Ivel Mac - Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Club Say the words “Ivel Mac” and very few people will know what you are talking about. Is it something to do with cheese or a special waterproof for a walk by the river?

In reality Ivel MAC or IMAC is a radio controlled model aircraft club founded by Sandonian Fred Lincoln in 1968. Fred managed the local butchers shop in Sandy High Street and it was not long before an embryonic group of like-minded enthusiasts got together. The club is one of around 600 similar throughout the county.

Aeromodelling is a constructive, scientific pastime actively pursued throughout the world.

This country alone sports over 50,000 members in various facets within the hobby. At present, IMAC has around 35 members from Sandy and surrounding villages with interests revolving around radio controlled models and flight.

Flying radio controlled models can be expensive or

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it can be surprisingly cheap, depending on where your interests lie. There is no class distinction but participants generally have an engineering background or, once started, quickly gain one.

The average age is generally around 50. Doctors, headmasters, police officers and a JP have mingled with every other walk of life imaginable all pursuing similar interests. It seems that ‘once a modeller, always a modeller’.

The club runs under the auspices of the British Model Flying Association (patron HRH the Duke of Edinburgh). The BMFA not only gives legal advice to the club but also provides liability insurance cover to £1 million.

If anyone is interested in joining this happy band please contact membership secretary Richard on 01234 708406. The club also holds an annual BBQ in August for spectators which is free apart from your burger!

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

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Local News

Thanks to you Biggleswade Sandy Lions Club

Biggleswade Sandy Lions would like to thank you for your support of our fundraising and generous donations which have resulted in another successful year. These enabled us to launch Message in a Wallet, provide the kit for Sandy First Responders and make donations to MAGPAS, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Macmillan Support, as well as support the Marie Curie Cancer Care collection.

On the youth front, we took Young Carers and disadvantaged families to Wicksteed Park, continued sponsorship of Biggleswade Town Youth Football and supported a Clifton Colts Race Night.

We sent a donation to the Special Olympics for children with learning difficulties, awarded five Gold awards to Young Leaders in Service, found a Peace Poster competition winner and joined in a Wheelpower Race Night for disabled sports.

In addition we have supported The Avenue and Outside窶的n who support autistic children and their

families.

A large donation was sent to the Lions Disaster Fund to help those affected by the West Country floods. We continued to supply 170 Christmas parcels and with our support of the Stroke Club, the Talking Newspaper and the very successful ongoing spectacles collection, plus gathering in a consignment for Tools for Self Reliance.

After such a successful year with Lynn Walker in the chair, Lynn has handed over to Mary Campbell for the next twelve months. Would you like to be part of this winning team and put something back into the community? All we ask is for some of your time, as all the money we use comes from our fundraising events. We hope after reading this, you feel that we have used your money well.

For more information visit www.biggleswadesandylions.org.uk.

Or call Dave or Judith Hagger on 0845 833 9749 PROUD TO SERVE

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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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We cover Beds - Herts - South Cambs Contact us now

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DRIFTWOOD JOINERY LTD

Painting and Decorating by

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Artexing, Coving, Paper Hanging Quality Painting and Decorating

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Insurance work undertaken No obligation free quotation Friendly reliable service Contact info: Tel: 01767 601351 Mob: 07970060891 E-mail: robertwendon@aol.com

T&R Roofing Ltd

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• Felt Roofing Specialists (10 year & 15 year guarantee on high performance felts) • Tiling, Slating, Guttering • UPVC Facia/Soffits • Chimney Work

All NEW work guaranteed Fully insured for employer & Public Liability Call Tony Simpson for a FREE estimate on:

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Comet Cleaning Services Commercial & Residential Cleaners • Commercial and Domestic Cleaners • Builders/Landlord Cleans • Experienced and Personal Service • Regular, Weekly/Spring Clean • Fully Insured/Ref's Available

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Crossword Solution for The Villager July Edition

July’s Crossword Winner Ms M Read from Toft, Cambs

Advertising in The Villager is easy.

To find out more call Nigel on 01767 261122 or email nigel@villagermag.com Visit our new community www.beds-local.co.uk

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The Villager Prize Crossword

Prize

ÂŁ25

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

15th August 2014 Prize Crossword, Villager Publications Ltd 24 Market Square, Potton, Beds SG19 2NP

Down 1 Private (6) 2 Allow to enter (5) 3 Krakatoa (7) 5 Beginning (5) 6 Sea mammal (7) 7 Not youngest (6) 8 Test (11) 14 Young dogs (7) 15 Hideous beast (7) 16 Fools (6) 17 Speaks (6) 19 Kind of turnip (5) 21 Increases in size (5)



Across 1 Deprive of food (6) 4 Scribble (6) 9 Complicated (7) 10 Meal of raw vegetables (5) 11 Additional (5) 12 Exactly alike (7) 13 Meeting (11) 18 Down-payment (7) 20 End of day (5) 22 Type of oil (5) 23 Result (7) 24 Process (6) 25 Holds firmly (6)

Name: Tel: Address:

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KEMP GARAGE DOORS SALES • INSTALLATION • REPAIRS • Family Run Business • 25 Years Experience • Up and Over • Sectional and Roller Doors www.kempgaragedoors.co.uk • Security Shutters

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Window Doctor Repairs to Windows, Doors & Conservatories • • • • • • •

Misty Units New Locks Draughty Windows Dropped Doors Broken Hinges/Handles Extra Security Installation of New Windows, Doors and Conservatories

25 Years Experience Contact Stewart Gyles on T: 0798 444 1638 or

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Mark Dilley Electrical Part P Registered Company 22386 Extra sockets - Lighting Extensions - Re-wires Security Lighting - Showers Inspections No job too small Free estimates All work to BS7671 regulations City and Guilds qualified

Tel: 01767 261008 Mob: 07990 895430

mark.dilley@btinternet.com

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J. Jenkins

Building Services Extensions New Build Renovations Garage Conversions Loft Conversions Kitchen Fitting Driveways and Patios

For all your building needs Call John on 01767 222219 or 07831 283296 Email: chippyjenkins@gmail.com References available on request

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Local News

Above and Beyond A new cancer charity in central Bedfordshire A friendship that grew between two breast cancer sufferers in 2009, Karen Chin and Jayne Proctor led to the founding of a new local charity that aims to coordinate a support network for those going through the trauma of cancer treatment.

The idea came out of the fact that despite the excellent medical care they both received, Karen and Jayne felt that there was a lack of support specifically for cancer patients within the community. Aiming to help bring a sense of hope and wellbeing to patients and families affected by the disease, Above and Beyond helps people on a 1:1 basis, focusing on those who are working and having to ‘juggle many plates’ alongside coping with their illness.

“We want to try and make an horrendous experience a bit more bearable” explains Karen.

Consequently the charity has formed ongoing partnerships with local businesses to offer a broad

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range of support services such as hairdressers who can give wig and hair care tips, holistic therapists for mind/body balancing, sports centres, fitness classes, and beauty salons.

Current partners include House of Hair where Lee Belcher and his wife Sophie offer free hair care and wig advice served with a cup of tea; Raphael Holistics which is run by Sue Akester and offers tailored Reiki, crystal healing and meditation; Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre who provides special support for cancer patients; and Heather 4 Yoga who runs specialised remedial sessions for cancer patients.

The charity will have an information stall at Biggleswade Market Square on 30th August 2014.

They are also on Facebook: Above and Beyond Cancer in Bedfordshire.

For more information, please visit the website: www.above-beyond.org.uk

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Books

BOOK REVIEW

By Bruce Edwards Beloved Enemy

Sheila Munds-Belbin Pub: Author House p/b As a matter of principle, this magazine, commendably, will support home grown authors, and Sheila Belbin is currently resident near Cambridge. That she is writing ‘in retirement’ is no disparagement, though it has been said one doesn’t become a credible author until after the first million words!

We all have a long way to go . . ..

Utilising the real-time experiences of a friend, Belbin has recreated the dilemma in her debut that must have faced many a strong character during war time, the mixed and often conflicting emotions besetting men and woman of both sides.

Here is one Allison, half German, half English, who is recruited into the ‘secret service’ and given a mission to infiltrate German intelligence. She metamorphoses into Hildegard Hessler and with her good looks and feminine wiles becomes the mistress of a high-ranking officer. The resultant clash of love and duty scars her mind, is carried into post war life and the restlessness bounces her into the arms of one man after another; not until the last chapter do we finally see rewards.

The story is a sufficiently easy read for its machinations not to be too difficult to follow (once you’ve grasped Allison’s transition into Hildegard) though the thinking reader may question how the girl manages to survive the rigours of wartime with such apparent ease. (Compare this to ‘Betrayal in Burgundy’ reviewed last November) That said, it’s enjoyable make-believe.

ISBN: 978-1-4817-8351-4 (A print-on-demand book from ‘Lightning Source’ of Milton Keynes)

Suggestion and queries to: writerselect@gmail. com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll try to help.”

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Classifieds Builders

Domestic Repairs

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Beds Tel By or appointment only - 4 Stratford Road, Sandy, Mob 01767 650750Tel: 07711 07802 393331 257105

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Garden Machinery Service/Repair Garden Machinery & Mowers Expert Service and Repair Collection & delivery available Unit 12a Whites Farm, Great North Road, Biggleswade SG18 9BE Tel: 01767 600085 Mob: 07593 553581

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Classifieds Handy Man

Pet Services

MIKE NEIGHBOUR Carpenter and Joiner Glass Splashbacks for Kitchens Cupboards, Fitted Wardrobes, Loft Ladders etc 30 Years Experience

01767 677898 or 07711 311956

Handy Man

Photography

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitter

Plastering Services

M. Philmore (Phil) - Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter Disabled showers supplied and fitted.

General plumbing.

57 Green Acres, Gamlingay, Beds. SG19 3LR Tel: 01767 650619 Mobile: 07870366414

Painting Services

James Geekie Plastering All types of plastering - big or small Interior/Exterior Work Undertaken Re-skim Rooms, Walls, Artex & Ceilings Dry Lining and Screeding Tel: 07792 415356 or 01462 490598 Email: james.geekie@hotmail.co.uk

Plastering Services

Steve Swain

Plastering, Painting & Decorating Painting & Decorating Plastering, Pebble Dashing Rendering, Screeding Mob: 07887 861881 Tel: 01767 226404 94

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Classifieds Ponds

Property Improvements

Ponds

Water Features and Aquaria Gary Clarke Mob: 07768 070674 Tel: 01767 601198 Design, Construction, Maintenance, Cleaning, Troubleshooting. Specialising in Japanese Koi and Fish Health.

25 Years Experience www.echigo-imports.com Email: info@echigo-imports.com

Private Car Hire

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GB

GARY BERRIDGE Plasterer & General Maintenance Including UPVC Doors and Windows Tiling, Painting and Decorating Free Quotes

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Removals, Delivery & Storage

Private Car Hire

For All Your Storage, Delivery and Removal Requirements

Mats Cars Private Hire Potton Based

4+7 Seater Cars Available

Airport/Stations/Nights Out etc Local and Long Distance

Based in Alconbury Weston

Tel: 01767 261871 Mob: 07983 218367 www.mats-cars.co.uk All major credit/debit cards accepted

Tony Webb - 07850 293540

Property Improvements A professional property maintenance service

Property Improvements by

Gary Hare Carpentry • Kitchens • Bedrooms Decorating • Flooring Bathrooms •Tiling • and more...

Tel: 01767 651821 Mob: 07773 973420

Freephone - 0800 689 0894

Use your local removal company

Lee Eastlake - 07906 072096 www.move-plus-safe.co.uk

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

01767 313230

enquiries@stephensremovals.com

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

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